Underrated US State Parks That Rival Crowded National Parks
Planning a summer road trip often means fighting for parking spots at famous destinations like Yellowstone or Zion. If you want stunning scenery without the crushing crowds, turning your steering wheel toward state parks is the perfect solution. Many state parks offer jaw-dropping views and wildlife encounters that easily rival their famous national counterparts.
Why Choose State Parks Over National Parks?
National parks saw massive surges in visitation over the last few years. Arches National Park and Glacier National Park now require timed entry tickets just to drive through the gates during peak months. State parks offer a much smoother experience. You will generally find cheaper entry fees, easier access to hiking trails, and better availability for campsites. While a standard vehicle pass for a national park usually costs around $35, most state parks charge between $5 and $20 for entry.
Top State Parks to Add to Your Road Trip Itinerary
If you want the scale and beauty of a national park with a fraction of the foot traffic, here are the best state parks to visit in the United States.
Custer State Park, South Dakota
If you are considering a trip to Yellowstone to see wildlife, you should strongly consider Custer State Park instead. Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, this 71,000-acre park is home to a herd of 1,500 free-roaming bison.
You can drive the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road in the early morning to spot bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs. For dramatic rock formations, drive the Needles Highway, a 14-mile stretch of road that winds through massive granite pillars. You can also hike around Sylvan Lake, a stunning body of water surrounded by huge boulders. A temporary vehicle license costs $20 and allows entry for seven consecutive days.
Letchworth State Park, New York
Often referred to as the Grand Canyon of the East, Letchworth State Park is a massive gorge carved by the Genesee River. The rock walls here reach up to 600 feet high. If you want deep canyon views without traveling to Arizona, this park in western New York is an incredible alternative.
The park features three major waterfalls (Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls) and 66 miles of hiking trails. For a truly unique view, you can book a hot air balloon flight with Balloons Over Letchworth to float directly inside the gorge. The vehicle entry fee is just $10 between May and October.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
Travelers heading to Utah often battle the crowds at Arches or Zion. However, just 50 miles northeast of Las Vegas sits Valley of Fire State Park. This area covers 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone that glows as if it is on fire when the sun hits it.
The most popular hike is the Fire Wave trail, a 1.5-mile round trip that takes you to swirling pink, red, and white rock formations. You will also want to pull over to see Elephant Rock right near the east entrance. The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle for non-Nevada residents and $10 for locals. Since summer temperatures easily exceed 100 degrees, plan your visit for the cooler months between October and April.
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
If you love the lush, green forests of Olympic National Park in Washington, you will find similar magic at Silver Falls State Park. Located just 25 miles east of Salem, Oregon, this park is famous for its dense temperate rainforest and spectacular waterfalls.
The highlight of the park is the Trail of Ten Falls. This 7.2-mile loop takes you past ten distinct waterfalls. The best part is that the trail is built directly behind four of these falls. Walking behind the 177-foot South Falls is an unforgettable experience. A day-use parking permit costs just $5, making it an incredibly affordable stop on your road trip.
Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah
Sitting just 32 miles from Moab, Dead Horse Point State Park provides one of the most photographed vistas in the world. Visitors stand 2,000 feet above a dramatic gooseneck bend in the Colorado River. The views here easily rival those found in the neighboring Canyonlands National Park or even the Grand Canyon.
Aside from taking photos at the main overlook, visitors come here to ride the Intrepid Trail System. This system offers 16.6 miles of non-motorized single-track trails for mountain biking. The entrance fee is $20 per vehicle, which is valid for two consecutive days.
Practical Tips for Your State Park Visit
To make the most out of your state park road trip, you need to prepare properly.
- Book campsites early: While state parks are less crowded than national parks, their campgrounds still sell out. Use platforms like ReserveAmerica to book spots up to six months in advance.
- Look into state park passes: If you plan to visit multiple parks in one state, an annual pass will save you money. For example, the Texas State Parks Pass costs $70 annually and covers entry for everyone in your vehicle.
- Pack your own supplies: Unlike major national parks that feature large lodges and grocery stores, state parks usually have limited amenities. Bring your own food, water, and emergency gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are state parks cheaper than national parks? Yes. Most state parks charge a daily vehicle entry fee ranging from $5 to $20. National parks typically charge $35 per vehicle.
Can I use my America the Beautiful pass at state parks? No. The America the Beautiful pass is a federal pass. It only grants access to federal recreation sites like National Parks, National Monuments, and National Forests. State parks require their own specific entry fees or state-issued annual passes.
Do I need a reservation to enter state parks? Most state parks do not require reservations for basic day-use entry. However, a few highly popular parks in states like Texas and California now require day-use reservations during peak summer weekends. Always check the specific park website before you start driving.