List of National Parks in the United States: A Comprehensive Overview | List of National Parks USA

 

Table of Contents:

• What Constitutes a National Park?
• Geographic Distribution
• Alphabetical List of National Parks
• Significance and Preservation
• Conclusion
• FAQ

List of National Parks in the United States: A Comprehensive Overview

Did you know that the United States National Park System safeguards over 84 million acres of land? The United States National Park System is a cornerstone of the nation's commitment to keeping safe its natural and cultural heritage. The National Park Service (NPS) runs this system. The system holds a wide range of protected areas. These areas include 63 officially named national parks as of 2025. These parks spread across 30 states and two U.S. territories. This shows the geographic and ecological variety of the country.

What Constitutes a National Park?

A national park is a federal protected area. Congress chooses the area because of its great natural beauty, special geological features, or important historical worth. The National Park Service, which started in 1916, must manage these parks. The goal is to make sure they stay safe for people who come later while also giving people chances to enjoy and learn.

Geographic Distribution

The 63 national parks spread throughout the United States. California has the most with nine parks. Alaska follows with eight. Utah holds five, and Colorado has four. Important parks include Yellowstone National Park (it sits in Idaho, Montana, as well as Wyoming), Yosemite National Park (California), Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona), and Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina, also Tennessee).

Alphabetical List of National Parks

The following is an alphabetical list of the 63 national parks, as the National Park Service and other good sources recognize them:

• Acadia National Park (Maine)
• American Samoa National Park (American Samoa)
• Arches National Park (Utah)
• Badlands National Park (South Dakota)
• Big Bend National Park (Texas)
• Biscayne National Park (Florida)
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
• Canyonlands National Park (Utah)
• Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
• Carlsbad Caverns National Park (New Mexico)
• Channel Islands National Park (California)
• Congaree National Park (South Carolina)
• Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park (Ohio)
• Death Valley National Park (California and Nevada)
• Denali National Park (Alaska)
• Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida)
• Everglades National Park (Florida)
• Gates of the Arctic National Park (Alaska)
• Gateway Arch National Park (Missouri)
• Glacier Bay National Park (Alaska)
• Glacier National Park (Montana)
• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
• Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
• Great Basin National Park (Nevada)
• Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee)
• Guadalupe Mountains National Park (Texas)
• Haleakalā National Park (Hawaii)
• Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii)
• Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas)
• Indiana Dunes National Park (Indiana)
• Isle Royale National Park (Michigan)
• Joshua Tree National Park (California)
• Katmai National Park (Alaska)
• Kenai Fjords National Park (Alaska)
• Kings Canyon National Park (California)
• Kobuk Valley National Park (Alaska)
• Lake Clark National Park (Alaska)
• Lassen Volcanic National Park (California)
• Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)
• Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)
• Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
• National Park of American Samoa (American Samoa)
• New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (West Virginia)
• North Cascades National Park (Washington)
• Olympic National Park (Washington)
• Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona)
• Pinnacles National Park (California)
• Redwood National Park (California)
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
• Saguaro National Park (Arizona)
• Sequoia National Park (California)
• Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park (North Dakota)
• Virgin Islands National Park (Virgin Islands)
• Wind Cave National Park (South Dakota)
• Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (Alaska)
• Yellowstone National Park (Idaho, Montana, in addition to Wyoming)
• Yosemite National Park (California)
• Zion National Park (Utah)

Significance and Preservation

Each national park offers special views, life systems, next to cultural items.

From the tall redwood trees of California to the volcano lands of Hawaii and the Arctic wild areas of Alaska, these parks serve as key safe places for all types of life. They also serve as real-world labs for scientists who study things. They give chances for fun activities and learning experiences for many visitors each year.

Conclusion

The national parks of the United States show a long history of saving things and a duty to keep safe the nation's natural and cultural treasures. The National Park Service acts as the keeper of these lands. It continues to guard and run these areas for the good of people living now and those who follow.

FAQ

How many national parks exist in the US?

As of 2025, the United States has 63 officially named national parks.

Which state holds the most national parks?

California holds the most national parks with nine, followed by Alaska with eight.

What agency runs the national parks?

The National Park Service (NPS) runs the national parks in the United States.

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Sources:

• National Park Service: About the System
• National Park Service: Find a Park
• National Park Service: National Park System

Resources & References:

1. https://www.national-park.com/list-of-national-parks-in-the-united-states-2020/
2. https://www.roadscholar.org/blog/United-States-National-Parks-Checklist/
3. https://wildtreeoutdoor.com/blogs/news/list-of-national-parks
4. https://www.nationalparktrips.com/parks/us-national-parks-by-state-list/
5. https://www.foxweather.com/lifestyle/national-parks-discover-us
6. https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/national-park-system.htm
7. https://www.nps.gov/findapark/index.htm
8. https://shop.americasnationalparks.org