16 Amazing Accommodations Inside America's Most Scenic National Parks
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Sarah McCosham
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
When planning your bucket-list adventure at one of our country’s amazing national parks, it’s important to designate a “home base” that’s just as awe-inspiring as its setting. Whether that means enjoying morning coffee on the rim of the Grand Canyon or having a nightcap while shooting stars pass across the skies of Death Valley, where you stay is a crucial part of the equation. In the spirit of making your next adventure as amazing as possible, we’re offering 16 national park hotels that will take your experience to the next level.
National Park Hotels In The Northeastern US
The West often takes center stage in terms of US national parks, but the northeastern quadrant of the country contains some truly resplendent and rugged regions rife for outdoor recreation and adventure. For proof of this, simply visit Acadia National Park. Hailed as the Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast, enjoy a bucket-list experience at this national park hotel in the Northeastern US:
Acadia National Park, Maine, USA
- Address: 50 West St, Bar Harbor, ME, 04609
- Standout Amenities: Maine's only rooftop swimming pool, on-site spa, ADA-accessible suites offered.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: Three words: Acadia National Park! Catching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain is also a must.
West Street Hotel is a boutique experience in one of the country's most ruggedly resplendent national parks. Open seasonally starting in May, West Street Hotel is home to Maine's only rooftop infinity edge pool, from which guests can gaze out at a panorama of postcard perfection: Acadia, Frenchman’s Bay, and the outer islands.
Private balconies provide uninterrupted views of the Crown Jewel of the Atlantic Coast, while spa services pamper tired feet from trekking the park's 120 miles of trails.
For those looking to experience peak Downeast Maine, this hotel puts guests right in the middle of the best Bar Harbor attractions, restaurants, and shops.
National Park Hotels In The Southern US
Glorious swamps and marshes teeming with wildlife; biomes that are home to some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the country — this is the splendor of the American South. Within this region of the Southern US, the following national park hotels offer visitors the full package: sublime surroundings, world-class amenities, and bucket-list-worthy experiences.
LeConte Lodge, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
- Address: Gatlinburg, TN, 37738
- Standout Amenities: The highest guest lodge in the eastern United States, LeConte Lodge features 7 rough-hewn cabins and 3 multi-room lodges boasting the best mountaintop views in the park.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: Amazing hiking abounds in the Smokies, with LeConte Lodge near favorite trails such as Alum Cave Trail, Rainbow Falls Trail, and Bullhead Trail.
Nestled within the stunning landscape of Smoky Mountains National Park on a lush glade at an elevation of 6,400 feet, LeConte Lodge is a vision.
The highest guest lodge in the eastern United States, this national parks hotel is unapologetically rustic and extraordinarily unique. With no running water or electricity, what LeConte Lodge lacks in amenities it more than makes for in experience.
The quiet and calm offered at this lodge -- which only books up to 60 guests at a time and often has a waitlist -- allows guests to slow down and enjoy the little things; or, as it were, some of the biggest, most marvelous, wondrous views and mountain scenery in the country:
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Lajitas Golf Resort, 21701 FM170, Terlingua, TX 79852, USA
- Address: 21701 FM170, Terlingua, TX, 79852
- Standout Amenities: Award-winning golf course, on-site spa, equestrian center.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: Mountain bike or hike at Big Bend National Park, try zip lining at Quiet Canyon, or enjoy a horseback ride through the big Texas countryside.
A glorious expanse in the heart of Texas, Big Bend National Park stretches across 800,000 acres along the U.S.-Mexico border. It is among the most remote, and least visited, national parks in the Lower 48; a place perfect for getting away from it all.
At the threshold of Big Bend National Park, Lajitas Golf Resort offers rustic luxury amid the wilds of West Texas. Guests can choose from accommodations such as the Officer’s Quarters, Cavalry Post, and Badlands Hotel at this iconoclastic resort that's outfitted with Western art, bespoke decor, and handmade furniture.
