This week on the Sierra Rec Now Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with David Ciccarelli, the creator of Lake.com, a revolutionary platform that simplifies finding lake vacation rentals. Beyond his entrepreneurial success, David’s passion for National Parks has led to fascinating research on park rankings and experiences.

David and I dive into the most Underrated National Parks with a keen focus of course on the Sierra and California national parks on the list. Watch the full episode for a broader list of Parks on the list and how David’s experience in the Great lakes region has driven him to help travelers discover better value.

The Best Value National Parks
David’s studies shine a spotlight on some of the Underrated National Parks in the United States. Including three of California’s National Parks prominently ranks on his lists.

  • Lassen Volcanic National Park : Known for its geothermal wonders and serene beauty in Northern California.
  • Kings Canyon National Park: A hidden gem offering dramatic landscapes and fewer crowds in the Southern Sierra
  • Redwoods National Park: Home to the tallest trees on Earth and incredible coastal views in the Northern California Coastline.

Stargazing Showdown: Crater Lake vs. Lassen Volcanic
In a surprising twist, David’s research surprised me as he revealed that Crater Lake National Park outranks Lassen Volcanic for its night skies. While Lassen remains a stargazing hotspot, Crater Lake’s remote location and minimal light pollution make it a dream destination for Astro photographers.

Lake Tahoe near Camp Richardson
Lake Tahoe near Camp Richardson – Courtesy of Camp Richardson

Lake Vacations Made Easy with Lake.com
David’s platform, Lake.com, connects travelers to stunning lake destinations , making planning your next waterside getaway a breeze. Whether you’re dreaming of a serene mountain lake or a family-friendly vacation spot, Lake.com has you covered.

A Local Perspective
As someone deeply connected to the Sierra Nevada, I couldn’t resist adding my take on California’s National Parks. Our conversation touched on local favorites, hidden gems, and why the Sierra is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next adventure—be it at a lake or a National Park—this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in on Spotify 👉 https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/sierra-rec/episodes/Exploring-National-Parks-with-David-Ciccarelli-Rankings–Night-Skies–and-Lake-com-e2tq05v
📺 Watch on YouTube 👉 https://youtu.be/PotiAiqDlyg