There are plenty of lesser known American state parks that offer tons of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and wildlife to explore. To experience the outdoors with fewer crowds, give one of these nine state parks a try this year.
1. Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania
Located in the Laurel Highlands, 90 minutes from Pittsburgh, Ohiopyle State Park is highly popular for white water rafting and kayaking on the Youghiogheny River. There are dozens of hiking trails through the park. Two popular and memorable features are Cucumber Falls, a scenic waterfall, and the natural waterslides at Meadow Run. The campground has cottages, yurts, and plenty of electric sites available year-round.
2. Chugach State Park, Alaska
If you’re looking for an alternative to busy summer crowds, fly into Anchorage and head to Chugach State Park. This massive 495,000-acre state park is one of the largest in the country, and includes the historic Iditarod National Historic Trail over Crow Pass and Eagle River. Rugged topography, glaciers, and extensive ocean shoreline are landmarks of the region, making it ideal for a hike to the towering 200-foot Thunderbird Falls or a day of whale watching at Beluga Point.
3. Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware
Located at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Henlopen offers a unique combination of natural wonders and cultural history. Discover the beauty and diversity of the coastal environment encompassing the ocean and bay beaches, maritime forests, and tidal salt marshes. During your stay, be sure to visit Fort Miles, a WWII military base. With excellent wildlife-watching, stunning scenery, world-class beaches, and year-round historical and environmental programming, there are endless adventures to discover at Cape Henlopen.
4. Ledges State Park, Iowa
With its distinctive geological and archeological features, breathtaking views and vibrant history, Ledges State Park rings in as a true nature lover’s paradise. The must-see attraction is the canyon drive. This winding one-way road along Pea’s Creek offers motorists breathtaking views of the canyon and sandstone ledges that rise nearly 100 feet. The 97-site campground features sites for all adventurers.
5. General Burnside State Park, Kentucky
Located on an island in Lake Cumberland, the park features an 18-hole golf course voted “Best Public” course in Kentucky and a host of lakeside water-sports. The island offers a scenic 101-site campground that offers hook-ups with shower rooms and restrooms on site. Lake Cumberland provides some of the best fishing in the area, plus the marina next to the park has everything you need for a great day on the lake: rental slips, rental fishing boats, ski boats, pontoon boats, and houseboats are all offered.
6. Makoshika State Park, Montana
For anyone who’s longed to roam with the dinosaurs, Montana’s largest state park may be your best opportunity. Among the brilliant pine and juniper badland formations, visitors will find fossil remains of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and few other favorites. In addition to paleontology exhibits, the park also features archery sites, hiking trails, and plenty of special events throughout the year.
7. Clarksburg State Park, Massachusetts
With gorgeous views of the Berkshire Hills and the Green Mountains, this 45-site campground offers fabulous camping in a forested setting. The campsites are situated near scenic Mausert’s Pond, with opportunities for swimming, canoeing, hiking, picnicking and fishing. A variety of wildlife including moose call this park home and visitors may catch a glimpse of one during their adventures.
8. Brazos Bend State Park, Texas
This park should be on every photographers list with plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities just 45 miles from downtown Houston. There are 37 miles of trails to explore that are available by foot, bike, horseback, and ADA accessible. Check out the boardwalk, observation deck, and nature center including exhibits on the three ecosystems and reptiles that live in the park.
9. Eldorado Canyon State Park, Colorado
Known for its towering golden sandstone cliffs, this hidden treasure near Boulder features over 500 technical rock climbing routes, which lures climbers to the area from all over the world. Picturesque trails for hiking and mountain biking are also plentiful, linking up Boulder’s intricate system of trails that range from very easy to difficult. For day trippers, fishing and picnicking along the scenic South Boulder Creek are other activities you can take advantage of during the summer months.
Camping available nearby at Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Find the best campsites in America.
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.