The best places to stay on your next national park visit
These unique hotels put you steps away from America’s most breathtaking national parks, making spring break adventures effortless and unforgettable.
By Shayla Martin | November 13, 2025
Although spring break is often another way to say, “beach vacation,” there are more options to choose from for a phenomenal getaway. The warm and breezy spring months are perfect for exploring the dramatic landscapes of America’s national parks as trails reopen after winter, wildflowers bloom, and wildlife stirs. The best places to stay for a national park vacation offer cozy accommodations with group and family-friendly layouts, putting you right at nature’s doorstep while ensuring modern comforts and thoughtful amenities.
Your spring break adventure starts here
Zion National Park
For couples or groups looking to bond over outdoor adventure, AutoCamp Zion, located just outside Zion National Park, offers the ideal spring break home base. Choose between sleek Airstream suites and modern cabins that sleep up to four or opt for luxury tents that sleep up to six, making it easy for friends and families to share space without sacrificing privacy. Soak in the area’s natural beauty with one of the experiences offered by AutoCamp Zion, including rock climbing tours, guided hikes through the Narrows, mountain biking, and stargazing. Don't miss the nearby Zion Canyon Hot Springs for a soak in natural geothermal pools. After a day of adventure, gather with your crew for nostalgic storytelling around your private fire pit or enjoy local beer and wine at the communal lounge.
White Sands National Park
Parents planning for a spring break vacation with kids will love how Hampton Inn Alamogordo makes a family trip to White Sands National Park stress-free and exciting. Located less than 20 minutes from the park’s sparkling white dunes, the hotel offers free hot breakfast to fuel a day of dune sledding and sandcastle building, plus an indoor pool for unwinding afterward. Beyond the national park, the hotel’s ideal location also places you within easy distance from other attractions, like Alameda Park Zoo and the New Mexico Museum of Space History. With family-friendly amenities like a snack shop, Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton™, and pet-friendly policies so you can bring your furry family member along, Hampton Inn Alamogordo is a perfect choice for spring break.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Couples and solo travelers will find a peaceful stay and panoramic views at Park Vista – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel – Gatlinburg. The lodge-style property sits 1,000 feet (305 meters) above Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with private balconies and mountain-view rooms and suites setting the stage for quiet mornings with coffee or romantic evenings watching the sunset. After days spent exploring the park’s wildflower trails, waterfalls, and rock formations, guests can return to an Appalachian-inspired dinner of Tennessee whiskey-infused ribeye steaks and southern bourbon pecan pie at Vista Grill restaurant. Cocktails at Firefly’s Patio Lounge or a relaxing soak in the indoor whirlpool make for the perfect nightcap. With its tranquil setting and easy access to both nature and Gatlinburg’s downtown scene, it’s a restorative spring break escape.
Shayla Martin
Shayla Martin is an award-winning travel and culture journalist based in Washington, D.C. Find her work in outlets including The New York Times, Architectural Digest, Coastal Living, Hemispheres, Veranda Magazine, and many more. She specializes in content about Black history and culture, luxury travel, historic preservation, wellness, interior design, and personal narrative topics. She is also the founder of The Road We Trod, a bi-weekly newsletter that explores travel destinations through the Black gaze.
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