4. Grand Canyon National Park (AZ)

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  • Share of all national park stays at in-park lodging or park-run RV camps (2025): 65.3%
  • Total national park stays at in-park lodging (2025): 571,786
  • Total national park stays at park-run RV camps (2025): 56,121
  • Total national park stays (2025): 961,440
  • Total national park stays (2019): 1,152,329
  • Percentage change in total national park stays (2019–2025): -16.6%

Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona is home to one of the world's most recognizable natural wonders, where nearly 2 billion years of geologic history are exposed along the canyon's steep walls. Visitors seeking a soft-adventure experience can stay at several historic lodges along the South Rim—including El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge and Yavapai Lodge—or at developed campgrounds that accommodate both tent and RV campers. These accommodations place visitors within walking distance of many of the park's most iconic overlooks, making it possible to experience sunrise, sunset and panoramic canyon views without leaving the park.

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Best U.S. National Parks for Soft-Adventure Travel
Best U.S. National Parks for Soft-Adventure Travel
With national parks entering one of their busiest travel seasons, researchers at Dunhill Travel Deals analyzed overnight stay data from all 63 U.S. national parks to identify where travelers are most likely to find comfortable accommodations while still enjoying an outdoor adventure. Rather than focusing on backcountry camping, the study ranks parks and states by the share of overnight stays occurring at in-park lodges and park-run RV campgrounds—highlighting the destinations where visitors most often choose "soft adventure" experiences. Researchers also examined overnight visitation trends since before the pandemic and how travelers are choosing to stay inside America's national parks. 1 min