The Most Amazing State Park in Every State

It's always exciting to plan your next adventure, and one of America's more than 400 national parks makes a great destination if you're looking to explore scenic views and some of our country's rich history.

However, with 300 million people visiting the national parks each year, we recommend one of more than 8,000 state park areas instead. State parks are often underrated destinations but can provide fantastic opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of incredible state parks in all 50 states to help you save money on travel before you hit the road.

1. Alabama: Oak Mountain State Park

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Whether you’re planning to enjoy the campgrounds for a few days or simply take a day trip from nearby Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park, the largest state park in Alabama, makes for an excellent excursion.

There’s plenty to do in and around the beautiful park and stunning Double Oak Mountain — but mountain biking, horseback riding, and hiking are three of the more popular activities (as the park boasts more than 100 miles of trails).

2. Alaska: Chugach State Park

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Alaska is rife with outdoor paradises to explore, and Chugach State Park should be at the top of your list if you’re in the area. Slightly east of Anchorage, this 495,000-acre park is one of the four largest state parks in the U.S.

You can catch the Flattop Mountain shuttle from downtown Anchorage or use your own car to arrive at the park. Campgrounds, RV sites, and public-use cabins are available in different locations around the park, which makes it easy to explore at your own pace.

Chugach has plenty of wildlife, so keep your camera handy for marmots, lynx, bears, moose, and more.

3. Arizona: Red Rock State Park

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Red Rock State Park in Arizona offers visitors around Sedona a classic Southwestern outdoor experience. The beautiful red rocks and local wildlife can be viewed and enjoyed as you hike the 5-mile trail network around the park.

You can arrive at this 286-acre park in less than 20 minutes driving from downtown Sedona, which makes it a convenient pitstop if you’re in the area. Nearby attractions include Slide Rock State Park, Oak Creek Canyon, Coconino National Forest, and Prescott National Forest.

4. Arkansas: Petit Jean State Park

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As the first state park of Arkansas, Petit Jean State Park has a rich history that spans decades. It’s located west of Conway, Arkansas, and just south of the Arkansas River.

Visitors to the 3,471-acre park can stay in guest rooms at Mather Lodge, in nearby cabins, or in designated camping areas. There are more than 20 miles of hiking trails that traverse the park, including overlooks of the Arkansas River Valley and the beautiful 95-foot Cedar Falls.

5. California: Crystal Cove State Park

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For a break from the busy cities of Orange County, you might consider a visit to the nearby Crystal Cove State Park. Within 30 minutes driving distance of Anaheim, this picturesque park offers a wide variety of activities.

You can swim and enjoy yourself on the beach or hike through 2,400 acres of California wilderness along 18 miles of trails. Campsites are available, including RV sites. You can also take advantage of the hike-in primitive campsites found within the park.

6. Colorado: Roxborough State Park

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A short drive from Denver, Roxborough State Park is filled with beautiful red rock formations, home to a wide variety of wildlife, and packed with excellent trails (about 14 miles total).

While camping is not allowed inside the park, there are camping areas nearby. Roxborough is a solid choice for a daytrip and is a popular spot for hiking, bird watching, wildlife photography, and picnicking.

The park’s trail system also connects with other popular destinations, such as the Pike National Forest Trails and the Colorado Trail.

7. Connecticut: Sherwood Island State Park

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Within the borders of Westport, Connecticut, lies the coastal-based Sherwood Island State Park.

Designated as the first state park in Connecticut, Sherwood Island is an ideal location for visitors to sit back and enjoy the views of Long Island Sound. You can fish and swim along the beach areas, try out the disc golf course, or take a relaxing walk on the nature trails.

8. Delaware: Cape Henlopen State Park

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Whether you’re looking to do some beach camping, hiking, biking, or simply want to enjoy the beauty of over six miles of gorgeous coastline, Cape Henlopen State Park is one of the best in Delaware.

The point where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean has a rich history and a diverse collection of habitats, which you can get up close and personal with and learn about at the Seaside Nature Center.

