The Next Airbnb Gold Rush? Investing Near These National Parks
When most people think about investing in short-term rentals (STRs), they picture trendy city lofts or beachfront condos. But some of the savviest investors I know are heading in a different direction, toward the breathtaking landscapes surrounding America’s national parks.
These markets have a unique appeal: they attract millions of visitors each year, often from families looking for cabins, A-frames, and cozy cottages where they can unplug for a few days. The opportunity is real, but so are the challenges. If you’re considering investing in one of these “gateway towns,” you need to understand the demand, regulations, and seasonality before writing a check.
As someone who’s built wealth by buying real estate based on fundamentals. Not fads. I believe national park markets can be a great strategy if approached the right way. Let’s break it down.
Why National Park Rentals Are Hot Right Now
Post-pandemic, people value experiences more than ever. National parks are experiencing record visitation. 13.3 million people visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2024, and several other parks saw over 4 million visitors each.
That’s not just tourism. That’s demand. And demand is the first piece of the puzzle for investors looking for predictable cash flow.
But here’s the catch:
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Some markets are oversaturated. If a park is flooded with Airbnbs, you’ll fight for occupancy and may have to discount rates.
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Regulations vary dramatically. One county may welcome STRs with open arms, while the next one bans them entirely.
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Seasonality is real. In Yellowstone, for example, the money is made during summer, the rest of the year is quiet, and you need reserves to cover expenses.
This is why I always say: don’t buy based on emotion, buy based on numbers.
How to Pick the Right National Park Market
Here’s the framework I’d use if I were looking to invest in a national park market today:
1. Understand Regulations First
This is where most investors get burned. Before you even look at properties, call the county planning department. Are short-term rentals legal? Do they require a permit? Are there caps on licenses?
I’ve seen investors spend six figures on a cabin only to find out they can’t rent it short-term. Don’t be that investor.
2. Analyze Supply vs. Demand
Visitation numbers are a good starting point, but they don’t tell the whole story. Look up how many active Airbnbs exist in that market (AirDNA and Mashvisor are good tools). A market with 4 million visitors and only 500 listings is a very different opportunity than one with 4,000 listings.
3. Know Your Buy Box
What’s your budget? What cash-on-cash return do you need? In some parks, entry costs are extremely high (Jackson, WY averages over $2 million). If the numbers don’t work, move on to the next market. There are plenty of opportunities.
4. Plan for Seasonality
If bookings will only be strong six months out of the year, run your numbers at 50% occupancy. If the deal still cash flows, you’ve got a winner.
Spotlight: Popular Parks & Their Challenges
Let’s take a quick look at a few of the biggest parks:
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Great Smoky Mountains (TN/NC): The most visited park in America with relatively affordable homes (~$398k average). Permitting is simple, which means competition is high. To stand out, offer unique amenities like fire pits, game rooms, or pet-friendly setups.
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Zion (UT): Demand is huge, but Springdale tightly limits STR permits. If you can buy a property with an existing permit, it’s a goldmine. Otherwise, look in surrounding towns.
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Yellowstone (WY/MT/ID): Short season but sky-high nightly rates. You’ll need to pass inspections and water tests, but the payoff can be significant if you’re ready for off-season holding costs.
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Rocky Mountain (CO): High demand, but licenses are capped. If you inherit one with a property, it’s a strong play.
National Parks aren’t the only hidden real estate gem to invest in. I created a list of six great real estate opportunities that many don’t know about. Take advantage of it with my free guide: DOWNLOAD IT FREE HERE
Hidden Gems for 2026
If I were personally looking for the next opportunity, I’d watch these markets:
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Shenandoah National Park (VA): Affordable entry point (~$293k homes) and a drivable market for millions of East Coast residents.
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Redwood National & State Parks (CA): Still under the radar but with new regulations that cap supply. Scarcity can push values up over time.
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Big Bend National Park (TX): No local STR restrictions, low home prices (~$215k), and growing visitor traffic.
These are the types of markets where early investors can position themselves for years of strong returns.
My Final Take
I love markets like this because they reward investors who do their homework. Too many people chase “sexy” real estate plays and lose money because they didn’t study local laws or seasonality.
Here’s my advice if you’re serious about this strategy:
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Get educated on local permitting before you buy.
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Stick to your numbers. If the cash flow isn’t there, walk away.
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Have reserves to weather slow months.
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Think long-term: national parks aren’t going anywhere, and demand is likely to keep rising.
Done right, a national park short-term rental can be a cash-flow machine and even a property you and your family enjoy for years. But like every deal, success comes down to preparation and discipline.
