America is jam packed with national parks but the problem is that the most popular are just that – popular. They’re always crowded with loud tourists, littered with garbage people simply can’t seem to take home with them, or slowed down by traffic jams as people stop to take pictures of wildlife, completely forgetting about the people in line behind them.

Fortunately, there are a few national parks in the United States that are not only beautiful but are a lot less crowded at the same time. If you’d like to try a vacation destination off the beaten path you may want to steer clear from some of the larger parks and try these on for size instead.

10. Big Bend National Park – Texas

Big Bend National Park consists of 800,000 acres of beautiful southwest Texas landscape. There are plenty of amazing trails for day visitors as well as a few more sophisticated, longer trails into the back-country for those who have a bit more time to spare. The best trail to hike if you want to avoid crowds is the one that carries visitors through the Dead Horse Mountains. You’ll find yourself close to the border of Mexico, so make sure you have identification on you at all times.

9. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

Black Canyon is an astounding site – so much so you could easily just sit and look at it for hours on end. Instead, though, we encourage you to dig a little deeper and explore what the canyon has to offer. There are hiking trails for moderate and advanced travelers as well as more than 140 different rock climbing locations. This park is definitely designed for athletes with good physical conditioning.

8. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve – Idaho

The Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in Idaho is an interesting destination for those who enjoy off the wall landscapes. The park has absolutely no amenities for travelers so if you don’t mind roughing it this is the perfect place to hike, bike, and explore the geologically stunning lava formations. In order to protect the environment, the park only allows 100 people per year to stay overnight in the wilderness area.

7. Congaree National Park – South Carolina

Congaree National Park is special in its own right. Located just 20 miles away from Columbia, South Carolina, the park represents the last remaining area of old-growth floodplain forests in the northern section of the country. Visitors will enjoy exploring the park, best done by canoe or kayak. If you’re not an experienced canoe fanatic you’ll want to visit on the weekend so that you can take a tour of the Cedar Creek drainage and see some of the wildlife living in the region.

6. North Cascades Park Service Complex – Washington

North Cascades National Park is split into two sections – the north and the south. The North Cascades Park Service Complex is in the northernmost section of Washington State and features more than 400 miles of hiking trails, alpine lakes, boating, and camping spots.

5. Point Reyes National Seashore – California

Point Reyes National Seashore in California is only about one hour away from busy San Francisco but the park itself is made up of 100 square miles of stunning landscape and wilderness. Point Reyes is a great spot for whale watching, looking out for elephant seals, and watching the migratory birds. Keep your eyes peeled and you may even see a tule elk or blacktailed deer as well.

4. Great Basin National Park – Nevada

In Great Basin National Park in Nevada you’ll find the famous Lexington Arch. The arch stands six stories high and was etched by the wind over the course of thousands of years. Camping here is an experience in itself. Each evening you’ll be blanketed by a sky of stars – perfect for getting an up close and personal glimpse of what the Milky Way really looks like.

3. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Hawaii

Most people steer clear of volcanoes but if you’re daring enough you’ll trek to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Here you’ll have the chance to watch as the park naturally expands when the Kilauea Volcano adds more lava to the sea where it will harden and turn into new land. The very safe hike to the crater known as Kilauea is for those in moderate to good physical condition but is definitely worth the time and effort.

2. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area – Tennessee & Kentucky

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, crossing between both Tennessee and Kentucky, is a 125,000 acre park surrounding the Big South Fork section of the Cumberland River. The park features over 180 miles of horseback riding and hiking trails, designated campgrounds for equestrians, river rafting, biking trails, and both developed and primitive camping opportunities.

1. Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve – Alaska

Want to do somewhere incredibly quiet? Try Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve in Alaska. You’ll need to find a floatplane pilot willing to take you out and pick you back up again and you definitely need to be prepared for anything that can happen in the wilderness. There are no formal campgrounds, no pre-mapped trails, no amenities, and – well – there are plenty of bears.

Take a trip to one of these amazing parks and you’ll be amazed at how nice it is to explore what Mother Nature has to offer away from large tourist crowds.