The 28 Best National Parks for Wildlife Photography in the US and the World
Wildlife photography can be a challenging and rewarding hobby, and national parks are some of the best places to capture stunning images of animals in their natural habitats.
From the majestic grizzly bears of Yellowstone National Park to the exotic wildlife of the Galapagos Islands, national parks around the world offer a diverse array of photographic opportunities.
In this article, we will highlight some of the best national parks for wildlife photography, both within the United States and abroad.
Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, these parks offer something for everyone. So pack your camera and get ready to explore some of the most breathtaking landscapes and wildlife on the planet.
Table of Contents

10 Best National Parks for Wildlife Photography in the United States
Here is a list of the 10 best National Parks for wildlife photography in the United States:
Yellowstone National Park: This park is known for its diverse array of wildlife, including bison, elk, bears, wolves, and more.
Yosemite National Park: This park is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, coyotes, mule deer, and more.
Rocky Mountain National Park: This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, bighorn sheep, and moose.
Acadia National Park: This park is located in Maine and is home to a variety of animals, including moose, black bears, and white-tailed deer.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park: This park is located in the Appalachian Mountains and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and many species of birds.
Denali National Park: This park is located in Alaska and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, and more.
Arches National Park: This park is located in Utah and is home to a variety of animals, including mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and more.
Olympic National Park: This park is located in Washington and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elk, black bears, and mountain goats.
Great Basin National Park: This park is located in Nevada and is home to a variety of animals, including mule deer, bighorn sheep, and more.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park: This park is located in North Dakota and is home to a variety of animals, including bison, pronghorn, and more.
18 Best National Parks for Wildlife Photography in the Rest of the World
Here is a list of the 18 best National Parks for wildlife photography in the rest of the world:
Kruger National Park (South Africa): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
Galapagos National Park (Ecuador): This park is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and many species of birds.
Kakadu National Park (Australia): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including crocodiles, kangaroos, and many species of birds.
Banff National Park (Canada): This park is located in the Canadian Rockies and is home to a variety of animals, including grizzly bears, elk, and more.
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five and many species of birds.
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five and many species of birds.
Torres del Paine National Park (Chile): This park is home to a variety of animals, including guanacos, pumas, and many species of birds.
Royal National Park (Australia): This park is located just outside of Sydney and is home to a variety of animals, including wallabies, echidnas, and many species of birds.
Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including deer, wolves, and many species of birds.
Etosha National Park (Namibia): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five and many species of birds.
Kruger National Park (South Africa): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).
Taman Negara National Park (Malaysia): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and many species of birds.
Kilimanjaro National Park (Tanzania): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and many species of birds.
Keoladeo National Park (India): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Bengal tiger, Indian rhinoceros, and many species of birds.
Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal): This park is home to a variety of animals, including the snow leopard, red panda, and many species of birds.
Souss-Massa National Park (Morocco): This park is home to a wide range of wildlife, including the Barbary macaque, African wildcat, and many species of birds.
Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand World Heritage Area (New Zealand): This park is home to a variety of animals, including the kiwi, tuatara, and many species of birds.
Tikal National Park (Guatemala): This park is home to a variety of animals, including jaguars, spider monkeys, and many species of birds.
Additional Information
Here’s an article that will get you started in wildlife photography:
Best Overall Lenses for Wildlife Photography
Check out our Gear page to read more articles just like this with up-to-date product reviews for gear across all photography genres. You’ll find some great gear to bring with you to the best national parks for wildlife photography.