As an extra bonus, the park has several campgrounds and cabins visitors can reserve, which can seriously reduce the cost of a summertime beach vacation.

9. Florida: Bahia Honda State Park

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A stunning island in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and incredible plants and wildlife. It’s also not a bad place to catch a beautiful Florida sunset.

There is plenty to do on the island, too (beyond simply basking in its beauty), like kayaking, embarking on a snorkeling excursion, taking a walk along the Old Bahia Honda Bridge trail, star-gazing, scuba diving, and so much more.

10. Georgia: Amicalola Falls State Park

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Just a few miles from the Appalachian Trail and located within Chattahoochee National Forest, Amicalola Falls State Park is home to a gorgeous 700+ foot waterfall and is a top state park destination in Georgia.

Visitors can stay at the Lodge at Amicalola Falls for ultimate comfort or try out the park’s “glamping grounds.” Even if you just pop by for the day, there are plenty of thrilling activities to get into — from waterfall hikes to ziplining to guided tours and free educational programs.

11. Hawaii: Kokee State Park

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The island of Kauai has no shortage of places to explore, but you should definitely look into Kokee State Park. For expansive green landscapes, Kokee State Park doesn’t disappoint.

Bask in the scenery as you hike the trails and make use of tent campsites. Lookouts along the trails give you great views of this ancient land.

You can also hit up Waimea Canyon State Park on the way as you journey to the west side of the island, just more than an hour’s drive from Lihue Airport.

12. Idaho: Bruneau Dunes State Park

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Bruneau Dunes State Park is a 4,800-acre area of beautiful sand dunes located between Boise and Twin Falls, Idaho. To complete the desert environment, there’s a lake at the bottom of the dunes that provides a true oasis feel.

If you want a unique experience, try renting a board for sandboarding on the dunes — and then go fishing in the lake after! Feel free to get in some stargazing, too, from the many available campsites.

13. Illinois: Matthiessen State Park

Less than two hours southwest of Chicago by car, you can find yourself in Matthiessen State Park. Waterfalls and streams are the hallmarks of this heavily forested park in LaSalle County, which makes it ideal for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.

The scenic area and open trails are great for day trips, though there are equestrian campgrounds available for horseback riders.

14. Indiana: Turkey Run State Park

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West of Indianapolis and close to the Illinois border, the Turkey Run State Park sits along the Sugar Creek waterway. With 11 hiking trails, you can admire the sandstone cliffs and hemlock groves throughout the park while getting some exercise.

The suspension bridge spanning Sugar Creek will lead you to many of these trails, but also gives great views of areas where you can canoe and fish. Lodging is available in the form of campsites, cabins, and guest rooms at the Turkey Run Inn.

15. Iowa: Pikes Peak State Park

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Pikes Peak State Park sits on the Iowa and Wisconsin state borders where the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers converge. The park is less than a two-hour drive from Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Mountain bikers and hikers are welcome to use miles of the designated trail system and enjoy views along the forested overlooks. Camping is available, including campsites that are on a first-come, first-served basis.

16. Kansas: Kanopolis State Park

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About 30 miles southwest of Salina, Kansas, Kanopolis State Park is situated within the Smoky Hills region. Kanopolis Lake borders large parts of the park and gives visitors easy access to boating, fishing, and swimming activities.

Hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders can enjoy multiple trails throughout the park as they try to spot resident wildlife, such as bald eagles and osprey. Cabins and campsites are available and can be reserved online.

17. Kentucky: Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

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The 125-foot Cumberland Falls certainly lives up to its nickname, the “Niagara of the South,” and is a sight to behold no matter when you visit.

Beyond the beauty of the falls, the park has 17 miles of hiking trails, offers a fascinating tour of the Pinnacle Knob 1937 Fire Tower, and boasts a gemstone flume where visitors can dig through and discover beautiful stones.

It's also a great place to fish, swim, camp, ride horses, and catch a moonbow if you happen to be visiting around a full moon.

