The United States is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes and amazing geological phenomena in the world. When seeking outdoor bucket-list adventures, travelers often focus on national parks. But don’t overlook state parks! We’ve curated this list of the Top 10 State Parks in the USA, choosing parks with astonishing natural beauty, incredible wildlife, or unique features.
Natural beauty abounds in each of the 50 United States! And each state has set aside some of these areas, including beautiful lakes, coastline, mountains, waterfalls, significant historic sites, and more, to be preserved and for public enjoyment. Some state parks would easily have worldwide draw as national parks! But often they are lesser known, resulting in fewer visitors and a chance to seek solitude. This is a gift to folks living nearby, and to travelers willing to dig a little deeper when trip-planning.
Amenities are another advantage of state parks. When state parks offer campgrounds, sites typically have electrical hookups and water, unlike many national parks. When they offer hotels and cabins, they are often situated in scenic locations and are more budget-friendly than equivalent accommodations in national parks. So it makes sense to seek out state parks as you are planning to a trip. Whether a weekend camping getaway near your home, or as a place to add to a longer itinerary, state parks deserve your consideration!
We’ve traveled to dozens of state parks over our 40 years of traveling, so it was difficult to narrow down this list to just 10 Top State Parks! If you have a favorite state park to recommend, please share it in the comments. We’d love to visit and write about it.
So here goes our list of the Top 10 State Parks in the USA – all ranked ★★★ – in no particular order.
Note: Click on any picture to expand it!
1. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park – California
Overview
This gorgeous state park sits along the Big Sur coast and is a crown jewel of California’s state park system. It is known for dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and the iconic McWay Falls—an 80-foot waterfall that plunges directly into the Pacific Ocean. We have a picture we took of this dreamy sight framed in our house, and we can’t wait to go back!
Steep, tree-covered cliffs rise sharply from the turquoise Pacific waters, and far below is the beautiful beach with its waterfall. Both are inaccessible to visitors, but what an amazing, postcard-perfect sight!
There are many incredible places along the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1), but Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park protects one of the most beautiful sights we’ve ever witnessed in the USA!
Things to Do
Waterfall Overlook Trail to View of McWay Falls ★★★
This short and easy 0.6-mile roundtrip walk is a must-do when visiting Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The trail leads to a breathtaking viewpoint of McWay Falls—an 80-foot waterfall that plunges directly into the Pacific Ocean. Wildflowers dot the hillsides. Bring your camera and soak in the scenery!
Partington Cove Trail ★★
This awesome trail descends to a cove with a rocky shoreline where waves crash against cliffs, getting you closer to the shoreline of the Big Sur coast. On the way down, you cross a wooden bridge and hike through a tunnel. The Partington Cove Trail is 1.1 mile roundtrip with an elevation gain of 340 feet.
On the way to Partington Cove, you also pass a spur trail to a secluded beach. If you have time, this is very worthwhile, but note that hiking to this beach adds about 0.2 miles to your hike.
Picnicking
Picnicking is popular near the parking area with tables overlooking the Pacific. Look out for sea otters, seals, or migrating whales, which adds an extra thrill! We saw sea otters.
Practicalities
Link to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Website
Location: Mile Marker 36, Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Hwy), about 40 miles south of Monterey (roughly a 1-hour drive).
Hours / Season: Open Daily 8 AM – Sunset.
Fees: $10 per vehicle. This Day-Use Pass allows access to other California State Parks until closing on the day of purchase.
Parking: Limited, arrive early, especially on weekends. Parking is allowed along the highway – make sure your vehicle is fully off the road.
Accommodations: No overnight accommodations available.
2. Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
Overview
Located on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, Fall Creek Falls State Park is a nature lover’s paradise. This large state park (almost 30,000 acres) offers stunning waterfalls, including Fall Creek Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall east of the Mississippi River. But there’s so much more! The park has something for everyone and is worthy of a half-day visit just to see the various falls. Throw in the other activities offered, and you could easily spend a weekend or a week at Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Things To Do
Fall Creek Falls ★★★
The top attraction is the park’s namesake Fall Creek Falls, which crashes down 256-feet in a single drop. The Fall Creek Falls overlook provides views of these impressive falls from the top. A steep trail leads about .5 mile down to the base of the falls – from here, you can wade into the river and get up close and personal with Fall Creek Falls. Be careful – the rocks are slippery!
Cane Creek Falls ★★ (★★★ for waterfall swimming on a hot day)
Cane Creek Falls, another awesome waterfall, is located behind the Betty Dunn Nature Center. Here you can cool off in the mist of the powerful falls, or even go for a swim – an exhilarating experience!
A suspension bridge high above Cane Creek Falls offers an incredible view of the cascades from above and connects to the Woodland and Gorge Trails that lead to Fall Creek Falls.
Other Things to Do
There’s a lot more to do at this excellent state park, including another waterfall hike (Piney Falls), front country camping, backcountry trails and camping, rock climbing, ropes course, fishing and boating (boat rentals available), golfing, and swimming in the park’s public pool at Taft Village (snack bar at pool). Click here for a map of the park to plan your visit and hiking.
Dining at Fall Creek Falls
Head over to The Restaurant at Fall Creek Falls in the Lodge for a snack or meal. Hours are 11 AM – 8 PM most days (open till 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). Dining is indoor or outdoors with beautiful views of the lake. Have a peek at the menu here.
Practicalities
Link to Fall Creek Falls State Park Website
Location: The main entrance is at 2009 Village Camp Road, Spencer, TN 38585. The closest city is Chattanooga, TN, with Fall Creek Falls State Park being 66 miles (about a 1-hour drive) north of the city.
Hours / Season: Open 24 hours, but day use areas close at Sunset.
Fees: No fee, but there are fees for some activities.
Parking: Plentiful and free at various lots throughout the park.
Accommodations: If you’re looking to stay overnight, you have options to camp, stay in the lodge or rent a cabin. More in depth park information and reservation links can be found on the Fall Creek Falls State Park website.
3. Custer State Park, South Dakota
Overview
Custer State Park, found in the heart of South Dakota’s Black Hills, covers 71,000-acres of wildlife, granite peaks, and scenic beauty. From scenic driving, to easy-to-challenging hikes, to spotting a variety of wildlife including bison and a herd of wild burros, Custer State Park is a thrilling stop on a South Dakota itinerary or a perfect weekend getaway!
We traveled here as part of our Dakotas trip and had tons of fun driving the Needles Highway and hiking (see below).
Things to Do
Scenic Drive – Needles Highway ★★★
Scenic driving is a highlight in Custer State Park, and Needles Highway is a must. This 14-mile stretch of road, which takes around 1 hour to drive, winds through pine forests and past towering granite spires. Along the way, you pass through two narrow tunnels hewn from the granite. The Needle’s Eye Tunnel is the narrowest at only 8-feet wide. Pull in your mirrors! The Iron Creek Tunnel is a little bit bigger, at 8’9” wide. Note that both tunnels are one-way. At peak times, lines to drive through the tunnels can be long. Plan to drive the Needles Highway early or late in the day during peak season. It goes without saying that RVs are not permitted on the Needles Highway.
Scenic Drive – Wildlife Loop ★ (★★ for children)
The Wildlife Loop is a slow-paced 18-mile drive through grasslands teeming with life. This is a treat for wildlife lovers! Bison and pronghorn are frequently seen, and the iconic “begging burros” roam freely. Try to drive this route in the early morning or late evening to maximize sightings.
Scenic Drive – Iron Mountain Road ★★
Iron Mountain Road, which connects Custer State Park to Mount Rushmore, is a fantastic drive with winding roads and looping bridges. In places along the Iron Mountain Road, tunnels frame Mount Rushmore in the distance.
