Top Summer National Park Vacations

The Resort at Paws Up is the perfect place for a summer getaway, and not just because of its close proximity to a spectacular national park.

The stunning Glacier National Park is only an hour away from The Resort at Paws Up, but there is plenty to do all around you if you look. Montana offers breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains and access to worn trails, where you can horseback or hike into the wilderness. Located within the golden triangle of Western trout fishing, you'll find renowned rivers, Blackfoot, Bitterroot, Missouri, and Rock Creek, on the property or close to the resort. The Resort at Paws Up features lavish vacation homes and luxury tents with five-star amenities. Choose from two to four bedrooms that can sleep up to eight guests with spacious master suites, full kitchens, lofted bedrooms and a private deck overlooking Big Sky Country. Luxury tents have a dining pavilion, jetted tubs in full bathrooms, and can sleep up to six people on the banks of the river.

Address

40060 Paws Up Rd. Greenough, Montana 59823

Highlights

The Resort at Paws Up offers pet-friendly accommodations for those who prefer to travel with their four-legged companion.

Related Onsite Offerings

When you stay with The Resort at Paws Up, you can indulge in self care with a massage, facial, or restoring body wrap while relaxing under a tent.

Located on the shores of Flathead Lake, Averill's Flathead Lake Lodge is everything you except in an unforgettable dude ranch vacation - plus so much more.

Here, you can breathe in the refreshing, natural air all around and indulge in a variety of exciting recreation options onsite and nearby. With Glacier National Park just 35 miles away, it's easy to explore this magnificent setting and have fun while you do it. Endless ranch activities are available right onsite for you to enjoy throughout your stay. Horseback riding is a must here; take some private lessons if it's your first time, and then join in on the relaxing guided rides around the ranch's 2,000 acre property. Flathead Lake is just steps away and offers everything from sailing trips to quiet canoe and kayak rides across the water. If you're looking for something offsite, Glacier National Park is only a 45-minute drive away and offers some of the best hiking and sight-seeing in the area. Take a hiking trip through the many trails and bring your camera along to catch photos of the local wildlife. The breathtaking views and crisp environment is sure to help clear your mind on your outdoor adventure!

Address

150 Flathead Lodge Road Bigfork, Montana 59911

Highlights

After a long day of excitement, you're sure to build up quite a hunger. There's nothing more satisfying than settling down for a hearty meal and the Lodge at Averill's prepares some incredible Western dishes that will have you full in no time!

Related Onsite Offerings

Onsite at Averill's you will have access to tennis courts, beach volleyball, basketball courts, bike rentals, and activities such as scavenger hunts, arts & crafts, and much more. There's never a dull moment at this Montana getaway!

Only two miles away from Mt. Rushmore, Rushmore Express is the ultimate destination for your South Dakota vacation. Here, you will love the comfort and convenience of their centrally located accommodations. You're sure to feel right at home with free wireless internet, microwaves and refrigerators, flat screen LCD cable TVs, an onsite pool and fitness center. The hotel offers everything you need to unwind easily together with your family, friends, or that special someone you're traveling with. When it comes to the entertainment, Rushmore Express makes it easy to visit all that the Black Hills have to offer. Start with Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, and then enjoy visiting the many other national parks and monuments in the area. The incredible Badlands National Park is over 200,000 acres of stunning formations and trails for hiking explorations and wildlife viewing. The park offers two overnight campgrounds for visitors so you can make a full day out of your visit! Wind Cave National Park is another destination full of unique wonders. Thought to be one of the oldest caves in the world, Wind Cave was discovered in 1881 and provides travelers a truly exceptional experience.

Address

320 Old Cemetery Road Keystone, SD 57751

Related activities

The Black Hills feature some of outstanding national parks and monuments and Mt. Rushmore is only the beginning. Rushmore Express is located in the middle of all these magnificent sites, so you don't have to spend too much time figuring out how to get where you want to go. Visit everything from Crazy Horse Memorial to the Jewel Cave National Monument to Custer State Park!

