Best Under-the-Radar National Parks 2025

Why Travel Agents Should Care About Hidden National Parks

National parks are among the most requested destinations for travelers, yet many of the well-known ones—Yellowstone, Yosemite, the Grand Canyon—are overcrowded, expensive, and difficult to book. For travel agents, this presents a challenge. Clients want breathtaking nature, adventure, and exclusivity, but they also want to avoid the hassle of long lines, limited accommodations, and crowded viewpoints.

That’s where under-the-radar national parks come in. These parks offer:

• Unique landscapes just as stunning as the famous parks

• Fewer tourists, leading to more immersive experiences

• Greater availability in terms of accommodations and park permits

• Lower costs, making them budget-friendly alternatives

• Niche adventure opportunities, perfect for customizing itineraries

For travel agents, leveraging lesser-known parks can position you as a destination expert, helping you provide customized, hassle-free trips while utilizing the best travel agent tools to plan seamless vacations.

The Top Under-the-Radar National Parks for 2025

Here are some of the best hidden national parks to recommend to clients in 2025.

1. North Cascades National Park, Washington

Why It’s Special:

• Only 30,000 visitors annually (compared to Yellowstone’s 3 million+)

• Glacial peaks, alpine lakes, and deep valleys—a paradise for nature lovers

• Incredibly remote but still within driving distance of Seattle

Who It’s Best For:

• Adventure-seekers who love hiking, mountaineering, and wildlife photography

• Clients looking for a true off-the-grid experience

Travel Agent Tip:

• The park has no entrance fee, making it a great budget-friendly option

• Accommodations near the park are limited, so book early or consider nearby lodges

• Use travel agent tools to find guided excursions for clients who want expert-led hikes

2. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Why It’s Special:

• Like Yellowstone but without the crowds—bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and volcanic peaks

• Incredible stargazing thanks to low light pollution

• Less than 500,000 visitors per year

Who It’s Best For:

• Families looking for an educational yet adventurous vacation

• Travelers who love geothermal landscapes but don’t want to fight for a spot at Old Faithful

Travel Agent Tip:

• Many roads close in winter, so it’s best for spring through early fall trips

• Book accommodations in advance, as in-park lodging is limited

• Recommend local hot springs and spas nearby for a unique wellness experience

3. Congaree National Park, South Carolina

Why It’s Special:

• One of the least-visited parks in the U.S.

• Home to the largest old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in North America

• A paddler’s paradise, offering canoe and kayak trails through ancient swamplands

Who It’s Best For:

• Wildlife enthusiasts looking for diverse bird species, otters, and rare flora

• Clients who prefer relaxing nature experiences over strenuous hikes

Travel Agent Tip:

• Combine it with Charleston for a cultural and nature-focused itinerary

• Recommend guided night canoe tours for a truly unique experience

• Use travel agent tools to find eco-friendly accommodations nearby

4. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Why It’s Special:

• One of the best stargazing destinations in the U.S.

• Ancient bristlecone pine forests, some of the oldest trees on Earth

• Lehman Caves, an underground wonderland

Who It’s Best For:

• Astro-tourists who want an incredible night sky experience

• History lovers, with the chance to explore ancient caves and old mining sites

Travel Agent Tip:

• Highlight the park’s astronomy programs as a key selling point

• Pair it with a road trip itinerary that includes Nevada’s lesser-known ghost towns

• Use travel agent tools to book exclusive stargazing tours

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