Hike – Black Elk Peak Loop Trail ★★
This 7.4-mile loop trail is a delight. Hikers can tackle the 7.4-mile Black Elk Peak Trail, South Dakota’s highest point, for sweeping vistas of the Black Hills. blah blah blah
Practicalities
Link to Custer State Park Website
Location: Custer State Park is located about an hour’s drive south of Rapid City, SD. Take US-16A south to reach the park’s main entrance. If you’re coming from farther afield, I-90 provides easy access from the east or west.
Hours / Season: Open daily, but amenity hours change with the season. Check the park website for more information.
Fees: Vehicle Entrance Fee is $15 for nonresidents of South Dakota.
Parking: Plentiful and free at various lots throughout the park.
Accommodations: If you’re looking to stay overnight, you have options to camp in one of the campgrounds (electricity and water available) or rent a cabin. Click here for a list of campgrounds.
4. Niagara Falls State Park, New York
Overview
Spanning more than 400 acres, Niagara Falls State Park is home to three breathtaking waterfalls—American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. It’s also the oldest state park in the U.S., drawing millions of visitors from all over the world annually. This must-see park should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
We love Niagara Falls so much – we gave it its own guide! Check out our in-depth guide with everything you need to know for your visit by clicking here. In our guide, we cover the US side and the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. Visiting both is recommended, but experiencing Niagara Falls State Park on the New York side is an amazing experience on its own!
Things to Do
There’s plenty to do at Niagara Falls State Park, including a thrilling boat ride to the base of the falls, an aerial tramway over “The Whirlpool,” dining with a view of the falls, and much more. See our dedicated Guide to Niagara Falls for all there is to do at New York’s Niagara Falls State Park.
Practicalities
Link to Niagara Falls State Park Website
Location: Niagara Falls State Park is located at 332 Prospect Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, about 20 miles northwest of Buffalo, New York, along the U.S.-Canadian border.
Hours / Season: Open daily, but Welcome Center and attractions hours change with the season. Check the park website for more information.
Fees: Entry to the park is free, but attractions require tickets.
Parking: $10 Monday–Thursday and $15 Friday–Sunday. Pay at kiosks.
Accommodations: There are no accommodations in the state park, but many hotels in Niagara Falls, NY.
5. Kartchner Caverns State Park, Arizona
Overview
Another must-visit park is Kartchner Caverns State Park in Arizona. It features a vast limestone cave system discovered in 1974. The multi-chambered cave is renowned for its pristine formations, including the world’s longest soda straw stalactite and the towering 58 foot tall Kubla Khan column. The caverns are “living,” meaning they continue to grow. The immensity of the rooms and the variety of formations makes this an unforgettable experience!
I’m not a huge fan of caves – dark, wet, bats – so I wasn’t really looking forward to this cave visit, but Kartchner Caverns blew me away! We visited when I tagged along on one of Fred’s business trips to Tucson.
There’s also more to Kartchner Caverns State Park – including hiking trails and stargazing (see below). This state park packs a punch, whether you are visiting for a day or a weekend. Book your cave tour early to secure your spot!
Things to Do
Cave Tours ★★★
Guided tours of the caverns are the only way to see them, and reservations should be made well in advance by visiting the Arizona State Parks website. According to the website, reservations can also be made by phone – call (877) MY-PARKS and select Option #2 seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST. (If online reservations are full, try calling. We’ve heard that sometimes information on the website is not correct.)
You can choose from the Rotunda/Throne Tour or Big Room Tour. Big Room Tours are only available October 15 – April 15 (closed the rest of the calendar year due to roosting bats). Both tours last 1:45 hours, are about 0.5-mile long, and are wheelchair-accessible. On Saturdays, you can spring for the exciting Helmet & Headlamp Tour. Check website for age restrictions for various tours.
Note: Neither photography nor video are permitted inside the cave. Hence, we have no pictures! But we found a gorgeous photo online that gives an idea of how amazing these caverns truly are (see above).
