A national park is a designated area of land protected by a government for the purpose of conserving its natural environment, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
These parks are often characterized by their scenic landscapes, unique ecosystems, and opportunities for public enjoyment and education. National parks can include mountains, forests, deserts, wetlands, coastlines, and other natural features.
They are managed to preserve their ecological integrity while allowing people to experience and appreciate their beauty and significance.
PEOPLE ENJOY NATIONAL PARKS FOR SEVERAL REASONS:
Natural Beauty: National parks often showcase some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled landscapes in a country. Visitors are drawn to the dramatic views, peaceful surroundings, and seasonal changes that offer something new each time they return.
Wildlife Viewing: These protected areas provide safe habitats for many species of plants and animals, some of which may be rare or endangered. Visitors have the chance to observe wildlife in their natural environment, which can be both educational and inspiring.
Recreational Activities: National parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, birdwatching, photography, and sometimes climbing or boating. These activities allow people to connect with nature and engage in healthy, active lifestyles.
Educational Value: Many national parks have visitor centers, guided tours, and interpretive programs that teach about ecology, geology, history, and conservation. This helps deepen the public’s understanding of the natural world and the importance of preserving it.
Cultural and Historical Significance: In addition to natural features, some national parks protect historic sites, ancient ruins, or culturally significant landscapes that reflect the heritage of indigenous peoples or national history.
Escape and Solitude: For many, national parks offer a retreat from the stress and noise of urban life. The peaceful setting allows for relaxation, reflection, and a sense of renewal.
Overall, national parks are treasured for their ability to inspire awe, foster appreciation for the natural world, and provide meaningful experiences that people carry with them long after their visit ends.
There are many places that people commonly believe are national parks, though technically they are not. These places may be stunning natural areas, well-known tourist destinations, or federally managed lands with similar protections, but they fall under different designations. The confusion often comes from their beauty, popularity, or the fact that they are operated by federal agencies.
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES AND TYPES OF PLACES THAT ARE OFTEN MISTAKEN FOR NATIONAL PARKS BUT ARE NOT:
National Forests
Many people confuse national forests with national parks because they are also large, scenic, and publicly accessible. However, national forests are managed by the U.S. Forest Service under the Department of Agriculture, not the National Park Service.
Unlike national parks, national forests allow more varied uses such as logging, mining, and off-road vehicle access in certain areas. Examples include Pisgah National Forest in North Carolina and White River National Forest in Colorado.
National Monuments
Some national monuments are just as striking as national parks and are also managed by the National Park Service or other federal agencies. The key difference is how they are established—national monuments are typically created by presidential proclamation under the Antiquities Act, while Congress designates national parks.
Devils Tower in Wyoming and Bears Ears in Utah are examples of national monuments that many visitors assume are national parks.
State Parks
Certain state parks are so expansive and well-maintained that they feel like national parks. These are managed by state governments and can be incredibly popular for hiking, camping, and sightseeing.
Examples include Niagara Falls State Park in New York and Custer State Park in South Dakota. Their size, amenities, and scenic appeal often lead people to assume they are part of the national park system.
National Recreation Areas
Places like Lake Mead or Golden Gate are designated as national recreation areas and may be managed by the National Park Service, but they focus more on outdoor leisure activities than strict conservation. Their size and natural beauty contribute to the confusion with national parks.
National Seashores and National Lakeshores
These areas are often mistaken for national parks because of their pristine landscapes, trails, and visitor centers. Examples include Cape Cod National Seashore in Massachusetts and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. While managed by the National Park Service, they carry different designations and purposes, emphasizing the preservation of coastal or lakeside environments.
Tribal and Private Lands
There are awe-inspiring locations on Native American reservations or privately owned lands that many people mistakenly think are national parks. Monument Valley in Arizona and Utah is one example. While it looks like a national park and is heavily photographed, it is actually part of the Navajo Nation and is managed by the tribal government.
WHY THE CONFUSION HAPPENS
The confusion arises because these places often look and feel like national parks. They have similar scenic qualities, visitor infrastructure, and are widely covered in travel media. People also tend to associate any large, majestic landscape with the National Park Service, even when the land is under different management.
Knowing the distinction helps travelers understand who manages the land, what rules apply, and what the priorities are—whether it’s preservation, recreation, resource use, or cultural heritage. Each designation comes with its own story and purpose, which adds to the richness of the American outdoor experience.