Related Onsite Offerings

If you're planning a getaway with the team or a group, not to worry! Rushmore Express offers function facilities that can accommodate up to 60 people for reunions, meetings and much more!

If you’re thinking of vacationing in Yosemite, California, look no further than Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders to find accommodations just minutes from all the marvels and glorious sites of Yosemite.

Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders Vacation Rentals has over 115 properties to choose from, offering guests three different locations that are each unique to the Park. Each location offers a great starting point for adventuring in and around Yosemite’s High Sierras. Just like hotels, Yosemite does not charge upfront cleaning fees, but unlike hotels, you will experience the space, privacy, and intimacy of your very own vacation home. Yosemite’s Scenic Wonders offers home, cabin, and condominium accommodations that are directly within the gates or on the borders of Yosemite National Park. Make sure to experience the wonders of Yosemite National Park while you're staying in Gold Country. Explore the 800 miles of trails via hiking and biking, float down the Merced River, or rock climb Yosemite's Half Dome that draws thousands of climbers from all over the world every year. If you feel like you need some guidance, let a National Park Service ranger give you the scoop on the history and ecology of the Park, as well as provide an insider’s take on the best things to do there.

Address

7403 Yosemite Park Way. Yosemite, CA 95389

Related activities

Yosemite can be a great place for artists as well as outdoor enthusiasts. Try the free daily outdoor classes at Yosemite Art and Education Center or have a professional photographers take you on a photographic journey into the park that inspired Ansel Adams.

Fun facts

Yosemite's Scenic Wonders has been family owned and operated since 1988.

Discover the incredible Black Hills of South Dakota when you stay at the Hisega Lodge Bed & Breakfast. This charming inn is ideally located just minutes away from some of the most incredible Black Hills attractions and sites, while offering cozy accommodations and amenities to keep you comfortable throughout your stay. Start every morning off right with one of their delicious breakfasts before wandering out to explore all that this area has to offer. Take in the stunning views of the Black Hills on a hiking trip right from the lodge; plenty of forest trails await outside your door and take you around the area so you can bask in the lush surroundings. Or, head over to Mickelson Trail, a great spot for biking as well as hiking! For more adventure, visit the nearby Badlands National Park, 244,000 acres of breathtaking geologic deposits, canyons, and wildlife. Climb up the rocks, catch some photos of the bison or bighorn sheep you might see, and make some memories that will last a lifetime!

Address

23101 Triangle Trail Rapid City, South Dakota 57702

Related activities

When you visit the Black Hills, you can't go without a visit to Mt. Rushmore. Hisega Lodge is located a short drive away from this national landmark, so you can easily make a day-trip out of the experience! Other local attractions are Custer State Park, Crazy Horse Memorial and the Reptile Gardens!

Related Onsite Offerings

Rapid Creek is located just a few steps from the Hisega Lodge and is perfect for fly-fishing enthusiasts of all ages!

Encompassing 522,419 acres of stunning peaks, ridges and forests, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States. When you stay with Eagles Ridge Resort in Pigeon Forge, this magnificent natural destination is just outside your front door. Only a mile away from the resort, you can easily spend each day exploring every nook and cranny of this stunning park during your summer vacation. With an impressive 850 miles of trails, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's dream come true. In the summer, the lush forests will surround you on your trip to the many mountain streams, waterfalls and cascades throughout the park. If you'd rather try out something else, head over to Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile road that's popular for park biking. Anglers are also sure to have an unforgettable time here; with over 2,000 miles of streams the park is teeming with coolwater smallmouth bass, rainbow and brook trout, among others, so it's easy to cast your line for that trophy catch!

Highlights

While you're sure to see many wildlife, flora and fauna, you're probably not expecting to find historic buildings in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Over 90 historic buildings are located within the park; old houses, barns, churches and even schools have been preserved and even rehabilitated!

