11 State Parks Across the USA for Outdoor Fun
*This post was updated May, 2023
–Cedar Hill State Park, Texas
–Burton Island State Park, Vermont
–Point Lobos State Nature Reserve, California
–Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
–Letchworth State Park, New York
–Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado
–Silver Lake State Park, Michigan
–Crystal Cove State Park, California
–Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
–New River Trail State Park, Virginia
–Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina
Cedar Hill State Park, Texas
You can explore the historic Penn Agricultural farm on your own or join a guided tour. Farming in Cedar Hill dates to 1854 when the first European settler of the property, John Penn arrived in Texas. Kids might enjoy Geocaching, i.e. a modern day treasure hunt where you use a smartphone to find the cache (camouflaged or hidden item like film canister, metal lunch boxes). They hold things like a logbook where you can sign your name, or find tradable items.
The best part of the state park is the lake where you can go for a swim, launch a boat and enjoy some quiet time. You don’t need a fishing license when fishing from the shore. It is also a great spot to catch a Texas sunset over the lake.
It is currently $7 per day for day use, $5 per day for overnight stays. The park gate opens at 6 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. and children under 12 are not charged. Campsites with electric and water hookups are $25 – $30 per night.
Priya at Outside Suburbia
Burton Island State Park, Vermont
Camping on Burton Island is an awesome way to kick off summer. There are 14 tent sites, 26 lean-tos, and 3 camping cabins that can be reserved ahead of time. Many of the lean-tos are right on the water, with amazing sunset views and great water access for swimming and paddling.
The Burton Island Bistro, located near the marina, serves up a fabulous breakfast and lunch for campers and day visitors. They always have fresh coffee, local beer, and fine wine, as well as all the necessary provisions for camping on the island.
A perfect day at Burton Island State Park will include a vigorous hike on the island trails, swimming whenever the mood strikes, a sunset paddle on Lake Champlain, and a campfire with friends before falling asleep to gentle waves caressing the craggy shore.
Tara at Back Road Ramblers
Point Lobos State Nature Reserve, California
The park is almost completely flat, so hiking on the well-maintained trails is accessible to all types of visitors. You can choose different length options to suit your interests, but all roads lead to the stunning coastal views. Around the bay you’ll enjoy scrambling on the beautiful rock formations and getting sprayed by the enormous waves.
The wildlife in this protected area is incredible. On our visit we watched mom and baby otters playing and feeding in the bay, saw dozens of seals sunning themselves in a secluded cove and spotted at least a dozen bird species. It’s a great compliment to visiting
the Monterey Bay Aquarium (which I recommend doing before you go to Point Lobos) so that you can learn about the local wildlife and then see them out in nature.One full day is enough time to enjoy Point Lobos, though you might want to visit again next time you’re in the area since it’s so lovely! There are lots of small vacation rentals throughout the area in Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea and beyond.
Melissa at The Family Voyage
Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
The park boasts 13 miles of hiking trails, beautiful waterfalls, jaw-dropping overlooks, and dramatic wilderness. Additionally, during the coldest part of the winter, you’ll find impressive ice falls. Besides hiking, you’ll find waterfall and canyon tours, tourist and dinner cruises, fall color trolley tours, Eagle trolley tours, Christmas Light Tours, and guided winter hikes.
At only 1.5 hours from Chicago, you can make this a day trip or stay overnight. If you’d like to stay overnight, you have a couple of options. Starved Rock Lodge offers two rooms types-Lodge Wing Rooms and Hotel Wing Rooms. The Lodge Wing Rooms are part of the original Lodge built in the 1930s and are a bit more rustic. The Hotel Wing Rooms were built in the 1980s, have more amenities, and are a bit more contemporary. The Lodge also has an indoor pool complex, and an onsite restaurant and lounge. For those looking for a bit more rusticness, you can rent a log cabin or a campsite.
Starved Rock is incredible anytime of year; however, during the springtime, you’ll get to see the waterfalls at their peak, and during the winter, you’ll get to experience the incredible ice falls. Starved Rock is a great family-friendly park, as the trails are easy enough for families, but diverse enough for those looking for more of a challenge.
