Introduction
National parks are natural treasures that offer breathtaking landscapes, unique ecosystems, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. California boasts the highest number of national parks with a total of 9, followed closely by Alaska with 8. These two states stand out for their diverse and expansive natural beauty, from the towering redwood forests of California to the rugged wilderness of Alaska.
While California and Alaska lead the pack, several other states also have multiple national parks. Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Washington, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming each have two or more national parks, showcasing the country’s geographic and ecological diversity. It is worth noting that national parks are not limited to states with vast wilderness; even states with more urban environments, such as Arkansas, Indiana, Maine, and Michigan, are home to at least one national park.
US National Parks by State
| # | State | Number of National Parks | Forest Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 9 | 31.7% |
| 2 | Alaska | 8 | 35.2% |
| 3 | Colorado | 4 | 34.6% |
| 4 | Arizona | 3 | 25.4% |
| 5 | Florida | 3 | 49.3% |
| 6 | Washington | 3 | 51.9% |
| 7 | Hawaii | 2 | 35.8% |
| 8 | Montana | 2 | 27.8% |
| 9 | Nevada | 2 | 15.1% |
| 10 | New Mexico | 2 | 31.7% |
| 11 | South Dakota | 2 | 3.9% |
| 12 | Texas | 2 | 37.1% |
| 13 | Wyoming | 2 | 17% |
| 14 | Arkansas | 1 | 56.8% |
| 15 | Idaho | 1 | 41% |
| 16 | Indiana | 1 | 20.8% |
| 17 | Kentucky | 1 | 49% |
| 18 | Maine | 1 | 88.8% |
| 19 | Michigan | 1 | 55.7% |
| 20 | Minnesota | 1 | 34.7% |
| 21 | Missouri | 1 | 34.8% |
| 22 | North Carolina | 1 | 60.3% |
| 23 | North Dakota | 1 | 1.8% |
| 24 | Ohio | 1 | 29.9% |
| 25 | Oregon | 1 | 48.4% |
| 26 | South Carolina | 1 | 66.8% |
| 27 | Tennessee | 1 | 52.6% |
| 28 | Utah | 1 | 34.2% |
| 29 | Virginia | 1 | 63.6% |
| 30 | West Virginia | 1 | 78.1% |
| 31 | Alabama | 0 | 71.3% |
| 32 | Connecticut | 0 | 56.9% |
| 33 | Delaware | 0 | 28.5% |
| 34 | District of Columbia | 0 | |
| 35 | Georgia | 0 | 66.5% |
| 36 | Illinois | 0 | 13.7% |
| 37 | Iowa | 0 | 8% |
| 38 | Kansas | 0 | 4.7% |
| 39 | Louisiana | 0 | 54.3% |
| 40 | Maryland | 0 | 39.2% |
| 41 | Massachusetts | 0 | 59.8% |
| 42 | Mississippi | 0 | 63.9% |
| 43 | Nebraska | 0 | 2.9% |
| 44 | New Hampshire | 0 | 81.9% |
| 45 | New Jersey | 0 | 42.3% |
| 46 | New York | 0 | 61.7% |
| 47 | Oklahoma | 0 | 27% |
| 48 | Pennsylvania | 0 | 58% |
| 49 | Rhode Island | 0 | 54.5% |
| 50 | Vermont | 0 | 76.7% |
| 51 | Wisconsin | 0 | 48.9% |
List of National Parks by State
States With the Most National Parks
The ten states with the most national parks are California, Alaska, Colorado, Arizona, Florida, Washington, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, and New Mexico. California is the state with the most national parks with a total of 9. Alaska follows closely behind with 8 national parks, showcasing its vast wilderness and stunning landscapes. Colorado boasts 4 national parks, offering visitors the chance to explore its majestic Rocky Mountains. Arizona and Florida each have 3 national parks, with Arizona’s iconic Grand Canyon attracting millions of visitors every year. The state of Washington is known for its diverse natural beauty, with 3 national parks that include the famous Olympic National Park. Hawaii’s 2 national parks showcase its unique volcanic landscapes and pristine tropical ecosystems. Montana, Nevada, and New Mexico each have 2 national parks, featuring stunning mountain ranges, desert landscapes, and cultural heritage sites.
