Discover America’s Lesser-Known State Parks
From panoramic vistas in Utah to tranquil mountain lakes in Colorado, these hidden gems are teeming with breathtaking landscapes and memories waiting to be made.
America is home to an incredible array of parks and natural wonders and while places like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon often steal the spotlight, there are countless state parks that offer just as much adventure and beauty without all the crowds. So get ready to hit the open road and set your GPS to some of America’s lesser-known state parks waiting to be discovered.
Dead Horse Point State Park - Utah
Sandwiched between Utah’s famous Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park is the perfect place to explore Southern Utah’s iconic landscapes without all the crowds.
Towering 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point covers just over 5,000 acres of land perched on the undeveloped Colorado Platuea. And the iconic viewpoint at Dead Horse Point offers panoramic views of the pinnacle buttes of the neighboring Canyonlands National Park while sheltering you from the crowds.
This park is also famous for its Intrepid Trail System which offers over 16 miles of singletrack biking trails for mountain bikers of all skill levels.
Star gazers will be pleased to know that Dead Horse Point is an IDA International Dark Sky Park meaning that it is known for its incredible quality of starry nights. Here, it’s not uncommon to witness the Milky Way stretched out across the sky amongst the tapestry of stars.
Whether you’re a photographer drawn to the park’s dramatic sunrises and sunsets, a kayaker seeking a view of the Colorado River from above, or a camper looking for a quiet retreat under the stars, Dead Horse Point State Park is the perfect place for adventure.
Where to Stay
Dead Horse Point State Park is open year round so you may be able to snag 1 of the 21 campsites in the state park campground during the off season. But if you’re heading to the park during peak or shoulder seasons, we highly suggest heading over to Wonderland RV Park in nearby Torrey, Utah. This park perfectly positions you to visit Dead Horse Point as well as Capitol Reef, Arches, Canyonlands, and Goblin Valley State Park for a bit of variety on your Southern Utah roadtrip. Wonderland RV Park offers everything you need for a comfortable stay including full hookup back in and pull through sites, picnic tables, restrooms, bathhouses with hot showers, a general store, dog park, and more.
Custer State Park - South Dakota
When you picture South Dakota, you probably envision flat planes, Mt. Rushmore, and the Badlands National Park. But hidden amongst the Black Hills is Custer State Park, a lesser known wilderness area that encompasses a sprawling 71,000 acres of lush landscapes, granite peaks, and clear waters.
One of the park’s main attractions is the 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road where visitors can view bison, pronghorns, elk, and the park’s famous burros, a remnant herd of domestic burros that once served as pack animals to transfer visitors from Sylvan Lake Lodge up to the summit of Black Elk Peak. Today, adventure seekers make their own way on foot via the Black Elk Peak trail, one of over 100 miles of hiking trails within the park. This particular trail leads up to the highest point east of the Rockies and offers an immersive experience into the natural beauty and history of the park.
Speaking of Sylvan Lake, this “crown jewel” of Custer State Park features massive granite outcroppings and placid water, perfect for a day of swimming, kayaking, picnicking on the shores..
With its blend of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and outdoor activities, Custer State Park is a must-visit destination in the heart of the American West.
Where to Stay
Lake Park Campground & Cottages offers the perfect RV camping experience for your Custer State Park adventure. This lakefront campground is just a short drive to the Black Hills wilderness area and offers a variety of full service RV sites with the option for 30 AMP and 50 AMP electric hookups. And its convenient location on the outskirts of Rapid City is an undeniable benefit for campers. When the call of the backcountry is replaced with the need to replenish your RV fridge, the city is just a short scenic drive away!
Pettigrew State Park - North Carolina
Pettigrew State Park comprises only 1,200 acres of land and an expansive 16,600 acres of water that make up the park’s famous Lake Phelps which serves as a focal point for many of the activities to enjoy here. The lake has a boat ramp, making it easy to launch your own boat, canoe, or kayak. There are also plenty of well known fishing spots around the lake where anglers can try their luck at hooking a largemouth bass, yellow perch, or chain pickerel.
