There are plenty of lesser known American state parks that offer tons of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and wildlife to explore. For fewer people and superlative serenity, try a camping trip at one of these nine underrated state parks.
1. 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.
2. 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 water slides at Meadow Run. The campground has cottages, yurts, and plenty of electric sites available year-round.
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3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. One of Iowa’s first state parks, Ledges has been an attraction for outdoor enthusiasts for decades. In addition to the park’s natural beauty, another draw are the several structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, including an arch stone bridge to a shelter in Oak Woods. Visitors should also take 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.
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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 a 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 the 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. Franklin Mountains State Park, Texas
Find a high desert mountain escape just 15 minutes from El Paso. Get a day pass to spend time finding geocaches and having a picnic. Or spend the night to allow more time to explore over 100 miles of trails and wildlife making a great photography adventure during the winter. There are 16 primitive sites and three group sites that are a great base camp near several trails.
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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 your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
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.