The 10 states with the highest number of national parks are:
1. California – 9
2. Alaska – 8
3. Colorado – 4
4. Arizona – 3
5. Florida – 3
6. Washington – 3
7. Hawaii – 2
8. Montana – 2
9. Nevada – 2
10. New Mexico – 2
State With Most National Parks
California is the state with the most national parks. Boasting a total of nine national parks, California offers an extraordinary range of outdoor experiences. From the stunning coastal landscapes of Channel Islands National Park to the iconic granite cliffs and waterfalls of Yosemite National Park, the state captivates visitors with its breathtaking scenery. Death Valley National Park, one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, showcases a unique desert environment, while Joshua Tree National Park features otherworldly rock formations and the iconic Joshua Trees. Other remarkable national parks in California include Kings Canyon National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, Pinnacles National Park, Redwood National Park, and Sequoia National Park. Each of these parks provides visitors with opportunities for exploration, outdoor adventure, and a deep appreciation for the state’s remarkable natural wonders.
National Parks by State
Alabama
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#31
71.3%
Ranked in the US
#5
Alaska
Number of National Parks
8
Ranked in the US
#2
35.2%
Ranked in the US
#30
In Alaska, there are eight national parks, including Denali, Gates of the Arctic, Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, and Wrangell-St. Elias, each offering stunning wilderness, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife.
Arizona
Number of National Parks
3
Ranked in the US
#4
25.4%
Ranked in the US
#41
Arizona is home to three national parks, namely Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro, showcasing the magnificent landscapes of the Grand Canyon, ancient petrified wood, and unique saguaro cacti.
Arkansas
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#14
56.8%
Ranked in the US
#15
Arkansas boasts Hot Springs National Park, known for its rejuvenating thermal waters and historic bathhouses.
California
Number of National Parks
9
Ranked in the US
#1
31.7%
Ranked in the US
#35
California is the state with the most national parks including Channel Islands, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles, Redwood, Sequoia, and Yosemite, offering diverse landscapes ranging from pristine islands, vast deserts, iconic trees, dramatic canyons, volcanic peaks, and majestic granite cliffs.
Colorado
Number of National Parks
4
Ranked in the US
#3
34.6%
Ranked in the US
#33
Colorado is home to four national parks: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Rocky Mountain, showcasing dramatic canyons, towering sand dunes, ancient Puebloan ruins, and the majestic Rocky Mountains.
Connecticut
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#32
56.9%
Ranked in the US
#14
Delaware
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#33
28.5%
Ranked in the US
#38
District of Columbia
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#34
Florida
Number of National Parks
3
Ranked in the US
#5
49.3%
Ranked in the US
#21
Florida's national parks include Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, and Everglades, which protect unique marine ecosystems, historic forts, and the iconic Everglades wetlands.
Georgia
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#35
66.5%
Ranked in the US
#7
Hawaii
Number of National Parks
2
Ranked in the US
#7
35.8%
Ranked in the US
#29
In Hawaii, Haleakala and Hawai'i Volcanoes national parks highlight the volcanic landscapes, lush rainforests, and the active Kilauea volcano.
Idaho
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#15
Ranked in the US
#26
Illinois
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#36
13.7%
Ranked in the US
#45
Indiana
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#16
20.8%
Ranked in the US
#42
Indiana Dunes National Park in Indiana offers sandy beaches, diverse ecosystems, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.
Iowa
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#37
Ranked in the US
#46
Kansas
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#38
4.7%
Ranked in the US
#47
Kentucky
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#17
Ranked in the US
#22
Louisiana
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#39
54.3%
Ranked in the US
#18
Maine
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#18
88.8%
Ranked in the US
#1
Maine is home to Acadia National Park, featuring rugged coastlines, granite peaks, and picturesque landscapes.
Maryland
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#40
39.2%
Ranked in the US
#27
Massachusetts
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#41
59.8%
Ranked in the US
#12
Michigan
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#19
55.7%
Ranked in the US
#16
Isle Royale National Park in Michigan is a remote island wilderness in Lake Superior, known for its pristine forests and abundant wildlife.
