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Best national parks to visit in October
All 63 US national parks ranked by October camping weather, using NOAA 1991–2020 averages at each park. Top picks: Guadalupe Mountains, Yosemite, Arches, Channel Islands, Petrified Forest.
#1Guadalupe Mountains
Texas
100 avg 72° / 50°F · 1.3 in
Entry: Not required · $10 per person
#2Yosemite
California
100 avg 71° / 41°F · 1.6 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#3Arches
Utah
100 avg 74° / 42°F · 1.0 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#4Channel Islands
California
100 avg 74° / 55°F · 0.5 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#5Petrified Forest
Arizona
100 avg 70° / 40°F · 1.0 in
Entry: Not required · $25 per vehicle
#6Carlsbad Caverns
New Mexico
100 avg 75° / 52°F · 1.2 in
Entry: Timed entry for the cavern · $15 per person
#7New River Gorge
West Virginia
100 avg 68° / 42°F · 3.1 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
#8Zion
Utah
100 avg 78° / 49°F · 1.2 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#9Capitol Reef
Utah
100 avg 66° / 43°F · 0.9 in
Entry: Not required · $20 per vehicle
#10Badlands
South Dakota
100 avg 65° / 38°F · 1.6 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#11White Sands
New Mexico
100 avg 79° / 42°F · 1.1 in
Entry: Not required · $25 per vehicle
#12Grand Canyon
Arizona
100 avg 65° / 33°F · 1.2 in
Entry: Not required · $35 per vehicle
#13Canyonlands
Utah
100 avg 65° / 44°F · 1.2 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#14Big Bend
Texas
100 avg 80° / 55°F · 1.2 in
Entry: Not required · $30 per vehicle
#15Redwood
California
100 avg 64° / 45°F · 2.7 in
Entry: Not required · No entrance fee
Key dates in October
2026 fee-free day in October: 27 October. All free days
Questions
What are the best national parks to visit in October?
Based on NOAA average weather, the mildest parks in October are Guadalupe Mountains, Yosemite, Arches, Channel Islands, Petrified Forest.
Which national parks should I avoid in October?
For camping weather, Kenai Fjords, Glacier Bay, Wrangell–St. Elias, Denali, Kobuk Valley, Gates of the Arctic score lowest, because of cold, heat or rain.
Are there free national park days in October?
In 2026, yes: 27 October (US citizens and residents).
The score (0–100) rates weather only: best with average highs of 62–82°F, nights above freezing and under 3 inches of precipitation. It doesn't account for road closures, crowds or snow on high trails; check each park guide. All park guides
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