28 Best State Parks To Visit This Summer

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While everyone’s busy rushing to one of the top National Parks in the United States, the State Parks often get overlooked. But less well-known doesn’t translate as less important. In fact, state parks often hold just as much natural beauty as the famous national parks. So if you’re looking for somewhere a little different, a little off the beaten track, but still absolutely stunning then you’re going to love this list of the best State Parks to visit this summer.

The difference between State Parks and National Parks

As the name might suggest, the park designation is all down to the governing body who manages them. The Federal government manage National Parks, whereas State Parks are left to state and local governments to manage. There are over 3000 State Parks in the United States so there’s definitely at least one in there you’ll want to check out. Don’t give National Parks all the love, visit some State Parks this year too.

The best State Parks in the United States

Best is all relative and with over 3000 contenders, there’s a lot of choice. But today we’re bringing you 28 State Parks that you most certainly DO NOT want to miss. Including some of the most popular, the most unique and the hidden gems, the state parks are grouped by state to help with your planning. We’ve covered as many as we can in this article, but encourage you to continue exploring state parks near you or on your next adventure.

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Maine
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington

Arizona

Slide Rock State Park

Contributed by Alanna from Periodic Adventures

Located in Sedona, Slide Rock State Park is one of the most unique spots in Arizona. In the early 1900’s a farmer built an irrigation system to bring water to his apple orchard. Now it’s a popular Arizona summer destination because you can swim and slide down the slippery rocks. You can even bring tubes and slide down in those. The actual waterslide part is 80 feet long and algae on the rocks make the surface slick and perfect for sliding!

It costs $20 per vehicle to enter the park. To avoid crowds or claim a good spot for the day, arrive first thing in the morning. Due to the Arizona summer, the park gets crowded and even early in the morning when temperatures are in the upper 80s and 90s, people arrive early.

There are many activities in the nearby towns of Sedona and Flagstaff, Arizona. Explore Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge in Sedona or witness the incredible fall foliage and stargazing in Flagstaff!

Sedona has lots of hotels, Airbnbs, and camping options, just 15 minutes away. Chavez Crossing Campground is a popular option or a spa resort such as Amara Resort and Spa.

California

Crystal Cove State Park

Contributed by Heather from That OC Girl

One of the most popular parks in Orange County, Crystal Cove State Park will not disappoint. You’ll find hiking and biking trails, paved walking paths, and plenty of beach areas. There’s too much to do with only one day in Crystal Cove that you may find you need several days here.

Starting with the interior section of the park, you’ll find miles of hiking and biking trails. One of the most popular hikes in the park, because of its amazing ocean views, Moro Canyon is the way to go. This mid-level hike is a great 5-mile loop that gives you a good introduction to the park.  

Take a lunch break at one of Crystal Cove’s restaurants. The Shake Shack is a popular option with burgers & shakes, and more ocean views. If you’re looking for something with a bigger menu, check out The Beachcomber, which is right on the beach.

Hit the beach at one of four beaches in Crystal Cove State Park and stay for a magical sunset. If you feel like staying longer than a day, check out the beach cottages or camping options well in advance!

Emerald Bay State Park

Contributed by Sharon from Exploring Our World

Emerald Bay State Park, known for its beauty and jewel-colored water, occupies a prime location on the west side of Lake Tahoe. In summer, Eagle Falls will be tumbling into Emerald Bay from the mountains above. And year-round, Fannette Island rises 150 feet above the bay waters, claiming fame as the only island in vast Lake Tahoe.

Take in Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe vistas from the top of Eagle Falls. Drive 12 miles north from South Tahoe on Highway 89 and park in the Vikingshom parking lot for a small fee. Scramble over the boulders above Emerald Bay and feel the waterfall’s mist on your face.

Hike 400 feet down to the bay’s shore using the steep one-mile trail to reach the abandoned Vikingshom Castle. You can picnic on the beach and swim, too, though the water tends to be cold even in summer.