Related activities

Make sure to bring your binoculars and your camera for a truly unforgettable birding experience. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 240 species of birds! Keep your eyes open for the rare species as they fly around!

Related Onsite Offerings

After a long day of exploration at the national park, return to your home-away-from-home at Eagles Ridge and enjoy the comfort of your cozy cabin. Plus, onsite you will find an outdoor swimming pool with deck for sunbathing and unwinding!

Kandahar Lodge offers cozy comfort and is located less than an hour from Glacier National Park, making it the perfect home base for your next summer vacation.

Kandahar Lodge is located only 30 miles from the west entrance of Glacier National Park. Come experience Glacier’s pristine forests, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker’s dream. Visitors can also fish in specified lakes, do a guided horseback ride, or bike along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Kandahar Lodge features 50 recently renovated rooms and Cafe Kandahar, an upscale restaurant serving thoughtfully constructed cuisine accompanied by an extensive wine list. Come back after a long day of exploring Glacier and enjoy a massage at The Studio at Kandahar Lodge.

Address

3824 Big Mountain Road, Whitefish, MT 59937

Population

The population of Whitefish, Montana is 7,608.

Related Onsite Offerings

While staying at Kandahar Lodge, make sure to grab a drink at their Snug Bar, featuring fabulous wine, exciting mixology, and yummy appetizers.

Utah is home to some of the world’s most beautiful parks. Whether you are looking to stay somewhere in the heart of nature or wanting to go out and see it for yourself, adventure awaits you at Red Cliffs Lodge.

Set in Moab, the lodge is 14 miles up on the part of the Colorado River with some of the best white water rapids in all of Utah. The cliffs towering over the lodge provide a grand and epic scale. If you feel like you’re in a movie don’t be surprised. It is a filming location of several films -- enough so that Red Cliffs Lodge is home to the Moab Museum of Film and Western Heritage. Beyond the mystical surroundings of the lodge are many more various parks including Arches National Park and Castle Valley. Take a day hiking or horseback riding the rugged desert taking in the charm searching for dinosaur tracks or petroglyphs. Make your way back and dine at intimate The Cowboy Grill to see an unforgettable sunset!

Address

Mile Post 14 Hwy 128 Moab, Utah 84532

Highlights

Onsite is the Castle Creek Winery, the largest winery in all of Utah. There they feature daily wine tastings and a private deck overlooking the Colorado River.

Related Onsite Offerings

On top of the beautiful location, the lodge also has a pool, spa, and newly created tennis courts at the foot of the cliffs.

Just four miles from Arches National Park is one of Moab's finest lodges. Big Horn Lodge is committed to making every one of their guests Moab experience unforgettable.

Big Horn guarantees every one of their Southwestern-style rooms is clean and smoke-free and even grants you the opportunity to keep your mountain bike in your room. If you are not so much a biker though no worries, Big Horn is a one stop shop! The front desk staff can book Moab area attractions such as whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and more. Besides being nearby Arches National Park, Big Horn is also close to Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. Make a day trip to one of them, or roam Moab and take in all the natural beauty Southeastern Utah has to offer!

Address

550 South Main Moab, Utah 84532

Related activities

Among other things, the Moab area also offers numerous tours. Jet boat tours on the Colorado River is a popular one as well as canyoneering with a guide.

Related Onsite Offerings

If you are wanting to hang back for the day, Big Horn has an outdoor heated pool as well as the Moab Grill Restaurant.