Those can get the "full Texas experience" will find it at this resort, which offers on-site activities such as clay pigeon shooting, horseback riding, and golf. As for the sunsets over the skies of Big Bend that you'll see from your room -- be prepared for an otherworldly, awe-inspiring, boldly "big" Texas experience:
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National Park Hotels In The Midwestern US
The western region of the U.S. is known for its bucket-list-worthy wonders, but you don’t have to head west to find remarkable scenery. This notion is how, in 1935, Shenandoah National Park came to be. Since then, some truly remarkable national parks have popped up across the Midwestern US, and you can stay in the heart of the action at these hotels and accommodations:
Skyland, Skyland Upper Loop Mile 41, Luray, VA 22835, USA
- Address: Skyland Upper Loop Mile 41, Luray, VA, 22835
- Standout Amenities: In addition to an on-site restaurant and taproom, Skyland Resort has a variety of rooms available, including pet-friendly and ADA-compliant accommodations.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: In addition to the attractions at Shenandoah, Luray Caverns is another must-visit attraction in the area.
Protecting more than 200,000 acres of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains just 75 miles south of Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park is home to panoramic views seen from countless overlooks, cascading waterfalls, fields of wildflowers, and serene wooded hollows. In the nearly nine decades since Shenandoah National Park was established, it has been a beacon of paradise for nature lovers across the east coast.
Perhaps surprisingly, Shenandoah is one of America’s lesser-visited national parks, with just 1.4 million visitors in 2019, compared to 14 million visitors to the most-visited national park in the US, the Great Smoky Mountains.
What this means for visitors is that you can enjoy a relaxing and peaceful experience at Shenandoah -- and a luxurious one, at that. While camping options abound in this National Park, Skyland Resort offers guests the full Shenandoah experience: epic vistas (and sublime dining room views), a taproom, and even opportunities for guide-led horseback rides through some truly breathtaking scenery:
Stanford House, 6093 Stanford Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264, USA
- Address: 6093 Stanford Rd, Peninsula, OH, 44264
- Standout Amenities: Historic and impeccably preserved, the house has 9 bedrooms and sleeps 30 guests comfortably with a fully equipped kitchen and bedding and linens provided.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: Easy access to the Towpath Trail, Brandywine Falls, and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Ohio may only have one national park, but it’s a stunner. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a place of immense beauty and splendor; a 33,000-acre paradise of lush forests, enchanting waterfalls, wondrous wildlife, and some of the state’s finest hiking trails.
Recreation abounds inside this bucket-list-worthy park, with equally awe-inspiring accommodations for travelers, too. The Stanford House is one such place; this historic inn puts visitors in the heart of Ohio’s beautiful Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
This beautiful Greek Revival house was built by James Stanford -- one of the original settlers of the Western Reserve and surveyor for the Connecticut Land Company -- in 1843. Today, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers overnight accommodations in the stunning Stanford House, which really is home a "homestead" than mere "house" and offers guests an immersive experience in Ohio's national park that's unrivaled.
National Park Hotels In The Northwestern US
Of all the regions of the country, the Pacific Northwest might be the most marvelously diverse and extraordinary. From temperate rainforests to high deserts, the mountains and the geysers (and firefalls), you’ll be rendered speechless when you experience a getaway at these national park hotels in the Northwestern US:
Lake Quinault Lodge, 345 S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA 98575, USA
- Address: 345 S Shore Rd, Quinault, WA, 98575
- Standout Amenities: Pool, on-site restaurant, waterfront location.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: Olympic National Forest is a hiker's paradise: Falls Creek - South Shore Trailhead and Lake Lane Trailhead are nearby, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest -- including Hoh Rain Forest. Whale-watching is popular in the area, too!
Tucked away in one of the country's most beautiful and unspoiled natural areas, Lake Quinault Lodge is the perfect getaway for nature lovers.
This grand lodge seems to be suspended in time, offering guests a serene space for unplugged, uninterrupted reflection. Surrounded by the lush, verdant forests of Olympic National Park and with trails just steps away from the lodge, there's no better place to fill your bucket than this Pacific Northwest paradise:
Crater Lake Lodge, Crater Lake National Park, 570 Rim Village Dr, Oregon 97604, USA
- Address: Crater Lake National Park, 570 Rim Village Dr, OR, 97604
- Standout Amenities: Six ADA-accessible rooms, unrivaled lake views, on-site dining.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: Two words: Crater Lake! From the Discovery Point Trail to Rim Village to Wizard Island to the Phantom Ship, there's so much to admire at this national park. If you'd prefer to ride rather than hike, Crater Lake Cruises offers boat tours that get guests up-close to the lake's most striking rock formations.