Another approach to Emerald Bay is hiking the Rubicon Trail starting just north in the D.L. Bliss State Park. A two-mile hike above the lake shoreline leads to a beautiful picnic area with views of the sparkling waters of Emerald Bay through the pines.

Savor Emerald Bay whether you are standing on the rocks above it, hiking to it, or picnicking on its shores. Maybe even take the paddlewheel boat and float along on this amazing gift of nature.

Humboldt Redwoods State Park

Contributed by Julia from Well Planned Journey

Humboldt Redwoods State Park in California is home to the largest forest of old growth redwoods in the world. After decades of logging, only a third of the park still has old-growth redwoods. Some are over 2,000 years old!

The park is nestled along California’s Highway 101, about 4 hours north of San Francisco and 3 hours south of the Oregon border. Humboldt Redwoods is a popular side trip from nearby Redwood National Park – perfect to visit in Summer when temperatures are mild and rainy days rare.

A 31-mile scenic drive along the always busy Avenue of the Giants is the best way to see the trees. It takes you along the old Highway 101 route, weaving in and out of towering redwoods. There are plenty of short hiking trails along the way to stretch your legs.

Get your photo taken driving through a narrow split in the bottom of a giant redwood at one of the most popular attractions – the Shrine Drive-Thru Tree. Or explore a massive fallen redwood called the Dyerville Giant at Founders Grove. If you crave solitude instead, drive along Mattole Road to see the equally stunning redwoods here.

With few hotels nearby, camping in the park is the best option – reservations open 6 months in advance. Both Burlington and Hidden Springs Campgrounds are centrally located along the Avenue of the Giants.

Point Lobos State Park

Contributed by Jenessa from Destination Daydreamer

Point Lobos State Reserve is located on the gorgeous California coast near Monterey and Carmel-by-the-Sea. You’ll find miles of easy hiking or jogging trails along the rugged, beautiful coast. And you’re bound to stumble upon hidden beaches with gorgeous turquoise water around every corner. You’ll also find great picnic areas, stunning wildflowers (in spring and early summer), tide pooling, kayaking and stand-up paddle-boarding. Even scuba diving. 

A great trail to hike is the S. Shore Trail/Bird Island trail along the coast. Follow it for as long or as short as you’d like for sweeping ocean views the entire way. Top spots to see along this trail are Weston Beach, Hidden Beach, China Cove, and Gibson Beach. Look out for otters and seals!

Point Lobos is strictly for day-use only with the gates opening each day at 8 am and closing at 5 pm each night (the last car can enter at 4:30 pm). This means no camping is available. However, you can stay in nearby Carmel-by-the-Sea at one of Carmel’s more affordable hidden gems, Carmel Bay View Inn. 

Colorado

Roxborough State Park

Contributed by Gabby from Office Escape Artist

If you’re visiting the Denver area and want to experience some of the beauty that Colorado offers without straying too far, then Roxborough State Park is the perfect day trip. Just an hour south of Denver in Littleton, Roxborough is a great place to see the soaring red rock outcrops that are unique to the Colorado front range. 

Some outcrops are well over 200 feet tall – something you can really only see at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs or nearby Red Rocks Amphitheater in Golden. Start your day to Roxborough State Park early as the park gets busy and the parking lot is small.

Roxborough offers hiking trails for every skill level.  If you’re more of a beginner – or not quite acclimated to the altitude! – start with the 2.2 mile Fountain Valley trail.  For something more strenuous, there’s the 2.7 mile (one-way) Carpenter Peak trail.

Accommodations near Roxborough State Park are limited, but a great alternative to Denver is Golden. Just about 45 minutes away, Golden offers a small-town vibe with awesome outdoor activities and the original Coors brewery to boot. And if you’re into tasty burritos ( who isn’t?), then definitely try Bonfire Burritos.

