In recent years, and especially since 2020, America’s national parks have become increasingly popular destinations to explore. Travelers keep breaking visitation records, and even if you choose to skip the crowds and road trip during shoulder season, you still need to select that perfect accommodation. While historic in-park hotels might conjure up images of yesteryear with their rustic charm, luxury-loving park-goers may want to look elsewhere for amenities like hot tubs, private river access, and view-studded patios with grills. Luckily, there are plenty of great options for all types of travelers.
We went ahead and did some of the work for you, creating a list of our favorite Airbnbs for every national park, from chic, urban lofts sprinkled with hand-selected artworks to ocean-view casitas overflowing with creature comforts. Sure, you could rough it, but where’s the fun in that?
FAQ:
What are the pros of staying at a rental at a national park, compared to a hotel or camping?
Gear and home-cooked meals. Many travelers heading to the parks this season will have a variety of outdoor gear (think backpacks, boots, water bottles, trekking poles, and the like), that aren’t always efficient or feasible to organize in the cramped quarters of a hotel room or even a car camping tent. Likewise, if you’re visiting the parks with the whole family or a large friend crew in tow, the communal ritual of gathering together to create a hearty, homey supper after miles on the trail is one of the most special parts of escaping the city. (Plus, rentals are often more wallet-friendly when traveling in a group.)
What amenities should you look for in a vacation rental when you’re visiting a park?
One of the best parts about splurging on an Airbnb, instead of a hotel, is that you can tailor the amenities to suit your adventure style. For me, that often means scoping out a sunset hot tub view or oversized bathtub, but many vacation rentals also come equipped with al fresco dining areas, telescopes for stargazing, outdoor grills, entertainment centers, and chef’s kitchens.
Which national parks have the coolest rentals and Airbnbs?
The most popular parks (and the ones closest to large cities) tend to have the hippest, most luxurious Airbnbs for rent, because the market for them is strong. If you’re hell-bent on finding an artsy loft or a cozy cabin that’s perfect for enviable Instagram posts, check out Airbnbs at Joshua Tree, Rocky Mountain, Glacier, Yosemite, Cuyahoga Valley, Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains, or Zion.
We’ve vetted these listings based on Superhost status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.