18. Louisiana: Palmetto Island State Park

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Palmetto Island State Park is located on the Vermillion River and is a top spot for fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and so much more. The park boasts an array of different options for camping — from decked-out cabins to RV hookup sites to backcountry tent sites.

For day visitors, there are a range of trails for hiking, biking, and taking in the wildlife — plus, the park has a visitor center complex with a water playground and bathhouse.

19. Maine: Grafton Notch State Park

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Grafton Notch State Park is about a half hour up the road from Newry, Maine, and the Sunday River Resort. It’s also a short drive from the New Hampshire border. There’s no camping in this park, but you can still take part in hiking, fishing, and watching the wildlife.

Carved by glaciers during the ice age, Grafton Notch is home to flowing waterfalls and deep gorges. Both backcountry and day hikers can enjoy the many trails here, including parts of the Appalachian Trail.

For an even more relaxed journey, drive the popular Grafton Notch Scenic Byway and pull off to take in the highlights of nature.

20. Maryland: Rocky Gap State Park

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Rocky Gap State Park is positioned solidly against the Pennsylvania border in Western Maryland. Fully encompassing the blue waters of Lake Habeeb, this park can provide a welcome stop or getaway for any adventurous group.

There are multi-use trails for hiking and spots for fishing, swimming, and boating. Pet-friendly campsites are available and plentiful. If you want a different type of overnight experience, the mini cabins, yurts, and Easter Hill Chalet have you covered.

For nearby attractions, the historic district of downtown Cumberland is only a 10-minute drive away.

21. Massachusetts: Wompatuck State Park

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Spanning more than 3,500 acres of forest and waterways, the Wompatuck State Park sits nestled in Hingham, close to Massachusetts Bay. If you’re planning a visit, make sure to bring your good shoes and/or bike along because the trails here are worth it.

Bikers can enjoy a paved surface on the Whitney Spur Rail Trail or off-road adventures on various single-track trails. Camping is available, with plenty of space to spread out and relish your stay.

22. Michigan: Tahquamenon Falls State Park

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Located in Northern Michigan, Tahquamenon Falls State Park sits close to the border of Canada. Found along the Tahquamenon River, this park is known and named for the powerful waterfalls found in the area, which provide ample opportunity for photography.

Fishing, canoeing, hiking, and picnicking are also popular activities for visitors to Tahquamenon Falls. You can take your time exploring the park by renting out an available cabin or lodge or camping in the designated campgrounds.

23. Minnesota: Gooseberry Falls State Park

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Gooseberry Falls is gorgeous no matter what time of year you visit. And while the namesake falls of the Gooseberry River are the big draw, visiting the park is also a great opportunity to enjoy the stunning Lake Superior shoreline and bask in the north woods wildlife.

Trails lead through massive forests packed with evergreens, aspen, and birch, and Gooseberry makes for an excellent day trip or camping trip (there are dozens of campsites, but prepare to be roughing it, as the park has no electric sites).

24. Mississippi: Tishomingo State Park

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Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park has a rich history and a unique landscape that attracts visitors from far and wide. From massive rock formations to beautiful trails packed with wildflowers, there’s plenty to do and see at the park.

It makes for a great day visit, whether you’re looking to picnic, hike, swim, or try a mix of all three. The park is also equipped with campgrounds (both RV sites and primitive sites), several cabins, and a group camp facility.

25. Missouri: Lake of the Ozarks State Park

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There’s nothing quite like the charm of the Ozarks region of Missouri and no better place to experience it than Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Conveniently located between Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, this park has two swimming beaches and plenty of boat rentals for water activities.

If you’d rather enjoy the water from a distance, you can hike, bike, or ride a horse on the many trails throughout the park. Take in the history of this mid-1930s park by staying in one of the year-round overnight campsites, cabins, or yurts.

26. Montana: Giant Springs State Park

Found along the Missouri River in Great Falls, Giant Springs State Park is home to one of the largest freshwater springs in the country. Discovered by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, Giant Springs now hosts more than half a million visitors each year.

