It’s no surprise to find stunning views and impressive landscapes in national parks.
But it can be shocking to pull into a little-known state park you’ve never heard of and discover scenery that’s, in some cases, even more unforgettable.
State parks can be home to everything from dramatic canyons to old-growth redwoods and otherworldly rock formations. And they're right under our noses.
"There are more than 2,500 state parks in the U.S. that offer opportunities to camp and explore the outdoors close to home. The protected landscapes are just as beautiful as some U.S. national parks, with fewer crowds," Maddi Whitehead, an RVshare travel expert, says.
State parks are also significantly cheaper.
"Entrance fees are lower than those at other attractions, and many states offer annual passes that can quickly pay for themselves," Whitehead says. "Most state parks are often much cheaper than private campgrounds, with nightly rates as low as $10."
I’ve traveled across the United States extensively within parks of all sorts, and some of the best stops I’ve experienced have included state parks with empty hiking trails, affordable campgrounds, and stunning scenery. Here are four worth planning a trip around.
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Goblin Valley State Park, Utah
If you’re searching for solitude, wondrous rock formations, and mushroom-shaped hoodoos, Goblin Valley State Park is one of Utah’s most underrated gems that feels like entering another world.
Located about 50 miles southwest of Green River, Goblin Valley’s landscape is made up of three main valleys filled with hoodoos, often called “goblins,” as the rock formations take on unique, curiosity-inspiring shapes and sizes (many of which are short and squat like the mythical creatures). The park is unusual because visitors are welcome to wander off-trail, although there are plenty of marked trails as well. Beyond hiking, wildlife viewing, stargazing, mountain biking, disc golf, and ranger-guided programs are highlight activities within the state park.
Goblin Valley is also truly remote, which is why it’s one of my favorite state parks. Green River has the nearest major gas stations and grocery stores, and cell service in the park is limited or nonexistent. This means visitors can truly disconnect, take in the scenery, and explore without running into another human.
Goblin Valley charges a $20 entrance fee, and it has one developed campground with 24 campsites and two yurts. The campground has water, flush toilets, and covered picnic tables; there aren’t power hookups or showers. During peak season, yurts are $150 a night while camping spots are $45. Right outside the state park is public land with free dispersed camping.
Since it is located in the desert, spring and fall are the ideal months to visit, with spring offering some wildflowers and fall offering cooler, post-summer temperatures.
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
While places like Goblin Valley take you to other worlds, Silver Falls State Park is like entering a whimsical fantasy.
Nicknamed the “crown jewel” of Oregon’s state park system, the park is filled with Douglas firs, overgrown ferns, moss-covered canyons, and waterfalls. Across its 9,200 acres, there are hiking trails to explore, old-growth trees to admire, and waterfalls to discover, including the famous 177-foot South Falls. The park is also the largest state park in Oregon and sits at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, less than an hour from Oregon’s capital, Salem.
The park has a range of accommodations, including paid campsites for tents and RVs, as well as cabins and a horse campground. Campsites for non-Oregon residents start at $25, while cabins start at $41.
If you’re on the hunt for waterfalls, the best time to visit is between April and May, when the snow melts, and the waterfalls reach their peak flow. Summer is another great choice with warmer weather and greener trails, while fall offers colorful foliage and fewer crowds.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, California
One of the most magical places you’ll find along the West Coast is Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park.
Situated 26 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea and spanning over 1,000 acres, the state park is home to California’s famous towering redwoods, Big Sur River Gorge, and Pfeiffer Falls. Although there’s no direct ocean access, the coast is a short drive away.
Within the park, there are plenty of hiking and biking trails, river access for swimming, and picnic spots underneath impressive redwoods. Popular hikes include the trail to Pfeiffer Falls and the Valley View Trail.
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is also where you’ll find Big Sur’s largest campground with amenities like hot showers, restrooms, a camp store, picnic tables, and fire rings. Nearby, there’s also the Big Sur lodge, which has 62 rooms, a cafe, and a grocery store.
And while many state parks tend to be less crowded than national parks, Pfeiffer Big Sur is quite popular, especially now that Highway 1 is open after three years of closures.
This means that the campground can fill up months in advance. I snagged a spot at the campground two months before a February trip to Big Sur, but campground reservations open six months in advance. Standard campsites start at $50 a night, while a night at Big Sur Lodge in summer starts at $364.
Letchworth State Park, New York
If you’re looking for an East Coast destination that feels like a smaller, greener version of the Grand Canyon, Letchworth State Park should be added to your list.
Called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the park stretches 17 miles along the Genesee River, where visitors can discover three waterfalls.
But the park is home to far more than views. There are also 66 miles of trails for horseback riding, biking, snowmobiling, and it’s also a great spot for cross-country skiing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and swimming. The park has a rich programming calendar, where visitors can join guided walks, listen to lectures, and watch seasonal performing arts showcases.
Day-use fees are $10 a vehicle, and campsites are $35 for non-residents with a two-night minimum. Cabins can cost between $67 and $163 a night for non-residents. The park has year-round activities, but fall is a great time for leaf peeping while spring means powerful waterfalls.
The Shortcut
State parks can often rival national parks in their landscapes and scenery.
But the perks of visiting a state park go beyond just the views. State parks tend to have lower camping costs, easier reservation systems, and fewer crowds.
These four state parks have accommodations, activities, and sights worth planning a trip around.
