US State Parks

1. Custer State Park, South Dakota

Custer State Park is a ‘must see’ since it is the state’s first and largest park encompassing 71,000 acres in the Black Hills. This crown jewel of South Dakota is home to abundant wildlife and is famous for its bison herds, buffalo herds and scenic drives. Adventure awaits at this spacious park where granite peaks and clear mountain waters are waiting to be discovered.

2. Red Fleet State Park, Utah

Adventure seekers can travel back in time when hiking 200-million-year-old dinosaur tracks in the heart of Dinosaurland at Red Fleet State Park. Featuring a 750-acre reservoir and a fossil trackway of dinosaur footprints, this area is Utah’s best kept secret. Natural history fans will be in awe when seeing footprints of up to 17 inches while being engulfed with stunning views of the Unita Mountains.

3. Governor Dodge State Park, Wisconsin

Governor Dodge State Park is one of Wisconsin’s largest state parks that features a breathtaking landscape of steep sandstone bluffs, glittering waterfalls and rolling hills that are perfect for the adventurous summer-time explorer. Hikers will enjoy the more than 40 miles of various hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult.

4. Cloudland Canyon State Park, Georgia

Cloudland Canyon State Park is a gem for Georgians. This park is one of the largest and most scenic parks in the state and home to thousand-foot-deep canyons, wild caves, waterfalls, cascading creeks, dense woodland and abundant wildlife. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek, offering rugged geology and exceptional hiking.

5. Fontainebleau State Park, Louisiana

Located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain, this 2,800-acre park offers chances to see more than 400 species of birds and other wildlife that live or migrate through the park. On a clear day, visitors will see plenty of multi-colored sailboats enjoying the day on the lake and sunbathers will be delighted to take advantage of the sandy beaches.

6. Wilderness State Park, Michigan

Wilderness State Park encompasses 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline with 10,000 acres of wild forested landscapes. With more than 20 miles of trails, a designated swimming and pet-friendly beach, this park is ideal for visitors to enjoy a slice of paradise. At night, the park offers stellar views of the stars and acts as a designated dark sky preserve. For the creative types, the region is well known for metal detecting.

7. Garner State Park, Texas

In the southern region of Texas Hill Country is the scenic Garner State Park that features 2.9 miles of Frio River that wind through 1,774 acres of land. Visitors can swim in the Frio River or float its waters on an inner tube or paddle boat, as well as hike 16 miles of scenic trails. There are even jukebox dances held nightly during the summer for the young folks and for the young at heart!

8. Red Top Mountain State Park, Georgia

Located just 40 miles outside of Atlanta, this spacious park offers more than 15 miles of trails that wind through the pine-forested park, providing ample opportunities for scenic photography. With more than 12,000 acres situated perfectly on Lake Allatoona, this park is great for enjoying a day of family fun on land or in the water.

9. Silver Falls State Park, Oregon

People call it the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Parks system, and it’s easy to know why. Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon encompassing an area of more than 9,000 acres and is home to one of the most incredible waterfall hikes in the country. The Trail of Ten Falls takes hikers above, behind and around 10 stunning waterfalls, including the magnificent South Falls, which boasts a 177-foot drop.

10. Hayes Lake State Park, Minnesota

This secluded park gives visitors a chance to see a variety of Minnesota wildlife including loons, moose, beaver and more. Families will want to jump into the refreshing lake while capturing the picturesque views of the north fork of the Roseau River. The summertime is perfect to look for wild orchids, gentians and blueberries, as well as to enjoy one of the many hiking trails the park has to offer.

11. Brazos Bend State Park, Texas

Just a 45 mile drive from downtown Houston, Brazos Bend State Park gives visitors a glimpse of Texas' wild side. The park is home to a diverse mix of wildlife including deer, armadillos, birds, river otters, and, most notably, alligators! With nearly 5,000 acres of land, this park has plenty of nature to explore on foot, bike, or horseback.

12. Kickapoo Cavern State Park, Texas

Located in the southern range of Texas Hill Country, Kickapoo Cavern State Park is a quiet and remote park that is ideal for those who are ready to dive into adventure. This park has 20 known caves; the two largest are Kickapoo Cavern and Stuart Bat Cave and chronicle roughly 4 million years of nature’s handi­work.

13. Baxter State Park, Maine

Baxter State Park in Maine is a great spot for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of majestic wildlife. The park is home to the state's largest mammals including moose, white-tailed deer, black bears, and lynx. Birdwatching at this park is also excellent.

14. High Point State Park, New Jersey

Rising 1,803 feet above sea level — the highest elevation in the state of New Jersey, High Point State Park offers unrivaled views of three states and a scenic landscape. Atop the mountain’s summit is the High Point Monument, dedicated to New Jersey’s veterans. The view from High Point Monument offers a spectacular panorama of rich farmland and forest, soft hills and lush valleys in the states of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

15. Caddo Lake State Park, Texas

While at Caddo Lake State Park, visitors can explore Caddo Lake’s grand maze of slow-moving bayous, wetlands and backwaters. The fishermen in the family will enjoy the more than 70 species of fish that the lake is home to. Visitors are also welcome to rent a canoe in the park or bring their own canoe or kayak to paddle through the waterways underneath towering bald cypress trees.

16. Blue Spring State Park, Florida

Manatee lovers, look no further than Blue Spring State Park in Florida. A designated manatee refuge as well as the preferred winter home to a large group of the gentle giants, Blue Spring State Park encompasses 2,600 acres of lush Florida landscape. With 73 degree spring water flowing, swimmers, snorkelers, and, yes, manatees, can enjoy a dip year round.

17. Pilot Mountain State Park, North Carolina

Known for its distinct landmark, used for centuries as a navigational guide, Pilot Mountain State Park’s dramatic rock formation and mountain top treat visitors to a natural landscape that really stands out. Over 2,000 feet above sea level, the park’s peak holds an extensive trail network for hikers, and plenty of rock climbing opportunities for those seeking a grand adventure.

18. Sky Meadows State Park, Virginia

Sky Meadows State Park is all about the scenic views, both during the day and at night as it’s a certified International Dark Sky Park. With 1,860 acres of woodlands and rolling pastures, this area is an ideal getaway to the peaceful eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains and away from the bustle of the nation’s capital. Nature and history fans will enjoy the programs offered year-round that tell the story of the area’s nearly three-hundred-year-old history. Hike 22 miles of trails that include portions of the Appalachian Trail and after, enjoy a bite to eat at one of the delicious eateries nearby.

19. Calaveras Big Trees State Park, California

As the name suggests, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a densely forested area of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. Its giant sequoia trees are so thick that even the most brutish 4x4 could fit through the middle. Its natural beauty easily contends with the world-famous Yosemite not far away, but Calaveras’ smaller size makes it more manageable for visitors.

20. Bear Mountain State Park, New York

Among the mountains to the west of the iconic Hudson River, Bear Mountain State Park’s lakes, fields, and picnic groves can be found. Families flock for the expansive pool and unique Merry-Go-Round that features 42 hand carved seats in the form of animals found at the park. Go for a ride on a black bear, turkey, or even a skunk (!) and enjoy the lush natural surroundings as you merrily go around.

21. Vogel State Park, Georgia

Vogel State Park is one of Georgia’s oldest and most beloved states parks and is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Hikers can choose from a variety of trails, including the popular four-mile Bear Hair Gap loop or an easy lake loop around the Trahlyta Falls. For the hikers that like a challenge, there’s the 13-mile Coosa Backcountry Trail, which escapes deep into the Blue Ridge Mountains.