State parks are some of the best places to camp if you want good access, solid amenities, and a front-row seat to the outdoors—without the price tag of a private campground or the crowds you’ll find at national parks. Right now is one of the best times to go. The weather’s settled in most places, bugs aren’t out in full force yet, and you’ve got a better shot at snagging a good site.
This list covers state parks across the country that are worth camping in now. Whether you’re looking for mountain trails, lakeside sites, desert views, or just some peace and quiet, these parks have the space and scenery to make it happen.
Custer State Park, South Dakota
Custer’s one of the best state parks in the country, hands down. With big wildlife, winding scenic roads, and lakes tucked in the Black Hills, it’s the kind of place where you can hike, fish, and wake up to bison walking past your tent.
There are multiple campgrounds to choose from, including spots right on the water. It’s perfect this time of year—mild temps, fewer crowds, and elk bugling if you’re lucky. Bring good boots and a camera. You’ll use both.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Texas
Palo Duro is like a smaller, quieter version of the Grand Canyon, and the camping’s hard to beat. Sites sit right inside the canyon, so you’re surrounded by cliffs, colors, and that wide-open Texas sky.
Spring and early summer are prime time before the heat sets in. Hike the Lighthouse Trail in the morning, grill something in the evening, and watch the stars come out with nothing but canyon walls around you. It’s dry country, so pack extra water and sunscreen.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan
Up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Porkies offer remote camping with lake views, thick woods, and waterfalls around nearly every bend. You’ve got your pick of drive-in or hike-in sites depending on how off-grid you want to go.
This is one of the best places to pitch a tent in the Midwest right now—mosquitoes haven’t taken over yet, and the weather’s warming up without being hot. The fishing’s decent too, especially if you hike into Lake of the Clouds or follow the streams.
Dead Horse Point State Park, Utah
Dead Horse Point is all about the views. The campground sits high above the canyons with overlooks that’ll stop you in your tracks. It’s quiet, dry, and peaceful—plus it’s close to Moab if you want to explore Arches or Canyonlands during the day.
The stargazing here is some of the best anywhere, and early-season camping keeps the temps bearable. Bring layers—it gets cold fast once the sun dips. You’re camping out in high desert country, and it feels like you’re on another planet in the best way.
Fall Creek Falls State Park, Tennessee
If you’re looking for a classic wooded campground with hiking, waterfalls, and a swimming hole, Fall Creek Falls delivers. The sites are shaded, the trails are well-kept, and the falls themselves are some of the tallest east of the Mississippi.
Now’s a great time to visit before it fills up later in summer. You can hike, fish, or just hang around camp and listen to the water rolling in the distance. It’s a solid weekend trip if you’re anywhere near Tennessee.
Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon
Sitting right where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, Fort Stevens is a mix of beach camping, coastal forest, and old military history. You can explore shipwrecks, hike through dense trees, or sit in camp listening to the waves crash.
The weather’s cool this time of year, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s rarely too crowded early in the season, and the beachcombing and crabbing are decent right now. Just be ready for some wind and mist—it’s the Oregon coast, after all.
Baxter State Park, Maine
Baxter’s wild, rugged, and not the kind of park you show up to without a plan. But if you can snag a campsite, it’s worth every bit of prep. Mount Katahdin dominates the skyline, and there are enough remote lakes and trails to keep you out there for days.
Spring camping here is quieter, and the blackflies haven’t gone full force yet. You’ll need to reserve sites ahead of time, and some are hike-in only, but that’s what keeps it peaceful. This is real backcountry stuff, not campground karaoke.
Green River Lake State Park, Kentucky
Green River Lake offers solid lakeside camping without a lot of fuss. There’s a big reservoir, decent fishing, and easy access to trails. The campsites are clean and well-spaced, and there’s enough water to keep the kids busy if you’re bringing the family.
This is the kind of park you go to when you want something simple but still want to catch bass or cruise the lake in a kayak. It’s not remote, but it’s not overrun either—especially if you can swing a midweek trip.
Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona
Sitting at the base of the Superstition Mountains, Lost Dutchman gives you front-row camping to some of the best desert scenery in the Southwest. Hike the Siphon Draw Trail in the morning and kick back with a cold drink by the fire at night.
Temps are still manageable right now, and the wildflowers are wrapping up, so it’s a good window before summer heat kicks in. Sites are basic, but the views and quiet more than make up for it. Bring plenty of water—it’s dry and exposed.
Cherry Springs State Park, Pennsylvania
Cherry Springs is known for its night sky—it’s one of the best stargazing spots in the country. But the camping’s good, too, with wooded sites, low light pollution, and access to hiking trails through the surrounding forest.
If you’re after peace and quiet, this one checks every box. Bring a scope or binoculars if you’ve got them, and don’t forget extra layers—it cools off fast after dark. You won’t find much cell signal here, and that’s kind of the point.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
