These free state parks are perfect for your next getaway. How many have you visited?
Ready to make some unforgettable memories? Let’s hit the road and explore some of America’s most stunning free state parks!
We know that big-name national parks are generally stealing the show, but there are so many incredible state parks that are waiting for you, and the best part is that you don’t need to pay any pricey entrance fee.
You are about to discover some of the most spectacular state parks that, besides the memorable landscapes, also offer you the chance to explore numerous outdoor activities. History, adventure, lakeside beaches, or camping—you can find all of them here, and you don’t even have to pay for most of them.
Without further ado, these are some of the best free state parks. Which one is your favorite?
1. Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania
Calling all adventurers and nature lovers! The natural splendor of Ricketts Glen State Park is guaranteed to leave you in awe. This place is so beautiful that it’s hard to believe it’s one of the free state parks.
Yes, you can explore the whole 13,193-acre surface of this park without needing to pay a penny! Just imagine exploring the beautiful waterfalls of the Falls Trail System, one of the biggest attractions of this park. There are 22 jaw-dropping waterfalls, and all of them can be found in the forest, covered by lush vegetation and moss-kissed rocks that help perpetuate the soothing sounds of the cascading water.
But this is not all this park has to offer. When you go to visit, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit because Lake Jean is waiting for you. Cast a line for some fishing or read a book while you relax on the sandy beach. The choice is yours. If you are more active and want to do some sports, you can paddle around the lake in a canoe or just walk around, enjoying the beauty of nature.
When the night falls, you can camp in your tent for $15 per night. And if you are visiting the park in the winter, get ready for snowboarding or skiing because this park allows you to do both. Ricketts Glen State Park truly has something for everyone, so don’t hesitate to visit this hidden gem when you embark on your next adventure.
2. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
If you are at home getting bored thinking about what you can do this weekend, we have the perfect solution. Get ready for an adventure like no other and give a chance to this one of the free state parks.
If you are a fan of the SF genre, be it books or movies, and you also love hiking, then Starved Rock State Park is your dream destination. The giant rock formations and the sandstone canyons will make you feel like you have stepped into another world. This place is home to over 13 miles of scenic trails, so there is no time to get bored here.
Visiting this place during the spring is a real spectacle because here you can find some of the most incredible seasonal waterfalls. Take your hiking boots and admire the magic. The best time to see the waterfalls is right after a rainfall.
You can also take your new fishing road and test it in the waters of the Illinois River. And, when it is finally time to rest those weary legs, you can rent a campsite, and if you ask us, the price is quite affordable—$25 per night.
But even if you have to pay for camping, don’t forget that Starved Rock State Park is one of the free state parks, and you don’t have to pay any fee to see all of the natural wonders. You won’t regret visiting this place, and we are sure you will make some lifelong memories.
3. South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee
Of all the free state parks, this is the place where you go if you want to feel like you have reached the end of the world. Imagine standing on the edge of the rock, gazing over panoramic vistas, and all you can see is a wide green landscape that seems to stretch on forever. If this is not one of the most beautiful sights you can see, then maybe you will be more impressed by an ancient waterfall.
Located on the Cumberland Plateau, South Cumberland State Park is easily accessible by car, but keep in mind that you will have to drive on some country roads.
The main activity you can do in this one of the free state parks is explore the forest by wandering all of the trails. If you like to observe nature, these are some news stories that might excite you. And considering all of the trees, be sure you can get some of the best birdwatching sessions of your life.
If you want to remain there for the night, you need to know that the camping fees start at around $8. All in all, South Cumberland State Park is a great place for a weekend getaway or a great place to stop when you are on a road trip.
4. Elephant Rocks State Park, Missouri
Here you can witness one of the strangest natural wonders that seems out of a movie or the result of sorcery. If this sounds interesting enough, then one of the free state parks might be a great place you can visit.
The name of Elephant Rocks State Park comes from the main attraction of the park: some ancient granite boulders that look like elephants in a circus. They are over 1.5 million years old and offer a glimpse into Missouri’s geological history.
Maybe the best feature of this park is the one-mile Braille Trail, which is designed in such a way that it is accessible to visitors with physical and visual disabilities and also allows you to explore the heart of the rock formations.
If you are doing a road trip in Missouri, this place is a must-visit location, and besides being one of the free state parks, it is also conveniently located off Highway 21 near Pilot Knob, so you can get there without much hassle.
5. My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Kentucky
If you want a slice of authentic Kentucky history and also want to visit free state parks, then you are in luck because My Old Kentucky Home State Park will offer you exactly that.
The centerpiece of this park is Federal Hall, a mansion that was built in 1818 and gives you the chance to see how a wealthy 19th-century family lived in the state of Kentucky. Of course, you can take a guided tour to ensure you are not missing any interesting details.
But this historical mansion has more to offer. The park has 290 acres, and you can stroll around and visit the perfectly manicured gardens or have a picnic on the green hills. Besides this, birdwatching, camping, playing tennis, or golfing are all on the menu. The camping fees start at $18, and you can access the park by car as it is located right at Interstate 65 (Exit 86) and Kentucky Route 22.
When you get ready to travel, there is one thing you’ll always need, and that is a good backpack: coowoz Large Travel Backpack, Carry On Backpack,Hiking Backpack Waterproof Outdoor Sports Rucksack
You should also read: 4 Gorgeous U.S. Places to Visit While Waiting for Your Passport
