16 State Parks You Must Visit This Year!
New State Park added #15 & 16 Virginia
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New State Park added #15 & 16 Virginia 〰️
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Updated June 2024
Thousands of state parks across the US
There are thousands of state parks across the United States to explore that offer breathtaking natural beauty and preserved landscapes. Each park will offer a unique ecosystem from lush forests, pristine lakes, rugged deserts, grasslands, lakes, rivers, rocks formations, different soils and air quality. That means there is over 40,000 miles of trail to explore. Trails range from small trails, less than a mile, to longer more strenuous trails.
Being out in nature is so peaceful and can bring a sense of calm to any stressful day. At state parks you can relax and have a picnic, or you can decide to go on a long hike by walking or biking. Any way you choose to spend the time is always a perfect way to spend time in nature. Maybe you just need your kids to get out of the house and you want to take them to the park for a few hours. There is no exact guide on how you should spend your time at a state park.
Each state park has something different to offer. Below you will find a list of some of the activities that are available at different state parks throughout the US.
Things to do within state parks:
Camping
Boating/kayaking/paddle board
Picnics
Beach
Cycling
Fishing
Geocaching
Rock climbing
Special ranger led events
Playgrounds
Stargazing
Hiking
Get married
Explore a cave
Horseback riding
Skiing
Viewing waterfalls
Birding
View wildlife
Archery
Take your dog for a walk
Learn about the history of the park
and so much more…..
Below is a list of 16 different state parks to visit. The cost is minimal, but the memories are priceless. Maybe you do it for your kids or for your own mental health. Either way now is the time to get out and explore. Park entrance fees range from FREE to $20 or more.
States represented in this guide:
Arizona
Florida
Iowa
Nevada
New Mexico
South Dakota
Wisconsin
California
Kentucky
Virginia
1. Honeymoon Island State Park
Honeymoon Island State Park is located in Dunedin, Florida. This park has 4 miles of beach and a 3-mile trail through the pine forests. The pictures were taken on a cloudy day, but it still provides an idea of the area.
Hours: 8am to sundown daily
Cost: $8 per vehicle
Activities include: Bird watching, swimming, shelling, fishing, hiking, kayaking (which can be rented at the park or you can bring your own), weddings
Facilities: Restrooms, concession and souvenirs. Showers to rinse off near the beach are available or we purchased shower bags that I hang on my van to wash sand off.
Dogs allowed in designated areas
Check out my post for more details on Honeymoon Island State Park.
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2. Willow River State Park
Willow River State Park is located in Hudson, Wisconsin. We have explored this area twice now because we have liked it so much. The water at the falls is a continuous stream and allows for multiple areas to get in and enjoy the water. There is a small waterfall you can walk behind near the back making it a dramatic exploration of the falls. There are no picnic areas at the falls, but you can take food and find a spot to sit and eat. While at the falls you can swim at your own risk but beware of slippery rocks. I love to wear my Chaco’s or Teva’s at this park because they can get wet and also provide some traction as I walk along the wet areas. There are also some trails from this area to enjoy as well.
Hours: 6am - 11pm daily
Cost: $8 for Wisconsin residents, $11 out of state vehicle
Activities include: biking, 13 miles of hiking trails, boat/canoe/kayaking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, playground
Trail to Willow Falls: Gray trail 0.4 miles from the parking lot but it goes up and down a very steep hill. Blue trail 1 mile from 300 campground
Facilities: flush and vault restrooms
Camping: Electric sites $35, non-electric $20. Amenities vary by campground within park. Picnic tables, fire ring, vault toilets, dumpster, some campgrounds have dump station, shower, playground. Reserve camping online
Dogs are allowed in designated areas. Many dogs were at the falls when we were there
3. Custer State Park
Custer State Park is located in Custer, South Dakota. This park includes 71,000 acres in the Black Hills full of mountain waters, an abundance of wildlife and adventure activities such as hiking, biking, bird watching and more.