Florida

Cayo Costa State Park

Contributed by Lori from Naples Florida Travel Guide

If you’ve ever dreamt of visiting remote tropical islands where you can channel your own inner Castaway for a day, head to the beaches of southwest Florida. Here there are several beautiful state parks on secluded islands along Florida’s Gulf Coast. One of the most beautiful is Cayo Costa State Park.

Located 4 nautical miles west of Pine Island, this barrier island is only accessible by ferry or private boat, which makes getting there more fun and limits the crowds who visit.

Cayo Costa is a natural gem, with some of the most premier fishing in Florida.    
The Park features nine miles of pristine beaches and shallow mangroves, perfect for searching for seashells and kayaking. It is open all year to swim or fish in the clear Gulf water.

Depending on the time of year local wildlife includes dolphins, sea turtles, and manatees are common. Especially in the summer. There are sometimes alligators in the ponds around the island, so it’s best to avoid swimming there. The park has several campsites and cabins if you’d like to stay overnight. Alternatively stay in a local hotel and visit Cayo Costa as a day trip.

Entry fee is $2 per person on the honor system and helps keep the island looking pristine.

Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park

Contributed by Lori from Travelinmad

If you’re heading to southwest Florida soon and want to check out one of the best beaches near Naples, spend the day at Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park. It’s a perfect beach for nature lovers, anglers, and shell collectors. This State Park is so nice, it’s often top-rated among Florida’s best beaches.

The natural surroundings at Delnor Wiggins are the biggest draw here — beachgoers have long stretches of rustic dunes and protected beaches to explore. There are several beaches to choose from in the Park and a nature path winds its way through each area to the north end of the Park where a small observation tower can be climbed for a panoramic view. It’s a great photo op!

Anglers will find some of the best saltwater fish species here and there’s a dedicated fishing area at the northernmost end of the beach. You can cast a few lines, as there’s no swimming allowed in the fishing zone.

Pack and picnic for the day and set up at one of the tables near the beach. Admission to the Park is just $8 per vehicle. Just keep an eye out for the resident gopher tortoises walking by — there are plenty that live in these sandy dunes and they’re so much fun to watch.

Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Contributed by Cami from Travel Cami

A visit to Florida’s beautiful Fort Zachary Taylor State Park is one of the top things do on the island of Key West. Located on the southern edge of the island, it is dog-friendly and accessible by car, bike, and even on foot.

What makes this state park so special is that it is home to Fort Zachary Taylor, one of the most history-filled places in South Florida. The fort has what is considered to be the largest collection of Civil War cannons in the United States. Today, it is an official National Landmark and every year hosts events such as weapon demonstrations and historical reenactments.

Apart from touring the fort, other activities at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park include swimming at the beach, fishing, hiking, and biking. The park is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail and one of the best snorkeling locations in the Florida Keys.

Stop by the Cayo Hueso cafe, located near the beach, with good bathrooms and picnic tables. Accommodation options near Fort Zachary Taylor State Park include Parrot Key Hotel & Villas and The Conch House Heritage Inn.

Hawaii

Makena State Park

Contributed by Luke from Wild About BC

Makena State Park is home to some of the best beaches on Maui. Located on the west coast of the island of Maui, this beautiful park is made up of two beaches and a 360 feet tall dormant volcanic cinder cone in the park’s center.

It is just a short drive from the popular town of Wailea but because you are totally surrounded by nature it feels like you are a million miles away. It’s the perfect place to come and relax in the sun for the day.

The main beach, known as Makena Beach or Big Beach, is a great place to surf and bodyboard. Or you can snorkel and go looking for turtles which are quite common in the area. Little Beach is a smaller cove, hidden round the rocky headland, that is quite popular with nudists so don’t be shocked to see this when you visit.

While only a short drive from Wailea and Kihei, Makena State Park is usually relatively quiet. This makes it a great place to go to escape the crowds. The long stretch of sand along Makena Beach means you can easily find a nice quiet spot for yourself.

For easy access to Makena State Park an excellent place to stay is the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea which is just a few minutes’ drive away.

