Tired of Crowds? Visit These 3 Underrated California National Parks Instead
This article provides 3 less crowded California National Parks for your next getaway, all the nature, none of the crowds!
Santa Cruz, Channel Islands National Park
I get it; California’s national parks are legendary, but the crowds? Not so much.
If you’ve ever spent an hour circling Yosemite’s parking lots or played human Tetris on a trail in Sequoia, you know the struggle is real. Sometimes it almost feels dystopian to me, like scheduled nature time.
But don’t worry! California is home to some incredible lesser-known national parks that offer the same breathtaking scenery without the tourist stampede.
Here are three stunning parks where you can actually hear the birds chirp instead of people shouting, “Is there WiFi here?”
1. Channel Islands National Park – California’s Galápagos (But with Fewer Selfie Sticks)
Why Visit:
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Five remote islands with pristine landscapes, secluded beaches, and unique wildlife.
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A paradise for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking.
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No roads, no cars, no crowds, just pure nature.
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Only accessible by boat or ferry!
What to Do:
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Hike the rugged trails of Santa Cruz Island and spot endemic species found nowhere else in the world (e.g., the Island Fox pictured above).
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Snorkel or kayak through the sea caves around Anacapa Island (think crystal-clear waters and playful sea lions).
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Camp under the stars, no light pollution, just the Milky Way in all its glory.
Bonus: I have an entire guide dedicated to Channel Islands National park here.
Where to Stay:
There is an option to camp on the islands, but most people (myself included) just go for a day trip. Unless you live in Ventura or very close by to the ferry, you probably need to book an overnight so you can make the most of your day trip.
There are a couple hotels right on the harbor so that you can walk to and from the ferry. I recommend the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ventura by IHG.
Pro Tip: Book your ferry tickets in advance because, while the crowds are small, so are the boats!
2. Lassen Volcanic National Park – Yellowstone’s Quieter Cousin
Why Visit:
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Think boiling springs, steaming fumaroles, and volcanic landscapes, minus the tour buses!
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A fantastic mix of geothermal wonders, alpine lakes, and forested hikes.
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Open year-round, offering summer hiking and winter snowshoeing.
What to Do:
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Bumpass Hell Trail (yes, that’s its actual name) takes you through an otherworldly landscape of bubbling mud pots and steaming vents.
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Summit Lassen Peak, an active volcano with panoramic views that make the climb worthwhile.
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Kayak or paddleboard on Manzanita Lake, because nothing says relaxation like floating on a mirror-like alpine lake.
Where to Stay:
Not sure where to stay near the park? I recommend Highlands Ranch Resort. It’s a beautiful hotel only a 15-minute drive to the park. It’s so charming and the grounds have great mountain views.
Pro Tip: Visit in the fall for the best mix of colors, cool weather, and minimal crowds.
3. Pinnacles National Park – California’s Best-Kept Hiking Secret
Why Visit:
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Home to towering rock spires, cave systems, and endangered California condors.
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A rock climber’s paradise and an amazing hiking destination.
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One of the newest national parks in the U.S. (2013), so it’s still flying under the radar.
What to Do:
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Hike the High Peaks Trail, where you’ll scramble through steep rock formations and might just spot a condor soaring overhead.
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Explore the Talus Caves, dark and mysterious passageways formed by fallen boulders (bring a flashlight!).
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Camp overnight and experience some of the best stargazing in California.
Where to Stay:
I’m not gonna lie; there are not a lot of great hotel or rental options in close proximity to the park. That’s pretty common of Naitional Parks though.
However there is one diamond in the rough, so to speak. Inn at the Pinacles, a cute old-school inn, only about 10-miles from the park.
Pro Tip: Visit in spring or fall; summer gets hot enough to bake cookies on the rocks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the least crowded national park in California?
Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of the least crowded, offering stunning geothermal features and incredible hikes with minimal foot traffic.
2. How do I get to Channel Islands National Park?
You’ll need to take a ferry from Ventura or Oxnard. No bridges or roads, just boats and adventure! Full ferry details are provided here.
3. Is Pinnacles National Park good for families?
Yes! There are family-friendly hikes, and kids will love exploring the caves (just bring flashlights!).
4. What’s the best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Summer and early fall offer the best weather, but winter is perfect for snowshoeing.
5. Can you camp at Channel Islands National Park?
Yes, but you’ll need to pack light; everything must be carried in, and there are no stores on the islands. Santa Cruz does have potable water, the other islands do not.
Final Thoughts - less crowded California national parks
That’s me hiking at Santa Cruz, Channel Islands National Park
Ready to ditch the crowds and experience California’s national parks without the chaos? Pack your bags and go explore these hidden gems before everyone else catches on!
About the Author: Jonny is a California-based travel expert, environmental engineer, and EV enthusiast. As the founder of Imperfect Nostalgia, Jonny shares real, unfiltered travel experiences with practical tips. Whether it’s road-tripping in an EV or uncovering hidden gems, Jonny brings an engineer’s precision and a traveler’s curiosity to every journey. He’s been to 7 of the 9 California National Parks.