Natural wonders are all around when you stay at the Jackson Lake Lodge. Surrounded by the stunning Grand Teton National Park, this Wyoming destination is everything you need in outdoor adventures and relaxation. Just from your own accommodation you can catch glimpses of moose, elk and bison in the area and take in the stunning peaks of the Grand Teton Range! Of course, don't spend all your time just looking - head out to explore all that this wonderland has to offer. At over 300,000 miles, the park is known for its many outdoor recreation options. During the summer months, you will be able to enjoy the majestic views in a variety of ways. Over 200 miles of trails are available for the adventurous hiker, while the Snake River is exactly what you need for relaxing float trips and cruises. The Jenny and Jackson Lakes allow motorized boats for fishing excursions. And if that's not enough, Jackson Lake Lodge provides horseback riding trips through the park as well! Take in the refreshing atmosphere as you wander through the trails and get a first-hand look at all the surroundings!

Address

Highway 89, 5 Miles North of Moran Moran, WY 83013

Highlights

The Grand Teton National Park offers backcountry camping so you can get the full experience on your getaway!

Related Onsite Offerings

While the park offers endless excitement, you might want to take it slow for a moment and that's where Jackson Lake Lodge has you covered. An onsite pool lets you rest your sore muscles after a long day, while the Mural Room serves up delicious meals to enjoy!

Summer adventures are truly endless when you stay at the Izaak Walton Inn & Resort!

Resting on the border of the beautiful Glacier National Park, this family-owned destination offers some of the best outdoor adventures without ever having to go too far. The Middle and North Forks of the Flathead River form the southern and western boundaries of the national park and make for some incredible fly-fishing and whitewater rafting adventures. If you'd rather stay dry on your Montana vacation, then explore the wonders of the landscapes on a hiking trip; the park features over 700 miles of trails! Or, you can take a drive down the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile trip that winds through the middle of the park and offers some of the best views. After a long day, return to the Izaak Walton and enjoy the comfort of your home-away-from-home. In keeping with the era the resort was built, Izaak Walton does not feature televisions, telephones, air conditioning, or in-room coffee makers. Instead, you can leave behind the distractions and focus on your endless Glacier, Montana adventures with your family or group!

Address

290 Izaak Walton Inn Rd. Essex, MT 59916

Highlights

Izaak Walton Inn features some luxury railcar accommodations that are restored within historic locomotives. These unique lodging options offer modern touches such as a kitchenette and flat-screen televisions. They're perfect for couples and small families!

Fun facts

Glacier National Park is also known as the "Crown of the Continent."

In the heart of national and state park country in Cedar City is the Abbey Inn.

Abbey Inn’s location gives visitors a slew of parks to choose from. Just within an easy drive is The Grand Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and Bryce Canyon National Park. Hiking and exploring these parks is a must for anyone who visits Utah and stays at the Abbey Inn. Entertainment is just around the corner as well with the annual Utah Shakespeare Festival. Every summer, Southern Utah University hosts a myriad of plays both from Shakespeare’s work and a few other notable shows. Booking at Abbey Inn will get you discounted tickets so you can relive some of the greatest stories ever told!

Address

940 West 200 North Cedar City, Utah 84720

Number of resorts

Abbey Inn consists of 83 luxurious rooms and suites equipped with satellite television and free high speed internet access.

Related Onsite Offerings

Other amenities of Abbey Inn also include an indoor spa and pool, bus tours, and a free full breakfast.

As a West Virginia getaway that seems to have everything a nature-lover could ask for and more, Windwood Fly-In Resort offers visitors a 4-season paradise.

Sitting high in the Allegheny Mountain Range, not only will you have unforgettable views but you'll have no shortage of exploration opportunities. The alpine valley it is located in is surrounded by the Dolly Sods and Otter Creek Wilderness areas like the Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley State Parks. Enjoy the fresh outdoors hiking, mountain biking, fishing, horseback riding, and hunting, or make your way into civilization and try your hand at golfing in the summer and skiing in the winter. So whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or an extended trip of rediscovery, Windwood will have you covered.

Address

43 Amelia Drive Davis, WV 26260

Highlights

Windwood Fly-In Resort is named such for a reason: they operate 3,000 feet of paved runway with pilot activated lights.

Related Onsite Offerings

Don't forget to plan a meal at Amelia’s Restaurant onsite for some delicious cuisine!