Hiking
The park also offers trails such as the Foothills Loop (2.5-miles) and the Guindani Trail (4.2-miles) which serve up awesome desert views.
Stargazing ★★
Kartchner Caverns State Park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a fantastic spot for night sky viewing, especially on a clear, new moon night.
Practicalities
Link to Kartchner Caverns State Park Website
Location: Kartchner Caverns is located an easy 1-hour drive from Tucson or 2.5 hours from Phoenix. It’s found 9 miles south of Benson, AZ off Highway 90.
Hours / Season: Open daily, but Welcome Center and attractions hours change with the season. Check the park website for more information.
Fees: $7/vehicle (waived with cave tour or campsite reservations). Tours cost $30 for adults; $15 for children. Helmet & Headlamp Tour: $50/$25.
Parking: Free with day pass.
Accommodations: The park has options for spending the night, either in its campground ($30–$35/night, with water/electric hookups) or a cabin.
6. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, California
Overview
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, is home to enormous old-growth redwood trees. It’s mind-blowing to stand next to these ancient trees and ponder their age and size! Some are over 1,800 years old – just think about the epochs they have withstood! The redwoods soar to heights exceeding 280 feet, making humans seem tiny in comparison. These silent sentinels lend perspective to our lives.
The park encompasses 4,600 acres and offers beautiful trails, opportunities to see wildlife, and lovely places for a picnic.
While more redwood trees can be found in far northern California at Redwood National and State Parks, this park is close to the city of Monterey, providing a profound place to witness these majestic trees without traveling so far north. We have visited the park twice, and each time found it awe-inducing.
Things to Do
Redwood Grove Loop Trail ★★★
Walk the highly scenic and photogenic 0.8-mile Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which is easy and do-able for all ages.
Cowell Highlights Loop ★★
If you’re looking for something more challenging, the amazing 5-mile Cowell Highlights Loop provides stunning views of Monterey Bay.
San Lorenzo River Area ★
The area of the park along the San Lorenzo River is fantastic for picnicking and seasonal swimming. Horseback riding is available for a fee.
Practicalities
Link to Henry Cowell Redwoods Park Website
Location: The main park entrance is off Highway 9 at 101 Big Trees Park Road, Felton, CA 95018. The park is just 5 miles north of Santa Cruz, CA. From San Francisco, it’s about 75 miles (1.5 hours driving) to the south.
Hours / Season: Open daily sunrise to sunset. Visitor Center open daily 10 AM – 4 PM.
Fees: $10 per vehicle for day use (this pass gives you access to all California state parks until sundown).
Parking: Park at the main day-use area off Highway 9 (101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton). Limited free parking is also available along Hwy 9 pull-outs or Graham Hill Road.
Accommodations: The park has a campground with 113 sites. As of this writing, the park campground was closed due to construction, but scheduled to reopen August 1, 2025. Book early for this popular campground by visiting the park website.
7. Okefenokee Swamp (Stephen C. Foster State Park), Georgia
Overview
Alligators, snakes, bald eagles, cypress trees, Spanish moss, serenity, oh my! We love the spectacular Okefenokee Swamp, which is located in Stephen C. Foster State Park, and have been there twice. This is an absolutely amazing place to spend a day or a weekend! It offers a diverse and unique ecosystem unlike any other place in the USA.
The best way to see the Okefenokee is in a jon boat or canoe. The state park rents both for a reasonable cost. Take a relaxing trip through the swamp! This is a place to unwind and absorb the incredible nature all around you. Along the way, you will see alligators (don’t bother them, they won’t bother you) and a variety of other wildlife including snakes and bald eagles.
Things to Do
We’ve written a separate guide, our Ultimate Guide to the Okefenokee Swamp, where you can learn about the swamp and find all the info you need to plan your epic adventure. Don’t miss this unique Georgia gem!
