05 Aug Picnic At These National Parks This Summer

As summer comes to an end and fall begins, the perfect time for picnics starts to emerge. Comfortable temperatures encourage people to hike and explore the nature around them, and what better way to truly enjoy the scenery than a picnic?

Luckily, the U.S. has a variety of stunning national parks and preserves where people can find the perfect picnic spot. Below are some of our choices for the best spots to picnic at national parks.

Grand Canyon National Park

It can’t get much better than America’s most famous national park. The Grand Canyon is replete with stunning vistas, remarkable rock formations, and some of the best summer picnic spots. Gaze downward at the winding Colorado River as you enjoy lunch or dinner with family and friends, or venture around the massive canyon in search for the perfect picnic photo op.

Picnic Policy: Find designated areas, most of which are located in the South Rim area.

Yellowstone National Park

Sometimes, the original is always the best. As America’s first national park—and perhaps the world’s first—Yellowstone has cemented itself as a must-see destination for millions of travelers. Complete with gorges, lakes, rivers, and mountains, the roughly 3.5 million square acres are yours to explore. But don’t forget your basket and blanket!

Picnic policy: Designated areas only.

Joshua Tree National Park

Some might overlook Joshua Tree National Park as a contender for best picnic spot, but what better way is there to enjoy an outdoor meal than among the peace and solitude of the desert? As one of California’s most-loved and well known natural attractions, the park brings together the Mojave and Colorado deserts, resulting in an eclectic mix of flora and fauna sure to provide a lovely backdrop for your picnic.

Picnic policy: Designated areas only.

Shenandoah National Park

Covering the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia’s hilly western region, Shenandoah National Park is one of the East Coast’s most prominent and most scenic parks. Shenandoah is best visited in autumn, when the leaves start changing to brilliant yellows and vibrant oranges. Find a hilly spot to relax and eat, and don’t forget your camping gear in case you want to spend the night.

Picnic policy: Designated areas only.

Acadia National Park

One of the East Coast’s most famous national parks, Acadia National Park in Maine highlights the rocky shores of northern New England as its main attraction. Explore the various islands that comprise the park, or hike Cadillac Mountain, the tallest point on the East Coast. Whatever you do, make sure you take the time to relax with a picnic as you look over the deep blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Pack some lobster rolls for the full experience.

No matter where you choose to picnic, be sure you’re picking your accommodations the right way. ResortRentals.com features hundreds of vacation rental deals available in both summer and fall, so be sure to check them out before you plan your next trip.