Our favorite part of this park was when we drove the Wildlife Loop Road and fed the wild donkeys. Make sure to bring a bag of carrots on this loop drive to feed the donkeys. You will find a spot to pull off on the side of the road and then pull out those carrots and feed the donkeys. Your kids will love it! We were able to get out of the car to feed them, but some are near the road if you want to feed them from your car. Be careful because they will reach their head into your car for more food.
Address: 13329 US Highway 16A, Custer, South Dakota
Hours: open 24 hours a day
Cost: $20 per vehicle for a 7-day pass
Activities include: hiking, swimming, fishing, biking, picnicking, horseback riding, boating
Facilities: restrooms
Camping: 10 campgrounds available, click here for camping details
Dogs allowed in designated areas
4. Hillsborough River State Park
Hillsborough River State Park is located in Thonotosassa, Florida. This park is located close to Tampa and has 7 miles of trail to explore. The trails are easy to navigate but you will definitely need bug spray (we use this all-natural bug spray that is made in the US) for this area as the mosquitoes were pretty bad during warmer weather. There are large picnic areas and a pool (pool is currently closed for renovations and plans to reopen at a later date (2024)). We hiked some of the trails and this really is a beautiful area to hike.
Address: 15402 US 301 North, Thonotosassa, Florida
Hours: 8am to sundown daily
Cost: $6 per vehicle up to 8 people
Activities include: hiking, swimming, biking, picnicking, kayaking or canoeing class II rapids, fishing, geocaching, wild life viewing
Amenities include: Picnic area with table and grill, restrooms, playground
Camping available: $24 a night plus $6.50 reservation fee and $7 utility fee (sewer, water, electricity). Water, fire ring, restrooms, hot showers, laundry, dump station, picnic table. Hammocks are allowed on some camp sites. Make camping reservations here
Dogs allowed in most areas
Read more about our travels to Hillsborough River State Park here
5. Ichetucknee State Park
Ichetucknee State Park is located in Fort White, Florida. This area allows you to stroll down the Ichetucknee River on tubes or kayak. You can rent tubes from the park, or bring your own, to use on the springs. We have done this trek a couple times now and have loved it both times. The springs travel 6 miles but there are several starting and stopping points available to make the trip shorter or longer. We walked to MidPoint launch (see map for launch locations) and started our trip there. You can also purchase a shuttle ticket that will take you to the stop and start locations. There is much wildlife to spot along the springs such as turtles, alligators, otters, and birds. The water is a cool 72-73 degrees year-round. I definitely recommend visiting the springs if you are in the area.
Hours: 8am to sunset
Cost: $6 per vehicle
Amenities include: Tube/kayak/Stand Up Paddle board/canoe rental available (you may bring your own tubes and they will air them up for $2 each). You can rent the tubes/kayaks online before you go to guarantee availability or purchase when you arrive. We got there right when they opened and had no problem getting tubes. Some of the tubes have mesh bottoms so little kids don’t fall out. The water is so clear that you can see the bottom. Book tubes online here
Other amenities: Snorkeling and swimming is available at Head springs or Blue Hole Spring. There are some shallow areas and a deeper area as well at both springs. The water temp is cool all year. Scuba diving in the Blue hole is available for diving into a 40 ft deep cave system.
Tube rental varies in price. They have single, double, and triple tubes. Price $7.50-$30
Kayak - Single and Double $30 and up
Stand up paddle boards - $45 and up
Canoe -Starting at $50 and up
Facilities: Restrooms, outdoor showers available, concessions, general store to purchase water bag for cell phones, snack, sunscreen and more
Map: Trails, launch sites, Head Springs and Blue hole locations
Dogs allowed in certain areas. Dogs are not allowed on trails or in springs
No camping at this park
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6. Slide Rock State Park
Slide Rock State Park is located in Sedona, Arizona. Originally this park operated as an apple orchard for many years. Now it is open to the public for others to enjoy the natural water slide.
My kids really enjoyed this park. Sliding down the natural water slide and jumping off a cliff were their favorite things to do while there. Jumping off the cliff isn’t encouraged but lots of people were doing it. Occasionally my kids would touch the bottom when they jumped so it isn’t too deep. We spent several hours here swimming, sliding and cliff jumping. Park rangers are constantly walking around to make sure everyone is safe and obeying the rules.
