While U.S. state parks see hundreds of millions of visitors a year, the overwhelming majority visit in summer. That means a lot of people are missing out on some of the best adventures in winter, when the scenery is just as spectacular and the crowds are nonexistent.
In winter, waterfalls and ponds glisten with ice and snow carpets the ground, turning even the most familiar park into a whole new experience. Wildlife viewing is at its best against the snowy backdrop, and animals are less wary about revealing themselves without the tourists and traffic jams of summer. You have your pick of campsites, often without a reservation. Winter conditions open the door to new adventures like skiing, ice boating and snowmobiling.
Bundle up to visit 10 state parks that are even better in winter.
1. Crooked River State Park, Georgia
Nestled into the southern tip of Georgia’s colonial coast, Crooked River State Park is a great place to camp in the wintertime. Its mild temperatures and close location to the Intercoastal Waterway allow campers to stay outside and explore the water. The 500-acre park’s campground offers electric and water hookups, coin laundry and hot showers.
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2. Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado
Located about an hour from Winter Park Resort and an hour and fifteen minutes from Keystone Ski Resort — two of the most popular skiing destinations in Colorado — Golden Gate Canyon State Park offers an ideal blend of mountain accessibility and cabin camping affordability. Cabins and yurts at Reverend’s Ridge Campground are reservable year-round, so be sure to bring your snowshoes. When you’re off the slopes, take advantage of the area’s plentiful hiking adventures and wildlife viewing opportunities.
3. Cooney State Park, Montana
Snow starts falling early in Montana, but warm Chinook Winds make winters surprisingly mild at Cooney State Park. Camp on Cooney Reservoir to fish for trout and walleye through the ice. Enjoy the wide-open views from parks trails that remain open for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. The park only takes walk-up reservations for its 79 campsites during the winter months.
4. Lake Wapello State Park, Iowa
Wooded hillsides and a serene lake set the scene for your relaxing getaway in a unique Lake Wapello State Park cabin rental. After hiking along the seven-mile Lake Shore Trail, get some rest in your cedar-sided family cabin. Here you can cook dinner in the kitchen, take a shower, and then relax on the snowy shores of Lake Wapello watching the stars poke through the night sky.
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5. Monadnock State Park HQ, New Hampshire
Rich in history and natural beauty, Monadnock State Park is a stunning winter retreat. Winter campers can hike, backpack, cross-country ski, snowshoe, and ice fish. There is a designated cross-country skiing loop and plenty of perch, black crappie, bass and pickerel to ice fish at Gilson Pond Winter camping is limited at the park to ten campsites at Monadnock headquarters.
6. Wasatch Mountain State Park, Utah
Wasatch Mountain State Park offers cabin camping refuge for rest and relaxation after a long day on the famed Utah ski slopes. There are two featured cabins (Eagle and Falcon) that can house groups of up to six people. While you’re at the state park, keep the winter thrills going with snowmobiling and cross-country skiing adventures.
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7. Seminoe State Park, Wyoming
Ice fishing on Seminoe Reservoir, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the state, might land you one of the lake’s record-size trout or walleye. While you’re on the ice, scan the treeless hills for pronghorn, moose, mule deer, bald eagles, mountain lions and herd of elk that winter in the park.
8. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Nebraska
The snowy hills of the Platte River Valley are perfect for tobogganing and cross country skiing all winter in Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. The modern lodge and cabins make a cozy base camp for ice skating and ice fishing for rainbow trout on CenturyLink Lake.
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.