Maine

Baxter State Park

Contributed by Tegan from Why Not Walk Travel Guides

Baxter State Park, located in northern Maine, is easily one of the most spectacular places in the country. Its gorgeous, mossy trails, bubbling waterfalls, and many places for quiet and contemplation are reminiscent of The Shire.

Baxter is best known for Mt. Katahdin, whose summit is the northern terminus of every East Coast hiker’s dream: the Appalachian Trail. However, you don’t have to hike Katahdin to have a blast in Baxter.

Keep in mind that beyond being a state park, Baxter is also a fragile wilderness preserve, fiercely protected by locals and park rangers. Dogs and alcohol are not allowed, there are no trash cans, and parking and restrooms are very limited!

The park’s entrance is a 45-minute drive from the trails and parking areas, and there is absolutely no cell service in the park. Bring a paper or offline map, and ask the rangers any questions you have at the ranger station when you enter.

A few gorgeous trails (mostly AT and offshoots) to consider are the Chimney Pond basecamp, Little Abol Falls, and Elbow Pond. Because Baxter is so far north, the summers are eminently mild. Sometimes even cool enough for a jacket. You can also take advantage of a later sunset than other seasons. Definitely consider camping inside Baxter, but be sure to book campsites in advance.

Nevada

Valley Of Fire State Park

Contributed by Kiersten from Hiking In My Flip Flops

Escape the city on your Las Vegas getaway at Nevada’s oldest state park. Valley of Fire State Park is filled with hiking trails over varying terrains that any outdoorsy person will love. The short, easy hikes are good for any hiking ability. 

Kids love discovering all treasures hidden throughout the park. Find petroglyphs on Mouse’s Tank trail, follow the path through the slot canyon on the White Domes Loop, or see 2,000 year old petrified trees on the Petrified Logs Loop. And make sure to drive by Elephant Rock Loop to find the elephant shaped rock before heading out of the park.

The most spectacular though, is the Fire Wave. Hikers follow a trail marked with cairns over waves of red and white sandstone.

Because Nevada summers bring high temps and blazing sun, pack plenty of water and sunscreen. Plan hikes for mornings and evenings – when you can also catch beautiful sunrises or sunsets. 

Valley of Fire State Park is less than an hour drive from Vegas, making it an easy day trip where you have limitless lodging options. But for a longer adventure – or to skip Vegas altogether – stay at one of the park’s 72 campsites at Atlatl Campground. 

New Hampshire

Franconia Notch State Park

Contributed by Cassie from Summit Souls

Franconia Notch State Park is the perfect spot for your summer adventure. Located in Franconia, New Hampshire right in the middle of White Mountain National Forest, the park is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for outdoor fun.

If hiking is your thing and you’re looking for a challenge, check out the beautiful Mount Lafayette and Franconia Ridge Trail Loop. This 8.6 mile loop trail has both waterfalls as well as rewarding summit views for those that make it to the top.

For a more casual stroll, try the Basin Cascade out and back trail. Once you finish your hike, you can cool off by checking out one of the park’s many water activities including canoeing/kayaking, swimming, or fishing.

Franconia Notch is also dog friendly so you can bring your favorite four-legged companion. The park offers both camping sites as well as RV hook ups or you can stay in a hotel 10 miles down the road in Lincoln. From hiking to swimming, Franconia Notch State Park has everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors this summer.

New Jersey

Liberty State Park

If you thought all state parks were in the middle of nowhere you’d be mistaken. Liberty State Park is actually one of the best state parks for city views. The park is located in Jersey City, NJ and is even walkable from the downtown area in around 30 minutes.

From Liberty State Park there are incredible sweeping views of the lower Manhattan skyline as well as Jersey City. But the park is actually geographically closer to Ellis Island and Liberty Island, home of the Statue of Liberty. Which means you can see the statue much closer from Liberty State Park than Manhattan.

