10 Best State Parks to Visit as Part of a Spring Break Family Road Trip

State parks pack a lot of value into a single space. From hiking trails to water activities to camping, there's nothing like some time in nature to bring a family closer together. So make these 10 state parks part of your Spring Break family road trip.

Red Rock Canyon State Park, Cantil, CA

One of the state's most popular parks, Red Rock Canyon State Park, offers more than you can do in a day. Well known for its hiking trails network, visitors of all ages will marvel at the beautiful natural rock formations found throughout the park.

Rockhound State Park, Deming, NM

Rock lovers and geology fans, this is the park for you! Along with super-cheap camping sites, you can also collect an array of unique rocks to take home as souvenirs.

Lost Dutchman State Park, Apache Junction, AZ

From full moon hikes to carpets of wildflowers, this is one of the most scenic spots in Arizona. In addition to camping and hiking, the park offers geocaching and wildlife viewing — perfect activities for any age.

Blue Spring State Park, Orange City, FL

The spring is the perfect time to visit this state park, as it's prime manatee season, and the park will be full of them! While you won't be able to take advantage of water activities during this time, visitors can still enjoy hiking, birding, picnicking, and camping.

Unicoi State Park, Helen, GA

This little mountain retreat is one of the best state parks in Georgia, featuring a stocked lake, hiking trails, and clean camping facilities. It’s also just a short drive or hike to the famed Bavarian-themed town of Helen.

DeSoto State Park, Fort Payne, AL

Tucked on the top of Lookout Mountain, DeSoto State Park is simply beautiful in the spring. Aside from the views, the area is a great place to reconnect with nature, offering activities like biking, hiking, bouldering, and wildlife viewing.

Castlewood Canyon, Franktown, CO

Families of all sorts and sizes, including pets, are welcome here. You'll love exploring this beautiful natural canyon on your way to other adventures. The park is rich in history, and remnants of its old structures remain after being taken over by nature.

Snow Canyon State Park, Ivins, UT

This gorgeous desert oasis is teeming with plants and wildlife not found anywhere else in Utah. The area has been home to humans for more than 10,000 years and is filled with wonders and history.

LeFleur’s Bluff State Park, Jackson, MS

This unique state park isn't tucked into the wilderness like most state parks but rather in the city's urban heart. It features a blend of outdoor fun, including a 9-hole golf course, hiking trails, fishing, and scenic spots for picnics.

Inks Lake State Park, Burnet, TX

This remote state park will make you feel miles away from anything. Its large lake is perfect for fishing, floating, and even scuba diving.

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720 Park Ave., Hazen, ND
History:North Dakota's Lake Sakakawea, along with Lake Mead (Hoover Dam) in Nevada and Lake Powell (Glen Canyon Dam) in Arizona, are the nation's t... Read More
781 1/2 42 Ave NW, Hazen, ND
Located on the south shore of Lake Sakakawea, adjacent to Garrison Dam, Lake Sakakawea State Park offers a wide range of water based recreational a... Read More
1252A - 41st Avenue North West, Garrison, ND
History:The Lewis and Clark Expedition:The Missouri River served as a water highway for the Native Americans and early trappers, traders and explor... Read More
1252A 41st Ave NW, Garrison, ND
Fort Stevenson State Park is nestled in the bluffs along the north shore of Lake Sakakawea. With miles of trails, a wide variety of rental equipmen... Read More
7302 14th St. NW, Garrison, ND
Indian Hills State Recreation Area and Resort is operated by a private leasee. Amenities: 80 acres Campground Electrical hookups Reservation... Read More
1403 River Road, Center, ND
Cross Ranch State Park is located along some of the last free-flowing and undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. While exploring Cross Ranch ... Read More
910 103rd Ave NE, Killdeer, ND
HistoryEstablished in 1971, Little Missouri State Park is one of the newest state parks in North Dakota. Perhaps because it is a relatively young p... Read More
4480 Fort Lincoln Rd, Mandan, ND
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, established in 1907, is the oldest state park in North Dakota and provides a variety of unique adventures to trave... Read More
321 E Century Ave,, Bismarck, ND
As a part of AARP's 60th Anniversary, AARP launched an ambitious effort in 2019 to create 53 fitness parks – one each in all 50 states, the D... Read More
Corner of North 4th Street and East Century Avenue, Bismarck, ND
Big Paws Field is for dogs over 30 pounds. Wiggly Field is for dogs less than 30 pounds and Fetch Field is for all dogs and owners interested in a ... Read More
705 Highway 83 Bypass West, Minot, ND
5700 East Main Avenue, Bismarck, ND
A family owned business that offers full service camping and RV storage at affordable rates located in Bismarck, ND Free wireless Internet ... Read More
17 miles north of Killdeer on Highway 22, Dunn Center, ND
Wind, water and sand... these components sculpted North Dakota's wildly rugged Little Missouri Breaks Country. Called "Mako Shika" or "where the la... Read More
Highway 23, West of New Town, Epping, ND
This scenic overlook just west of New Town provides views of Four Bears Bridge and Lake Sakakawea. During period of low water, glimpses can be seen... Read More
2004 Fairway Street, Dickinson, ND
Mission Statement:Dickinson Parks and Recreation is a member of the North Dakota Recreation and Parks Association and supports the following missio... Read More
19150 Summerville Road, Shadehill, SD
A small, get-away park, Llewellyn Johns' ten campsites offer a quiet camping experience. Nearby Shadehill Recreation Area offers recreational oppor... Read More
19150 Summerville Road, Shadehill, SD
Nestled on the shores of Shadehill Reservoir, Shadehill Recreation Area offers opportunities to enjoy land and water based activities. The reservoi... Read More
4904 119th Road NW, Epping, ND
Lewis and Clark State Park is situated on one of the upper bays of Lake Sakakawea. The park features miles of shoreline with picturesque views of t... Read More
14 miles northeast, Bottineau, ND
Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, Lake Metigoshe State Park was constructed by the Works Progress Administrat... Read More
Butte St. Paul was named by pioneer Missionary George Anthony Belcourt, the second pastor in North Dakota’s history. It was once considered t... Read More
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