Practicalities
Link to Stephen C. Foster Park Website
Location: The park entrance is 22 miles northeast of Fargo, GA off GA-94 (near the GA-FL border). It’s about a 5-hour drive from Atlanta.
Hours / Season: Open daily 7 AM to 10 PM. Visitor Center open daily 10 AM – 4 PM.
Fees: $5 per vehicle for day use.
Parking: Plentiful and free within the park with day use permit.
Accommodations: The park has a beautiful campground with 52 sites, some with hookups, and 9 cabins. Reserve in advance to secure your spot!
8. Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah
Overview
Sitting 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park in Utah offers breathtaking vistas, rugged hiking trails, and a peaceful escape from the crowds of Moab and the nearby national parks. This is an epic state park! The iconic, sweeping views from its namesake overlook are jaw-dropping. From every angle, miles and miles of mesas and buttes spread out, with the Colorado River below.
Located just 32 miles from Moab, this state park is a must-visit as a stand-alone destination or for those exploring the nearby Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. It’s smack dab in the middle of the awesomeness, only 30 miles from Moab, 26 miles from Arches NP, and less than 10 miles from Canyonlands.
Two campgrounds and yurt lodging provide overnight accommodations, which can be great for anyone visiting the state park or the national parks. The campground at Arches is often full, and Canyonlands has no option for overnighting in a developed campground. Dead Horse Point could be the headquarters for your national park trip!
We have not yet made it to Dead Horse Point State Park, but both times we’ve visited Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, we’ve observed that Dead Horse Point gets rave reviews. And we’ve seen the pics! We know you won’t be disappointed!
Things to Do
Dead Horse Point Overlook ★★★
This is the awesome, must-see, often-photographed viewpoint at Dead Horse Point State Park. To get here, drive the park road to the end where you will find the parking lot for the viewpoint. The views from here (pictured above) are astonishing. At every turn, you see buttes, mesas, and the Colorado River far below.
Hiking ★★
Dead Horse Point State Park has some incredible hiking. Of note are the East Rim Trail (4 miles roundtrip, in and out from the Visitor Center to Dead Horse Point Overlook) and the West Rim Trail (7 miles roundtrip, in and out with spur trails to Shafer Canyon Overlook and Rim Overlook. Each provides amazing views but the West Rim Trail with detours is preferred if you don’t mind the longer hiking distance.
Stargazing ★★
Dead Horse Point State Park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a fantastic spot for night sky viewing, especially on a clear, new moon night.
Practicalities
Link to Dead Horse Point State Park Website
Location: Dead Horse Point State Park is located 30 miles from Moab, Utah, 26 miles from Arches NP, and less than 10 miles from Canyonlands NP. The nearest major cities are Salt Lake City, UT, Denver, CO, and Las Vegas, NV.
Hours / Season: Open daily 6 AM to 10 PM. Visitor Center open daily 9 AM – 5 PM.
Fees: $20 per vehicle for day use.
Parking: Plentiful and free within the park with day use permit.
Accommodations: The park has two campgrounds and yurt lodging. Reserve in advance to secure your spot!
9. Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
Overview
This gorgeous state park, which spans more than 6,000 acres, is right off I-93 in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The “notch” is the result of glacial activity which left behind dramatic granite formations. It offers rugged scenery and a chance to get away from it all with its miles of trails, or to vacation with cool attractions and modern amenities.
Highlights of the park include the Flume Gorge hiking adventure, the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway, a swimming and boating lake, and more gorgeous hikes. With the variety of amenities offered, including a restaurant, ice cream shop, and swimming beach, Franconia Notch State Park is an ideal family vacation destination.
There’s a ton to enjoy here! We visited as part of a trip to New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine.
Things to Do
Flume Gorge Trail ★★
This 2-mile loop passes through the Flume Gorge, an incredibly deep chasm formed by the Pemigewasset River. Boardwalks cling to the granite walls, providing an exhilarating hike with the water of the “flume” crashing below. Sheer granite walls rise to heights of 70+ feet. It’s an incredible experience. (We would have given it ★★★ except that the park charges a hefty fee to hike it.)
