State Parks with Everything National Parks Have

We get it. National Parks are the bucket list places. But sometimes, for one reason or another, visiting a national park just isn’t in the cards. You’re in luck. Across America, state parks offer the same incredible experiences. Often, state park property lines back right up to the most beloved national parks, meaning you’re literally visiting the same landscape for a fraction of the cost with fewer crowds. Many state parks also are easily accessible from metropolitan areas, and because there’s generally a lower demand to visit, you might not have to book your campsite reservation a year in advance. While this guide is categorized based on general points of interest, you'll find many of the state parks suggested check multiple boxes!

National Parks State Parks States Sustainable Travel

Prepared By:

Shannon Lowery

Writer & Traveler

State parks have it all! No really, hear us out! While we tend to favor national parks for their grandiosity and notoriety, state parks have just as much to offer when it comes to epic landscapes and outdoor experiences! Plus, access is easier, more affordable and generally less hectic in state parks. Lowers voice. I mean, have you heard of those permit lotteries and waiting times for some of those national parks?

These state parks have everything you’re looking for in your next recreational adventure, and none of what you’re not!

State Parks with Waterfalls

While Yosemite National Park is home to America’s tallest waterfall, there are plenty of state parks that offer equally breathtaking cascades. For instance, did you know that Niagara Falls is located in Niagara Falls State Park? That’s right, one of the world’s most famous waterfalls is actually in a state park, not a national one. Venture further off New York’s beaten path to Watkins Glen State Park. It features a series of 19 waterfalls along the scenic Gorge Trail, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Another notable option is Oregon‘s Silver Falls State Park, home to the Trail of Ten Falls, which meanders through a lush forest and showcases ten majestic waterfalls.

Where to Find Waterfalls

Falling Waters State Park, FL

Falls Creek State Park, TN

Rickets Glen State Park, PA

Matthiessen State Park, IL

Watkins Glen State Park, NY

Silver Falls State Park, OR

State Parks with Cool Hikes

For hiking enthusiasts seeking alternatives to national parks like Yosemite or Acadia, state parks offer fantastic options. Consider Washington’s Mount Si State Park, located near Seattle, which offers a challenging but rewarding hike up Mount Si with panoramic views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains. Vermont’s Mount Ascutney State Park boasts a beautiful peak and offers stunning vistas of the surrounding Green Mountains. Meanwhile, California’s Mount Tamalpais State Park near San Francisco provides visitors with an array of hiking trails through diverse landscapes, including redwood groves and open meadows, all with panoramic views of the Bay Area.

Worthwhile Hiking

Tallulah Gorge State Park, GA

Kachemak Bay State Park, AK

Castle Rocks State Park, ID

Petit Jean State Park, AR

Mount Si, Washington

Mount Tamalpais, California

State Parks with Lakes

While national parks like Glacier and Crater Lake boast stunning lakes, state parks offer their own hidden treasures. Take Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Virginia, for instance. Nestled in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers a pristine lake surrounded by beautiful forests, making it an ideal spot for swimming, boating, and fishing. In Texas, Garner State Park enchants visitors with its crystal-clear Frio River, where you can swim, kayak, or simply relax on the riverbanks, all amidst the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country. Another gem is Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin, offering picturesque trails that wind through wooded areas, along rugged cliffs, and around the stunning Devil’s Lake, providing a diverse and memorable hiking experience.

Lake Life

Lake of the Ozarks State Park, AR

Flathead Lake State Park, MT

Lake Wappapello State Park, MO

Morphy Lake State Park, NM

Garner State Park, Texas

Devil's Doorway at Devil's Lake in Wisconsin

Devil’s Lake, Wisconsin

State Parks with Beaches

Craving the sunshine on your face and sand between your toes? You can find sun-kissed beaches in a few national parks like Dry Tortugas as well as national seashores dotted along America’s various coastal areas. But for the real beach bum experience, don’t forget about state parks. Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina is just a few miles from the renowned shores of Hilton Head Island. In Florida, Bahia Honda State Park enchants visitors with its turquoise waters and powdery white sand beaches, making it a tropical paradise for swimming, snorkeling, and picnicking.

Secret Beaches

Ecola State Park, OR

Crystal Cove State Park, CA

Big Bay State Park, WI

Kekaha Kai State Beach, HI

Hunting Island State Park, South Carolina

Old Bahia Honda Bridge, Florida

State Parks with Mountains

If you’re looking for mesmerizing mountains, explore beyond the usual suspects of Rocky Mountain or Grand Teton national parks. In Colorado alone, Staunton State Park and Sylvan National Park are just two of many parks nestled amidst the very same peaks and summits others fight to access on national lands on the Front Range. Down in Utah, there are dozens of fantastic state parks to choose from, including Goblin Valley State Park, which also carries an official stargazing stamp of approval. Over in Big Sky country, the Montana State Parks Foundation works to protect, preserve, and promote the state’s dozens of parks.