National Parks in the Southern United States: A Complete List

The southern U.S. boasts a remarkable diversity of national parks, protecting everything from subtropical wetlands and ancient caves to high desert basins and Appalachian peaks. Here are ten parks commonly associated with the region (note: a few extend beyond traditional "Southern" boundaries).

1. Biscayne National Park, Florida – A marine paradise of coral reefs, mangroves, and shipwrecks just south of Miami.
2. Congaree National Park, South Carolina – Preserves the largest intact expanse of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the Southeast.
3. Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida – Remote islands 70 miles west of Key West, famous for Fort Jefferson and crystal-clear waters.
4. Everglades National Park, Florida – The "River of Grass," a UNESCO World Heritage Site and critical habitat for manatees, panthers, and alligators.
5. Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska – Though far north, it's often grouped in national listings; a vast, roadless wilderness above the Arctic Circle.
6. Great Basin National Park, Nevada – Features ancient bristlecone pines, Lehman Caves, and the darkest night skies in the Lower 48.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina & Tennessee – America's most visited park, renowned for biodiversity, misty peaks, and Appalachian culture.
8. Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky – The world's longest known cave system, with over 420 miles surveyed.
9. New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, West Virginia – The newest national park (2020), centered on a whitewater river and iconic steel-arch bridge.
10. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia – Skyline Drive and 500+ miles of trails along the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Planning Your Visit

Each park offers unique seasons, activities, and entry requirements. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions, permits, and reservation systems before you go.