A lot of effort goes into preserving and maintaining these special places, even when they aren’t officially national parks. Many non-national park sites manage to keep their areas just as clean, safe, scenic, and well-kept through a combination of funding sources, dedicated management, and strong community or cultural involvement.
HERE ARE SEVERAL KEY REASONS WHY THESE PLACES ARE KEPT UP SO WELL—SOMETIMES EVEN BETTER THAN SOME NATIONAL PARKS:
Strong Management by Other Government Agencies
While the National Park Service manages national parks, many non-park lands are cared for by other capable agencies:
U.S. Forest Service maintains national forests and often provides excellent upkeep of campgrounds, trails, and recreation areas.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees vast lands, especially in the western U.S., and works hard to balance public access with conservation.
State park agencies often have well-funded and well-staffed programs, especially in states that value outdoor recreation and tourism.
Many of these agencies have their own rangers, maintenance crews, and education staff who work daily to keep the areas in top condition.
Funding from Entrance Fees, Permits, and Concessions
Some of these places charge entrance fees or require permits, and the funds go directly back into maintaining the trails, restrooms, visitor centers, roads, and infrastructure. In some cases, private companies operate visitor services like campsites and food stands and are contractually required to meet high maintenance standards.
Partnerships with Tribes, Nonprofits, and Volunteers
Places like Monument Valley or other tribal lands are often deeply tied to cultural pride and identity. Tribal governments may take exceptional care of the land out of respect for its sacred value. In state and federal lands, nonprofit groups—like “Friends of [Park Name]” organizations or outdoor conservancies—help raise money, lead cleanups, repair trails, and organize educational events.
Volunteer programs are also a big help. Some areas have teams of locals and outdoor enthusiasts who help pick up litter, remove invasive plants, or do light maintenance.
Tourism as Economic Incentive
Many communities depend on tourism as a key part of their economy. Keeping the parks or scenic areas clean, safe, and attractive ensures that visitors keep coming back. This motivates local businesses, chambers of commerce, and town councils to support efforts that protect and beautify nearby outdoor areas.
Smaller Crowds or Controlled Access
Unlike some national parks that see millions of visitors per year, some of these other places control access through permits or limited infrastructure. This helps reduce wear and tear on the environment and makes upkeep more manageable. For example, state parks may limit overnight camping to protect wildlife and trails, while tribal lands may only allow guided visits to sacred areas.
Stewardship and Local Pride
In many cases, the people who live near these places have a strong sense of pride in the land. Whether it’s a sacred canyon, a beloved state forest, or a famous lakeshore, that sense of ownership leads to care and responsibility. Locals often see themselves as stewards, not just users, of the land.
These places stay so beautiful and well-maintained because of a mix of thoughtful planning, funding, community effort, and deep respect for the land. Though they may not carry the national park title, they’re often just as valuable—and just as loved.
Here is a list of 15 popular and breathtaking locations in the United States that many people assume are national parks, but they are not. Each is often mistaken for a national park because of its stunning natural features, national attention, and recreational offerings.
However, they fall under different designations such as national monuments, state parks, tribal lands, or other federal areas. Each entry includes its location and notable facts.
Monument Valley
Location: Arizona–Utah border (within the Navajo Nation)
Why it’s mistaken: Monument Valley’s iconic red sandstone buttes are featured in countless movies and advertisements, giving it a national park aura.
Reality: It is a Navajo Tribal Park, managed by the Navajo Nation. Visitors must follow tribal regulations, and some areas require guided tours.
Mount Monadnock
Location: Southern New Hampshire
Why it’s mistaken: It’s one of the most climbed mountains in the world and offers breathtaking 360-degree views from the summit.
Reality: It is part of Monadnock State Park, managed by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation. Despite its fame, it’s a state park, not a national one.
Adirondack Park
Location: Upstate New York
Why it’s mistaken: Larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined, with mountains, lakes, and forests.
Reality: It is a mix of public and private lands within a New York State-managed park. Its size and natural beauty make people assume it’s a national park.
Niagara Falls
Location: New York (U.S.) and Ontario (Canada)
Why it’s mistaken: One of the most famous natural landmarks in the world, drawing millions annually.
Reality: The U.S. side is protected as Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the U.S., not a national park.
Red Rock Canyon
Location: Near Las Vegas, Nevada
Why it’s mistaken: Offers dramatic desert landscapes, red sandstone peaks, and popular hiking and climbing spots.