After taking in the views why not walk some of the trails around the park? Flag Plaza at the southern-most point of the park and the 9/11 Empty Sky Memorial at the north point of the park are both worth a visit. Pre-book your ferry ride to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty which also leaves from the northern point of Liberty State Park.

Kids might enjoy the Liberty Science Center complete with IMAX theater. And there’s a lot of wide open green space for running around including a picnic area overlooking the river and city views. Staying in Jersey City is most convenient for visiting Liberty State Park, or make it a day trip from New York City via the Liberty Landing Ferry service.

New York

Minnewaska State Park

Contributed by James from Travel Collecting

Minnewaska State Park, located in New York’s Hudson Valley, is about two hours north of NYC and just ten minutes from New Paltz. Arrive early as the two parking areas for the main section of the park fill up by mid-morning especially in summer and fall.

The park’s three main sections are all beautiful but the center piece is the incredibly beautiful Lake Minnewaska. An easy two-mile trail loops around the lake and a short side trail leads to stunning views of the surrounding woods and the Hudson Valley. Near one end, you can walk to the cliff edge overlooking the lake. Spring is especially spectacular when the mountain laurel bushes are puffs of pink, and the fall, when the whole area turns ablaze with fall color.

Several waterfalls in the park include the easy-to-reach Awosting Falls; spectacular Stony Kills Falls, where you can hike to the top of the falls; and Rainbow Falls, reached by a challenging 6.5-mile hike. The legendary 8-mile trail to Gertrude’s Nose skirts the cliff tops with breathtaking Hudson Valley views.

There are no accommodations inside the park, but the lovely Minnewaska Lodge and Sam Pryor Shawangunk Gateway Campground are five minutes away. Accommodation and dining options are abundant in nearby New Paltz.

Watkins Glen State Park

Contributed by Mark and Kristen from Where Are Those Morgans?

Watkins Glen packs a National Park amount of dramatic scenery into a small and narrow State Park gorge in New York’s popular Finger Lakes region.

Rainbow Falls is the undoubted magazine front cover centerpiece of Watkins Glen. A unique blend of small waterfalls plunging through a creek, an ornate arched bridge and a wispy waterfall cascading from an overhanging rock has to be seen to be believed.

But the short, easy and picturesque gorge trail hike to Rainbow Falls is almost as impressive. Intricately crafted stone walkways and staircases transport visitors through the dramatic gorge, passing by 19 waterfalls of varying shapes and sizes.

Arrive at the gorge moments before sunrise to soak up an eerie echoing aura and wander the stone paths alone, as though in a fantasy novel. Just remember you are in New York and not Rivendell!

Watkins Glen State Park will leave photographers in a spin with stunning images of waterfalls, gorges and stone staircases at every turn. Vibrant green leaves in Summer contrast beautifully against grey sedimentary rocks in the gorge.

Less than a mile from the entrance to Watkins Glen gorge is an idyllic place to spend a night. Idlwilde Inn luxury B&B is an 1892 Victorian Mansion overlooking Seneca Lake, perfect for a romantic weekend break.

North Carolina

Mount Mitchell State Park

Contributed by Carrie from Trains, Planes and Tuk Tuks

Mount Mitchell State Park in North Carolina is home to the highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Its namesake peak reaches an elevation of 6,684 feet in the Black Mountains east of Asheville.

You don’t have to walk far for spectacular views! Reach the summit on a half-mile paved walkway from the parking lot off the Blue Ridge Parkway. See the entire ridges of three different mountain ranges from the viewing deck. The picnic area, which has restrooms, is the most scenic on the Parkway.

Among many easy hikes near Asheville, the state park includes the Old Mitchell and Balsam Nature Trails. Both take you through high-elevation pine forests. Wildflowers and wild mushrooms abound in summer.

For a more challenging hike, try the 10-mile trip from Black Mountain Campground to the summit of Mount Mitchell. Or take on the Black Mountain Crest. Possibly the hardest hike in the Southeast, it climbs over 5,000 feet in 16 miles.

