Are you looking for a new campsite this summer? State parks feature affordable and accessible campsites with plenty of recreational opportunities. Get ready to explore the scenic views at these 15 state park campsites.
Pine Groves Furnace State Park, Pennsylvania
Pine Groves, located in south-central Pennsylvania, borders the northern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Appalachian Trail runs through the park, which is the trails’ halfway point. Campers can trek up to 20 miles within park limits. The forest offers approximately 70 tent and trailer campsites that are available between March and December. Sites cost between $15-17 per night.
Ludington State Park, Michigan
If you love topography, you will love Ludington. This park sits between two lakes, Hamlin Lake and Lake Michigan. On land, campers can immerse themselves in sand dunes, forests, marshlands and meadows. The park offers eight separate hiking trails that meanders through various terrain. Ludington features three established camping grounds and 10 remote campsites that are only accessible via hiking. Campers must pay an entrance fee of $11 to enter the park.
Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin
Water lovers, this park is for you. Hikers, bikers and sunbathers head to this eight-mile Green Bay shoreline to enjoy the sun, sand, forest and lake. A golf course and outdoor theatre is available within the park. The park contains five campgrounds. Reserve early because this campsite is a Midwest favorite.
Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
Located an hour from Ashville, Pisgah features the best of mountain and sea landscapes. Commonly called, “Land of Waterfalls” campers hike one of hundreds of miles of trails within the park, where waterfall views are as common as pine needles. The forest is open year-round and forest camping is first come, first served.
Fort Mountain State Park, Georgia
Fort Mountain is named after the mysterious stone wall built on the top of the mountain. Legend has it that the local Native Americans built the tower hundreds of years ago. The park is known for its spectacular fall foliage and hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. Wooden campsites are located near the small lake and cost between $10-25 per night.
Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio
Located in Southern Ohio, Hocking Hills is Ohio’s best natural history park. The park’s history dates back to the Ice Age where glaciers formed and carved the park’s notable Hocking River. In the 1700’s, several Native American tribes traveled through, or lived, in this area such as the Delaware, Wyandot and Shawnee. Evidence of the ancient Adena culture also exists in the park. Campers explore caves, waterfalls, cliffs and exquisite hiking trails that meander through the forest. Tent, cottage and cabin camping require reservations.
Malibu Creek State Park, California
Located near Los Angeles, Malibu Creek is the perfect city escape. Wildflower season is the perfect time to visit the park to view an array of colors alongside the fertile mountainside. The park contains a 15-mile streamside trail through oak and sycamore woodlands. Family, group and RV camping is available with a reservation.
Fontainebleau State Park, Louisiana
This park contains 126 campsites situated between the best of Southern history and nature. Campers trek boardwalks that meander through marshes and alongside the beach. The park also contains an old sugar mill and historic oak grove. Each campsite features barbeques, water, electricity and picnic tables.
Guadalupe River State Park, Texas
Everything is bigger in Texas, including the scenic views. Located at the German Hill Country, campers canoe, whitewater raft and kayak the Guadalupe River. Campers explore the vast desert and wooded landscapes including the over-sized trees that border the river. The park contains 94 campsites.
Spencer Spit State Park, Washington
Located on Lopez Island, which is part of the San Juan’s, Spencer Spit contains two laid-back waterfront campgrounds. Located on an enclosed lagoon, campers kayak and hike around the 138-acre state park. Keep your eyes peeled for resident orcas that swim within the San Juan waters.
Cape Lookout State Park, Oregon
Located one hour and a half west of Portland and on the Wilson River pass, locals recommend the drive because of its scenic waterfall and river viewpoints. This sand pit park sits between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Trekking, beachcombing and clamming—visitors can hike designated trails or walk the seashore with potential views of spouting humpback whales. The campsite features 170-tent camps, two group tents and six deluxe cabins.
Alamo State Park, Arizona
This is the place to be for wildlife viewing and birding. The 2,980-acre park is home to bald eagles, wild burros, blue herons, cattle egrets and brown pelicans, just to name a few. This campground is located on the Alamo lake, the best lake in Arizona for bass and grapple fishing.
Navajo State Park, Colorado
This park contains 15,000 surface acres of water. Sail, jet-ski, fish or kayak your way around rivers, reservoirs and lakes. Boat rentals available at the Navajo Lake Marina. Tent and RV is open year-round. The grounds contain 138 camping sites.
Deer Creek State Park, Utah
Utah is a camper’s outdoor playground. Located an hour from Salt Lake City, Deer Creek is nestled at the base of Mount Timpanogos. The cool waters are popular with fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, swimming and boating. Campers use one of many designated camp sites to enjoy the view of the surrounding valley.
Blue Springs State Park, Florida
Blue Springs covers more than 2,600 acres and includes the largest spring on the St John’s River. The crystal-clear water averages 73-degrees Fahrenheit. Swim, snorkel or scuba dive the river, or enjoy life above water and boat, kayak or canoe. If your lucky, you can swim past manatees feeding in the river. The grounds contain 51 campsites.
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