National parks are more than the best idea America ever had - they're our country's best playgrounds for millions of vacationers who want to enjoy recreational activities, nature and wildlife, and downtime in the great outdoors. This timely, idea-filled guide has been fully updated and revised, with brand-new top 10 lists, as well as new parks and destinations across more than 400 protected sites, including our national seashores, national monuments, national battlefields, national scenic trails, and beyond.

Find recommendations for the best lodges, best hikes, best star-gazing spots, best campfire meal spots, and more. Destinations are covered by region, theme, season, and occasion. Photos, anecdotes, insider tips from park rangers, plus traveler resources such as hotels and restaurants, make this the national parks guide travelers have long sought.