Summer may be high season for most of America’s national parks, but fall and winter is the time to shine for the southern half of the country. Things may be cooling off in the north, which means campground closures and inaccessible roads, but in states like Florida and Texas, these are ideal seasons for visitation. Gone are rainy days, humidity and excessive heat, replaced by comfortably mild afternoons at parks like the Everglades and Death Valley. Here are the national parks to visit this fall and winter.
So what are the best southern national parks to visit this fall and winter? Check them out below:
- Death Valley National Park
- Big Bend National Park
- Congaree National Park
- Saguaro National Park
- Biscayne National Park
- White Sands National Park
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
- Pinnacles National Park
- Grand Canyon National Park
- Hot Springs National Park
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
1. Death Valley National Park
The largest national park in the contiguous U.S. is most infamous for its record-shattering heat in the summer months, which can be daunting for visitors who prefer to hike in an environment under 120-degrees. That’s why fall and winter are much more desirable. The vast desert park affords lots to explore in a much more comfortable climate. Mighty sand dunes, canyons, craters and mountains await, along with the lowest geographic point in the country: Badwater Salt Flat. Walk out past the end of the boardwalk and as far into the flat as you’d like; the landscape looks like a surreal alien planet, and winter temps means you won’t get scorched on your stroll.
Nearby KOAs:
Barstow / Calico KOA
Lake Isabella / Kern River KOA
2. Big Bend National Park
As awe-inspiring as this West Texas park is year round, it isn’t exactly refreshing to take a dip in a hot spring when it’s 100-degrees outside. This is one of many reasons that make Big Bend a desirable destination this time of year, after the summer heat has dissipated and visitors can reward their hikes with some time in natural hot spring along the Rio Grande. Other standout sights include the majestic Santa Elena Canyon, the Chisos Mountains and the Lost Mine Trail, which weaves through trees, shrubs and wildlife along its ascent to the top of the park, where otherworldly panoramas await.
3. Congaree National Park
Once summer humidity subsides, this South Carolina park becomes a veritable woodland paradise. Home to some of the tallest trees east of the Mississippi, as well as the largest old-growth hardwood forest in the southeastern U.S., this is a park like no other. It’s a place prone to flooding from the namesake Congaree River, and where such occurrences are a normal—and healthy—part of the ecosystem. The vast floodplain most commonly floods late-winter and early spring, making fall primt time for visitation, as well as most of winter. While elevation doesn’t change much, hiking trails provide serene excursions into forests filled with soaring pine and cypress trees. Don’t miss the iconic Boardwalk trail, an elevated walkway that winds directly through old-growth forest to Weston Lake fo 2.4 miles. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities as well, along the rivers and creeks.
Nearby KOAs:
Santee / Santee Lakes KOA
4. Saguaro National Park
Mighty and majestic, the saguaro cactus has come to symbolize the American southwest. Saguaro National Park in southern Arizona is home to the largest concentration of the world’s largest cactus, found in only a small portion of the U.S. Growing up to 50-feet tall and eight tons, they’re quite the sight to behold, especially when these soaring plants line the horizon for as far as the eye can see. With summer heat and monsoon season in the rear-view mirror, fall and winter is the best time to explore this beautiful landscape. Sunny days are near-constant, with temperatures typically hovering in the 80’s, and thanks to the desert dry heat, humidity is non-existent. Divvied into two main districts on both sides of Tucson, the park contains plenty of hiking options for all skill levels. On the Tucson Mountain District side, check out the short Signal Hill area for sweeping desert views and a close look at ancient petroglyphs. The Rincon Mountain District side has longer trails, including the immersive Cactus Forest Trail that bobs in and out of dry creek beds and through numerous pockets of saguaro forest.
Nearby KOAs:
Tucson / Lazydays KOA Resort
5. Biscayne National Park
A stone’s throw from the Everglades and Miami lies another tropical park worth exploring in the fall and winter months. Unlike the Everglades, however, which contains lots of land and trails, Biscayne is primarily a water world. In fact, 95% of the park is underwater, including a smattering of shipwrecks and the third largest barrier reef in the world, making this is dream for swimmers, divers and paddlers. The best way to take it all in is with a ranger-guided snorkel trip along the Maritime Heritage Trail, which connects six of the park’s most famous shipwrecks. While hiking is limited, the park’s largest island, Elliot Key, contains a long trail called Elliot Key Boulevard. Both above and below the surface at Biscayne, especially in and around the coastal mangrove forests, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, pelicans and sea turtles.
Nearby KOAs:
Hollywood KOA
6. White Sands National Park
Otherworldly in appearance, White Sands National Park is home to the glistening white sands of New Mexico. With miles of dunes in front of you, it may feel as though you have arrived on another planet.
