The Best Hotels Near National Parks

People are exploring National Parks more than ever before. Visitation increased 4% from 2022 to 2023, according to the National Parks Service, with a record 325.5 million visits in the year.

This popularity doesn’t stop at the parks themselves, either ― the hotels and lodges near the parks are also in-demand. These accommodations regularly book out months in advance, with people clamoring to be close to the scenic destinations.

There are a few factors you should keep in mind when booking a hotel at or near a National Park, like the time of year you want to visit. Experts say shoulder season, like the fall and spring are best, because you’re more likely to avoid the crowds. (Winter can be a nice time, too, but many National Park lodges close down during the colder months, so you’ll need to think about alternative accommodations for that time.)

Beyond when to go, it’s equally as important to know where to stay. Below, travel experts share their picks for the best hotels at or near National Parks:

You may know The Stanley Hotel from a certain iconic horror movie; it served as the inspiration for “The Shining,” said Jim Pattiz, the co-founder of More Than Just Parks.

It’s right outside of Rocky Mountain National Park in “Estes Park, which is sort of the gateway to Rocky Mountain,” Jim Pattiz said. This makes the Stanley Hotel a great home base to hike, drive or sightsee your way through the National Park, all while making time to see Rocky Mountain gems like Emerald Lake and Sky Pond, and to walk the Bear Lake trailhead.

The Claremont Hotel is just two miles from Acadia National Park in Maine and offers a range of accommodations, from individual guest rooms to full home rentals.

The property has waterfront views, a heated pool, on-site bars and restaurants, a spa, and easy access to the state’s beloved national park. Visitors love Acadia for its location right on the Atlantic Ocean, which makes it ideal for waterfront views, boating, fishing and, of course, scenic hiking. More, in the fall, folks plan trips to the park to take a peek at the vibrant…