5 New U.S. National Parks

New national parks pop up more often than you might think. Since 1916, The National Park Service (NPS) has preserved and managed over 60 national parks, with new additions constantly in the running. Let’s check out some of the newest U.S. national parks and why you should absolutely bake them into your travel plans.

America’s Newest National Park: New River Gorge, West Virginia

Like many national parks, New River Gorge was a revered area long before it was christened with official park status in 2020. Native tribes frequented this river valley long before Europeans arrived. The gorge’s wealth of natural resources, peaceful settings, and abundant wildlife have drawn humans here for eons. 

New River Gorge National Park is situated in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia along a river that has cut a beautiful path through the area. The result is a ruggedly beautiful forested canyon with many opportunities for hiking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and more. 

The park is RV-friendly camping at a number of spots.

Dunetastic Outdoors’ing: Indiana Dunes National Park

This sandy spot was founded as a new national park in 2019. Situated along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park is one of the few national parks that provides peaceful nature within the range of a sprawling city. 

Chicago is a short drive from Indiana Dunes, as are other cities like Gary, IN, and Fort Wayne, IN. This national park features towering dunes, sandy beaches, and lush forests, making the area a local treasure for centuries. Due to its special combination of serenity and accessibility, it’s also long been a haven for birdwatchers and hikers. 

New national parks never spring from thin air, rather, they are christened with this honor only after a long history of appreciation and support from people who frequent the area. Indiana Dunes has been a popular natural oasis for a very long time, so it’s only fitting that it would achieve national park status. 

Find Indiana Dunes RV camping.

Sun-Soaked Sands: White Sands National Park, New Mexico 

White Sands National Park has been recognized as a national monument since 1933. In 2019, the NPS elevated the status of these gypsum dunes to a new national park. 

The place is eerily beautiful because of its towering dunes that shape-shift with the winds. It’s like being surrounded by white mountains that move at the whims of Mother Nature. Activities abound here, too. Parkgoers explore the dunes on foot and by softly sledding down them.

Sunset here is otherworldly. The white gypsum sands glisten as the last beams of sunlight stream across the horizon. The towering mountains beyond the dunes also reflect the sunset, ending the night in a burst of color you won’t find in any other place. 

Check out these Good Sam RV Parks near White Sands National Park.

Gateway to New National Parks: The St. Louis Arch

Yep, you read that right — the iconic arch in STL is one of America’s newest national parks. This one is all about the history. Folks have flocked to this site since 1963 to celebrate St. Louis’s status and past as the Gateway to the West. 

The pristine grounds and artistic arch pay homage to the history of our country. Park guests can explore the museum to discover more about St. Louis and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Once done, ride to the top of the arch via a unique tram system for sweeping views of the city along the Mississippi River. 

RV camping near the St. Louis Gateway Arch.

The Pinnacle of New National Parks: Pinnacles National Park

This park’s history began 23 million years ago with volcanic eruptions, culminating in its christening as a national park in 2013. Pinnacles National Park in Central California is another long-loved natural area that was recently given its due. 

While it may technically be the oldest park on this new park list, it’s still the most striking. The park features stunning rock formations, tall spires, craggy peaks, and secret caves that are a mecca for hikers and rock climbers from around the globe. Wildlife lovers can even spot California condors, prairie falcons, and other creatures unique to this ecosystem. 

Guide to Pinnacles National Park RV Camping.

The newest U.S. national parks are created via a thoughtful and deliberative process that ensures new parks continue rolling into the system. In all cases, the areas that are designated as national parks have a long history of appreciation that has led to locals pushing for their recognition. Next time you’re on the road, refer back to this list to discover a new national park near your route.

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Source: https://www.rv.com/lifestyle-travel/newest-national-parks/