You can backcountry camp at Deep Gap or Commissary Ridge, however Deep Gap is an extremely difficult hike. The best proper campgrounds in the area are Black Mountain Campground on the banks of a stunning river.

Oregon

Fort Stevens State Park

Contributed by Debbie from WorldAdventurists

Fort Stevens is a 4,300 acre state park in Hammond, Oregon, an hour and 45 minutes from Portland. It offers many recreation options, including beach-combing, swimming, hiking and biking trails, and wildlife viewing. It is also home to the most iconic shipwreck on the Oregon Coast, the wreck of the Peter Iredale.

Fort Stevens also marks the site of a military installation that was used from the Civil War to World War II, guarding the mouth of the Columbia River. There is so much history to discover. It is one of the best and most expansive state parks in Oregon!

The Peter Iredale shipwreck is one of the most photographed shipwrecks in the world. At low tide, wander right out to the wreck to see the barnacle-covered remains. The shipwreck is located along the state parks long sandy beach, perfect for both fun in the summer sun, or storm watching.

You could visit for the day, but there is enough to do to easily fill at least a few days. Camp at one of the year-round campsites, bookable up to six months in advance or stay in a Yurt.

Pennsylvania

Cherry Springs State Park

Contributed by Pam from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park is the darkest park in America on the East Coast of the Mississippi. Which makes it a great state park to visit this summer! Located in north-central Pennsylvania, you can see the Milky Way with your naked eye throughout most of the year.

Not only does Cherry Springs State Park have incredible night viewing, but there are plenty of things to see during the day as well. Get incredible views at the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, located under an hour away from the park. And hikers can enjoy a variety of trails in the Susquehannock State Forest or at the numerous scenic stops along Route 44. 

One of the best places to stay in Cherry Springs is in a cabin. Located only ten minutes from the park, this remote cabin is a furnished one bedroom with all the amenities (except wifi – which you can get at the park). Enjoy a barbecue outside with a picnic bench or roast smores over the fire.

Enjoying snow-capped mountain ranges by day and Milky Way sightings by night makes Cherry Springs a great weekend getaway from NYC.

Ohiopyle State Park

Contributed by Susan from GenXTraveler

Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania’s largest State Park, located about one-hour from Pittsburgh offers many opportunities for adventure. The park features close to 80-miles of trails for exploring the picturesque sylvan landscape of the Laurel Highlands on foot or by bike.  

Discover waterfalls along one of the easier and more popular trails, the Meadow Run Trail. A 3-mile loop that takes you past natural waterslides and the popular Cucumber Falls. Or bike the 17 mile Youghiogheny River Trail from the tiny town of Ohiopyle to Connellsville. Part of the Great Allegheny Passage it crosses a bowstrung truss bridge that once carried trains from Cumberland MD to Connellsville PA.

Adventurous visitors can book a guided whitewater rafting exploration on the Youghiogheny River. Regardless of your level of experience and confidence, you will find an excursion that fits.

When you are all played out, stay in nearby Stahlstown at the Oak Lodge, a family-owned and operated luxury cabin resort on 800+ acres. The property boasts a spa, indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and 10-miles of hiking trails. But the most unique feature is its full-scale 18th-century village complete with a mercantile building, a tavern, a chapel, and even a sugar shack. 

South Dakota

Custer State Park

Contributed by Katy from A Rambling Unicorn

Located in South Dakota’s beautiful Black Hills, Custer State Park is one of the largest state parks in the United States. Covering an area of over 71,000 acres, it encompasses a diverse landscape from rolling plains to spectacular granite mountains and ponderosa forests. The park is also located near several tourist attractions such as Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monument.

Several scenic drives wind through Custer State Park and are a popular way to explore the area. Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Roads both afford great views of the eroded craggy Black Hills. Both roads should be driven slowly and have tunnels restricting large vehicles from passing through.

