Dale & Debbie #23: 10 State Parks Worth Adding to Your RV Travel List
6th May 2022
Over the years, we've visited state parks all across the country in our RV. Some surprised us, some gave us unforgettable views, and a few became places we'd happily visit again.
If you're looking for ideas for your next RV adventure, here are 10 state parks that stood out during our travels—from beaches and waterfalls to caves, canyons and wildlife.
Quick Look: 10 State Parks Worth Exploring
| State Park | State | Go For |
|---|---|---|
| Palo Duro Canyon | Texas | Canyon scenery & hiking |
| Lewis & Clark Caverns | Montana | Cavern tours |
| St. George Island | Florida | Gulf beaches |
| Snow Canyon | Utah | Red rock & lava flows |
| Chimney Rock | North Carolina | Mountain views & waterfalls |
| Custer | South Dakota | Wildlife & scenic drives |
| Valley of Fire | Nevada | Red sandstone & petroglyphs |
| Assateague | Maryland | Wild horses & beach |
| Providence Canyon | Georgia | Unusual canyon scenery |
| Burgess Falls | Tennessee | Waterfalls |
#1 Palo Duro Canyon State Park
Why Visit: Dramatic canyon scenery, scenic drives, hiking and camping.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park is located about 25 miles southeast of Amarillo, Texas. It's the second-largest canyon in the United States! A 16-mile scenic drive takes you to the floor of the canyon, with the Lighthouse being one of the main attractions.
The park offers camping, horseback riding, biking and great hiking trails. Every summer, the TEXAS Outdoor Musical is performed in the Pioneer Amphitheatre, carved out of and nestled into a natural basin in the canyon.
Plan Your Visit: Official Palo Duro Canyon State Park website
#2 Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park
Why Visit: Fascinating limestone caverns, guided cave tours and scenic hiking.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is located near Whitehall, Montana, about an hour west of Bozeman. It's Montana's first and best-known state park.
We chose the longer, more challenging cavern tour, which required us to navigate hundreds of stairs, bend, duck, waddle and even slide! Less strenuous tour options may also be available for visitors who want an easier way to experience the caverns.
In addition to its main attraction, the park offers camping, hiking, mountain biking and more.
Plan Your Visit: Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park website
#3 St. George Island State Park
Why Visit: Miles of white-sand beaches, Gulf views, nature trails and coastal camping.
Florida's Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is located on the barrier island of St. George in the Gulf of Mexico. No need for a boat to reach it, though—just drive across the St. George Island Bridge from Eastpoint.
This beautiful park offers miles of sugary white-sand beach! On the bay side of the park, you'll find marshes, nature trails, a campground and boat access. The park road also provides fabulous views of the dunes, bay and Gulf.
But don't just take our word for it—come see for yourself!
Plan Your Visit: St. George Island State Park website
#4 Snow Canyon State Park
Why Visit: Colorful sandstone cliffs, black lava flows and spectacular desert scenery.
Snow Canyon State Park is located just 15 miles from St. George, Utah. The Navajo sandstone, ranging from burnt orange to creamy white and interspersed with black lava rock, is a sight to behold.
The park offers hiking, walking and biking trails, equestrian trails and camping. Even a drive through the park will leave you in awe.
Plan Your Visit: Snow Canyon State Park website
#5 Chimney Rock State Park
Why Visit: Sweeping mountain views, the iconic Chimney and Hickory Nut Falls.
Chimney Rock State Park is located about 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina. Its namesake, a 315-foot rock formation overlooking Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure, is quite a spectacle!
When we visited, we took the elevator most of the way up. If you want to venture out onto the Chimney itself, you'll need to climb the staircase after exiting the elevator. Or you can simply sit back, enjoy your favorite ice cream and take in the fresh mountain air and beautiful views!
Don't forget to check out Hickory Nut Falls, too. At 404 feet, it's one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The Hickory Nut Falls Trail offers a scenic hike to the base of the falls.
Planning a visit? Chimney Rock has undergone significant recovery work following Hurricane Helene's storm damage. The main Chimney Rock access is open, but timed-entry reservations are currently required, and some areas and trails remain closed. Check the official park website for the latest access information before your trip.