Reality: It is a National Conservation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), not the National Park Service.
Garden of the Gods
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Why it’s mistaken: Striking sandstone rock formations, visitor facilities, and frequent mention in travel media.
Reality: It is a city park, maintained by the City of Colorado Springs, not a national or even state park.
Lake Tahoe
Location: Border of California and Nevada
Why it’s mistaken: Surrounded by alpine scenery and protected forest, often promoted like a national park.
Reality: The area is part of multiple jurisdictions, including Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (U.S. Forest Service) and state parks. It is not a national park.
Havasu Falls
Location: Supai, Arizona, within the Grand Canyon
Why it’s mistaken: Its turquoise waterfalls and dramatic canyons are often shown in national park photography.
Reality: Located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation. Access is restricted and requires permits issued by the tribe. The National Park Service does not manage it.
Columbia River Gorge
Location: Oregon and Washington
Why it’s mistaken: Home to dozens of waterfalls including Multnomah Falls, dramatic river cliffs, and deep forest.
Reality: It is a National Scenic Area, managed by the U.S. Forest Service in collaboration with local governments.
Mount Shasta
Location: Northern California
Why it’s mistaken: A snow-capped volcano with immense presence and outdoor opportunities that rivals national parks.
Reality: Located in Shasta-Trinity National Forest, it is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, not the National Park Service.
White Sands
Location: Southern New Mexico
Why it’s mistaken: Stunning gypsum sand dunes that stretch for miles.
Reality: For many years, it was a National Monument. It only recently became White Sands National Park in 2019, but some people still don’t know about the status change.
Mount Charleston
Location: Near Las Vegas, Nevada
Why it’s mistaken: Alpine scenery in the desert, popular for hiking and even skiing.
Reality: It is part of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, managed by the Forest Service.
Devils Tower
Location: Northeastern Wyoming
Why it’s mistaken: Its unique appearance and role in pop culture (such as in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”) make it seem like a national park.
Reality: It is the first U.S. National Monument, designated by Theodore Roosevelt in 1906.
Antelope Canyon
Location: Near Page, Arizona
Why it’s mistaken: World-famous slot canyon known for its beautiful light beams and wavy sandstone walls.
Reality: Located on Navajo Nation land and accessible only via guided tours with local Navajo guides. It is not a national or state park.
Mount Hood
Location: Northern Oregon
Why it’s mistaken: Its snow-covered peak, ski resorts, hiking trails, and iconic views make it feel like a national park.
Reality: It is part of Mount Hood National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, not the National Park Service.
These places, despite not being part of the official U.S. National Park System, are often just as beautiful and meaningful. Many are protected through state, tribal, or federal means and offer world-class recreational experiences.
The confusion only speaks to how majestic and well-maintained these places are. Knowing their true designations can help visitors understand better how to access them respectfully and responsibly.
While many of these places look and feel like national parks, they can differ significantly in terms of management, rules, regulations, and safety practices. Understanding these differences can help you stay informed, respectful, and safe while enjoying these beautiful locations.
To start, many of these places are just as safe as national parks—sometimes even safer—because they are heavily visited, well-monitored, and maintained by professional staff. Places like Garden of the Gods or Red Rock Canyon have visitor centers, patrol staff, marked trails, and emergency procedures similar to those found in national parks.
However, safety often depends more on how remote the area is and who manages it than whether or not it’s a national park. For example, hiking in Monument Valley or Antelope Canyon usually requires a guide because the terrain can be dangerous and flash floods are a real threat.
In places like Havasu Falls or parts of the Columbia River Gorge, emergency services may take longer to respond due to isolation, even if they are well known and attract large crowds.
Rules and regulations vary depending on who manages the land. National parks are governed by the National Park Service under a strict mandate of preservation and minimal development.
By contrast, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas are managed under a “multiple use” policy, meaning they may allow logging, mining, hunting, or off-road vehicle use—activities not permitted in national parks.
State parks and tribal lands also have their own sets of rules, which may be more lenient or stricter depending on the values of the managing body. For example, in tribal parks like Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon, access is more limited and guided tours are required not only for safety but out of respect for cultural sites.
Visitors should always research in advance because the regulations on permits, fires, dogs, and drones can differ drastically.
