Grand Canyon National Park (Photo: Envato)
The U.S. is home to 63 national parks, each one a protected slice of nature managed by the National Park Service. Some are famous for their waterfalls, others for their canyons, geysers, or coastal cliffs—but a handful consistently draw the biggest crowds. According to this updated list of the most visited U.S. national parks in 2024, Great Smoky Mountains once again came out on top, with over 12 million visitors. Grand Canyon, Zion, Rocky Mountain, and Yellowstone followed close behind. Glacier National Park climbed into the top 10 this year, while Joshua Tree dropped out.
National parks are more than scenic backdrops—they’re full of things to do. Whether you’re into hiking, climbing, wildlife spotting, or just looking for quiet time in nature, there’s something for everyone. These parks are also great for family trips, especially during school breaks.
Summer is the most popular time to go, but it also means heavier traffic and crowded trails. If you can swing it, April and October usually offer fewer crowds and more comfortable weather—though some parks still have snow or road closures in early spring. And for kosher travelers, it’s important to plan ahead: food options near the parks can be limited or seasonal, so doing some research before your trip makes all the difference.
Yellowstone National Park (Photo: Envato)
Finding Kosher Food at National Parks
Here’s a practical guide for finding kosher food while visiting some of the most popular U.S. national parks:
- Plan Ahead: Do your research before the trip. We’ve looked into several top national parks and included tips to make your planning easier.
- Bring Your Own Food: Kosher restaurants are rare near national parks, so plan to bring food with you. Stock up on groceries in nearby cities, and if you're staying in an Airbnb or rental cabin, you can kasher the kitchen and cook your own meals.
- Tap Local Resources: Reach out to the nearest Chabad house or local Jewish community. They may offer kosher items for sale—or at least let you know where to find kosher meat or chicken in the area.
- Pack the Essentials: Bring non-perishable, travel-friendly foods like tuna packets, PB&J, granola bars, crackers, canned goods, and dried fruit. Most of this can be picked up at major supermarkets before you enter the park area.
- Keep It Cold: A reliable cooler is a must if you’re bringing dairy products or meats. Some travelers even use dry ice for longer trips.
- Cook on the Go: If your park or rental allows it, bring a small portable stove, grill, or electric burner to prepare hot meals along the way.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Photo: Envato)
Discovering Kosher Food Options at the Top 10 Most Visited National Parks in 2024
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina/Tennessee)
Still holding its title as the most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains offer lush forests, waterfalls, and scenic drives. While there are no kosher establishments in the park itself, Chabad of Knoxville is located about an hour away and is a helpful resource. They can guide you to local supermarkets that carry kosher meat, dairy, and pantry staples.
Tip: Stop in Knoxville before heading to the park to stock up on kosher groceries, especially if you're planning to cook in a cabin or rental nearby.
2. Zion National Park (Utah)
Zion moved up to the #2 spot in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. With its dramatic red rock cliffs, scenic drives, and iconic hikes like Angels Landing, it continues to draw record crowds. The closest major city is St. George, about an hour away, where Chabad of Southern Utah offers Shabbat meals (with advance reservation) and can guide you to local stores that stock kosher products.
Bonus: Zion makes a great base for a wider Utah adventure. Bryce Canyon is just 2 hours away, and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon is about a 3-hour drive.
Zion National Park (Photo: Envato)
3. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
The Grand Canyon may have dropped a spot in the 2024 rankings, but it’s still one of the most iconic parks in the U.S. You can fly into several airports—Flagstaff is the closest (about 1.5 hours away), and it’s home to the Chabad of Flagstaff – Molly Blank Jewish Community Center, which offers Shabbat meals, kosher groceries, and even prepared gourmet meals through Kosher Canyon.
For more kosher options and a broader vacation experience, consider flying into Las Vegas or Phoenix. Both cities offer kosher restaurants and attractions, and the scenic drive from Phoenix to the South Rim is especially beautiful.
Bonus: If you're coming from Phoenix, consider stopping in Sedona for hiking, red rock views, and photo ops—it's along the way and well worth the detour.
Bonus: If you're coming from Phoenix, consider stopping in Sedona for hiking, red rock views, and photo ops—it's along the way and well worth the detour.
- Kosher and Jewish Life in Arizona
- Jewish Travel Destinations: Las Vegas Family Kosher Vacation Guide
- Kosher Travel Guide: Phoenix/Scottsdale
4. Yellowstone National Park (Idaho, Montana, Wyoming)
Yellowstone remains one of the most visited parks, thanks to its geysers, hot springs, and roaming bison. The most convenient airport is Jackson Hole, just outside Grand Teton National Park, which connects directly to Yellowstone’s southern entrance. In Jackson, you’ll find the Chabad of Wyoming, which offers Shabbat meals and kosher takeout with 48-hour advance notice. Local supermarkets in the area also carry some kosher items.
Tip: Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park are right next to each other—many travelers visit both in one trip.
Rocky Mountain National Park (Photo: Envato)
5. Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
Just 1.5 to 2 hours from Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park is known for its alpine lakes, hiking trails, and incredible wildlife. Denver is the best base for kosher travelers, with several kosher restaurants, bakeries, and well-stocked supermarkets—perfect for picking up supplies before heading into the mountains.
Tip: If you're staying in Estes Park (a popular gateway to the park), consider bringing a cooler and a small cooking setup—there are no kosher options once you leave Denver.
Yosemite National Park (Photo: Envato)
6. Yosemite National Park (California)
Yosemite has earned its place as one of America’s most legendary parks, with jaw-dropping scenery that includes granite cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient sequoias. You can fly into Fresno or Mammoth Lakes, depending on the season. Just be aware: Tioga Pass, the road connecting Mammoth to Yosemite’s eastern entrance, often remains closed until late spring or early summer—sometimes as late as July—due to snow.
