1. Lassen Volcanic, California
OK, it's actually not that hot. In fact, although this park literally contains every type of volcano in the world, it's covered in snow for much of the year. There are great hiking and camping opportunities in the summer.
2. North Cascades, Washington
You can do practically anything in the Northwest's most glorious kingdom. It's said that Jack Kerouac found inspiration in these hills, and if you're able to navigate the rugged terrain, you might find inspiration too.
3. Isle Royale, Michigan
Elusive. Romantic. Divine. Although this hidden gem has one of the highest overnight use per acre of any National Park (check out those stars!), it is one of the least overall visited. One journey up through Lake Superior, and you'll find a whole new self.
4. Voyageurs, Minnesota
Leave it to The Land of 10,000 Lakes to offer a serene getaway like this one. 12 of the park's most iconic destinations are only accessible by boat, and they each have their own scenic personality.
5. Dry Tortugas, Florida
This National Park requires getting to Key West... and then some. But if you have a hankering for a remote, tropical getaway that's still within the good ol' U.S. of A., plan a camping trip to these white sandy beaches.
6. Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
Carved by the Gunnison River some 2M years ago, this hiker's paradise always has room for more visitors. The river has cut a spectacularly deep canyon, carving 12x faster than the Colorado River did with the Grand Canyon.
7. Whiskeytown, California
For the most part, recreational water activities are the real draw because, come on, the lake is gorgeous. But Whiskeytown describes herself as "more than a beautiful lake." She's got some challenging hiking trails as well.
8. Great Basin, Nevada
This western wonder is located so far away from civilization that its skies are some of the darkest in the country. Spend a day here fishing in Lehman Creek, or a night for spectacular stargazing.
9. Congaree, South Carolina
With over 25 miles of hiking trails and 2.4 miles of boardwalk, traversing around the rivers of Congaree floodplain is dizzying — in a good way. The most popular way to explore the park is by canoe.
10. Wrangell-St. Elias, Alaska
America's Largest National Park is a lot to love. Sprawling a whopping 13.2 million acres, this one offers some of the most legit wilderness excursions in the globe. A visit here will probably include an air taxi.
11. Jean Lafitte, Louisiana
This southern belle has six different sites to explore, each verdant and historical in its own right. The Bartaria Preserve is the seductive swampland that you imagine.
12. American Samoa
Long-distance relationships can sometimes be the most exciting. Located atop volcanoes and mountains, this rugged paradise could be just the adventure you're looking for. The territory even has a Homestay Program that provides a friendly housing option in the otherwise rural getaway.