Escape The Crowds At These Stunning National Parks Close To Montana

Montana is a popular place.

From towns like Big Sky, Bozeman, Missoula, and Whitefish, folks come from all over to enjoy all that the Treasure State has to offer. Oh, and we are also home to two of the most popular National Parks in the world.

Yep, here in Montana, we have both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, and each one brings millions of people to the state each year. According to recent data from 2024, Glacier had approximately 3 million visitors, while Yellowstone had over 4.7 million.

READ MORE: Montana town ranks first in nation for adventure

Of course, both are not only stunning but extremely famous, which means big crowds, long lines, and lots of traffic.

However, if you're a fan of National Parks and don't mind doing a bit of traveling, there are some wonderful National Parks that aren't nearly as crowded and are certainly worth checking out.

Lesser-known National Parks near Montana

The closest one on the list is the North Cascades in Washington. With stunning mountains and aqua-blue waters, the park offers camping, hiking, boating, and all the outdoor adventure one would hope for. However, it should be noted that, like many National Parks, there is wildlife, including Grizzlies that have been reintroduced to the area.

Another National Park that isn't too far away is Black Canyon of the Gunnison in Colorado.

Black Canyon is home to some of the oldest and steepest rock formations in North America. There is camping, hiking, nature watching, and the chance to learn about our geological system as you explore the beauty of the area with fewer crowds.

Other National Parks that made the list include the following:

• Lassen Volcanic in California
• Great Basin in Nevada
• Congaree in South Carolina
• Gaudalupe Mountains in Texas

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