For visitors in RVs or larger vehicles, the 18-mile Custer State Park Wildlife Loop is a good alternative. Winding through the southern half of the park it showcases the abundant wildlife: over 1,500 bison, as well as pronghorn antelope, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and wild burros.

The park offers nine different campgrounds and four historic lodges within the park boundaries. For camping options outside of the park, try Big Pines Campground. There is a $20 fee for vehicles to enter the park.

Texas

Guadalupe River State Park

Contributed by Bruna from Roaming the USA

The Guadalupe River is a unique state park near San Antonio, only 30 miles away. With twists and turns for 270 miles through South Texas, it doesn’t come as a surprise this park offers a massive number of aquatic activities and breathtaking views.

Tubing is a particularly popular activity for hot summer Texan days. There is something for everyone here, from a relaxing float down the river to adrenaline-pumping sections through whitewater rapids. Beyond that, kayaking, canoeing, and rafting are also fantastic ways to discover this incredible Texas state park.

For more secluded natural spots, head away from the river for bird-watching, camping, and 13 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails. Guadalupe River is also an excellent place to go geocaching and have lots of fun outdoors while hunting through beautiful and creative places.

Last but definitely not least, go for a picnic in the park and enjoy a healthy lunch in a lovely place. Disconnect from the WiFi and connect with nature! Adults pay $7 for a daily pass, while children 12 and under get in free.

Utah

Dead Horse Point State Park

Contributed by Michelle from The Wandering Queen

Dead Horse Point is one of the most magical state parks in Utah, and it is located near the great town of Moab. This park features a dramatic overlook of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park. It also often gets missed since it is near the famous National Parks: Arches and Canyonlands. But it is an easy and leisurely place to enjoy for a few hours so definitely add it to your list!

The best thing to do here is enjoy the sunset at the Dead Horse Point viewpoint. All you need to do is drive there, park, and just wait for the sun to go down. The colorful sun setting with the Colorado river views and carved-out orange-brown canyons are phenomenal.

To explore the park even further, you can do a few of the popular hikes like East Rim Trail and West Rim Trail. Make sure to also check out the popular overlooks: Meander, Pyramid Canyon, Big Horn, Shafer Canyon, Rim, and Basin Overlook. No matter what you do in this small but impactful state park, you will enjoy it!

Goblin Valley State Park

Contributed by Megan from Red Around The World

Goblin Valley State Park is tucked away in the San Rafael Swell about halfway between Green River and Hanksville, Utah. A good recommendation is staying at the Skyfall Guest Rooms in Green River since it’s a little bigger town than Hanksville. This is such an amazing state park that will make you feel like you’re on Mars.

While there aren’t really official hiking trails there are plenty of hiking opportunities. Just pick a direction and head out! While in most places it’s illegal or against the rules to climb on the formations, it is allowed in Goblin Valley and makes the exploring even more fun. It’s nature’s playground and fun for the whole family.  

Scramble up the wall on the far side of the valley and explore the nooks and crannies, checking out caves and more formations. Just be careful not to climb up or down anything you can’t get back up or down. An iconic place in the park is the Goblins Lair, a cavern which is popular for rappelling. One of the best state parks in Utah with some of the most unique geological features makes Goblin Valley the perfect Utah road trip stop.

Virginia

Grayson Highlands State Park

Contributed by Erin from Go Hike Virginia

You’ll find beaches, lakes, forests and bike trails at Virginia’s 39 state parks, but only one mesmerizes with free-roaming wild ponies. At Grayson Highlands State Park in Southwest Virginia, dozens of wild ponies have been roaming across this rugged state park since the 1940’s.

While not clear how they arrived or why they decided to stay, for now this park is home. The majestic ponies are often seen along a 2.5-mile stretch of the iconic Appalachian Trail that crosses the north section of this striking state park.

The majestic brown and white ponies live here year-round at elevations above 4,000 feet. You’re very likely to round a corner and see a half-dozen at a time, grazing contentedly in the park’s hills and valleys.