Another point to know is that some of these areas are not protected in the same long-term way that national parks are. National parks are designated by Congress, which gives them strong legal protection. State parks, scenic areas, and tribal lands can sometimes face more risk from budget cuts, development pressure, or changing policies.
That said, many are fiercely protected by local communities, conservation groups, and even tourism businesses who recognize their value.
From a travel experience standpoint, many of these places feel just as rich and rewarding as national parks. The scenery at Mount Hood or Lake Tahoe rivals anything in the Sierra Nevada.
The cultural experience of visiting Havasu Falls or Monument Valley can be more immersive and meaningful than a casual drive through a crowded national park. And destinations like Red Rock Canyon or the Adirondacks often offer fewer crowds, more freedom to roam, and a greater sense of discovery.
While these places may not carry the national park title, they deserve just as much respect and preparation from visitors. They can be equally safe, stunning, and enriching—but visitors need to understand the unique rules, land ownership, cultural expectations, and safety considerations that come with each destination. Doing so enhances both the experience and the preservation of these incredible landscapes.
Many people assume these places are national parks because of their natural grandeur, high visitor numbers, or cultural fame. The question of whether these places want to be national parks—or whether they’re better off not being—is actually more complex than it might seem.
DO THESE PLACES WANT TO BECOME NATIONAL PARKS?
Some of these places have indeed explored or expressed interest in becoming national parks, or have had advocates push for the designation. The idea is often supported by conservationists, tourism advocates, or local communities who want increased protection, recognition, and funding. A few examples:
Adirondack Park has long been discussed in terms of its scale and ecological importance, but because it’s a mix of public and private land, the logistics of federal designation would be highly complex.
Red Rock Canyon and Mount Hood have had proposals to increase their federal protections, though not necessarily through national park status.
Columbia River Gorge has been suggested in various circles for elevation to national park status due to its beauty and popularity.
However, not all places want the national park designation. Some tribal parks, state parks, and federally managed lands intentionally avoid becoming national parks. There are several reasons why:
WHY SOME PREFER NOT TO BECOME NATIONAL PARKS
Local Control and Autonomy
Tribal governments, in particular, often prefer to maintain control over their lands rather than turn that authority over to the federal government. Monument Valley and Antelope Canyon, for instance, are sacred areas to the Navajo Nation. Managing them as tribal parks allows the Navajo to control visitor access, generate revenue directly, and preserve cultural values.
Flexibility in Land Use
National parks come with extremely strict land-use rules. By contrast, state parks, national forests, and recreation areas often allow for more varied uses like skiing, hunting, mountain biking, or even logging. Places like Lake Tahoe or Mount Hood benefit economically from their mixed-use model, and becoming a national park might restrict those activities.
Funding and Bureaucracy
While national park status comes with prestige and sometimes more funding, it also brings more red tape. Some local or state-managed parks already do a good job maintaining their land, and they may not want the complications of federal bureaucracy. They might get more flexible funding from a mix of sources, including tourism, local taxes, and partnerships.
Risk of Overcrowding
Ironically, becoming a national park can lead to over-tourism. Popular national parks like Zion, Yellowstone, and Yosemite are struggling with massive crowds, traffic jams, and overuse of trails. Places like Garden of the Gods or Havasu Falls might prefer to stay under a different designation to manage visitation on their own terms and preserve the experience.
Some of these areas might one day become national parks, while others are simply doing fine—or even better—not being one. In many cases, staying outside the National Park System gives them greater freedom, stronger cultural protection, and better adaptability to local needs.
What matters most is how well the land is cared for, how sustainably it’s used, and how respectfully visitors engage with it.
In a way, the fact that so many people think these places are national parks speaks to how well they are already being managed—and how beloved and iconic they’ve become in the public imagination, with or without the official title.
It’s not that national parks are bad—far from it—they’re some of the most beautifully preserved and carefully managed natural areas in the world. But there’s real value in the fact that these other places can often make quicker, more local, and culturally specific decisions without needing to go through federal bureaucracy.
For example, tribal parks like Monument Valley or Havasu Falls are able to set rules based on cultural values and sacred traditions, not just environmental or recreational policy. They also benefit directly from tourism revenue, which supports the community rather than a broader federal budget.
State parks and local preserves, like Garden of the Gods or Niagara Falls State Park, can often respond more swiftly to local concerns, manage events and infrastructure more flexibly, and balance conservation with recreation in a way that’s tailored to the region.
