Although Father’s Day is in June, we officially give you permission to celebrate the important men in your life all year long. If you have the kind of dad who asks for camping gear for his birthday and loves nothing more than a day spent in nature, then find a weekend that works for your family and book the camping trip of his dreams. Whether your special guy prefers to fish for trout, dig for fossils, hike a mountain trail or relax on the beach, we have a state park destination for all the rad dads out there.
Here are nine fun ways to celebrate dads in the great outdoors.
1. For the Fisherman
Destination: Detroit Lake State Recreation Area
Detroit, Oregon
What to Do: Dads who love to spend their time on the water will be happy to spend a weekend on Detroit Lake. The nine-mile long waterway is a great place to boat and fish, and the views of Mount Jefferson reflecting in the water are magical. The park has boat ramps and a fishing dock for Dad to try his hand at catching rainbow trout, freshwater sockeye salmon and, occasionally, a Chinook salmon.
Where to Camp: Detroit Lake’s campground has nearly 300 campsites. 107 of the sites are full-hookup. 68 sites have electricity and water and 96 are primitive tent sites. The campground has showers and flush toilets as well as a playground, horseshoe pits, and basketball and volleyball courts. Book now.
2. For the New Dad
Destination: Hocking Hills State Park
Logan, Ohio
What to Do: River rafting and backcountry camping might not be on the agenda for the new dad trying to shake off sleep deprivation, but some shorter hikes amongst waterfalls and sandstone gorges could be just what the doctor ordered. Hocking Hills State Park has many ADA accessible trails, perfect for strollers, and shorter hikes that work great with the baby backpack.
Where to Camp: The campground at Hocking Hills State Park has 109 electrical sites, 47 full hookup sites and 13 primitive campsites. The campground has hot showers, flush toilets, a dump station and a laundry station, plus fun amenities like a pool, horseshoe pits and a volleyball court. Book now.
3. For the Traveler
Destination: Ridgway State Park
Ridgway, Colorado
What to Do: You might not be able to take the special man in your life to Switzerland this year, but if he likes to collect stamps in his passport, taking him to the “Switzerland of America” is the next best option. Located near the star attraction in Ouray, Ridgway State Park’s snow-capped mountain views will transport your family to another country, and the hiking, biking and boating options will keep you busy all weekend. From Ouray to Ridgway, there is endless outdoor entertainment in Colorado.
Where to Camp: There’s no shortage of campsites at Ridgeway State Park. Choose from 69 full hookup sites, 159 electric sites, 25 primitive sites and three modern yurts. Restrooms, coin-operated showers and laundry facilities are also available at the park. Book now.
4. For the Stargazer
Destination: Grand Isle State Park
Grand Isle, Louisiana
What to Do: If beachcombing, stargazing and miles of mostly-vacant coastline sound like something your dad would enjoy, take him to Grand Isle State Park this summer. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico are great for relaxing, but make sure to adhere to all posted signs, as there are rip currents in these waters. More than the solitude, however, it may be the stars at night that stick in your dad’s memory once your trip is over. They burn and glow in the dark night sky, reflecting on the water.
Where to Camp: The campground at Grand Isle State Park has 45 pull-through campsites with electricity and water and another 14 tent camping sites located directly on the beach. Campground amenities include showers, flush toilets, a dump station and a picnic pavilion. Book now.
5. For the Paddler
Destination: Blue Spring State Park
Orange City, Florida
What to Do: Settled along the St. Johns River, Blue Spring State Park is a paddler’s paradise. At the park, your dad can put his canoe or kayak into Blue Spring Run or the St. Johns River. The consistent 72-degree waters of Blue Spring also make it a great place to snorkel, swim and scuba dive. During the winter season, Blue Spring is a manatee refuge and all water activities are banned, but the water is accessible during summer for flexible Father’s Day celebrations.
Where to Camp: The campground at Blue Spring State Park has 51 campsites within walking distance to the spring. Each campsite has water and electricity, and a dump station is within the park. Book now.
6. For the City Man
Destination: Wompatuck State Park
Hingham, Massachusetts
What to Do: Located just 35 minutes from downtown Boston, Wompatuck State Park is the perfect place to take a man who enjoys the hustle of urban life as much as he loves the camping lifestyle. The park itself features some of the best mountain biking in Massachusetts, as well as hiking trails. When you’ve had your fill of outdoor fun, a quick drive will drop your family into the heart of the city.
Where to Camp: Offering over 400 campsites, some with RV hookups, the campground at Wompatuck State Park also has hot showers and flush toilets for guests. Book now.
7. For the History Buff
Destination: Big Bone Lick State Park
Union, Kentucky
What to Do: For the guy who just can’t get enough of natural history, Big Bone Lick State Park is the perfect place for a family trip. For hundreds of years, the land that makes up Big Bone Lick State Park was a feeding ground for ancient animals including mastodons, giant mammoths and the ground sloth. The bones of these animals fossilized, preserving them for archeologists and paleontologists. Today, the park features displays on paleontology, Ordovician geology, ice age mammals and more.
Where to Camp: Have a family sleepover with the fossils! Big Bone Lick State Park has 62 seasonal campsites with full hookups, hot showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities. Book now.
8. For the Surf and Sand Man
Destination: Southwick Beach State Park
Henderson, New York
What to Do: The popular swimming beach at Southwick Beach State Park on the shores of Lake Ontario is a great guys trip spot for some fun in the sun. Pack a picnic and spend the day chilling in the sand or boogie boarding in the waves, or head to the nearby Lakeview Wildlife Management Area to take in the coastal sand dunes.
Where to Camp: Southwick Beach State Park has 100 campsites, including 28 beachfront sites (campsites 2-30). The campground has restrooms with showers and a dump station. Book now.
9. For the Wildlife Enthusiast
Denali State Park
Trapper Creek, Alaska
What to Do: The Alaska Range is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world and it’s also home to some of the most incredible and powerful animals in North America. Moose, grizzly and black bears and wolves all call this state park home, as do lynx, coyote, red fox, snowshoe hare and flying squirrels. If Dad loves to spend his time observing wildlife, he’ll be in for a thrill at Denali State Park.
Where to Camp: K’esugi Ken RV and Tent Campground in Denali State Park is a new facility featuring 32 RV campsites with electricity, 10 walk-in campsites and one group campsite. There are not flush toilets or showers at the campground, but vaulted latrines and hand pump water are available. Several of the campsites at the campground have views of the Alaska Range and Denali. Book now.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!