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From Away.com

Away's Top Ten Travel Destinations
Top Ten Unique National Park Lodges
Camping is a great way to experience America's national parks, but many parks have amazing lodges, too. They're perfect for families, couples, or anyone else looking to enjoy the park without really "roughing-it." Here, our ten favorite unique, under-the-radar National Park Service lodges.

By David and Kay Scott

Intro | Ozark NSR, Missouri | Lassen Volcanic NP, California | Cuyahoga Valley NP, Ohio | Voyageurs NP, Minnesota | Shenandoah NP, Virginia | Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia | North Cascades NP, Washington | Olympic NP, Washington | Death Valley NP, California | Grand Teton NP, Wyoming

Big Spring Lodge and Cabins, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri
The Dining Lodge at Big Spring Lodge and Cabins, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri (courtesy, NPS)

Mention to someone that you're heading to a national park, and they will probably envision a familiar lodge such as Grand Canyon's El Tovar, Yosemite's Ahwahnee, Glacier's Many Glacier Hotel, or, most likely, Yellowstone's iconic Old Faithful Inn. These well-known and often-photographed flagship facilities are certainly magnificent, but there are many other interesting and unique lodges that will enhance a visit to America's national parks.

These unique lodges aren't for everyone. Your friends may not express envy when you tell them about a place they have never heard of, especially when compared to the more famous lodges. Still, the trip and visit are for your pleasure. And these lodges tend to be smaller and more peaceful than their larger and more famous sister accommodations. Stay in one of these ten lodges and you will most certainly enjoy a different and long-remembered experience.

10. Big Spring Lodge and Cabins, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri

9. Drakesbad Guest Ranch, Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

8. The Inn at Brandywine Falls, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio

7. Kettle Falls Hotel, Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

6. Lewis Mountain Cabins, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

5. Rocky Knob Cabins, Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

4. Ross Lake Resort, North Cascades National Park Complex, Washington

3. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, Olympic National Park, Washington

2. Stovepipe Wells Village, Death Valley National Park, California

1. Triangle X Ranch, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming



Next Page: Big Spring Lodge and Cabins, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri

Intro | Ozark NSR, Missouri | Lassen Volcanic NP, California | Cuyahoga Valley NP, Ohio | Voyageurs NP, Minnesota | Shenandoah NP, Virginia | Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia | North Cascades NP, Washington | Olympic NP, Washington | Death Valley NP, California | Grand Teton NP, Wyoming



David and Kay Scott are the authors of Complete Guide to the National Park Lodges (Globe Pequot Press). They live in Valdosta, Georgia. For more info on their travels and America's national park lodges visit their website.