Why bother with National Parks?

I've been doing some research and this is what I'm finding: Crappy Roads, Crappy Campgrounds, Large Crowds, Lots of Walking, Varying Rules from Park to Park, Unpredictable Conditions and more that I'm forgetting righ now.

Maybe more research is in order? The OP's profile indicates he & his spouse are retired, so he has the option of visiting National Parks in non-peak times. There's also the option of visiting some of the less known parks, they all don't get the same number of visitors. Reservations can also ease some concerns about crowded conditions. As others have noted, with the Senior Pass, National Park campgrounds are a bargain (50% discount). But perhaps the OP just has his own preferences. If settling down on the shores of a nearby lake is more appealing - go for it!