Wild ponies may be the main attraction, but hiking the Twin Pinnacles is also in order. A relatively easy loop delivers visitors to two of Virginia’s tallest peaks: Big Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle for far-reaching vistas.

Beyond peaks and ponies, Grayson Highlands is considered one of the best bouldering sites in Virginia. It’s also a must for fishing thanks to 10 miles of wild trout streams. Stay the night in a yurt or at one of the park’s campsites.

Washington

Cape Disappointment State Park

Contributed by Chantelle from Flannels or Flip Flops

Washington’s Cape Disappointment State Park definitely needs to be on your summer to-do list! Don’t let the name fool you, this park is incredible! And it’s located near one of the best beaches in Washington State. 

This area was first discovered in the 1700’s by Spanish Explorers, and then fur traders. It was also part of the Lewis and Clark expedition and is oozing in PNW history. Be sure and visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center while you are here! 

The park has 8 miles of hiking trails leading to amazing forests, and Pacific Ocean views as well as the Columbia River. There are lakes, marshes, and tide pools. You can clam dig, fly a kite, or just enjoy the beach! Or explore the 2 historic lighthouses at Cape Disappointment, along with old military bunkers and batteries.  

With so much to do here, you’ll definitely want to plan a whole weekend and stay at one of the ample camping or RV spots, cabins or even yurts! Reserve early though because it gets busy and purchase your Washington State Discover Pass to enter the park. 

Deception Pass State Park

Contributed by Erika from Erika’s Travels

Deception Pass, one of the most beloved state parks in Washington, is located two hours north of Seattle. The popular day trip destination features hiking trails, beaches, lakes, and epic views.

Deception Pass lies along a narrow channel that separates Fidalgo from neighboring Whidbey Island. The area connects two bodies of water – Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca – in a swirling display of blues and greens. 

The park spans both sides of an iconic bridge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, with facilities on either side of the water. It remains one of the most iconic bridges in Washington.

At Deception Pass, rugged cliffs drop to meet turbulent waters which create a dynamic wildlife-viewing destination from the towering bridge above. Seals frequently bob up and down in search of fish, while bald eagles circle the skies.

Despite the crowds and traffic, summer is the ideal time to visit this popular park. The two lakes are perfect for paddling, a string of sandy beaches for sunbathing, and hiking trails begging to be explored.

Amidst crowd-pleasing attractions are three campsites, perfect for nature-lovers. Camping allows for plenty of time to enjoy Deception Pass State Park during off-peak hours, when crowds have largely dissipated. 

Lake Chelan State Park

Contributed by Lauren from The Traveling Moore

Lake Chelan State Park is a great summer destination located on Lake Chelan, three hours outside of Seattle, Washington. Lake Chelan is known for year-round sunshine, water activities and great wineries.

Since Lake Chelan State Park is located near town, you can take advantage of activities in the park and the surrounding area.

From the park, launch your boat or rent one from the onsite facility. Explore Lake Chelan by water, enjoying watersports along the way. The lake is great for wakeboarding and tubing.

Additionally, spend a day visiting local wineries that grow, produce, and distribute their own amazing wines. Some of the best wineries to visit near the state park are Siren Song, Karma, and Fielding Hills. Each winery specializes in a different varietal and offers a unique experience.

Lake Chelan State Park has 103 standard campsites and 35 RV campsites. If you prefer to stay in a hotel, Campbell’s Resort is a great option near the park. 

Top sites to visit in the United States

Don’t let National Parks be your only focus this year. As you can see there are a lot of beautiful state parks in the United States that deserve a visit too. Unlike the National Parks, many of the State Parks are free to enter and therefore you don’t need a pass. Also because each one is managed by its own state, you must purchase annual passes at the corresponding government website, or at the parks themselves. But wherever you decide to explore this year, make sure state parks are part of your itinerary.

If you’ve enjoyed this post leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. Which are the best state parks you’ve ever visited? Are there any here that you’re adding to your list?