The 11 Best State Parks to Visit in the USA in 2026

With over 6,500 state parks in the USA covering a land mass of approximately 14 million acres. These lesser-known gems are often overlooked yet rich in scenic beauty, home to outstanding trails and typically less crowded. Filled with great options for those looking for adventure with epic whitewater boating in Pennsylvania to traversing through red-rock country in Arizona, there is something for all travellers. Read on to discover the top eleven State Parks to put on your must-visit list this year.

From East…

Embark on some Whitewater Boating in Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania 

Located southeast of Pittsburgh, Ohiopyle State Park offers a striking mix of waterfalls, rivers and lush forest landscapes, providing the perfect day trip from the city. With more than 14 miles of the Youghiogheny River Gorge running through its heart, this state park offers some of the best whitewater boating in the US. The park boasts some 80 miles of trails including 28-miles of the Great Allegheny Passage, great for cyclists. Visitors in the spring and summer can admire the 30-foot bridal veil Cucumber Falls and Cucumber Run Ravine. Entry fee: free.

VisitPITTSBURGH.com

Enjoy White Sand Beaches in Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Florida’s Paradise Coast

Boasting one of the most pristine stretches of beaches in the world, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers a secluded escape across a single  mile of coastline and 166-acres, just west of North Naples. This tranquil haven features soft white sand beaches, perfect for shelling, paddleboarding and sunbathing, with shorebirds and wildlife in abundance for avid wildlife fans. The park is open from 8am to sundown and is one of the most idyllic spots in the region for catching the gorgeous Gulf sunsets. Entry fee:  £5 per vehicle (up to 8 people) or £3 for single-occupant vehicles. paradisecoast.com

Experience the Wilderness at Baxter State Park, Maine

For a true taste of Maine’s rugged wilderness, Baxter State Park is a must. The jewel of the park is Mt. Katahdin, the state’s highest peak at 5,267 ft (an 8-12 hour hike) and the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. With 200 miles of trails for all skill levels and 40+ additional peaks, exploration is endless. From late spring to fall, visitors can canoe, rock climb, and spot moose; winter brings cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and fat biking. The ultimate litmus test for how “outdoorsy” you really are with very few roads, no power, and no water supply. Winter entry fee is free, with Summer entry fees costing £15. visitmaine.com

Hike to Hidden Viewpoints at Castlewood State Park, St Louis, Missouri 

Just outside St Louis, Castlewood State Park offers sweeping bluff-top views over the Meramec River and some of the region’s most storied trails, once a famed 1920s resort spot, now a haven for hikers, cyclists and wildlife lovers. Explore rugged ridgelines, riverside paths and hidden viewpoints that feel far from the city yet are remarkably easy to reach. Fly directly to St Louis from London Heathrow on the new flight path launching in April 2026. Castlewood State Park is a 30-35 minute drive from downtown. Entry is free. explorestlouis.com

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Memphis, Tennessee

A visit to Bluff City isn’t just about hearing the blues. Within 20 minutes, visitors can transport from the music mecca to the great outdoors. Perched on the Chickasaw Bluffs, Shelby Forest delivers wild beauty in every direction. Visitors can paddle among ancient bald cypress and tupelo (swamp loving trees) rising from shadowy swamps, relax on a sandy beach edging the mighty Mississippi, spend a night in a cabin or campsite, and hike more than 20 miles of trails. Fly to Memphis via Chicago or St Louis, then drive 13 miles Highway 51. Entry fee: £4 per vehicle. Memphistravel.com

…To West

Discover Beautiful Shorelines at Deception Pass State Park State of Washington 

Under two hours from Seattle, Deception Pass State Park boasts 14.6 miles of saltwater shoreline and three lakes spanning  4,000 acres. Visitors can search for sea stars and neon anemones in tidal pools, hike through coastal old-growth forests, fish for salmon, or kayak the calm bays and lakes. Encompassing two  neighbouring islands; Fidalgo Island and Whidbey Island, the park is connected by Canoe Pass Bridge and Deception Pass Bridge – an architectural gem that was completed in 1935. Entry fee: free, with nominal parking charges.  stateofwatourism.com

Admire the Towering Treeline at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California

As California’s oldest state park, Big Basin is home to the largest continuous stand of Ancient Coast Redwoods. The park offers plenty of gentle, scenic rambles including a 4-mile Sequoia Loop which includes waterfall sightings as well as a 5-mile Redwood Loop Trail which takes visitors to some of the park’s tallest trees. Located in just over an hour’s drive south of San Francisco and with a vehicle reservation fee of just £8, it offers a great chance to explore some nature a stone’s throw from the city. Entry fee: £8  visitcalifornia.com

Explore Biking Trails at Tryon Creek State Natural Area, Portland Oregon 

Located around 15 minutes from downtown Portland, Tryon Creek is Oregon’s only state park within a major metropolitan area. Offering 658 acres of second-growth forests to explore, visitors can meander along Tryon Creek, and connect with the flora and fauna that call this special place home. The park also offers 14 miles of hiking trails, 3.5 miles of horse trails (open to hikers too), a 3-mile paved bicycle trail and a .25 mile paved all accessible trail. Entry fee: free and no  parking charges. travelportland.com

RockClimb at Eldorado Canyon State Park, Colorado

Dramatic red rock cliffs and canyon views make this park a must-visit near the trendy college town of Boulder. Perfect for hiking, rock climbing and wildlife spotting, the park is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Wander scenic trails, enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views or simply soak in the natural beauty. It’s a stunning escape from the city that’s easily accessible for a day trip or a longer adventure. Entry fee: £8 per vehicle. colorado.com

Spot Petroglyphs at Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Just an hour’s drive northeast from Las Vegas, the Valley of Fire State Park is famous for its striking red Aztec sandstone outcrops and some of Nevada’s most impressive petroglyph panels. As you pass the entrance, head for the famous Fire Wave, hike the White Domes Trail, see petroglyphs in Mouse’s Tank, and keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep, who have been locals here for thousands of years. Entry fee:  £11 per vehicle. travelnevada.com

Stroll through red-rock country at Red Rocks State Park, Sedona, Arizona

Located just off the main street of Sedona is the stunning Red Rocks State Park. Travellers can explore five miles of interconnecting trails which are perfect for those seeking a less strenuous and more scenic stroll through red-rock country. Those looking for a more educational experience can join the daily morning guided walks with a naturalist who shares details on the science behind the  impressive rock formations plus tips on spotting local wildlife that calls the park home. For a more thrilling experience of the Red Rocks, opt for a Pink Jeep Tour through the spectacular sandstone landscape. visitarizona.com