Don’t want to drive too far from your brick-and-mortar location? Curious about what’s within your state’s borders? A visit to a state park might be just what you’re looking for.
Note: Before heading out to a state park, check the website for any COVID-19 restrictions. Direct links to state parks can be found here.
There are definite benefits to putting a state park or two on your bucket list. With more than 10,000 state parks from sea to shining sea and everywhere in between, your options are practically limitless. And state parks can be less crowded than the sixty-plus national parks since they are often overlooked in favor of their better-known siblings. Depending on where the state park is located, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities: hiking, biking, fishing, boating, bird-watching and wildlife viewing, or just relaxing in a peaceful environment.
While you may have to reserve your site in advance (although some state parks do keep a few sites available on a first-come, first-served basis), the cost can be less than at commercial campgrounds, with some state parks even allowing long-term stays. According to Current Camper, you may be eligible for a free or discounted rate if you’re a state resident, or if the park is waiving fees to encourage outdoor activities and reduce the contact between staff and visitors.
One thing to keep in mind, cautions Current Camper, is that amenities can vary from park to park. Some state parks may offer all the bells and whistles you get at commercial sites—electric hookups, WiFi, and dump stations—while others may be more suitable for those who prefer to boondock. Check the websites to find out what amenities they offer, as well as any RV size restrictions, since not all state parks have campsites that can accommodate large campers, notes Less Junk<More Journey.
For more information about state parks and to reserve a campsite, check the links below:
Alabama — Campground reservations
Alaska — Campground information
Arizona — Campground reservations
Arkansas — Campground reservations
California — Campground reservations
Colorado — Campground reservations
Connecticut — Campground reservations
Delaware — Campground reservations
Florida — Campground reservations
Georgia — Campground reservations
Hawaii — Campground reservations
Idaho — Campground reservations
Illinois — Campground reservations
Indiana — Campground reservations
Iowa — Campground reservations
Kansas — Campground reservations
Kentucky — Campground reservations
Louisiana — Campground reservations
Maine — Campground reservations
Maryland — Campground reservations
Massachusetts — Campground reservations
Michigan — Campground reservations
Minnesota — Campground reservations
Mississippi — Campground reservations
Missouri — Campground reservations
Montana — Campground reservations
Nebraska — Campground reservations
New Hampshire — Campground reservations
New Jersey — Campground reservations
New Mexico — Campground reservations
New York — Campground reservations
North Carolina — Campground reservations
North Dakota — Campground reservations
Ohio — Campground reservations
Oklahoma — Campground reservations
Oregon — Campground reservations
Pennsylvania — Campground reservations
Rhode Island — Campground reservations
South Carolina — Campground reservations
South Dakota — Campground reservations
Tennessee — Campground reservations
Texas — Campground reservations
Utah — Campground reservations
Vermont — Campground reservations
Virginia — Campground reservations
Washington — Campground reservations
West Virginia — Campground reservations
Wisconsin — Campground reservations
Wyoming — Campground reservations