These are the national parks where visitors spend the most money

NPS reveals most profitable national parks

By Sarah Joseph September 18, 2024

Man running through the desert landscape of The Grand Canyon. — Brian Erickson / Unsplash

Not everything about National Parks is rainbows and unicorns, but the National Park Service (NPS) has just released an eye-opening study on the positive economic contributions of their parks to local communities, states, and the nation as a whole. In short, our National Parks boost the economy through tourism (which brought in a whopping $26.4 billion last year), job creation, and infrastructure development. Businesses in the area, such as lodging and restaurants, have also seen a significant bump in their economic contributions this year due to National Park tourism. But which parks bring in the most bank?

Here are the top 5 most profitable National Parks according to the NPS

Great Smoky Mountains National Park sunset view — Jon Bilous / Shutterstock

The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee and North Carolina
- Annual Visitor Spending: $2.19 billion
- Annual visitors: 12 million
- Admission: Free
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Annual Visitor Spending: $1.51 billion
- Annual visitors: 15 million
- Admission: Free
Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina
- Annual Visitor Spending: $1.39 billion
- Annual visitors: 15 million
- Admission: Free
Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
- Annual Visitor Spending: $768.41 million
- Annual visitors: 5-6 million
- Admission: $35 for a vehicle pass (valid for 7 days)
Teton National Park in Wyoming
- Annual Visitor Spending: $737.98 million
- Annual visitors: 3-4 million
- Admission: $35 for a vehicle pass (valid for 7 days)

Parks without admission fees like the Great Smoky Mountains and the Golden Gate Recreational Area seem to have higher visitor numbers, however fee-based parks like Grand Canyon and Teton still generate significant revenue. Whether free or fee-based, national parks play a crucial role in boosting surrounding communities and supporting a wide array of businesses.

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Sarah is a lover of all things outdoors. With a bright sense of adventure and a heart for the mountains, she is always…

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hurricane helene travel closures noaa 1

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Latest closure updates from the National Park Service

Fort Pulaski National Monument in Savannah, GA
Fort Pulaski National Monument closed by noon on Wednesday, September 25, to complete safety and property preparations. Once damage assessments have been completed and the area is deemed safe for visitors, the monument will reopen.
Gulf Islands National Seashore in Gulf Breeze, FL
In preparation for Hurricane Helene, Gulf Islands National Seashore have closed the Fort Pickens and Okaloosa Areas. The Pensacola Bay City Ferry Sunset Cruise has been canceled for Thursday, the 26th, but plans to return by 5:30 p.m. on Friday, the 27th. The Ferry Service for the 27th remains canceled until further notice.
Great Smoky Mountains
Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains should anticipate closures and event cancellations due to the high winds and 6-10 inches of expected rain from Thursday to Friday. Gusts in this area are expected to reach up to 70 miles per hour, so the National Park Service has closed the Rich Mountain Road, the Balsam Mountain Road, and the Heintooga Ridge Road. The Balsam Mountain Campground has closed, and the Mountain Life Festival scheduled for the 28th has been canceled. The harvest-related cultural demonstrations will now take place on October 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Closures for the Blue Ridge Parkway will be from milepost 314-375.6 from north of Linville Falls to Ox Creek, and milepost 393-455 from NC191/French Broad overlook to the Soco Gap. Because of this, the Linville Falls Campground and the Pisgah Campground have also closed, in addition to the Linville Falls Visitor Center, Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, and the Waterrock Knob Visitor Center. If you are planning on driving near this area, the National Park Service advises that you use extreme caution and be aware of falling rocks or downed trees.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Due to mandatory evacuation notices, the Cumberland Island National Seashore will also be closed. All campers, visitors, staff, and volunteers have already left the island. The Mainland Museum and Plum Orchard will also be closed until further notice.
Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park
Starting on September 26, the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park will close by 11 a.m. This area is predicted to see heavy rain, high winds, and hazardous conditions. The park will reopen once damage assessments have been completed.

Visitors planning to travel to any national parks in the affected areas should check for the latest updates and exercise caution. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and additional closures may occur.