Crater Lake is one of Oregon’s most treasured gems. It’s the deepest, purest lake in the country -- and certainly the most beautiful. A visit to this national park is a magical experience, and you can make it even better by staying overnight at the historic Crater Lake Lodge.
Opened in 1915, you'll find this rustic retreat on the southwest rim, perched 1,000 feet above the lake:
The rooms are updated yet retain many of their historic features, and the lodge's dining room provides the most unique dining experience you'll ever have: it overlooks Crater Lake and features chef-prepared meals made with locally-sourced ingredients.
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Many Glacier Hotel, 1147 Rte 3, Browning, MT 59417, USA
- Address: 1147 Rte 3, Browning, MT, 59417
- Standout Amenities: Many Glacier Hotel has 214 rooms, 2 lounges, snack shop, and a gift shop.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: Many Glacier Hotel organizes excursions for guests, including guide-led hikes, horseback rides, and whitewater rafting.
The largest hotel in Glacier National Park, Many Glacier Hotel is located in the northeastern corner of the park, colloquially referred to as the "Switzerland of North America."
Partially renovated in 2016, this secluded and stately five-story hotel has over 200 guest rooms ranging in size and offering unique amenities and swoon-worthy vistas. While a bit more rustic than other national park accommodations, Many Glacier Hotel's location on the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake is absolutely perfect and provides some of the most epic, jaw-dropping views in the country:
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Jenny Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Rd, Moose, WY 83012, USA
- Address: Jenny Lake Rd, Moose, WY, 83012
- Standout Amenities: This full-service resort offers luxury accommodations, award-winning dining, jaw-dropping views.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: Opt to take one of the lodge's cruiser-style bicycles on the nearby scenic multi-use pathway, or enjoy an afternoon horseback riding in Grand Teton National Park.
A glorious gem that's widely considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet, Grand Teton National Park is a place that needs no introduction. The park's centerpiece is the beguiling Jenny Lake, a gorgeous glacial lake that's one of the deepest lakes in the country, attracting millions of visitors each year.
There are a lot of ways to enjoy this beautiful natural wonder, and Jenny Lake Lodge provides bucket-list accommodations befitting of such beauty. The property's cabins are dotted throughout the woods, with some being more secluded and surrounded by trees, and others having a clear view of the lake.
Jenny Lake is a place to enjoy sublime solitude in the most scenic of settings, and the accommodations at Jenny Lake Lodge perfectly compliment such adventure:
Old Faithful Inn, 3200 Old Faithful Inn Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
- Address: 3200 Old Faithful Inn Rd, Yellowstone National Park, WY, 82190
- Standout Amenities: Built in 1903-1904 with local logs and stone, the Inn is one of the largest log-style structures in the world!
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: Three words: Old Faithful Geyser.
One of the earliest examples of "parkitecture," Old Faithful Inn has been welcoming guests since 1904 and is considered the largest log cabin in the world. Local Wyoming logs and stone were used when this cabin was built, with architect Robert Reamer designing the light fixtures to look like candlesticks and equipping the inn with a steam generator to run both heat and electricity.
Over the last century, it has become the park's most requested place to stay, and for good reason -- the attention to detail in the entire building is incredible. When you visit, you can't miss the enormous stone fireplace or the massive clock, the latter of which was handcrafted with copper, wood, and wrought iron.
In addition to its cozy rooms and highly sought-after restaurant, this inn affords incredible views of the Old Faithful Geyser.
The Ahwahnee, Yosemite National Park, 1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA 95389, USA
- Address: 1 Ahwahnee Drive, Yosemite Valley, CA, 95389
- Standout Amenities: On-site dining, well-appointed suites (some with balconies), wheelchair-accessible rooms, outdoor pool.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: This historic, 4-star hotel puts guests near bucket-list destinations such as Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, and Glacier Point.