However, these sands are pure gypsum, so they stay cool even on the hottest summer days. This means you can walk on the sand without it being too hot or perform activities like sledding, hiking or bicycling. Depending on when you visit the park, you may be able to participate in activities like moonlight hikes and sunset tours.
Nearby KOAs:
Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey
Carlsbad KOA Holiday
Las Cruces KOA Journey
7. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park combines the desert ecosystems of the Mojave and Colorado to create one of the more fascinating national parks in the Southwest. Part of what makes the park so interesting is that the wind and rain helped sculpt many of the rock formations into unique shapes that contribute to the park’s beauty.
Another distinctive feature of Joshua Tree National Park is its dark night skies, allowing you to see the stars and constellations without light pollution. Regardless of where and when you go in the park, you will have spindly Joshua trees to keep you company during your adventures.
Nearby KOAs:
Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday
Banning Stagecoach KOA Journey
Temecula KOA at Vail Lake
8. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park
Losing yourself among the beauty of nature is easy at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. With huge mountains, rugged foothills and some of the world’s tallest trees, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is one of nature’s best playgrounds. Guests can walk or drive through the park, and there is a diverse array of plants and animals to see regardless of when you choose to visit.
Nearby KOAs:
Visalia / Sequoia National Park KOA Journey
9. Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is the result of multiple volcanoes erupting and flowing to form an exciting location in Central California. On a hiking trip through the park, you may see rare talus caves and towering rock spires teeming with a diverse range of life, such as falcons and eagles.
With over 30 miles of trails to explore, the park offers a hiking experience for everyone. Take in views from flat grasslands or try an uphill climb toward the rocky spires this park is well-known for. If you are unsure which trail is for you, many friendly rangers are available to help guide your way.
Nearby KOAs:
10. Grand Canyon National Park
Perhaps one of the more famous natural wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon is a must-see for many people. When you visit Grand Canyon National Park, you will find plenty to see and do on the north and south rim. Take a hike on the many trails, listen to a ranger presentation or explore the visitors center to learn more about the canyon’s history.
Nearby KOAs:
Grand Canyon / Williams KOA Journey
Williams / Exit 167/ Circle Pines KOA Holiday
11. Hot Springs National Park
With a rich history, ancient thermal springs, mountain views and incredible geology, Hot Springs National Park is one of the more unique national parks in the southeast. When you visit the park, you can stroll along bathhouse row and explore the history of the eight bathhouses present. The Buckstaff Bathhouse and the Quapaw Bathhouse still allow visitors to experience the thermal waters.
If you would like to see more of the park, there are over 26 miles of trails and opportunities for guests to bike throughout the park.
Nearby KOAs:
Hot Springs National Park KOA Holiday
12. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, and for good reason. The 500,000-acre park is home to numerous cascading waterfalls, roaming wildlife and breathtaking views. As you explore the many hiking trails, you will see meadows of wildflowers, historic structures and plenty of wildlife for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Nearby KOAs:
Cherokee / Great Smokies KOA Holiday
Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA Holiday
13. Dry Tortugas National Park
While this 100-square-mile park may be one of the smaller national parks in the South region, it is packed with history, including historic Fort Jefferson, which you can explore. Take in one of the nation’s largest 19th-century forts, swim in picturesque blue waters or go snorkeling and see beautiful coral reefs and other marine life.
Nearby KOAs:
Sugarloaf Key / Key West KOA Resort
14. Everglades National Park
The only subtropical preserve on the continent and the largest national park east of the Mississippi River, the 1.5-million-acre Everglades are as iconic as the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite. This is also a highly seasonal destination that becomes almost impossible to visit in the summer months, between hurricane season and mosquitos. In the fall and winter, however, the Everglades are perfect. Sunshine and warmth are the norm, providing relaxed days to hike and paddle your way though this lush wonderland. Popular activities include kayaking in Nine Mile Pond or the mangroves of Noble Creek Canoe Trail. The Ankinga Trail is a leisurely hike where you’ll likely spot alligators, while boat tours take guests out into the bay, with potential sightings of dolphins, manatees and crocodiles — this is the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles co-exist.
Nearby KOAs:
Davie / Ft. Lauderdale KOA
Naples / Marco Island KOA Holiday
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Matt Kirouac grew up with a love for camping and the outdoors. Though he’s lived in Chicago since 2006, he’s always on the lookout for new adventures. He writes about travel and food for outlets like TripExpert, Money Inc, Upventur, DiningOut, Food Fanatics magazine, Plate Magazine and Zagat, and he currently serves as Chicago editor for What Should We Do?! He’s the author of The Hunt Guides: Chicago (2016) and Unique Eats & Eateries of Chicago (2017).