Address: 6871 North Highway 89A, Sedona, Arizona
Cost: $20 entrance fee Labor Day to October 31st, and $10 November to February. $30 on weekends and holidays. You can only enter the park by car. You cannot park on the road and walk in. They will make you leave and come back with your car. There is limited parking available so you may have to wait to enter the park. If you pay with cash you need to have exact change.
Hours: 8am - 6pm (closes at 5pm December - January) Closed Christmas Day.
Amenities include: general store (souvenirs, sunscreen, hats, shoes, food, ice and more), there are 3 hiking trails that are less than a mile.
Facilities: restrooms, picnic tables and grills (only charcoal allowed, no wood), coolers are allowed but no glass bottles
No pets in the swim area
Check out more details on Slide Rock State Park and other things to do in Arizona
7. Geode State Park
Geode State Park is located in Danville, Iowa. Home of the Geode rock with crystal like formations. There is a large lake to fish for bluegill, large mouth bass, and catfish. I love this park as I lived close to it for most of my life. We would go there often and have picnics and allow the kids to play at the park. We hiked many of the trails and would swim in the lake when I was younger. The three pictures show three seasons, fall/winter/summer overlooking the lake. Some facilities are closed in the winter.
Address: 3333 Racine Ave, Danville, Iowa
Cost: Free
Hours: 4am - 10:30pm daily
Amenities include: hiking, fishing, canoe/kayaking/boat, playground, picnic shelter, beach, swimming
Facilities: bathroom, picnic area with tables and grill
Camping: Electric and non-electric sites along with tent sites are available. Amenities: Restrooms, showers, playground, dump station. Click for campground reservations
Dogs allowed
8. City of Rocks State Park
City of Rocks State Park is located in Faywood, New Mexico. This park is one mile wide and located in the Chihuahuan desert region. We stayed at this campground a couple days and really enjoyed walking around and climbing the ginormous rocks. The rocks are massive and do provide some shade although the area is still very hot in the summer. Although they close at 9pm we were still able to go around the gate to get to our camping spot after closing time.
Address: 327 NM Highway 61, Faywood, New Mexico
Cost: Camping fees
Hours: 7am - 9pm
Amenities included: hiking
Facilities: restrooms, warm showers, visitor center (you can purchase firewood in the visitor center)
Camping: This campground is mostly dry camping with a few sites with water hookup. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring, and trash can. Large rocks do provide some shade. Click here for camping reservations. $10 night for non-electric and $14 a night for electric sites plus online booking fee of $4. Walk up reservations are available on a first come first served basis. When we went in the summer of 2021 there were only about 7 campers there so plenty of space to spread out.
Pets allowed
9. Caladesi Island State park
Caladesi Island State Park is located in Dunedin, Florida. This beautiful island is located along the Gulf of Mexico, and you will need to take your own boat/kayak to the island, or you can take the ferry from Honeymoon Island to Caladesi Island. The beach provides a peaceful solace and allows the opportunity to swim, snorkel, look for seashells, hiking, or have a picnic lunch.
Cost: $6 per boat up to 8 people or $2 per kayaker. Fee to ride the Caladesi Island ferry. $18 per person aged 13 and up, $9 per person aged 6-12. Children 5 and younger are free. This includes a four hour stay on the island. They offer a $1 off per person coupon on their web page. No pets allowed on the ferry. Ferry is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. It is about a 15–20-minute ride to the island.