Pettigrew State Park’s diverse ecosystem also makes this an excellent location for wildlife viewing and birdwatching with a wide variety of waterfowl that call the area home.
While you’re here, history buffs will appreciate the park’s many Civil War historic sites as well as the opportunity to witness ancient dugout canoes that provide a glimpse into the early Indigenous cultures of the region.
Where to Stay
While Cedar Island Ranch provides a great launchpad for your bird watching vacation in Pettigrew State Park, it’s also a destination in its own right. Located on North Carolina’s expansive coastline, Cedar Island Ranch offers horseback riding experiences straight out of a romance novel along miles of undeveloped beach. And if adventures of the equestrian sort aren’t your cup of tea, you can also rent kayaks and canoes or spend your days relaxing on the shoreline.
Sebago Lake State Park - Maine
Sebago Lake State Park gets its name from its location on the shores of Maine’s picturesque Sebago Lake. With its sparkling blue waters and surrounding lush forests, this lake offers a serene setting that’s perfect for relaxation and nature photography.
Sebago Lake State Park is another year round destination that offers plenty of kayaking, swimming, and fishing in the summer along with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing in the winter months.
This family friendly park is also conveniently located close to other regional attractions like the White Mountains and the state’s capital city of Portland.
Where to Stay
Loon’s Haven Family Campground offers RVers an idyllic waterfront retreat as well as an easy access gateway to the State Park. For water enthusiasts who want to explore the freshwater pond, the campground offers kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals, perfect for a sunset excursion.
Loon’s Haven Family Campground takes relaxation to a whole new level with an onsite cafe that delivers delicious home-cooked food straight to your RV site, adding a touch of indulgence to your rustic escape.
And the fire rings scattered throughout the campground invite you to partake in the quintessential camping rituals of storytelling and s’mores-making that are sure to paint sweet memories for the whole family.
Sylvan Lake State Park - Colorado
Known as the crown jewel of the Colorado State Park System, Sylvan Lake State Park’s unique charm stems from its blend of stunning natural beauty, variety of recreational opportunities, and rich local wildlife. This park is nestled in Colorado’s White River National Forest and is home to the glistening waters of the 42-acre Sylvan Lake as well as hiking and biking trails galore! The lake is stocked with trout and is off limits to motorized boating so the calm waters are the perfect spot for some summertime angler kayak fishing.
The park is also home to a healthy wildlife ecosystem offering visitors the chance to spot mule deer, red foxes, black bears, and elk as well as the many species of waterfowl and raptors soaring through the sky.
And despite its seemingly remote setting, Sylvan Lake is actually quite easily accessible. It’s located just 15 miles from the town of Eagle, making this the perfect escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
Where to Stay
While the park offers traditional tent camping, cabins, and yurts, just outside of the National Forest is Glenwood Canyon Resort which offers the only RV camping in the canyon. Adventure enthusiasts at this RV resort will enjoy the onsite rafting, fly fishing, and bike path access, while those looking for a more relaxed vacation might opt for the package deals with Glenwood Hot Springs and Iron Mountain Hot Springs. And those who travel with smaller RVs, sprinter vans, truck campers, or pop up campers are invited to join the resort’s new Sprinter Village community where you can meet like-minded travelers with whom you can explore the beautiful park.
There’s a whole world to explore in America’s lesser-known state parks. From panoramic vistas in Utah to tranquil mountain lakes in Colorado, these hidden gems are teeming with breathtaking landscapes and memories waiting to be made.
Ready to start planning your state park RV adventure? Spot2Nite takes the hassle out of planning with our user-friendly booking platform. Explore our extensive selection of prime RV camping spots close to your favorite state parks in just a few taps. Real-time availability makes sure you don’t miss out on the perfect site and our secure booking system means you can finalize your plans with peace of mind. Explore with confidence knowing Spot2Nite has you covered. Happy travels!