Favorite activities within the park include biking, fishing, picnicking, and hiking. You can also visit the fish hatchery and take photographs at the Rainbow Falls overlook.

27. Nebraska: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park

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Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is located on the banks of the Platte River, about halfway between Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska. State parks may generally seem rustic (intentionally), but Nebraska has given Eugene T. Mahoney a modern twist.

There are hiking and biking trails, but there’s also a ropes course, theater, activity center, family aquatic center, and more.

If you have a family divided on where they should spend their next weekend away, this park looks like the best of both worlds. Spend time paddle boating and fishing during the day and relax at Caddy’s Parkside Grill in the evening.

Campsites are available, or you can stay at one of 40 guest rooms in the Peter Kiewit Lodge.

28. Nevada: Van Sickle Bi-State Park

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Van Sickle is just a stone’s throw from the California state line (hence the “bi-state” label) and not far from Nevada’s famed casinos, but the Tahoe Basin park will immediately transport visitors into a different world.

The trails are easy to navigate and packed with stunning views of rock formations, the nation’s largest alpine lake, and the type of natural beauty you really have to see to believe.

The park is managed by Nevada’s Division of State Parks and California’s Tahoe Conservancy — and there is a Rim Trail Connector that leads into the famed Tahoe Rim Trail.

29. New Hampshire: Franconia Notch State Park

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Located between Lincoln and Franconia, New Hampshire, Franconia Notch State Park is surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest. The two main attractions here are Flume Gorge and the aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain.

Flume Gorge is a natural gorge with a 2-mile loop trail that follows a boardwalk along a scenic route. The aerial tramway takes you on an 8-minute ride to the summit of Cannon Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views that extend for miles.

Make sure to check out these attractions when you’re here, but save some time for other activities, such as hiking trails, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Campsites are also available if you’re looking to stay overnight.

30. New Jersey: Island Beach State Park

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Island Beach State Park is a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Barnegat Bay.

It’s just 10 miles long but is something of a haven for wildlife enthusiasts — particularly those interested in bird watching. It is home to the state’s largest osprey colony, as well as peregrine falcons, wading birds, shorebirds, and more.

One mile of the beach is open for swimming (and lounging) during the summer months, and the island is also packed with beautiful trails, each under a mile long (making for easy hiking).

31. New Mexico: Elephant Butte Lake State Park

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Elephant Butte Lake State Park is just over an hour north of Las Cruces, New Mexico, bordering the Rio Grande. As New Mexico’s largest state park, there are plenty of outdoor activities for everyone. Fishing, boating, kayaking, and jet skiing are all commonplace at Elephant Butte Lake.

For less water-based activities, you can enjoy the 15 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails around the lake. Camping is allowed, including along the beach.

32. New York: Letchworth State Park

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Letchworth State Park is not to be missed if you’re around Western New York. Known as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth’s rolling, forest-covered hills surround the Genesee River for 17 miles. About 43 miles south of Rochester, Letchworth provides avid hikers with more than 66 miles of trails.

The three major waterfalls are also a huge attraction, even considering the close proximity to Niagara Falls State Park. Although, for fewer crowds and activities like camping and biking, Letchworth would be the better option anyway.

33. North Carolina: Carolina Beach State Park

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If you’re around Wilmington, North Carolina, make the short 20-minute drive down to Carolina Beach State Park — it’ll be worth your time.

This park is located along the Cape Fear River and includes nearly 9 miles of trails. Swimming is not allowed, but you can fish, boat, and hike to your heart’s content. Large oak trees and a stunning backdrop provide the best location for picnicking and camping near the ocean.

34. North Dakota: Sully Creek State Park

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Sully Creek State Park isn’t the biggest state park around, but its impressive location along the Little Missouri River should warrant a stop. This is especially true if you’re coming from Theodore Roosevelt National Park just a few minutes up the road.

From Sully Creek State Park, you can access the 120-mile long Maah Daah Hey Trail if you’re up for hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Canoeing and kayaking on the river are also recommended. Primitive campsites are available for overnight stays.

