Less Popular State Parks With Top-Notch Campgrounds

Yosemite and the Grand Canyon aren’t the only parklands in the United States that are worth a visit. The US is home to an abundance of amazing natural sites that are unjustly underrated. State parks like Goblin Valley or Baxter Park are just as good as their more famous counterparts. In fact, they often offer hikers and travelers a somewhat better experience as they are more affordable and less crowded.

Here are four state parks with excellent campgrounds:

City of Rocks Campground, New Mexico

Established in 1953 and spanning over an area of 1,230 acres, City of Rocks is a state park in the southwestern parts of New Mexico. It’s known for its gigantic, rounded volcanic rock formations, some of which are up to 40 feet tall. The local campground is suited for recreational vehicles and tents and offers its guests a secure spot that features running water, hot showers, and functional bathrooms.

Bird Creek, Alaska

One of the largest state parks in the United States, Chugach State Park has a little bit of everything. It’s home to fabulous icefields, majestic glaciers, and mesmerizing oceanfront shorelines. The site is served by the Bird Creek Campground, which features 24 RV-accessible campsites, as well as fully-equipped restrooms. The campground is known to be a perfect spot for visitors to watch whales, moose, and bald eagles.

Atlatl Rock, Nevada

Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park features petroglyphs that are hundreds of years old, as well as wonderful slot canyons and red rock arches. Visitors can call it a day at the Atlatl Rock Campground, which lies in close proximity to a collection of eponymous petroglyphs. The camping site has showers and RV spots that offer power and water.

Center Lake, South Dakota

Set among the world-famous Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park is a large swathe of land that spreads over 71,000 acres. The area is home to lush forests and clear mountain lakes that offer excellent swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding opportunities. When it’s time to retire, visitors can put up their feet at the Center Lake Campground. As the name suggests, the site is situated next to Center Lake and offers a mix of RV and tent spots with bathrooms and showers.

Other State Parks With Well-Organized Camping Sites

Besides these four state parks, other natural sites that offer perfect camping options are Goblin Valley, Hammonasset Beach, Goose Creek, and Baxter State Park. Make sure to consider them for a future vacation!