One of the most beloved national parks in the US, Yosemite National Park is a bucket-list destination for many. The park encompasses almost 1,200 square miles in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, about 170 miles west of San Francisco and is home to some truly magnificent natural wonders and protected areas.
Yosemite, immortalized in the photographs of Ansel Adams, is famous for its towering waterfalls, giant sequoia trees, renowned Tunnel View, and the iconic granite cliffs of Half Dome and El Capitan. The vast valley also has lakes, rivers, broad meadows, and an expansive wilderness area. With so much to explore and discover, it is no wonder approximately four million people visit Yosemite National Park every year -- or that the park is home to accommodations befitting of its prestige, including The Ahwahnee Hotel.
Book an upscale room at The Ahwahnee, a stunning 1920s hotel with some of the best views in the park that is, in our opinion, the very best "home base" for your Yosemite adventures:
National Park Hotels In The Southwestern US
There is an embarrassment of riches when it comes to national parks in the Southwestern part of the country. There is, of course, *the* Grand Canyon, along with Rocky Mountain National Park, Death Valley National Park, and the “Mighty Five” of Utah. Where to stay when visiting this splendiferous region? One of these amazing national parks hotels in the Southwestern US:
The Oasis at Death Valley, 6312 Zabriskie Ln, Death Valley, CA 92328, USA
- Address: 6312 Zabriskie Ln, Death Valley, CA, 92328
- Standout Amenities: 87° spring-fed pool, sublime views, spa, gym, restaurant, and high-end luxuries in each room.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: In addition to Death Valley (wherein you can take a guided trail ride!), The Oasis is near Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes and just two hours from Las Vegas.
Situated on the border of California and Nevada, Death Valley is a land of extremes: it's the hottest, driest, and lowest-elevation national park in the country. Unique geographical features such as the salt flats, which stretch for 200 square miles, seemingly endless sand dunes, and sedimentary badlands form the landscape of Death Valley, creating a landscape that's wholly unique and uncanny.
In the heart of it all, the Oasis at Death Valley is an extraordinary oasis, offering guests the opportunity to revel (in the lap of luxury, no less) in this unforgettable place. A former working ranch smack in the center of the park, this unique destination unabashedly embraces its rustic roots while adding plenty of modern-day elegance and pizazz.
El Tovar Hotel, 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ 86023, USA
- Address: 9 Village Loop Drive, Grand Canyon Village, AZ, 86023
- Standout Amenities: Dine at the El Tovar Dining Room; take advantage of on-site horseback riding and shuttles to area attractions; ADA-accessible rooms.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: The Grand Canyon is obviously the star of the show, but El Tovar Hotel is also relatively close to Horseshoe Bend, often referred to as the "East Rim" of the Grand Canyon.
Located literally on the rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona's El Tovar Hotel first opened its doors in 1905. The hotel was designed by Charles Whittlesey, Chief Architect for the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, who envisioned it as a cross between a Swiss chalet and a Norwegian Villa.
The hotel was built from local limestone and Oregon pine, and upon opening in 1905, many considered the El Tovar the grandest hotel in the American West. Nearly 125 years later, El Tovar is as enchanting as ever, offering guests unparalleled views of the Grand Canyon -- without stepping foot outdoors.
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Zion National Park Lodge, 1 Zion lodge, Springdale, UT 84767, USA
- Address: 1 Zion Lodge, Springdale, UT, 84767
- Standout Amenities: The only in-park lodging at Zion National Park, accommodations include historic cabins with two double beds, full bath, gas log fireplace, and private porch and hotel rooms with a private porch or balcony.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: The Narrows, Angels Landing, and Emerald Pools are just a few of the 200 miles of picturesque trails in Zion National Park. Other exciting activities at Zion include climbing and horseback riding.
Of the Beehive State's five national parks, Zion National Park is arguably Utah’s finest gem. Its rugged, natural beauty draws more than 4.5 million visitors every year, many of whom wish to stay and explore awhile.
