With over 320+ locations in 24 states, Service King is all over the USA - and if there’s one thing we can say with authority, it's that the United States currently has some of the best national parks in the world.
In this next chapter of our Service King Road Trip Giveaway, we’re not only handing out a $500 gas card every two weeks for following us on Instagram and commenting on our post, we’re also handing out some great summer road trip national park destinations and don’t miss ideas, starting with a real important one:
Don't Miss: The Annual Park Pass - Available to everyone and only $80 for an entire year, the National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass covers the entrance, standard amenity and daily use fees for “up to 4 adults” at more than 2,000 recreational sites. And the best part? Up to 100% of the proceeds are used to improve and enhance the park’s services!
So, now that you have your pass, which national park should you visit?
Sure, you could follow the crowd and mosey up to see Yellowstone. And we hear there’s a canyon in Arizona that’s supposed to be pretty grand. But if you’re looking for a place where you can find plenty of wonder and not plenty of other people, you might want to consider one of these 5 national treasures:
5. Death Valley National Park (California/Nevada)
Don’t let the name or the temperatures deter you - brimming with otherworldly landscapes, incredible history, unique animals and more, our country’s hottest, lowest and driest point has tons of unique possibilities. Not only can you go and enjoy leisurely walks, camp under the stars and even enjoy a round of golf - but you can brag about it afterward.
Don't Miss: Twenty Mule Team Canyon - Just east of Zabriskie Point off CA-190, this 2.5 mile, one way road won’t just take you through colorful, eroded badlands, it will also take you to the land around Jabba the Hutt’s palace from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi!
4. North Cascades National Park (Washington)
Washington State has been blessed with three amazing national parks and the North Cascades are the least visited one, seeing just under an average of 1 million visitors a year. That just means that a lot of people are missing out on what many people think are the best hiking trails in the area. Less than three hours from Seattle, this park is overrun with majestic overlooks and natural beauty.
Don't Miss: Diablo Lake Overlook - This is a specifically summer road trip treat because in July, August and September Diablo Lake takes on a distinct turquoise color thanks to suspended rock particles in the water called glacial flour!
3. Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota)
If your break-time usually involves boating, Voyageurs has everything to lure you in. With over 218,000 acres of breathtaking landscape, the park is not only more than one-third water, but its interior is only accessible by boat for most of the year. So you can take a boat tour or rent your own and explore everything from exposed rock ridges, to cliffs, wetlands, forests, streams and more.
Don't Miss: Fishing at Lake Kabetogama - In Minnesota, the land of ten-thousand lakes, fishermen see Kabetogama as a wild, untapped treasure. With hundreds of warm water bays you’ll find an abundance of scrappy sauger, smallmouth bass, jumbo perch and Northern Pike!
2. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado)
Get ready to play in a sandbox like you’ve never seen before. Nearly a four hour drive from Denver (but well worth it) this national treasure is truly a sight to see. A quick walk across Medano Creek gives you and your family access to 750 foot tall sand dunes that you can climb, explore and more. Come during sunrise or sunset to capture breathtaking images that will make anyone’s social media account shine.
Don't Miss: Sandboarding and Sand Sledding - Permitted anywhere away from the vegetated areas, sledding the dunes can be a great time. Just make sure your sled is made of the right material, or that you rent one before you head over!
1. Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida Keys)
Don’t let the word “dry” fool you. Mostly open water with seven small islands and available only by charter boat or seaplane, this national park is 70 miles west of Key West and contains one of the world’s most unique eco-attractions, as well as historic Fort Jefferson, which was used as a prison in the Civil War and is one of the nation’s largest 19th century forts.
Don't Miss: Snorkeling in the Florida Keys - Whether you’re a beginner or expert, the Dry Tortugas are perfect for snorkeling. One popular area has an abundance of colorful tropical fish and living coral and is just 75 yards from the western edge of the moat wall!
So now that you know our 5 Secret National Parks, here’s another good secret - no matter which one you go to, you’ll still be near a Service King in case you need us.
And Of Course Don't Miss: The Service King Road Trip Giveaway - Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, then enter by commenting on our Instagram post for a chance to win a $500 gas card! It’s a fun way to share ideas and have a chance to receive “funding” for your next national park trip!