Most Americans are familiar with our wonderful National Parks System — from the geysers of Yosemite, to the soft cerulean of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah. 

But the U.S. also has numerous beautiful state parks that are worth of recognition. Here are some of the best state parks in the U.S.

Best state Parks for hiking

Anza Borrego Desert State Park, California

This desert paradise is known for hikes through diverse habitats including mountains, palm groves, canyons and colorful wildflower meadows. If you enjoy wildlife watching, keep an eye out on the trails for jackrabbits, big horn sheep and red-diamond rattlesnakes. At 585,930 acres, the park is the largest state park in California and one of the largest in the nation. Borrego Palm Canyon is the most popular trail in the park. The relatively easy hike leads to outstanding natural sites including a desert oasis, waterfall and canyon. 

Kachemak Bay State Park and State Wilderness Park, Alaska

The first state Park in Alaska is also one of the most remote in the nation. No roads lead to Kachemak Bay, you’ll have to book a plane or boat taxi. For the trip, you’ll be rewarded with sites of impressive pine forests surrounded by glacial peaks of hundreds of thousands of feet, and gorgeous, rocky coastlines. Spot sea otters, whales, black bears and wolves. The moderate, four-hour Glacier Lake Trail rewards hikers with views of the beautiful Grewingk glacier.

Others to see: Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas; State Forest State Park, Colorado

Best state parks for kayaking

Bear Lake State Park, Utah

Imagine paddling Caribbean-blue waters near limestone mountains. Bear Lake stretches 20 miles long and eight miles wide. Visit the restaurants and shops that line the shore. Temperatures at Bear Lake State Park tend to be lower due to its high elevation, which makes the park a great place to enjoy a respite from the summer heat in Utah. 

Caddo State Park, Texas

Caddo Lake offers more than 50 miles of paddling trails that wind between bald cypress trees and under Spanish moss. Paddlers will glide past dense hardwood forests while being serenaded by a natural symphony of tree frogs, bullfrogs, cricket frogs and spring peepers. Paddle up to one of the park’s primitive camping sites for a rest near the water before hoping back into your boat. 

Others to see: Kiptopeke State Park, Virginia; Myakka State Park, Florida
 

Best state parks for camping

Goblin Valley State Park, Utah

Goblin Valley State Park is incredibly visually interesting. “The Mars-like terrain is dotted with rock hoodoos,” writes Travel & Leisure. Pitch your tent at Goblin Valley Campground, surrounded by incredible rock formations. The park has 25 campsites, including 14 RV campsites. Before you relax at the campsite, hike the Goblin’s Lair slot cavern, through seemingly otherworldly tunnels. Take a shorter, less strenuous hike to see The Three Sisters, known as the park’s most iconic formations.

Emerald Bay State Park, California

Go diving at Emerald Bay State Park to explore sunken shipwrecks in Lake Tahoe. Kayak to a stunning wooded island that offers panoramic views of the lake shore. Explore a 38-room mansion — the Vikingsholm, a stunning example of old Scandinavian architecture. When you’re done adventuring for the day, set up camp on the shores of Lake Tahoe at Emerald Bay Boat Camp, “where you can dock your boat and camp on the picturesque lake front,” writes Travel & Leisure. The site is popular and only open in the summer, so reserve at least six months in advance.

Others to see: City of Rocks State Park, New Mexico; Hammonasset Beach State Park, Connecticut 

Best state parks for stargazing

Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania

“Cherry Springs State Park is world-famous for being one the best places in the USA for stargazing and the study of astronomy,” writes Pennsylvania Wilds. As many as 10,000 stars are visible to the naked eye at Cherry Springs. The park’s mountaintop astronomical field is ideal for stargazing for casual viewers and experienced enthusiasts alike. Stay in one of the rustic campgrounds at Cherry Springs to see the stars before you drift off to sleep in an uncovered hammock.

Maidstone State Park, Vermont

Maidstone is one of the most remote state parks in Vermont, with very little light pollution due to its solitude. “The park is filled with peaceful nooks — no sound of highways — but the best spots for watching the stars are right on Maidstone Lake,” writes Space Tourism Guide. The park is a recognized dark sky location.

Others to see: James River State Park, Virginia; Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Florida

The second you book your state park trip, consider purchasing travel insurance to protect your health and the money you’ve invested in traveling. 

Allianz Global Assistance offers trip cancellation and delay benefits that reimburse non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or delayed for a covered reason. We also offer emergency medical benefits and inexpensive rental car protection. 

Get a quote today to find out how we can make your next trip stress-free.

Related Articles

• National Parks Road Trip
• The Best National Parks For Getting Away From It All
• Travel Insurance 101: How Travel Insurance Works