The trail is not accessible to wheelchairs, and is moderate in difficulty, with packed gravel paths, boardwalks, and stairs. Entry fee: $18 adults, $16 ages 6 – 12, children 5 and under are free as of 2025.
Artist’s Bluff Trail ★★
This is a moderately challenging 1.5-mile hike with 500 feet of elevation gain, offering stunning views of Echo Lake and surrounding peaks.
Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway ★
On this tramway, you ride to the 4,000+ foot summit of Cannon Mountain. On a clear day, you can see across four states and into Canada. We didn’t take the tramway, but have based our rating on reviews we read, balancing the experience with cost ($25 adults, $20 ages 6 – 12, children 5 and under are free). Open seasonally.
Echo Lake ★ (★★ for families)
At beautiful Echo Lake, you can swim, fish, and rent canoes, kayaks, or pedal boats. Open seasonally.
More Hiking – and Winter Activities
Altogether, the park has a total of 34 hiking trails. In the winter, trails are popular for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
Practicalities
Link to Franconia Notch State Park Website
Location: Franconia Notch State Park is located about 140 miles or a 2-hour drive north of Boston, MA. From New Hampshire’s state capital of Concord, it’s about a 75-mile drive.
Hours / Season: Open daily. Entry fees, activity fees and operating seasons are best checked on the state park website as there are too many to list here.
Fees: See park website for fees, as many attractions and activities require a fee.
Parking: Plentiful. See park website for parking fees for your planned activities.
Accommodations: The Lafayette Place campground has 97 reservable sites.
10. Gulf State Park, Alabama
Gulf State Park (our girls)
Overview
Camping at the beach? Visiting the Emerald Coast without all the development and congestion? We say yes! Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama protects 3.5 miles of stunning sugar-white sand beaches from commercial development. The park spans over 6,000 acres, providing shelter for birds and other wildlife. It also offers a lake for kayaking and other recreational activities.
The Emerald Coast has gorgeous beaches by any standard – and crystal clear water, but because of this, development is dense in places. Gulf State Park is one place you can get away from it all for some solitude and an unspoiled beach experience. For some, it’s a plus that there are restaurants and other modern amenities nearby We’ve visited the park multiple times when traveling through the area.
Whether you’re looking to spend a day or a week, Gulf State Park is the destination on the Emerald Coast for escaping crowds and enjoying an unspoiled beach.
Things to Do
Visitors to the park can relax, swim, explore the beach, fish, visit the pier, hike/stroll, kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard – in the Gulf or on the park’s Lake Shelby. Gulf State Park also has more than 28 miles of paved trails for hiking, biking or leisurely strolls.
Equipment rentals, including beach chairs and umbrellas, are available at different locations throughout the park from a variety of concessionaires. Visit the Outdoor Adventures section of the park’s website for more information.
The campground at Gulf State Park also has a pool with splash pad, and tennis/pickleball courts, making the park a fantastic beach vacation destination for families.
Practicalities
Link to Gulf State Park Website
Location: Gulf State Park is located a little more than 50 miles or a 1-hour drive without traffic southeast of Mobile, AL. From Pensacola, FL, it’s 33 miles or about an hour’s drive west along the coast to Gulf State Park.
Hours / Season: Open daily, 24 hours. The Visitor Center is open Tuesday – Sunday 10 AM – 4 PM.
Fees: See park website for fees, as some attractions and activities require a fee.
Parking: Plentiful, but fees apply and lots may fill up on busy summer weekends. Try to get there early! See park website for parking fees for your planned activities.
Accommodations: Gulf State Park offers a lodge and cabins for rental, and a large campground with almost 500 full hook-up sites.
Conclusion
We hope this list of the Top 10 State Parks in the USA has been informative and inspiring. Please share your thoughts in the Comments section below. Happy Travels!