35. Ohio: Mohican State Park

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There is much to see at Mohican State Park — from Clear Fork Gorge to Lyon’s Falls to nearby Pleasant Hill Lake.

There are several trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels throughout the park’s thousands of wooded acres, but the Lyons Falls Trail, which is about two miles along Clear Fork Gorge and passes two waterfalls, is always a top choice.

It’s a great park to stop by for the day, but there are also a range of overnight accommodations — from a lodge to decked-out vacation cabins and primitive campsites.

36. Oklahoma: Lake Murray State Park

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Lake Murray State Park is less than two hours south of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and about the same driving distance north of Dallas, Texas. Lake Murray was the first state park in Oklahoma. It also happens to be the largest state park in Oklahoma, covering 12,500 acres of land and water.

With that much area involved, there’s plenty of space to get out and play. There’s an RC flying field, an 18-hole golf course, cabins, an ATV/motorcycle area, and much more. For camping, you can choose from more than 200 available campsites.

37. Oregon: Fort Stevens State Park

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There are plenty of places where you can enjoy the Pacific coastline in Oregon, but Fort Stevens State Park may be one of the best. Just up the coast from the popular getaway towns of Seaside and Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a sprawling 4,300-acre park with a rich military history.

Fort Stevens was an active military installation for 84 years, but today it serves as a landmark in this fun, outdoor park.

At Fort Stevens, you can relax on the beach, go hiking, take your bike for a spin, and even play some disc golf. The options are abundant and should please just about everyone. Stay a night or two in a campsite, cabin, or yurt to get the most out of your visit.

38. Pennsylvania: Ricketts Glen State Park

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Ricketts Glen is a stunning state park that stretches throughout Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties. It is known for its many waterfalls, with the “Falls Trail System” being one of its most popular attractions. Ganoga Falls is the tallest in the park at 94 feet.

Ricketts is an excellent summer destination as guests can swim, picnic, boat, and camp around Lake Jean — but the park is also worth a visit in the winter months (winter cabins are available, and many visitors enjoy skiing, ice fishing, and more).

39. Rhode Island: Burlingame State Park

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Burlingame State Park is located close to the Atlantic coastline and about an hour southwest of Providence, Rhode Island. With 3,100 acres of woodland and the entirety of Watchaug Pond, there’s a lot of room for activities here. And with more than 700 available campsites, you can really spread out.

Activities include fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. You can also take part in viewing wildlife, such as white-tailed deer, red fox, hawks, owls, and more.

40. South Carolina: Caesars Head State Park

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Caesars Head State Park is named after the stunning Greenville County mountain and is a haven for hikers, bikers, wildlife photographers, and pretty much anyone looking to bask in some natural beauty.

There are many trails and opportunities to enjoy the mountain and surrounding wilderness. The “Raven Cliff Falls” trail — a four-mile loop that leads hikers to a beautiful overlook where the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls can be seen — is a top choice.

And if you’re planning to take on a longer excursion, the park also offers trailside camping.

41. South Dakota: Custer State Park

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Located in the Black Hills and less than an hour’s drive from Rapid City, Custer State Park is one of South Dakota’s biggest outdoor wonderlands. With 71,000 acres to explore, there’s simply not enough time to get it all done.

There’s biking, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming, and more.

If you want to skip the physical activities, try heading up one of the many scenic drives and just taking it all in. Nine campgrounds are available to extend your stay in the park.

42. Tennessee: Fall Creek Falls State Park

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As you can probably tell from the name, Fall Creek Falls has some incredible waterfalls — as well as beautiful gorges, streams, and more than 50 trails strewn across nearly 30,000 stunning acres.

It is one of the most visited state parks in Tennessee, with one of the main attractions being the 256-foot Fall Creek Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the eastern U.S.

With so much to see and so many trails to choose from, many visitors decide to stay overnight. The park has a lodge, cabins, RV hookups, and backcountry camping opportunities.

