Wondering which National Park you should visit next? Take our quick, 10 question quiz to find out!
What time of year do you plan to travel?
A. December, January, February (Winter)
B. March, April, May (Spring)
C. June, July, August (Summer)
D. September, October, November (Fall)
E. Anytime of year is fine!
How do you feel about crowds?
A. Do you mean crowds of people or mosquitoes?
B. Crowds are ok as long as there are places I can go to escape them sometimes.
C. Bring it on! The more the merrier!
D. Ok, I guess, as long as they are mostly calm and respectful.
E. No thanks! I’m hitting the National Park for some alone time!
How far do you want to be from shopping, restaurants, and other signs of civilization?
A. Not too close, but not too far. I’ll bring most things with me but I like having a backup.
B. It’s nice if it’s there, but I don’t want to see it.
C. I prefer to have it all, right at my fingertips.
D. Hike by day, fine dining by night. That’s a vacation!
E. As far away as possible! I want to get away from all of that!
What kind of activities do you prefer?
A. Boating, snorkeling, SCUBA diving – give me all the water sports please!
B. Rock climbing, bouldering, hiking, stargazing
C. Wildlife watching, geological studies, ranger programs, scenic drives with overlooks
D. Cycling, bird watching, nature walks
E. All of the above!
What kind of accommodations are you looking for?
A. RV or tent camping, with or without hook-ups.
B. A campground is great, but free dispersed camping on public lands is even better!
C. I want to stay in the park without sacrificing comfort. Full hook-ups for my RV, please. Or maybe even a hotel room?
D. Camping is perfect. I am willing to trade hook-ups for ocean views.
E. I can’t decide. I’d like a wide range of options available.
How important is phone and internet connectivity during your visit?
A. It’s not critical, but it would be nice to get connected from time to time.
B. No signal is a great excuse to be unplugged for a while!
C. I’d like it to be available for emergencies, but I hope to not need it.
D. I’m a digital nomad. Good service is a priority.
E. I’m ok with no signal when I’m out exploring, but I’d like to have wifi in my room or RV.
If there’s one thing I would really like to avoid, it would be…
A. Cold weather
B. High Humidity
C. Sand
D. Extreme weather conditions like tornadoes or hurricanes
E. Sharks and jellyfish
I want to go someplace where I am sure to get good use out of my…
A. Flashlight
B. Telescope
C. Camera
D. Bicycle
E. Kayak
My main reason for visiting a National Park is to…
A. See something I’ve never seen before.
B. Break in my new hiking boots.
C. Learn something new.
D. Relax and get away to a beautiful place.
E. Seek out new adventures.
Which region of the country would you like to explore on this trip?
A. The Southeast
B. The West
C. The Rocky Mountain region
D. The Northeast
E. The Southwest
Let’s tally your results! Count how many times you answered:
A: ______ B: ______ C: ______ D: ______ E: ______
Which park should you choose?
If you answered…
Mostly As: Everglades National Park, Florida
Everglades National Park is one of only a few national parks that experience peak season in the winter months. For those looking to travel at that time of year and also avoid cold weather, it is the perfect choice. Everglades is part of a trio of parks, so don’t miss Biscayne National Park or Big Cypress National Reserve while you’re in the area.
The ecosystem in the Everglades is truly unique and it is home to many rare and endangered species. The best way to explore this wetland and coastal area is by boat. Take an airboat tour with an NPS approved guide company, or follow one of many canoe and kayak trails. Don’t miss the chance to take a night hike and see the nocturnal alligators when they are active! Bring your flashlight!
Campgrounds are available in both Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. More information about RVing in Everglades National Park: https://www.outdoorsy.com/guide/everglades-national-park
Mostly Bs: Joshua Tree National Park, California
Spring and fall offer the best weather for visiting the deserts of Joshua Tree National Park. In addition to the Joshua trees that give the park its name, you’ll also see a variety of other desert plant and animal life. Joshua Tree protects two distinct deserts – the Mojave and the Colorado – and the area were the two meet. If you thought all deserts were alike, a drive through Joshua Tree is sure to change your mind.
The park is also home to unique and fascinating rock formations, most of which you are free to climb. From rock scrambling children to experienced rock climbers, there is something for everyone at Joshua Tree. The park also remains open after dark for stargazing in a dark-sky area, so don’t forget your telescope.
There are many campgrounds available in Joshua Tree National Park, but RVers should be careful about vehicle length restrictions. Dispersed camping on public lands just outside the southern park entrance is also popular. More information about RVing in Joshua Tree National Park: https://www.outdoorsy.com/guide/joshua-tree-national-park
Mostly Cs: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Idaho/Montana
America’s first national park, Yellowstone, is world-renowned and draws thousands of visitors each year, especially in its peak summer season. The impressive geologic features of this park are well-known and well worth experiencing. From hot springs to the colorful Fountain Paint Pot to geysers such as Old Faithful, there is plenty to see and do at Yellowstone. Even if you have already visited once, it’s worth visiting again since you could never fit it all into a single trip.
Yellowstone National Park is immense, and in some ways like a small city unto itself. There is no shortage of amenities, including hotels and restaurants, within park boundaries. Information, wifi, shopping, and even post offices are available. The southern park entrance is connected to Grand Teton National Park, which is also well worth exploring if time permits.
There are many campgrounds available in Yellowstone National Park, including some that are big-rig friendly. Boondocking is also permitted in the national forests and other public lands surrounding the park boundaries. More information about RVing in Yellowstone National Park: https://www.outdoorsy.com/guide/yellowstone-national-park
Mostly Ds: Acadia National Park, Maine
Avoid the crowds of the summer peak and visit Acadia National Park in the fall to witness the spectacular fall foliage. This park on the ruggedly beautiful coast of Maine offers a lot to do at any time of year. There’s good reason this gem is on the list of top 10 most visited national parks every year.
Acadia’s hiking trails offer stunning views of the Atlantic coastline. There are tide pools and chances to see seals and whales from the shore. Bicycling enthusiasts will love the elaborate system of carriage roads that give visitors on 2 wheels access to many parts of the park that can’t be reached on 4 wheels. Acadia’s shuttle system is great for cyclists, hikers, or anyone who wants to skip the hassle of parking and leave the car behind. Nearby Bar Harbor is full of restaurants, quaint shops, and other attractions.
Campgrounds are available within the national park and elsewhere on Mt. Desert Island. Many are conveniently located along shuttle routes. More information about RVing in Acadia National Park: https://www.outdoorsy.com/guide/acadia-national-park
Mostly Es: Big Bend National Park, Texas
Any time of year is a great time to visit Big Bend National Park! Peak season is from November to April, as summers can be very hot unless you are up in the mountains. Big Bend is especially popular during spring break, so you may need to plan ahead.
Big Bend is popular for good reason! In addition to beautiful scenery, there is plenty to do to suit a variety of interests. Go canoeing, kayaking, or whitewater rafting in the Rio Grande. Head out into the backcountry on foot or on horseback. Or choose a slower pace and enjoy fishing in the river or soaking in 105-degree hot springs. Basic amenities are available in the park, but most of the park lacks cell phone coverage and you don’t have to go far to truly get away from it all. Choosing a trip to Big Bend means you don’t have to decide what kind of vacation you want until you get there.
The Rio Grande Village campground provides an oasis for RV campers, and staying overnight in the park is recommended because of how remote it is. More information about RVing in Big Bend National Park: https://www.outdoorsy.com/guide/big-bend-national-park
With 61 national parks across the country, not to mention national monuments, historic sites, seashores and more, it might feel overwhelming to decide where to go next. Click here for more help to find your park. (https://findyourpark.com/)
