Welcome to the first installment of our Best of State Parks Adventure Travel Guide Series! We love traveling to and adventuring in state parks so this series is definitely a labor of love. If you have dogs and travel in a van or RV, this is the guide for you! Even if you’re just starting out, you’ll get plenty of ideas for your own adventure travel in state parks.
Today we’re diving into how to find state parks and what to look for when deciding where to adventure. We’ll also be talking about some of the popular activities the state parks offer. You’ll find pro-tips in each section.
Let’s dive in!
Finding State Parks
We’ve used all the resources we highlight below. Use this list as a jumping off point for where to begin your research.
Online Resources
Technology can be our friend and we use it a ton when we’re planning trips. There’s so many resources out there that it can be overwhelming. To help you plan your adventure travel in state parks, or elsewhere for that matter, here are a few resources to start you out.
State Park Websites
These digital gateways to each state park provide more than just maps; they give you a feel for what the park offers, points of interest, and more. Explore interactive maps, read user reviews, and unearth the hidden spots that make each park unique.
Pro Tip: Look for live webcams on park websites for real-time views, helping you decide on the perfect time to visit. You can often find trail difficulty ratings as well.
National Park Service Website
This website isn’t just for national parks; it has a ton of information on historic trails, monuments, and more! While these aren’t state parks, this is a great resource to discover other places you might want to visit along your planned route. Or you might decide to change your route based on what you find here!
Check out the ‘Find a Park‘ feature. It’ll help you find neighboring parks along your route giving you plenty of options for places to explore. You can search by state, activity, and topic.
Pro Tip: Explore the ‘Plan Your Visit‘ section for trip ideas and events that can provide even more options when planning your next trip.
Mobile Apps
Apps like AllTrails and Google Maps have been our go-to resources for years. I’m willing to bet you haven’t used Google Maps to its full potential. You can download maps for offline use (GPS still works), create custom Google maps with points of interest you choose all on one map, and more. Do yourself a favor and explore this resource.
You can also use the National Park Service app. It allows you to download maps, create lists of places you want to visit (more than just the National Parks), save favorite places, and more!
Pro Tip: For apps that help you find places to boondock, check out the pro-tip below under What to Look for in State Park Campgrounds!
Connect with Locals and Fellow Travelers
While technology is helpful, sometimes the best way to discover places to explore is to connect with fellow travelers and locals. Strike up conversations at campgrounds, visit local outdoor stores, or chat with your server at a local restaurant. You can also use social media or blogs like ours to help you discover off the beaten path locations to visit – including those state parks!
Pro Tip: Don’t shy away from participating in local events and gatherings while you’re traveling. You can often get tips and tidbits here too. Joining online forums or groups dedicated to van life and outdoor adventures are also a great way to find places to visit.
Looking for more inspiration?
Check out our All Things Idaho Series!
What to Look for in State Park Campgrounds
Our van isn’t just our mode of transportation—it’s home when we’re on the road. When we’re traveling, we want to be sure places we choose to stay are not only pet-friendly but also accessible for our vehicle. While Vannah can fit pretty much anywhere, it’s nice to know if there is power, water, and restrooms/showers we can use during our stay. We tend to prioritize state park and other campgrounds with designated pet-friendly zones and amenities like I mention above.
Pro Tip: Check out Freecampsites.net if you prefer to boondock (dispersed camping) near state or national parks. Because it’s crowd-sourced, you can get information on camp spots and reviews from users. FreeRoam.app is another great resource we’ve used. Unfortunately the creator says they are “winding things down” so this resource won’t be available forever.
What You Can Do in State Parks
So you made it to your chosen state park. Now what? While you can choose to kick back and relax around a campfire, sometimes you feel like being more active. Here are some of our favorite activities to inspire you as you’re planning your trips.
Common Activities
Hiking Trails for All Skill Levels
State parks cater to hikers of all levels, so you can choose the right trail for you. Check difficulty ratings, trail lengths, and terrain to find a hike that matches your fitness level. Apps like AllTrails, Cairn, and Google Maps are your friends here. Don’t forget about the state park websites themselves for trail information as well.
Pro Tip: Start with shorter trails if you’re a beginner before tackling more challenging routes. Bring a first aid kit, and familiarize yourself with basic trail safety guidelines before heading out on a hike. Don’t forget your water and remember to pack out anything you pack in!
Boating and Water Activities
Lakeshores, rivers, and reservoirs within state parks provide even more options for fun. Bring or rent kayaks, SUPs, or canoes to explore the waters. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden coves and wildlife along the shores.
Pro Tip: Bring water shoes for wading, and pack a dry bag to protect electronic devices while on the water. If you find yourself on the water more often than not, think about investing in inflatable kayaks or SUPs for easy storage in your van or other vehicle.
Bird Watching and Wildlife Sighting
State parks are great places if you love watching birds or spotting other wildlife that live in the area. Carry binoculars to get a closer look rather than approach wildlife. This is for your own safety, and the safety of the animals too.
Pro Tip: Check the state park’s website or ask a park ranger if they offer guided wildlife tours to learn more about the local ecology. You’ll often find signage along trails as well so be on the lookout. These signs often highlight the unique characteristics about wildlife or the area itself.
Picnicking and Relaxation Spots
Sometimes, the best moments in state parks are the simplest ones. Pack a picnic lunch and a blanket and find designated areas you can sit down and relax. It might just be right at your campsite! This is also great to do on longer hikes. You can pick a scenic location to stop for rest and recharging. Just be sure you pack out anything you pack in.
Pro Tip: Plan your picnics during off-peak hours to have these spots all to yourself.
Specialized Activities
Snowshoeing in Winter
Winter transforms state parks into wonderlands. There’s just something special about exploring a park via snowshoe that’s magical. The snow is like a sound blanket – it just seems so much quieter and more peaceful. If the sun is out, the snow sparkles like glitter and makes for spectacular photos.
Pro Tip: Dress in layers to stay warm and choose trails designated for snowshoeing based on park recommendations and signage.
Mountain Biking Trails
If you prefer to explore trails on the back of a bike, state parks are a great option and often have many mountain biking trails. Make sure your bikes are off-road ready before heading out and stick to the designated trails.
Pro Tip: Carry a basic bike repair kit that includes any tools you might need and check trail conditions before hitting the tracks.
Fishing Opportunities
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, state parks offer plenty of fishing opportunities. Be sure to check state regulations and get any necessary permits before casting your line into lakes and streams.
Pro Tip: Connect with local fishing communities or guides for insider tips on the best fishing spots within the park. Pack a compact fishing rod for spontaneous angling opportunities.
Photography and Nature Appreciation
Each state park offers its own unique scenery and points of interest just waiting to be captured. Practice your photography skills capturing sweeping landscapes and wildlife in the area. You can choose to take along your camera and tripod or simply stop and snap pictures with your cell phone. These photos will be great to look back on!
Pro Tip: Research sunrise and sunset timings for optimal lighting conditions, and experiment with different angles for unique shots. Capture breathtaking shots during ‘golden hour.’
Conclusion
Our adventure travel in state parks have led to many unforgettable memories. These places have become some of our favorite stops to explore on our road trips. It’s been fun discovering and exploring new parks that each have their own surprises. Because we travel with our dogs, it’s comforting to know they’re welcome at state park campgrounds and the trails there which allow them to have fun too.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our series where we’ll dive deeper into tools you can use to plan your next adventure. We’ll also explore more of the benefits state parks offer to everyone who chooses to adventure in them. 🚐🐾 #StateParkAdventures #VanLifeExploration #AdventureTravel #GoExplore #TripPlanning #StateParks
See you out there!
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