Hours: 8am - sundown
Amenities included: boating, fishing, hiking, shelling, weddings, picnicking, paddling through mangrove tunnels
Facilities: concessions, restaurant, restrooms, outdoor showers
Camping available: Boat camping only. $24 for reservable sites plus $6.50 reservation fee and $7 nightly utility fee or $1 per foot of non-reservable sites
No pets allowed on the ferry or the beach but they can be on the island if on a leash
10. Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park is located in Silver River, Florida. This is a beautiful park to explore through kayaking or glass bottom boats. We took our own kayaks and launched them at the access and floated along the clear springs. We started out by going to the right onto Fort King Paddle Trail and that area was really calm and easy to paddle. Once we came to the open area, we went to the right to view the manatees. We were able to kayak around the gentle giants and really enjoyed floating around this area. There are free roaming monkeys along the springs if you would go down the springs further. We didn’t go down far enough to see them, but several people mentioned they had seen the monkeys as they traveled the spring. On our way back we took the other part of the loop on Silver River and paddling back was pretty strenuous as we were going against the current. After we were done kayaking, we loaded up our kayaks and had a picnic lunch on the provided picnic tables. We then walked a few of the paths to view the springs as shown in the below pics.
Cost: $2 per person. Children 6 and under are free
Hours: 8am - sundown daily
Amenities included: kayaking/canoe/SUP (you can bring your own or rent from them). Rentals 8am - 5pm. Museum, glass bottom boat tours, hiking
If you bring your own vessel it is a $4 per vessel to launch at their springs
Kayak rental $20-$60
Canoe $35-$60. 3 person canoe available
Paddle boards $30-$55
Glass bottom boat tours. No pets allowed on boats
30 minute tour $12-$13, 5 and under free
90 minute tour $20-$25, 5 and under free although this tour is not recommended for children under the age of 6. This tour is only offered Monday to Friday
Facilities: restaurants, restrooms
Map: Includes equestrian trail, hiking trails, and canoe trail
Camping available: cabins, RV and tent sites. Each site offers electric, water, picnic table, fire ring, grill, picnic table. Make reservations here. Water is available for tent camping. No showers
Dogs are allowed in campground, trails and picnic areas only
11. Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park is located in Sarasota, Florida. The Myakka River flows through the park which is surrounded by prairie, wetlands, hammocks and pinelands. This park is nicely kept and was a peaceful place to spend a few hours. The Canopy Walkway at Myakka River State Park is an exciting adventure. The Canopy walkway 25 feet above ground suspended over hammock trees and will have you either fearful or excited as you travel the walkway to the tower. You can also climb up the 75-foot tower to look above the treetops at the surrounding prairie for a magnificent view of the area.
Address: 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida
Cost: $6 per vehicle
Hours: 8am to sunset. 365 days a year.
Amenities: biking, fishing, boating/canoe/kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, geo caching, boat tours, gift shop, cafe, playground
Facilities: Restrooms, showers available to non-campers for $8, visitor center
Camping: - Camping reservations can be made online. Hammock camping available at certain sites.
Palmetto Ridge - gravel sites, electric, water, hot showers, sewer, restrooms, picnic table, fire ring, laundry
Old Prairie campground - dirt sites, dirt sites, electric, water, hot showers, restrooms, picnic table, fire ring, near dump station, laundry
Big Flats - dirt sites, electric, water, fire ring, picnic table, restrooms, hot showers
6 primitive campsites located along the hiking trails. $5 per person per night
Cabins available
Pets are allowed in the park except in buildings
Boat tour in Florida. Prices start $53.50 per person.
12. Valley of Fire State Park
Valley of Fire State Park is located in Overton, Nevada. Located near Las Vegas, this park has amazing Aztec sand stone and limestone rocks forming together to form a beautiful painted palate. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen as it gets really hot during the summer months.
Cost: $10 for Nevada residents and $15 for Non-Nevada residents. During our time at this park you paid the fee at the self paying station. Insert cash in envelope and put in cash box. Cash box is located at the Greetings From sign below at the Elephant Rock trailhead.
Hours: Daily from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year
Pets are welcome except in the Visitor Center.
Visitor Center: Open 9 am to 4 pm daily. This center offers a history of the park along with your souvenir needs. It is a smaller visitor center but does have drinks in the cooler as well. Restrooms available here also.
Amenities: hiking, picnic tables, biking, bird watching, RV dump, drinking water
Camping: 2 campgrounds available with a combined 72 sites and are open 24 hours. Amenities: shaded tables, grills, water, restrooms. Dump station and showers. All sites are first come, first served. There is a 14 day limit within 30 days.
