5 U.S. State Parks That Rival National Parks in Beauty and Adventure
If you're dreaming of sandstone canyons, thermal pools, or moose sightings this summer, national parks might not be your best bet. Due to staffing cuts across popular destinations like Yellowstone, Zion, and the Great Smoky Mountains, visitors are facing longer lines, bigger crowds, and unpredictable closures.
Fortunately, the U.S. boasts over 9,800 state parks, forests, and preserves, many of which rival their national counterparts in natural beauty and visitor experience. In 2022, they welcomed over 877 million guests — more than double the National Park Service's total — often offering lower fees and less congestion.
From white-water rapids in Pennsylvania to desert canyons in Utah, these state parks provide stellar alternatives. Best of all, many are located within just a few hours’ drive from the national parks they resemble. Here are five standout state parks worth considering for your next outdoor getaway.
Colorado
State Forest State Park
Spanning 71,000 acres, State Forest State Park may be smaller than Rocky Mountain National Park, but it offers equally stunning scenery — and a fraction of the visitors. Located just under 30 minutes from the small town of Walden, Colorado, this park features snowmelt-fed lakes, towering mountain peaks, and dense forests of aspen, spruce, and pine.
Home to around 600 moose, it's Colorado’s premier location for spotting these elusive creatures. While Rocky Mountain National Park is famed for its scenic drives, the best views in the State Forest often require a hike, but the payoff is worth it. Jason Rincker of Fort Collins praises its pristine skies, perfect for stargazing and glimpses of the Milky Way.
Facilities include a visitor center, 228 campsites, and a handful of cabins and yurts. Day-use fees are $12 per vehicle or $4 per person, and reservations are required for campsites.
Utah
Snow Canyon State Park
Tucked just northwest of St. George and less than an hour from Zion National Park, Snow Canyon State Park features eye-catching red sandstone cliffs, lava flows, and narrow slot canyons. Activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, and horseback riding mirror those at Zion but with fewer crowds.
At 7,400 acres, Snow Canyon is nestled within the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and is home to desert wildlife like coyotes and canyon tree frogs. Resident Jessica Taggart Marron calls it a “hidden gem,” perfect for reflective journaling or scenic e-bike rides.
The park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with 36 reservable campsites and a visitor center. Day-use fees are $15 for out-of-state vehicles and $10 for Utah residents.
North Carolina
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Located 40 miles south of Asheville and roughly 90 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, DuPont State Forest spans 12,400 acres of lush forest, waterfalls, and tranquil lakes. Known for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, it’s a favourite among locals for its scenic charm.
Highlights include four major waterfalls and a covered bridge, all accessible via a network of trails. Julie Cooley, a volunteer coordinator from Asheville, often brings seniors to enjoy wheelchair-accessible views of 120-foot High Falls.
Entry is free, and while there’s no camping within the forest, campsites can be found 28 miles away at Gorges State Park. DuPont is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Wyoming
Hot Springs State Park
While nothing quite compares to Yellowstone, Hot Springs State Park, just under 150 miles southeast, offers similar geothermal marvels, plus fewer visitors. Located in Thermopolis, the park features travertine terraces, roaming bison, and over 1.8 million gallons of hot mineral water flowing daily into public soaking pools.
The park also boasts a free bathhouse and is just 30 miles from the historic Legend Rock Petroglyph Site, which includes nearly 300 carvings dating back 10,000 years. Former state parks director Milward Simpson calls the area “a spectacular concentration of natural and cultural heritage.”
Entry is free, and Thermopolis itself offers a visitor center and the Wyoming Dinosaur Center. The closest public campground is 21 miles away at Boysen State Park, accessed via the scenic Wind River Canyon.
Florida
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Only a couple of hours from the northern edge of the Everglades, Jonathan Dickinson State Park delivers a similar mix of wetlands and wildlife across 10,500 acres. Located near Jupiter on Florida’s Atlantic coast, the park is renowned for hiking, fishing, paddling, and biking.
A highlight is Hobe Mountain, a towering ancient dune with a boardwalk leading to panoramic views. The Loxahatchee River winds through the park, offering a peaceful paddle under oak canopies draped with Spanish moss. Wildlife abounds, from manatees and alligators to bobcats and over 150 species of birds.
The park charges a $6 entry fee per vehicle and includes 142 reservable campsites, as well as equestrian and glamping options. Open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset, it also features a visitor center and diverse ecosystems from pine flatwoods to mangrove swamps.
Final Thoughts
While national parks face a challenging summer, these nearby state parks stand ready to offer memorable adventures, often with fewer crowds, more flexibility, and equally awe-inspiring nature.
