7 Best National Parks on the East Coast

Are you planning to visit the best national parks on the East Coast? Then you’re in the right place! The western US national parks get tons of attention — and for good reason! They’re otherworldly and in abundance.

But we have some great parks in the east too! So this guide lists some of the best national parks you can experience without going westward. With diverse terrain and natural beauty, you’ll find east coast national parks can be just as grandiose as the epic west.

With majestic mountain tops, marshy wetlands, coral reefs, and complex cave systems, national parks near the east coast have a lot to offer.

This guide recommends where to hike and camp in these national parks on the East Coast, the best accommodations nearby, and more. 

1. Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park was the first National Park east of the Mississippi and is home to the first spot to catch the rays of the sunrise in the US—Cadillac Mountain’s peak. It’s located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island with a 47,000-acre Atlantic coast recreation where you can experience a rich cultural heritage, encounter an abundance of habitats, and even hike on the trails. 

Explore the park with this self-guided audio tour, and while in the area, explore Bar Harbor with a culinary walking tour.

• Entry fee for Acadia National Park: $30 for private vehicles; valid for 7 days. 
• Best time to visit Acadia National Park: Summer is crowded, so for fewer crowds enjoy it in spring or for fall foliage from September to mid-October. 
• Best place to camp: Blackwoods Campground, Seawall Campground, Schoodic Woods Campground
• Best places to stay near Acadia: Bar Harbor Inn and Spa, Acadia Inn

2. Everglades National Park

In South Florida, the Everglades National Park has 1.5 million acres of wetland, offering abundant outdoor activities and wildlife such as manatees, crocodiles, alligators, herons, and turtles.

It is a top place to visit in Florida and one of the most ecologically essential national parks on the East Coast. You can go on an airboat tour, fishing, biking, mangrove kayaking, canoeing, bird-watching tours, and more. 

• Entry fee for Everglades National Park: $30 for private vehicle; valid for 7 days
• Best time to visit Everglades National Park: The best time to visit for spotting wildlife, fewer mosquitoes, and pleasant temperatures is early December – April or during the dry season. 
• Best place to camp: Long Pine Key Campground, Flamingo Campground 
• Best place to stay near Everglades: Courtyard by Marriott Miami Homestead, Tru By Hilton Florida City

3. Biscayne National Park

Biscayne is 95% water located in the southern tip of Florida — just within sight of Miami (another fantastic Florida vacation spot).

Here, you can enjoy water activities like snorkeling in crystal clear water, Biscayne Bay parasailing, scenic cruises, and sightseeing boat tours.

Pair it with a trip to Miami and be mesmerized by the coral reefs and aquamarine ocean alongside coastal mansions of the rich and famous. 

• Entry fee for Biscayne National Park: This east coast national park is free!
• Best time to visit Biscayne National Park: Avoid possible tropical storms and hot and humid temperatures from June to November; visit from mid-December to mid-April.
• Best place to camp: Boca Chita Key, Elliott Key
• Best places to stay near Biscayne: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Miami Kendall, The Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne, Tru By Hilton Florida City

4. Dry Tortugas

Dry Tortugas National Park is 68 miles west of Key West, Florida. Five kinds of turtles inhabit the island, hence its name “Tortugas.” You can find seven islands here perfect for kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming as well as Fort Jefferson: the most massive brick structure in the western hemisphere. 

• Entry fee for Dry Tortugas National Park: $15 entrance fee; valid for 7 days 
• Best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park: If you want to see turtles laying eggs visit the park from June to September. This is when the waters are calm and most visible. 
• How to get to Dry Tortugas: since this is a remote island, you can only get there by seaplane, the affiliated Yankee Freedom ferry, or permitted private boat/charters — it is recommended to plan and reserve months in advance.
• Best play to camp in this park: Garden Key (primitive site)
• Best places to stay near this park: The Capitana Key West, Hyatt Residence Club Key West — Windward Pointe

5. Shenandoah National Park

Located in Virginia and just outside Washington, DC, Shenandoah National Park has scenic outlooks over rocky ravines and more than 500 miles of hiking trails — including a 101-mile portion of the Appalachian Trail. You can also take a scenic road trip to enjoy the gorgeous views along Skyline Drive with this audio driving tour, plus stop by one of the many caverns in the area (highly recommend Luray Caverns). 

• Entry fee for Shenandoah National Park:$30 per vehicle; valid for 7 days
• Best time to visit Shenandoah National Park: Enjoy gorgeous colors during the fall months, and great weather from May to July. 

• Best place to camp: Lewis Mountain Campground and Big Meadows Campground

  • Mathews Arm Campground, Loft Mountain Campground, and Dundo Group Campground are closed in winter from October to May.

• Best place to stay near Shenandoah: Comfort Inn & Suites, Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham

6. New River Gorge National Park

New River Gorge National Park lies in West Virginia and with 70,000+ acres of land; As one of the oldest rivers in the world, you can enjoy recreational activities, natural and cultural history, and scenic opportunities. Go white water rafting or paddling to experience the rugged mystical New River, or go hiking, rock climbing, and biking if you want to stay dry. 

• Entry fee for New River Gorge National Park: This national park near the east coast doesn’t have entrance fees. 
• Best time to visit New River Gorge National Park: For foliage, mild weather, and a quieter experience, visit during fall. If you’re into swimming or white water rafting, visit during the summer and spring. 
• Best place to camp in this park: Camping at Niver River Gorge is free but primitive only. Options include: Army Camp, Brooklyn, Gauley Tailwaters, Glade Creek, Grandview Sandbar, Meadow Creek, Stone Cliff Beach, Thayer, War Ridge/Backus Mountain
• Best places to stay near New River Gorge: The Cabins at Pine Haven – Beckley, Sleep Inn Beaver- Beckley

7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

If you want a forest getaway, visit Tennessee and North Carolina’s “The Smokies”— an international biosphere reserve. The Smoky Mountains is best known for its striking orange and red hues during the fall. Here, you can see a diversity of wildlife like black bears and more than 100 species of native trees.

• Entry fee for Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This national park doesn’t have entrance fees, though overnight camping activity fees range from $14-23. 
• Best time to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Most visitors come to the park during summer for warm weather and fall for foliage. 
• Best place to camp: Backcountry, Frontcountry, Group Campgrounds, Horse Camps
• Best place to stay near the Smokies: Sunrise Ridge Resort by Diamond Resorts, Gatlinburg View Lodge

Enjoy your East Coast National Park Adventure!

The best national parks on the East Coast will surely take your breath away — there’s so much to choose from, including scenic views, abundant wildlife, and epic outdoor activities. You don’t only have to go to the west to visit a national park, check out the east coast!

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