43. Texas: Palo Duro Canyon State Park

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About a 30-minute drive southeast of Amarillo, Texas, you can experience the rugged beauty of Palo Duro Canyon State Park. The canyon is filled with spectacular views of Southwestern landscapes that you’re sure to appreciate.

There are more than 30 miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails — get ready to see something new every day. Campsites, including luxury campsites, are available for overnight stays.

44. Utah: Snow Canyon State Park

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Just a short drive away from St. George in Southern Utah lies Snow Canyon State Park. This 7,400-acre park contains scenic views and hikes through lava flows and red sandstone formations. For a truly incredible hike, try finding the petroglyphs inside the park.

They’re clearly marked, but tucked away inside a narrow slot canyon, so they’re easy to miss. Campsites and equestrian trails are also available at Snow Canyon.

45. Vermont: Half Moon Pond State Park

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Within the 3,500-acre forests of Bomoseen State Park is the small camping area of Half Moon Pond State Park. If you drive about 8 miles northeast of Fair Haven, Vermont, you can stay in this beautiful, wooded area at one of the campsites, cabins, or lean-tos.

You can rent kayaks and canoes from the park office or spend some quiet time on the sandy beaches. Fishing opportunities abound, especially with panfish, yellow perch, and largemouth bass. If you’re up for a hike, use the park’s trail system to try and spot white-tailed deer or moose.

46. Virginia: Pocahontas State Park

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Located about 20 miles southwest of Richmond, Virginia, Pocahontas State Park offers various outdoor activities. There’s boating, picnicking, fishing, and an aquatic center for swimming.

You can also traverse more than 90 miles of trails by hiking, biking, or walking. Overnight facilities include campsites, yurts, and cabins.

47. Washington: Deception Pass State Park

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There is plenty to do at Deception Pass State Park in Oak Harbor, Washington, but it's perhaps best known for the stunning views, beautiful bridges, and incredible sunsets.

Visitors come from far and wide to explore the park’s beaches, hike through miles of stunning trails, try out bird watching, and maybe even check out the Deception Pass Tour on an open-air jet boat.

For those looking to stay awhile, the park has campsites as well as standard and deluxe cabins.

48. West Virginia: Babcock State Park

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The 4,127-acre Babcock State Park is 20 miles southeast of Fayetteville, West Virginia, and the New River Gorge Bridge. You can hike, fish, and mountain bike in this scenic park, though a huge attraction is seeing the Glade Creek Grist Mill.

This is a fully functioning replica of Cooper’s Mill, which once stood in the same area. Now, the mill attracts photographers from all around to capture idyllic scenes along the creek. Cabins and campsites are available for overnight stays.

49. Wisconsin: Peninsula State Park

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Peninsula State Park is located along Door County’s shoreline, the peninsula that lies between Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

In addition to the area’s natural beauty, the state park is packed with things to do — more than 460 campsites, bike trails, a golf course, a summer theater, a lighthouse, and of course, an incredible beach.

The park is Wisconsin's most popular destination for campers — with hundreds of campsites, including group campsites, strewn all across the peninsula. Tennison Bay campground is even available for winter camping (and comes with electrical hookups).

50. Wyoming: Curt Gowdy State Park

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If you venture 25 miles west of Cheyenne, you can enjoy all that Curt Gowdy State Park has to offer. Encompassing both Granite Springs Reservoir and Crystal Lake Reservoir, Curt Gowdy is an outstanding park for boating and fishing.

If you just want to be outdoors, Curt Gowdy has that, too. You can visit the archery range, hike, bike, and view wildlife at your leisure. With more than 35 miles of trails for all skill levels, you’ll have a lot of exploring to do. Camping is available for both tents and RVs.

Bottom line

Camping out at (or near) a state park is a great way to cut vacation costs.

However, if you plan to travel to any of these destinations, consider making a reservation sooner rather than later — particularly if you want to opt for a cabin rather than tent camping (as many of the parks featured here only have a few on their grounds).

Be sure to check with your credit card company — some allow you to use travel points on state park reservations.

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