Do you want to visit a national park but don’t like crowds? Even in today’s environment, America’s national parks can be more crowded than you’d like. Instead, why not visit one of the least visited segments of the National Park System? Did you know that some remote U.S. national parks are reached only by boat or airplane?
Remote National Parks in America
Channel Islands National Park
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 658-5730
www.nps.gov/chis
Located off the Southern California coast near Ventura, the Channel Islands are nicknamed the Galapagos of North America. It’s an archipelago of eight islands and a marine protected area with a diverse collection of flora and fauna. In fact, 23 species have been identified as endemic or unique to the islands. For instance, the Channel Islands spotted skunk, island scrub jay, and Santa Cruz sheep.
Visitor Centers
Visitor centers are in Santa Barbara and Ventura. However, this remote national park can only be accessed by boat or plane. Public boat transportation from Ventura is available through the park’s concessionaire, Island Packers. No-frills camping is still available year-round on five of the eight islands. Be that as it may, you must have advanced campground reservations.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Key West, FL 33041
(305) 242-7700
www.nps.gov/drto
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortuga is one of America’s most remote national parks. It’s 70 miles west of Key West. It’s the furthest of the Florida Keys and home to the Civil War-era Fort Jefferson. Extending across 64,000 acres, the park has abundant marine life, particularly its ever-present sea turtles. For recreation, you can snorkel or scuba dive. If that’s not enough, you can swim, kayak, and do sports. Boat and seaplane charter services are currently operating from Key West. Additionally, no-frills camping is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Guaranteed Camping
All arriving campers are guaranteed a place to camp. Campsites have a nightly fee of $15, and group camping is $30.
Related: Best Hiking Destinations On The Pacific Coast
Everglades National Park
40001 State Road 9336
Homestead, FL 33034
(305) 242-7700
www.nps.gov
Florida’s Everglades is the largest subtropical wetland ecosystem in North America. Moreover, it’s home to endangered species like the manatee and the alligator. By all means, you can visit the Everglades by car. On the other hand, that’s only a mere fraction of the park. Indeed, you should see the remote section by airboat. Everglades is open year-round and has three entrances. This includes the main entrance to the Homestead. In addition to boating, the Everglades is famous for biking, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and camping. If you wish to go to a frontcountry camp, you can make reservations at Everglades Guests Services. Lastly, wilderness camping requires a permit, and most are accessible only by boat.
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Isle Royale National Park
Houghton, MI 49931
(906) 482-0984
www.nps.gov/isro
Comprised of hundreds of islands within Lake Superior, Isle Royale is a hidden treasure. This remote national park near the Canadian border covers 894 acres, mostly in water. Transportation via boat or seaplane to the main island is in Houghton and Copper Harbor, Michigan. Additionally, you can take a boat from Grand Portage, Minnesota. Some of the park’s docks are seasonal, but camping remains open. Isle Royale is popular for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, hiking, and scuba diving. On the main island of Isle Royale are 36 campsites accessible only by boat or by foot. You will need a camping permit regardless of the size of the party. Overnight boaters can dock for free but must obtain a license. Either way, it’s well worth the trek.
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Voyageurs National Park
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, MN 56649
(218) 283-6600
www.nps.gov
Named after early European settlers, Voyageurs straddles the Canadian border in northern Minnesota. Across nearly 200,00 acres, 40 percent of this remote national park is water. While parking is available at visitor centers, Voyageurs is primarily accessible only by boat. Visitor centers may be closed through 2020. But the park and a ranger station are expected to remain open year-round. Guided tours are currently available, as are chartered tour boats. Other popular activities include hiking, canoeing, and world-class fishing. No entrance fees are required, although there are fees for tent campsites. More than 270 campsites are located within the national park. Reservations for campsites are needed in advance. Fees are also administered for houseboats, sailboats, and cabin cruisers. It’s a perfect spot to set your Coleman sundome!
Related: Family-Friendly Campsites
About The Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012.