While camping opportunities at Zion are abundant, for an especially magical trip to this national park, book a stay in its historic lodge:
A visit to Zion National Park Lodge is like stepping back into the 1920s -- in all the best ways. It's the only lodging inside the park, and there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from including cabins, hotel rooms, and suites. With private decks, comfortable furnishings, and historic features, Zion National Park Lodge is the perfect "home base" for your adventures in this incredible national park.
National Park Hotels In The Non-Continental US
Hawaii and Alaska: we see you! While the national parks of the Lower 48 are more accessible than those found in the two non-continental outliers, the fact is that each of these states offer some of *the* most bucket-list-worthy adventures in the world. Small but mighty, below you’ll find one of our favorite national parks hotels in the non-continental US:
Volcano House, Hawai?i Volcanoes National Park, 1 Crater Rim Drive, P?hoa, HI 96718, USA
- Address: 1 Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, HI, 96718
- Standout Amenities: ADA-accessible rooms, on-site dining, organized recreation opportunities.
- Must-Visit Wonders Nearby: Halemaʻumaʻu Crater, Puʻu Loa Petroglyphs Trail, Thurston Lava Tube, Kīlauea Iki Trail.
There's nowhere in the world quite like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a place that's as otherworldly as it gets. Located on the Big Island, this 523-square-mile park contains some of the world’s most awe-inspiring wonders, not to mention the two active volcanoes.
For the most extraordinary experience of the park's namesake natural wonders, book a night at the Volcano House. Perched on the edge of Kīlauea caldera with breathtaking views of the park, this property -- which dates back to 1846 -- has 33 historic guest rooms and offers unrivaled views of one of the most jaw-dropping spectacles on the planet.
When you start to feel the pull of your wanderlust, these amazing national parks hotels are truly befitting of their surroundings inside America’s most glorious natural wonders.
Instagram Inspiration
Smoky Mountains is one of our country’s most-visited national parks, and for good reason. The most biodiverse national park in America that’s home to numerous trails and endless adventures, over 14 million people visited Smoky Mountains National Park in 2021. Luckily, there are many amazing places to stay in this expansive national park, including numerous accommodations near Ober Gatlinburg.
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National Parks Hotels
How many national parks are there in the US?
The US National Park System comprises 423 national park sites, 63 of which have the "National Park" designation in their names. The other sites fall into different National Park System categories like National Historic Sites, National Monuments, National Seashores, National Recreation Areas, and more.
What national parks in the US offer camping?
If you're looking to pitch a tent and immerse yourself in the beautiful national parks of the US, there are lots of options. Some of our favorite US national parks for camping include:
- Canyonlands National Park - Utah. While Utah may be best-known for its extraordinary winter recreation, when the sun sets and moon rises, this state puts on quite a show. Lauded as perhaps *the best* stargazing site in Utah, Canyonlands National Park offers an experience that's wondrous. For those seeking a bucket-list-level adventure, there are two campsites located within the park. These sites, known as The Needles and Island In The Sky, offer the most impressive stargazing in the state, as well as the chance to watch the sunrise over the canyons in the morning.
- Big Bend National Park - Texas. Another stargazing favorite in the US, the park earned its Dark Sky stars in 2012; more impressively, the organization ranked Big Bend fourth on its list of the top seven stargazing destinations in the world. Hot Springs Canyon Trail and Rio Grande Village Nature Trail provide some of the least obstructed vistas, and three different campgrounds within the park give gazers somewhere to sleep after their extraterrestrial adventure.
- Shenandoah National Park - Virginia. While you can certainly stay in Skyland Resort (see above!) or Big Sky Lodge when visiting Shenandoah, this National Park also has some stellar camping. There are five campgrounds and more than 600 tent camping sites within park borders: Matthews Arm Campground, located at mile marker 22.2, Big Meadows Campground, the park’s largest campground is located at mile marker 51.2, Lewis Mountain Campground, a first-come, first-serve campground at mile marker 57.5, Loft Mountain Campground, home to a camp store showers and laundry at mile marker 79.5, and Dundo Group Campground, a campsite for groups of 7-15 located at mile marker 83.7.