Celebrate the arrival of spring with a trip to a park known for its spring wildflower display. Marvel at the variety of petal shapes and hues as flowers bloom in the warming air, signaling the end of the cold months and the many warm months on the horizon. There are plenty of superb spots to see and smell spring flowers. Just be sure to stay on designated trails and avoid trampling or picking the flowers so everyone can enjoy them. Below are some of our favorite spring flower locations all of which have camping options.
Recommended: 5 Great Places to View Wildflowers
1. Valley of the Rogue, Oregon
Situated along the Rogue River, Valley of the Rogue State Park is a scenic park with trails lined with flowers come late spring. Some of the spring flower standouts are rockslide yellow fleabane, twinflower sandwort, and dwarf clover. You can walk on your own or enjoy an evening program or guided walk. The park also has access for fishing, rafting, and boat trips. There are 171 campsites, including eight yurts.
2. Bellevue State Park, Iowa
Bellevue State Park is known for its stunning overlooks of the Mississippi River. The park also has a one-acre garden planted with a mix of perennial and annual flowers that provide food for caterpillars and nectar for a wide variety of butterflies. In the spring, visitors can admire the blooms and the nearly 60 different species of butterflies that visit the garden. The kids will also love the frog pond in the garden. A trail system connects the garden to the rest of the park, there are day use passes and 51 campsites options.
Recommended: Great Hikes to Get in This Spring
3. Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas
Big Bend Ranch State Park is a remote park stretching along the Rio Grande in far west Texas at the U.S.-Mexico border. This high desert setting is characterized by rugged mountains, steep canyons, and memorable views. Come spring, the landscape is brightened by the emergence of a wide variety of wild flowers. Lavender cenio blossoms, ocotillo ruby, orange poppies, red firewheels, purple wooly locoweed, and bluebonnets are just some of the many flower species that transform the desert into a brilliant carpet of colors. Cruise along the Maxwell Scenic Drive or hike the robust trail system to take in the desert wildflower splendor. There are 138 campsites, including lodging, primitive, and equestrian.
Recommended: Find a Texas State Park to Love This Spring
4. Silver Lake Campground in Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida
Withlacoochee State Forest is the third largest state forest in Florida, about a two hour drive from Orlando. In spring the park explodes in an abundance of colorful wildflowers, such as goldenrod, thistle, and blazing star. The parkโs namesake, the Withlacoochee River, flows for 13 miles through the dense woodlands of pine, cypress, and oak trees. The parkโs beauty has earned it a #1 ranking on the World Wildlife Fund’s “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Seen in North America.” The Silver Lake campground sits along the banks of the lake with 23 unique campsites that have water and electrical hookups plus picnic tables and fire rings.
5. Black Rock Mountain State Park, Georgia
Black Rock Mountain has the highest elevation among state parks in Georgia and showcases outstanding Blue Ridge Mountain scenery. This is true anytime of year, and arguably no time is better to admire the mountains than in late spring when wildflowers blanket the landscape. Hepaticas, violets, foam flowers, trillium, bloodroot, and flame azalea are just some of the flowers that grow amidst the mountainous vegetation. There are 71 reservable sites and overnight guests can choose from a variety of options, including ten comfortable cottages.
6. Lums Pond State Park, Delaware
Lums Pond State Park comprises an oak and poplar woodland and includes Delaware’s largest freshwater millpond, Lums Pond. In the spring, the park dazzles with wildflowers. Spring Beauty, trout lily, and Virginia bluebells are some of the native species that grow as the weather warms in early spring. A diverse park, Lums Pond also offers many recreational opportunities, like hiking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, or picnicking. Campers can stay at one of 82 sites, including a comfortable yurt.
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.