In Fresno, local supermarkets carry kosher products, and Chabad of Fresno offers kosher catering with advance notice. Chabad of Mammoth Lakes can also be a helpful resource if you're coming from the east side.
Tip: If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, double-check road conditions—your access point into Yosemite may depend on which side of the Sierra Nevada you’re coming from.
Acadia National Park (Photo: Envato)
7. Acadia National Park (Maine)
Located in Bar Harbor, Acadia offers rugged coastlines, forested trails, and scenic ocean views. The nearest airport is just outside town, making access easy. While there’s no Chabad in Bar Harbor itself, local supermarkets carry a limited selection of kosher items, and the Shore Path Cottage, a kosher bed and breakfast, is just minutes from the park. It’s open May through October, and books up quickly—so plan ahead.
Another option is to fly into Bangor, about an hour away. There, you’ll find a Chabad center and multiple supermarkets with kosher food. Bangor also makes a great stop for museums, restaurants, and other attractions before heading to the coast.
Tip: If you're staying in Bar Harbor, bring a cooler or plan your meals in advance—once you're in town, kosher options are limited and seasonal.
Olympic National Park (Photo: Envato)
8. Olympic National Park (Washington)
Olympic climbed from #10 to #8 in 2024, thanks to its diverse landscapes—rugged coastline, temperate rainforests, and alpine peaks all in one park. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle-Tacoma Airport, making it an easy addition to a Seattle-based trip.
Seattle is a great place to stock up on kosher food before heading out. The city has kosher restaurants, markets, and catering services, plus plenty of attractions to round out your vacation.
Tip: Consider spending Shabbat in Seattle before or after your time in the park—it's one of the strongest kosher hubs in the Pacific Northwest.
Grand Teton National Park (Photo: Envato)
9. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
Grand Teton dropped slightly in the 2024 rankings, moving from #8 to #9, but it remains a favorite for its dramatic mountain views and outdoor adventures. Just a 10-minute drive from the Chabad of Wyoming in Jackson and about 30 minutes south of Yellowstone, it's a convenient and scenic stop—especially if you're planning to visit both parks.
Beyond the views, Grand Teton is a haven for active travelers. Go hiking, white-water rafting, kayaking, or even water-skiing on Jackson Lake.
Tip: Jackson is your best bet for kosher support in the area. Stock up on groceries there, and reach out to Chabad in advance if you’d like Shabbat meals or kosher takeout.
10. Glacier National Park (Montana)
Glacier officially made the top 10 most-visited national parks in 2024, welcoming about 3.21 million visitors—a new milestone for the park’s rugged beauty and hiking appeal. Set amid the dramatic Rocky Mountains in northern Montana, Glacier is known for its glacier-carved valleys, sparkling alpine lakes, and epic vistas. It’s a wilderness lover’s dream.
The nearest Chabad is Chabad of the Flathead Valley in Kalispell (about a 30–45 minute drive from the park). They offer Shabbat meals, services, information, and guidance for kosher travelers. Additionally, local supermarkets in Kalispell and Whitefish stock kosher essentials, making it easy to shop before heading into the park.
Tip: Glacier uses a vehicle reservation system for Going‑to‑the‑Sun Road during peak season to ease congestion—check in advance and plan your kosher food shopping accordingly, ideally a day before your drive.
Glacier National Park (Photo: Envato)
Honorable Mention – Joshua Tree National Park (California)
Joshua Tree dropped just outside the top 10 in 2024, coming in at #11, but it’s still a popular destination—especially in the cooler months. The park’s surreal desert landscape, hiking trails, and stargazing opportunities draw visitors year-round.
Joshua Tree is conveniently close to Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage, making it relatively easy to find kosher food. Chabad of Palm Springs is about an hour away, while Chabad of Rancho Mirage is just 45 minutes from the park. Both offer catering services (availability varies, so it’s best to check in advance), and local supermarkets carry kosher items as well.
Tip: This area is great for a multi-day trip—combine your desert hikes with time at a local resort or a visit to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
Essential Tips for a Smooth National Park Adventure (Updated for 2025)
- Entrance Passes: Most national parks require an entrance pass. If you’re visiting more than a couple of parks in a year, the America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) is worth it. It covers entry fees at over 2,000 federal recreation sites. Purchase or learn more on the official NPS site
- Vehicle Reservations & Timed Entry: Some parks (like Glacier, Yosemite, and Arches) require a separate timed-entry or vehicle reservation, even if you have a valid pass. These are managed through Recreation.gov. Reservations often open months in advance and fill quickly—plan ahead.
- Check for Real-Time Updates: Always visit the National Park Service website before your trip for the latest on road closures, wildfire alerts, weather conditions, and construction delays. Some parks also post live webcam feeds and social media alerts.
- Cell Reception is Still Spotty: Most national parks still have little to no reception. Download maps offline ahead of time (Google Maps, Gaia GPS, or AllTrails). Paper maps from visitor centers are still helpful too.
- Bring the Basics—and Then Some: Stock up on water, sunscreen, bug spray, hats, and layered clothing. Many areas experience sudden weather shifts, especially in high elevations.
- Accommodations Fill Up Fast: Lodges, cabins, and even campgrounds inside or near national parks are often booked months in advance. Look for nearby Airbnb or vacation rental options if park lodging is full—and if you're koshering a kitchen, confirm the setup in advance.
- Don't Skip the Park App: Many parks now use the NPS App, which offers offline maps, audio guides, and trail info. It’s helpful if you’re navigating without cell service.
- Kosher Food Planning: Kosher options near national parks remain limited and often seasonal. Shop in nearby cities, bring a cooler, and consider bringing a portable burner or grill for simple meals on the go.