You don’t have to have visited Yellowstone National Park to know it’s a very special place, indeed—so special that it was designated the first national park in not only the U.S., but the entire world back in 1872. A sprawling volcanic caldera whose landscape is alive with thermal pools, gushing geysers, and mudpots—not to mention wildlife as diverse and fascinating as bison and bullsnakes—make this incredible wilderness one of the most popular destinations for an American road trip.
But popularity does have its downsides—including huge crowds, high costs, and less-than-perfectly pet- and kid-friendly spaces. Fortunately, there are some incredible Yellowstone National Park alternatives across the American west, all of which are worthy destinations in their own rights. From California to the Dakotas, here are five destination dupes that make a perfect alternative to Yellowstone National Park!
1. Crowd-Free Alternative: Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
The volcanic activity that undergrids Yellowstone is one of the reasons it’s such a compelling destination: geothermal activity keeps the landscape alive and evolving all the time. But it’s far from the only place in America to experience that kind of dynamic ecosystem. Another one well worth visiting—especially for those who are trying to get photos without strangers in them—is Lassen Volcanic National Park, tucked in the northern quarter of California.
Lassen is a bit further off the beaten path, about an hour east of Redding, California—or three hours north of Sacramento. But it’s well worth the drive for those who are hoping to enjoy an incredible natural landscape without the crowds; Lassen sees about half a million visitors per year, compared to Yellowstone’s four (or more) million. Additionally, Lassen National Park is unique in the fact that it contains all four types of volcanoes: composite, cinder cone, plug dome, and shield, all within its 165 square-mile area. Summer is the best time to visit, and peak season—although, as mentioned, even during its busiest time, it’s still far less crowded than Yellowstone. Here are the best nearby RV parks to camp out in while you adventure!
Why It’s a Great Alternative:
- Features boiling springs, fumaroles, and geysers like Yellowstone.
- Only 500,000 visitors per year compared to Yellowstone’s 4+ million.
Selection Methodology:
- Yellowstone’s geothermal areas are packed with visitors.
- Lassen provides similar geology without the traffic congestion.
- Visitor data comparison.
2. Budget-Friendly Alternative: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
Another lesser-known national park that offers a worthy alternative to Yellowstone National Park: Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which also bears the distinction of being among the best budget-friendly wildlife trips in the U.S. Known—among other things—for being a home where the buffalo roam, not to mention elk, wild horses, prairie dogs and more, Theodore Roosevelt National Park is so named because the 26th president of America loved this land and spent ample time here. In fact, the home he established in what was then the Dakota Territories, Elkhorn Ranch, is one of the three separate units of the park established and maintained along the Missouri River.
The actual park entry fees for Yellowstone and Theodore Roosevelt National Parks are identical: A single private vehicle (and all its passengers) can access the park for seven consecutive days for just $30. But because Theodore Roosevelt National Park is lesser known and less often visited, the local food, lodging, and fuel options aren’t as pricey as those you’re likely to find around Yellowstone. For best luck, try visiting during one of the shoulder seasons (May or June; September or October) for mild temperatures and even fewer crowds. Here’s where to camp.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Dramatic badlands landscapes and bison sightings.
- No expensive lodges, and park entry fees are reasonable..
- Similar remote landscape.
Methodology:
- Yellowstone lodging is pricey, while Theodore Roosevelt National Park is much more affordable.
- Compared entrance fees, lodging, and camping costs.
- Assessed the landscape and geological features for similarities.
3. Pet-Friendly Alternative: Bighorn National Forest, WY
When you’re traveling with pets, the national park system can present a challenge: many of the trails and wild areas in these parks are off-limits to dogs. For those of us who can’t imagine vacationing without our furry family members, that can be a big bummer… but one of the best ways to circumvent the problem is to find a national forest or BLM land that’s very close to the park borders, without actually being inside them.
For an alternative to Yellowstone National Park, it’s hard to beat Bighorn National Forest, which is located just about a hundred or so miles east of the national park as the crow flies (though the drive, thanks to the varied local geology, is substantially longer). The forest itself encompasses over 1.12 million acres, meaning it’s about half the size of Yellowstone—which is, of course, bigger than anyone could ever see completely in their lifetime. Better yet, dogs are allowed on most all of the designated hiking trails in the forest, as well as in campgrounds and picnic areas. They must be leashed and under control at all times, but still: nothing beats hiking with Fido! Here’s where to camp while you’re at it.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Dogs can explore the trails, unlike Yellowstone’s restrictions.
- Scenic drives, mountain peaks, and waterfalls.
Methodology:
- Yellowstone limits pet access, but Bighorn allows off-leash hiking.
- (Add another relevant point)
4. Family-Friendly Alternative: Custer State Park, SD
Another excellent alternative to Yellowstone National Park—especially for those on the hunt for family-friendly national parks—is South Dakota’s Custer State Park, a stunning landscape of granite peaks and, yes, more roving herds of buffalo. Tucked into the westernmost part of the state, an encapsulated section of the famous Black Hills, Custer State Park is an ideal choice for families because you can see a lot of it from the comfort of your vehicle—or take on some short, easy nature walks that can offer once-in-a-lifetime wildlife viewing opportunities for kids and adults alike.
Additionally, the areas surrounding Custer State Park, while perhaps on the pricier side by South Dakota metrics, tend to be less expensive than the areas around Yellowstone. When you have lots of little mouths to feed, finances always matter, which give this park an extra edge for families! It’s also an easy trip to pair up with a visit to Mount Rushmore or Badlands National Park—and there are plenty of excellent options for RV camping nearby!
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Scenic drives with bison herds.
- Kid-friendly nature walks and wildlife viewing.
Methodology:
- Yellowstone’s wildlife is amazing but difficult for families to navigate.
- Custer State Park provides a similar wildlife experience in a smaller, accessible space.
5. Outdoor Adventure Alternative: Sawtooth Mountains, ID
Don’t get us wrong: parts of Yellowstone are pretty darn wild. If you know where you’re going (and plan far enough in advance to get there before the traffic sets in), you can have a backcountry adventure in the oldest national park.
But for the most serious adventurers, any park with well-developed areas filled with screaming kids and harried parents is just a bit too much real life for a proper vacation. That’s why our chosen destination dupe for this class of traveler is Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountain range, which is tucked into the eastern edge of Boise National Forest (though depending on where, exactly, you’re headed, can be between a three- and five-hour drive from Boise proper). Punctuated with over 300 placid alpine lakes—which reflect swaths of colorful wildflowers if you visit during the bloom—the Sawtooth Mountains are home to a network of trails more than 700 miles long, and its many waterways make it a great option for canoeing, rafting, and fishing adventures. The granite peaks are also perfect for intrepid climbers and laid-back nature photographers alike. It’s true that the nearest RV campgrounds may be a little further afield, but it’s so worth the drive.
Why It’s a Great Dupe:
- Hiking, kayaking, and backcountry camping.
- Offers glacial lakes and alpine peaks.
Methodology:
- Yellowstone attracts hikers, climbers, and kayakers, Sawtooth offers the same wilderness access with less traffic.
From the Dakotas to California and in many states in between, there are beautiful landscapes that offer incredible destination alternatives to those interested in visiting Yellowstone National Park—and with an RVshare vehicle, you can enjoy them in comfort, no matter which one(s) you choose. Happy trails!