Catherine at Traveling with the Littles
Letchworth State Park, New York
I love that the park offers a variety of activities all year long. When we visited in July, the temperature was perfect for exploring. Depending on the season, other activities include hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, and even hot air ballooning. I can imagine myself floating through the gorge in a hot air balloon with the colorful fall leaves as a backdrop, something definitely on my bucket list. If you are a fan of cold weather, winter brings activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
The park offers tent and trailer camping, plus cabins available for rent in both the north and south end of the park (note minimum stay requirements during peak season). Pets are allowed in certain campsite areas, but not in the cabins. Like most state parks, it’s best to make reservations for overnight stays in advance.
Kath at familyTravelsUSA
Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado
Cheyenne Mountain State Park has activities every nature lover would enjoy to include: archery, biking, hiking, geo-caching, and horse-back riding. This state park is also dog-friendly, allowing you to take your furry friend along for a hike. There are over 20 trails to choose from to explore. Many of the trials are less than a mile, which is great for families with younger kids or inexperienced hikers.
If you plan on heading to the park during peak season (summer), it is strongly recommended to make a reservation. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. There are options available for your camping style to include camper, trailer, tent, RV, and cabin. To genuinely appreciate everything this park has to offer we recommend staying at least 3-days. The beauty and tranquility will mesmerize you.
Corritta at It’s a Family Thing
Silver Lake State Park, Michigan
Outside of the state park you’ll find a wide range of other activities such as: mini golf, go karting and ziplining. There are several options for getting out onto the waters of ‘Silver Lake’ lake too! One of my favorite places to eat is Silver Scoops, they have great ice cream! Silver Lake has several different accommodation options from campgrounds to motels and hotels. The Dunes Waterfront Resort has lakefront rooms which get great sunset views of the lake with the sand dunes in the background.
Kylie at Between England and Iowa
Crystal Cove State Park, California
There are many options when it comes to choosing a beach. However, the Historic District takes the first prize when it comes to popularity. In this area, visitors will find beach cottages, the Beachcomber Cafe, a store and many facilities. The famous Shake Shack is located at the top of the district. Do not miss the opportunity to grab a shake, malt or root beer float at this local institution.
Morro Canyon Beach is a great spot for those who want to practice watersports (surfing or diving). For seclusion, choose a beach in the western part of the park.
Crystal Cove can be visited as
Ruth at Tanama Tales
Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
If you’re comfortable with rock scrambling, make sure to visit the Goblins Lair, a massive cavern slot canyon on the eastern edge of the park. This is the perfect stop along a road trip to the national parks in the area or as a weekend trip. You can spend a night or two in the yurts at the park and explore the park and the surrounding area, which is full of awesome hiking trails.
The best time to visit will be spring, fall, and winter, but if you can only visit in the summer, an early morning or late evening visit will be best so you’re not in the blazing sun and heat as long. And make sure you drink plenty of water. This is a must-visit park because it’s such a unique landscape. It almost feels like you’re on another planet.
Megan at Red Around the World
New River Trail State Park, Virginia
As far as overnight accommodations, primitive camping is available at several campsites (no showers or bathhouses). Or you can look for cabin rentals through local companies like New River Retreat that offer rentals at nearby Claytor Lake and along the New River Trail. About an hour from Draper is Mountain Lake Lodge, one of the locations for the filming of the movie Dirty Dancing back in the 1980’s. The grounds have plenty of outdoor space for kids to run. We’ve enjoyed staying in both the family-friendly cabins and in the main lodge.
Kath at familyTravelsUSA
Mount Mitchell State Park, North Carolina
You can drive up and walk a short distance to a concrete overlook or hike one of the different trails. On a clear day, visitors can see as far as 85 miles away! Next to the overlook, the Balsalm Nature Trail is short and unique, taking hikers through a fragrant pine forest and through soggy, mossy trails. There is a small snack and food stand near the overlook or visit the on-site restaurant with a stunning view for a full meal. Visit the free, small museum & gift shop for local souvenirs and to learn about local history in the park. In late summer, visitors are welcome to pick the wild berries along the trails for a snack on the go! There is a small tent campground in the park, and a number of hotels along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Mount Mitchell State Park is a beautiful representation of Western NC’s trails;
find more great Asheville area hikes here.Stephanie at Explore More Clean Less