Map: Hiking trails map
13. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is located along scenic highway 1 in Big Sur, California near mile marker 35.8. This park is named after a well-respected pioneer woman. The view of McWay Falls is absolutely stunning. Big Sur in general is absolutely beautiful but this 80-foot waterfall is mesmerizing with its natural beauty as it drops off the granite cliffs into the ocean below. There is no beach or waterfall access, and you can only view it from above a cliff, but it is so worth the stop. It is a short trail of about half mile round trip.
Cost: $10 per vehicle, which also allows access to any other California State Park for the day of purchase only
Hours: 8am to sunset
Pets: not allowed on trails but can be in the parking lots
Parking: No buses or RV’s are allowed in the parking lot
Camping: Two campsites are available for hike in only. No vehicles allowed. Camping reservations can be made online. Fees are $30 a night.
Amenities: Fire ring, trash, pit toilets, and picnic table. No pets allowed.
Book a tour in California
FULL DAY TOUR FROM SAN FRANCISCO ALONG THE 17-MILE COAST OF BIG SUR CAN BE BOOKED ONLINE
2-HOUR SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF SAN FRANCISCO IN A 1970’S VOLKSWAGON BUS
14. Nolin Lake State Park
Nolin Lake State Park is located in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. This park is less than an hour to the Visitor Center at Mammoth Cave National Park. There is a 5,795-acre lake to enjoy water activities on. The park itself is 333 acres. This was one of our favorite campgrounds to stay at.
Cost: FREE
Hours: Open 24 hours
Camping: 32 campsites with water and electricity, 27 primitive sites. Boat launch, swim beach, water views. Shower and laundry facilities. Camp store, playground, basketball hoop. Camping reservations can be made online.
Things to do: hiking, biking, water activities (boating, kayaking), birding, fishing, swimming at the beach
15. Natural Tunnel State Park
Sitting in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia you will find the picturesque Natural Tunnel State Park where nature lovers will be in awe of this geological wonder along with its beautiful landscape. You will journey to the natural tunnel where you will find its breathtaking limestone cave that was created over millions of years by the forces of nature. You will find scenic hiking trails and the historical Lover’s Leap where you will find an unforgettable awe-struck beauty of Natural Tunnel State Park and its surrounding area.
Address: 1420 Natural Tunnel Parkway, Duffield, Virginia
Cost: $7, if the entrance station is not staffed, there is an envelope to put your payment in.
Hours: 8am to dusk
Pets: are allowed in Virginia State Parks except in buildings or at designated swimming areas
Camping: There are two campgrounds in this park. Each park has limited campsites.
Amenities: hiking, iconic sites, birding, kayaking, events, biking
16. Natural Bridge State Park
Located in the Shenandoah Valley area, Natural Bridge State Park is an amazing natural wonder located in Virginia. This awe-inspiring limestone arch that towers 215 feet above Cedar Creek offers a unique blend of natural history, scenic trails, and serene landscapes. As you take time to explore this smaller path to the majestic bridge which is also known as one of the “Seven Natural Wonders of the World,” you will be surrounded by lush vegetation and natural bridge arch that makes this a must-visit destination in Virginia.
Address: 6477 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge, Virginia
Park Hours: 8am to dusk, daily
Visitor Center Hours: 8am to 6pm daily
Fees: age 13 and up $9, ages 3-12 $6
Amenities: Hiking, Visitor Center, weekly events and programs
Needed camping items
Whether hiking through the forests, viewing mesmerizing waterfalls, or basking in the sun at the beach, you are sure to become connected with nature and create unforgettable memories. There are endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, wildlife viewing, and finding peace through hiking in every state park you visit. Whether it’s adventure or solace you are seeking, this list will give you some new places to visit and/or camp at on your next travel journey.
There are state parks within every state in the US so you will have lots of options as you travel. Just research state park in __________ (fill in the state name) to find the nearest state park to visit. State parks are typically cheaper than National Parks but can provide just as much adventure.
Now is the time to get out and explore. I hope you enjoy the moments you have out in nature. What is your favorite state park? Comment below.
Enjoy your journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US.
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