The World’s 14 Most Remote National Parks for When You Want to Escape

The world is full of natural wonders, many of which are conveniently located right off the highway. But for those who crave a little more adventure (and have a helicopter handy), there are the remote national parks…the ones that laugh at the idea of “convenience.”

These parks redefine the phrase “off the beaten path,” often accessible only by foot, boat, or a sense of direction so impeccable that it makes a compass envious. Whether perched in distant mountain ranges or situated on islands miles from civilization, these parks offer the ultimate escape with no cell service, no crowds, just you and nature.

So, if your idea of a perfect getaway involves a GPS signal that reads “good luck,” these remote beauties might just be calling your name.

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Bahuaja-Sonene National Park, Peru 

If your idea of escape literally means getting lost – because, well, it’s in the Amazon Rainforest – then Bahuaja-Sonene National Park is calling your name. After all, it’s one of Earth’s most biodiverse and remote locales.

Here, you can wander through this untouched Eden where nature decided to pack all its wonders and let them run amok. Prepare for a dizzying array of unique species that make even the most seasoned adventurers feel like they’ve stepped into another dimension.

Northeast Greenland National Park, Greenland 

Greenland hosts the world’s largest national park, and it’s the stuff of every hermit’s wildest dreams. This sprawling expanse is not for the casual adventurer; it’s so remote that even polar bears have considered moving to more populated areas.

Thanks to the extreme Arctic conditions for much of the year, getting there is like participating in an Antarctic safari…minus the warm-weather gear.

National Parks Of Kamchatka, Russia 

The Kamchatka Peninsula isn’t for the faint of heart (or those who think a brisk walk is “adventurous”). With volcanoes and geothermal wonders daring you to visit, it’s like Earth’s own extreme sport.

This remote region boasts several national parks only accessible by helicopter or the kind of all-terrain vehicles that could laugh off a mountain. Fact is, if your idea of fun includes dodging lava trails and boiling mud pots, Kamchatka might just be your perfect retreat.

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

Located in the southwestern corner of New Zealand’s South Island, Fiordland National Park offers landscapes so rugged they make a jawbreaker look smooth. As one of the largest and most remote parks in the country, reaching it feels like winning a geographic lottery.

You’ll find towering mountains, deep fjords, and enough wildlife to put a safari to shame. And for those who thrive on remoteness, this place delivers a hefty dose of tranquility – just don’t expect an Uber to drop you off.

Kluane National Park and Reserve, Canada 

If your dream vacation spot involves more pure wilderness than you can shake a stick at, Kluane National Park is calling your name…well, if whispering through the wind counts.

This Yukon beauty boasts Canada’s highest peak, Mount Logan, standing tall amidst vast ice fields that could make even your freezer jealous. And let’s face it, nothing says “get away from it all,” like trekking through a frozen wonderland that time forgot.

Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

Set within the heart of the Arctic Circle, Kobuk Valley National Park is where Mother Nature throws her own sandy beach party. Think Sahara, but frosted…and with caribou as uninvited guests. And these critters take mass migration to the next level, making even rush hour seem orderly.

Getting there? Let’s just say your sedan won’t cut it. Foot, dogsled, or snowmobile are your only invites to this wild, untamed fiesta.

Gunung Mulu National Park, Malaysia 

In the labyrinth of Borneo’s wilderness lies Gunung Mulu National Park, practically daring explorers to enter its vast cave systems and surreal karst formations. Getting there involves a mode of transport out of an old adventure novel – plane or longboat only, my friends.

Once there, you’ll encounter a subterranean wonderland that could make a spelunker’s heart skip a beat. It’s nature’s exclusive club, but the entrance fee is sheer grit and a dash of insanity.

Canaima National Park, Venezuela

For anyone seeking jaw-dropping biodiversity and a colossal waterfall, Canaima National Park is your treasure trove. Home to Angel Falls (the world’s highest waterfall), this jungle kingdom isn’t precisely in your backyard. So expect the commute to involve riverboats or hopping on tiny planes.

Adventure isn’t a suggestion; it’s the terrain here. Between dodging toucans and navigating misty tepuis, it’s like starring in your own nature documentary…minus the camera crew.

Sarek National Park, Sweden

Sarek National Park is where your inner Viking can rejoice, as it’s possibly Europe’s best-kept secret of wilderness adventure. Forget your fancy SUVs; this place is all about hiking boots and ski poles.

Here, the terrain scoffs at roads, demanding you earn your views of majestic peaks and pristine rivers the old-fashioned way – by foot or ski. So if you’re game for a real-life snow globe experience, Sarek is your wintry playground.

Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway

Jostedalsbreen National Park is where Norway decided subtlety was overrated and glamour should be expressed through ice. Housing Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe, it’s the ultimate icon for those who find skiing down the bunny slope mundane.

Good luck getting here, though. It insists on staying blissfully remote, accessible primarily to those enthusiastic enough to tackle its challenges. Thrill-seekers and hardcore hikologists, get those calfs ready to earn those epic views.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia

Hidden in the heart of the Australian Outback, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a world-renowned icon that’s not conveniently located next to a Starbucks. Nope, this colossal sandstone monolith sits in splendid isolation in remote central Australia, asking you to brave the desert for a glimpse.

But it’s not just about the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets; there’s also a rich tapestry of Indigenous culture waiting to amaze visitors. Your reward if you visit? A surreal experience that redefines remote beauty…sans cell service.

Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, Canada 

Getting to Gwaii Haanas National Park is about as easy as winning the lottery twice in a row – but isn’t that part of the allure? Tucked away in the remote islands of Haida Gwaii, reaching it demands a boat or seaplane, making it a true test of adventurous spirit.

Prepare for lush rainforests and a cultural immersion that feels like stumbling into a lost world, without a single tourist bus in sight.

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan 

Located in Lake Superior’s chilly embrace, Isle Royale National Park is your go-to destination if solitude is your travel buddy and “pristine wilderness” is your catchphrase. Only accessible by boat or seaplane, this isolated spot is not for anyone who values speedy commutes. And we should know as we spent nearly 7 hours on a boat to spend 2 hours on the island last summer!

With moose and wolves as your co-stars, expect an adventure so genuine and isolated you might never want to leave.

Tassili n’Ajjer National Park, Algeria 

Considering a trek into the Sahara? Tassili n’Ajjer National Park invites you on a time-traveling safari through history. Situated in the remote stretches of the desert, this UNESCO World Heritage site flaunts its prehistoric rock art like badges of honor.

And with a landscape that redefines the word “rugged,” it’s a park for those who laugh in the face of GPS. Just you, the stars, and the echoes of an ancient world.

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