Plan Your Visit: Chimney Rock State Park website
#6 Custer State Park
Why Visit: Abundant wildlife, unforgettable scenic drives and dramatic Black Hills landscapes.
Custer State Park is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and it's one of the nation's largest state parks. It's famous for its bison herds, but there's so much more. Visitors may also see deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, burros, coyotes, prairie dogs and more!
Scenic drives offer up-close views of wildlife along with needle-like granite formations, forests, meadows, prairies and hills. With multiple campgrounds, it's a magnificent, must-see park.
We've visited once in the summer and once at the end of September for the Buffalo Roundup, when we were surprised by snowfall one morning! Be sure to check out Iron Mountain Road, too. Its tunnels frame Mount Rushmore in the distance, with the final tunnel offering an especially memorable view.
Plan Your Visit: Custer State Park website
#7 Valley of Fire State Park
Why Visit: Brilliant red sandstone formations, ancient petroglyphs and otherworldly desert scenery.
Valley of Fire State Park is located about 55 miles northeast of Las Vegas. Driving through this park is truly amazing! You'll see brilliant red Aztec sandstone outcrops, ancient petrified logs and petroglyphs dating back thousands of years.
The park also offers hiking trails and camping, making it well worth adding to a Nevada road trip.
Plan Your Visit: Valley of Fire State Park website
#8 Assateague State Park
Why Visit: Wild horses, Atlantic beaches and a one-of-a-kind coastal camping experience.
The wild horses at Assateague State Parkare captivating. They may be seen along the beach or in the marsh areas of this beautiful barrier island along the Atlantic Coast.
You may also want to explore the Virginia side of Assateague Island, home to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The historic Assateague Lighthouse is located on the Virginia portion of the island as well.
Plan Your Visit: Assateague State Park website
#9 Providence Canyon State Park
Why Visit: Colorful canyon walls and unusual scenery that feels more like the West than Georgia.
Providence Canyon State Park, also known as "Georgia's Little Grand Canyon," looks like something you'd expect to find out West!
This unusual but fascinating landscape was created by massive gullies caused in part by poor farming practices in the 1800s. You can take in the canyon from overlooks along the rim or hike down for a closer look.
Although this is a day-use park, nearby Florence Marina State Park has a campground, which is where we stayed during our visit.
Plan Your Visit: Providence Canyon State Park website
#10 Burgess Falls State Park
Why Visit: Four impressive waterfalls and a scenic hike overlooking the Falling Water River.
About 80 miles east of Nashville, Tennessee, you'll find Burgess Falls State Park on the Falling Water River. This day-use park features four waterfalls, with the final falls making a spectacular plunge into the gorge.
A scenic hiking trail leads past the waterfalls and ends at an observation area overlooking the uniquely shaped main falls.
We've seen hundreds of waterfalls in many shapes and heights, and this is still one of our favorites! While you're in the area, check out Fall Creek Falls State Park, too. It offers more beautiful waterfalls as well as camping.
Plan Your Visit: Burgess Falls State Park website
What If the State Park Doesn't Have RV Camping?
If a state park doesn’t offer a campground or you can’t get in it, don’t be discouraged. There is usually a nearby campground where you can stay. Look for another state park, a private campground or RV park, a recreational area, an Army Corps of Engineers campground, etc. In some parts of the country, state parks may be located close enough together that you can visit 2 or more in one trip! We hope this list of outstanding parks encourages you to find one you are interested in visiting. Every state has a list of its parks and information on each one. With so many in our country from which to choose, hopefully you can find one that sparks your interest!
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Camping at State Parks
Can you camp with an RV at every state park?
No. Campground facilities vary widely, and some state parks are day-use only.
Should you reserve state park RV campsites in advance?
For popular parks and peak travel periods, yes. Availability and reservation policies vary by state and park.
How do you find RV camping near a day-use state park?
Look for nearby state parks, private RV parks, recreation areas and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds.
As always, happy camping!
Until next time -
Dale & Debbie
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