Minnesota
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#20
34.7%
Ranked in the US
#32
Minnesota's Voyageurs National Park offers a water-based outdoor experience with interconnected lakes and pristine wilderness.
Mississippi
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#42
63.9%
Ranked in the US
#8
Missouri
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#21
34.8%
Ranked in the US
#31
Missouri's Gateway Arch National Park celebrates the iconic Gateway Arch, symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States.
Montana
Number of National Parks
2
Ranked in the US
#8
27.8%
Ranked in the US
#39
Montana is blessed with Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, where visitors can marvel at glacier-carved landscapes, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife.
Nebraska
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#43
2.9%
Ranked in the US
#49
Nevada
Number of National Parks
2
Ranked in the US
#9
15.1%
Ranked in the US
#44
In Nevada, Death Valley and Great Basin national parks showcase contrasting landscapes of desert valleys and ancient bristlecone pines.
New Hampshire
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#44
81.9%
Ranked in the US
#2
New Jersey
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#45
42.3%
Ranked in the US
#25
New Mexico
Number of National Parks
2
Ranked in the US
#10
31.7%
Ranked in the US
#36
New Mexico is home to Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands national parks, offering unique underground caverns and vast gypsum sand dunes.
New York
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#46
61.7%
Ranked in the US
#10
North Carolina
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#22
60.3%
Ranked in the US
#11
North Carolina's Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its biodiversity, scenic beauty, and Appalachian culture.
North Dakota
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#23
1.8%
Ranked in the US
#50
North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park preserves the rugged badlands.
Ohio
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#24
29.9%
Ranked in the US
#37
Ohio's Cuyahoga Valley National Park protects a natural corridor along the Cuyahoga River, offering serene forests, waterfalls, and historic sites.
Oklahoma
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#47
Ranked in the US
#40
Oregon
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#25
48.4%
Ranked in the US
#24
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon showcases the deep blue crater lake within a caldera formed by a collapsed volcano.
Pennsylvania
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#48
Ranked in the US
#13
Rhode Island
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#49
54.5%
Ranked in the US
#17
South Carolina
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#26
66.8%
Ranked in the US
#6
South Carolina's Congaree National Park preserves the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the southeastern United States.
South Dakota
Number of National Parks
2
Ranked in the US
#11
3.9%
Ranked in the US
#48
South Dakota's Badlands and Wind Cave national parks exhibit striking rock formations and vast underground chambers, respectively.
Tennessee
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#27
52.6%
Ranked in the US
#19
Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border with North Carolina, enchanting visitors with its misty mountains, diverse flora, and historic structures.
Texas
Number of National Parks
2
Ranked in the US
#12
37.1%
Ranked in the US
#28
In Texas, Big Bend and the Guadalupe Mountains national parks offer rugged desert landscapes, towering peaks, and diverse ecosystems.
Utah
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#28
34.2%
Ranked in the US
#34
Utah is home to five renowned national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion, each showcasing unique rock formations, breathtaking canyons, and stunning vistas.
Vermont
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#50
76.7%
Ranked in the US
#4
Virginia
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#29
63.6%
Ranked in the US
#9
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia protects the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views and abundant wildlife.
Washington
Number of National Parks
3
Ranked in the US
#6
51.9%
Ranked in the US
#20
Washington boasts Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic national parks, where visitors can explore glaciated mountains, alpine meadows, and temperate rainforests.
West Virginia
Number of National Parks
1
Ranked in the US
#30
78.1%
Ranked in the US
#3
West Virginia's New River Gorge National Park features a dramatic river gorge, rock climbing opportunities, and rich biodiversity.
Wisconsin
Number of National Parks
0
Ranked in the US
#51
48.9%
Ranked in the US
#23
Wyoming
Number of National Parks
2
Ranked in the US
#13
Ranked in the US
#43
Wyoming's national parks include Grand Teton and Yellowstone, famous for their majestic mountains, geothermal wonders, and iconic wildlife.
FAQs
Which state has the most national parks ?
California is the state with the most national parks with a total of 9 parks: Channel Islands, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles, Redwood, Sequoia, and Yosemite.
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