Even places managed by the U.S. Forest Service or BLM, like Red Rock Canyon or Mount Shasta, might offer more adventurous or varied outdoor opportunities—like backcountry camping, mountain biking, or even skiing—that would be restricted in most national parks. That flexibility appeals to a wide range of visitors who may want more than a carefully guided national park experience.
These places aren’t better or worse than national parks—they’re simply different. And in many cases, their difference is actually their strength, allowing them to maintain beauty, access, cultural integrity, and natural preservation on their own terms.
In the end, it’s a win for all of us. Visitors have more choices, each area retains its unique character, and the broader American landscape benefits from a mosaic of land protections, not a one-size-fits-all model.
These remarkable places—often mistaken for national parks—stand as powerful examples of how natural beauty, cultural heritage, and local stewardship can thrive outside the traditional framework of the National Park System.
While national parks carry prestige and uniform standards, these independently managed or differently designated lands show that equally high standards of care and preservation can exist through tribal leadership, state governance, or federal partnerships like those of the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management.
Each location has its own story, shaped by the people who live near it, manage it, and love it. Whether it’s a sacred canyon preserved by Indigenous communities, a rugged peak kept wild by forest rangers, or a state park that feels like a national treasure, these places demonstrate that the label is less important than the purpose.
What matters is the protection of nature, the respect for heritage, and the ability for people to experience wonder, peace, and adventure in the outdoors.
Understanding that these places are not national parks can actually deepen our appreciation of them. It encourages us to look beyond the brand and see the many ways Americans—and Indigenous peoples—protect and connect with their land.
It also reminds us that responsible travel begins with knowing the rules, respecting the land, and honoring the people who care for it, whether under a national park sign or not.
Ultimately, these destinations highlight the richness and variety of the American landscape. They are a testament to the idea that nature belongs to all of us, and can be cared for through many forms of stewardship, all working together to preserve the places that leave us in awe.
TO EXPLORE MORE ABOUT THE PLACES WE DISCUSSED AND THEIR DESIGNATIONS, HISTORY, AND REGULATIONS, HERE ARE SOME RELIABLE AND INFORMATIVE SOURCES YOU CAN VISIT:
1. National Park Service (NPS)
Website: www.nps.gov
Even though some places we discussed are not national parks, the NPS site helps you understand what is a national park and how it differs from national monuments, historic sites, seashores, and more. It’s also a great place to compare NPS-managed areas to others.
2. U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
Website: www.fs.usda.gov
Covers national forests like Mount Hood, Mount Shasta, and Lake Tahoe’s surrounding areas. Their site provides maps, recreational info, regulations, and forest management strategies.
3. Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Website: www.blm.gov
For areas like Red Rock Canyon and other western public lands that are often mistaken for national parks. The BLM manages millions of acres with a focus on multiple uses including recreation, wildlife, and resource development.
4. Native American Tribal Park Websites
For places like Monument Valley, Antelope Canyon, and Havasu Falls, go directly to their tribal websites:
- Monument Valley: navajonationparks.org
- Antelope Canyon: Visit the tour operator sites authorized by the Navajo Nation.
- Havasu Falls: theofficialhavasupaitribe.com
These sites provide accurate visitor info, permit requirements, and cultural guidelines.
5. State Park Systems
Search the official state parks website for each location:
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife for Garden of the Gods (though city-run, it’s listed there for visitors)
- New York State Parks for Niagara Falls and Adirondack info
- New Hampshire Parks and Recreation for Mount Monadnock
Most state park websites include history, visitor information, maps, and rules.
6. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Website: www.fs.usda.gov/crgnsa
Jointly managed by the U.S. Forest Service and local agencies. Offers information on hikes, waterfalls, and conservation efforts.
7. Outdoor Advocacy and Conservation Organizations
Sites such as:
These nonprofits provide updates on efforts to preserve places like those we discussed, as well as campaigns to create or protect public lands.
8. Books and Guides
Consider guidebooks and regional books like:
- Moon USA National Parks (includes some areas nearby non-national parks)
- Day Hikes and Nature Walks by region (many include state parks and tribal lands)
- Lonely Planet USA or Fodor’s Travel USA
If you’re ever in doubt about the status of a particular location, a quick check of its managing agency (NPS, BLM, USFS, tribal, or state) will tell you a lot about the rules, access, and purpose of the land.