Start your day with an adventure and end it with rest and satisfaction at the deluxe accommodations of Cottonwood Meadow Lodge.

Consisting of four unique lodges spanning onsiste over 50 acres, Cottonwood Meadow Lodge is the destination for explorers and tranquility seekers alike. Being the perfect medium between being close to parks and cities but also being far enough away to make you feel solitary. Outdoor recreation is a major activity, with Southern Utah lending itself well. Hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are great ways to explore Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park while fly-fishing is also made easy with over 40 streams, rivers, and lakes nearby. Time is also well spent on the property where the beautiful open meadow provides a picturesque scene complete with horses and chickens roaming the grounds. End your day gathered around the firepit while stargazing at the vast night sky.

Address

US Highway 89 P.O. Box 41 Panguitch Utah 84759

Related activities

You won’t have to travel far to cast your fishing pole — Cottonwood Meadow Lodge has a two-acre pond teeming with Rainbow and Brown trout. You can even obtain a fishing license onsite!

Related Onsite Offerings

The lodge is also a great place for corporate events, family reunions, and retreats where the unique and serene setting and awe-inspiring terrain will put your event over the top.

Allstar Lodging offers the Shenandoah Valley's most extensive variety of lodging, suited for any Virginia vacation. The adventurer and the romantic in you will love it here amid the scenic Allegheny and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Explore nearby Shenandoah National Park that expands over 200,000 acres of protected lands. Here you'll come across cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and quiet wooded hollows. Hiking and biking are great options on land while canoeing down the rivers will provide you glimpses into the natural habitats of a host of animals. When you're not out exploring, simply relax and enjoy the privacy that comes with your rental or venture into town for some great entertainment and dining options.

Address

803 E. Main St. Luray, VA 22835

Highlights

Allstar Lodging recently introduced Concierge Services for guests so they can provide as many fun-filled, adventurous opportunities for everyone.

Related Onsite Offerings

If you are looking to treat your special someone on a romantic getaway, Allstar Lodging will assist you with offerings like floral arrangements, catered dinners, and in-room massages.

Located just 45 minutes from Yellowstone National Park's West Entrance, Moonlight Vacation Rentals offers the perfect basecamp for any summer outdoor enthusiast. From hiking tours to whitewater adventures, Moonlight Vacation Rentals is close to all the action!

Specializing in mountain lodging ranging from two, three, and four-bedroom homes, condos, and cabins, Moonlight Vacation Rentals is more than worthy of consideration. With seemingly unfettered access to everything Yellowstone has to offer, you'll be delighted to be within proximity to one of the nation's most prized treasures. Explore an impressive selection of vacation options from Moonlight Vacation Rentals!

Address

Big Sky, Montana 59716

Mountain range

Rocky Mountains

Related activities

From whitewater rafting to wildlife photography, there is rarely a dull moment at Yellowstone National Park! Thankfully, Moonlight Rentals has the perfect basecamp for exploration and discovery awaiting your presence.

North Forty Resort puts you in the heart of some of the most exciting places in all of Montana.

Their 40-acre resort puts them just minutes away from fun towns like Whitefish and Bigfork, as well as the majestic Glacier National Park. After you’ve settled into your cabin onsite, be sure to explore the various wooded paths you’ll have access to just steps outside. Beyond that, spend your Montana vacation however you please! Pack for a picnic and make the convenient half-hour drive to Glacier National Park where you will take in amazing and natural splendor, or dine out at a restaurant after a day shopping in one of the nearby towns. For both sightseers and outdoor enthusiasts, North Forty Resort is the perfect place for you.

Address

3765 MT-40 W, Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Highlights

The 22 individual log cabins offer the rustic comfort of an outdoor getaway, but with the modern touches of a five-star resort, such as full kitchens, free wireless internet, and cozy porches.

Fun facts

Glacier National Park contains over 350 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and six National Historic Landmarks.