Top State Parks in the U.S. and Their Closest Airports for Easy Travel

America's state parks offer something to everyone, from couples and families to intrepid backpackers and explorers. That's one of the biggest reasons their visitation is on the rise — studies show state parks received a whopping 325.5 million visits in 2023 alone.

Whether you're a hiking fan, a picnic lover, or seeking relaxation on the trail, it's worth scheduling a visit to one of the best state parks in America. 

This comprehensive guide rounds up the best state parks in America (as well as their nearby airports) so you can plan your next trip with ease. You can also get an inside peek at top attractions or landmarks, then make the most of your trip with our travel and accessibility tips.

Evaluating the Top 10 State Parks in America

Let's explore the best state parks in America, starting with one of the most popular destinations:

1. Yosemite National Park (California)

• Closest airport: Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT)
• Known for: Iconic granite cliffs, waterfalls, giant sequoias, and hiking trails

With more than 3.9 million visitors every year, Yosemite National Park is the sixth most visited park in the United States. It's not hard to see why, especially if you don't live on the Pacific coast — the park offers an intimate glimpse of the rugged, wild Americas, complete with iconic granite cliffsides and rushing waterfalls.

There are a few key landmarks you'll want to visit while in Yosemite:

• El Capitan 
• Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias
• Yosemite Falls

Here are some suggestions to plan your trip:

• Airport to park travel time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Transportation options: Car rental, bus, Uber
• Accommodations: Campsites, cabins, lodges

Planning Your Visit to Yosemite National Park

It costs $35 per car to visit Yosemite National Park. Alternatively, you could purchase an annual or lifetime pass. However, keep in mind this will be much more expensive. 

You are welcome to visit at any time of the day, as Yosemite is open 24/7. However, you must reserve a spot when driving through Yosemite during on-season weekends and holidays between 5 AM and 3 PM.

Several accessibility options are also available for Yosemite visitors. Some of the most popular include deaf service programs, adapted children's activities, and visual guides for people with Aphasia.

2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee/North Carolina)

Closest airport: McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, TN
Known for: Lush forests, diverse wildlife, hiking, and scenic mountain views

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is America's most popular and highly visited park system. More than half the US population can drive to the Smokies within a day, making it one of the most accessible National parks.

Be sure to catch the following landmarks:

• Charlies Bunion outcrop
• Alum Cave Trail
• Cades Cove

You'll also want to note a few technical travel details:

• Airport to park travel time: 1 hour 9 minutes
• Transportation options: Uber, car rental
• Accommodations: Lodges, resorts, spas, cabins, campsites

Planning Your Visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains are open 24/7, even during weekends and holidays. However, some campgrounds, trails, and visitor facilities may not be accessible during winter.

There is no entrance fee, but you must pay for parking tags ($5 per day or $15 per week). Free visitation days are scattered throughout the year, including January 15, June 19, September 28, and others.

Regarding accessibility options, you can enjoy most views of the Smokies directly from your vehicle. Remember that wheelchair accommodations are available at the Sugarlands and Oconaluftee Visitor Centers.

3. Redwood National and State Parks (California)

Closest airport: Arcata-Eureka Airport (ACV)
Known for: Towering ancient redwoods, scenic drives, and coastal beauty.

If you want to get lost in the natural beauty of the California coast, the Redwood National and State Parks may be your destination. These parks encompass a whopping 138,999 acres of lush coastal forests, complete with Roosevelt elk, bubbling streams, and crashing Pacific waves.

No visit to the Redwoods would be complete without seeing:

• Grove of Titans
• Smith River
• Fern Canyon

You can use the following travel logistics to better plan your trip:

• Airport to park travel time: 29 minutes
• Transportation options: Rental cars, city cabs, Ubers
• Accommodations: Motels & hotels, RV parks, campsites, inns, vacation rentals

Planning Your Visit to Redwood National and State Parks

Both the National and State Redwood parks are free to enter, although camping requires a $35 fee. 

The park is open 24/7, although some visitor centers and buildings have seasonal hours.

You should also know that the Redwood parks offer physical accommodations such as all-terrain track chairs. You may also be able to rent a beach wheelchair model to explore the great outdoors with those you love.

4. Custer State Park (South Dakota)

Closest airport: Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP)
Known for: Wildlife (bison, elk), Needles Highway, hiking, and the Black Hills scenery

Hidden away in the mountains of South Dakota lies the impressive Custer State Park. Named after Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer, it is home to 71,000 acres of rugged Black Hills beauty.

Visitors love stopping by the following:

• Buffalo roundup and auction
• Black Hills Playhouse
• Custer State Park Resort

They also plan their trips around:

• Airport to park travel time: 38 minutes
• Transportation options: Bus, Uber, car rental
• Accommodations: Campsites, lodges, horse campgrounds

Planning Your Visit to Custer State Park

Custer State Park charges $20 per vehicle for a one-week pass. However, you can also purchase an annual park license for $30 annually. Motorcycle passes cost just $10 per week.

Since Custer State Park is open year-round, only guest accommodations (such as showers and toilets) are closed between October 1 and April 30. 

Remember, there are accessibility options for biking trails, ramps, and camping cabins. Contact the park directly to learn more about your options.

5. Harriman State Park (New York)

Closest airport: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Known for: Lakes, hiking trails, and proximity to New York City.

Harriman State Park is the second-largest state park in the New York Park system. In it, you'll find more than 31 reservoirs and lakes, 200+ miles of hiking trails, and various beaches, camping spots, and overlooks.

Past visitors recommend activities and landmarks such as:

• Ice fishing and ice staking
• Cross-country skiing
• Skylands New Jersey Botanical Garden

You should also be mindful of the following logistics:

• Airport to park travel time: 54 minutes
• Transportation options: Uber, car rental, taxi cab
• Accommodations: Backcountry camping, campsites

Planning Your Visit to Harriman State Park

Although specific locations may have a vehicle use fee, Harriman State Park is free to visit. These include popular destinations such as Lake Tiorati, Lake Kanawauke, and Silvermine.

The hours range from dawn until dusk every day of the year. Keep in mind that Lake Tiorati and Lake Welch have their own separate hours.

For visitors needing more accommodations, there are accessible parking and hiking options. For example, the John Muir Interpretive Loop trail is ADA-approved and has a handicap fishing pier.

6. Dead Horse Point State Park (Utah)

Closest airport: Canyonlands Field Airport (CNY)
Known for: Breathtaking views of the Colorado River and dramatic desert landscapes.

The magnificent Dead Horse Point State Park is towering 5,900 feet above 5,362 acres of desert. This impressive space overlooks the Colorado River and offers exciting vistas of the Canyonlands National Park.

There's a lot to see and do in Dead Horse Point State Park:

• Dead Horse Point Overlook
• Yurt camping
• Mountain biking

Just don't forget to work out the details:

• Airport to park travel time: 28 minutes
• Transportation options: Biking, Uber, carpooling
• Accommodations: Campgrounds, yurts

Planning Your Visit to Dead Horse Point State Park

Dead Horse Point State Park is open 365 days per year, with visiting hours from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

The price you pay to visit the park depends on several factors: private-use vehicles pay $20 for up to eight people daily, while bike-in and walk-in fees also apply ($10 per person). 

Accessibility options range from fishing and wildlife viewing to camping and low-vision resources. You are welcome to explore their website and learn more about ADA service dogs, family camping, and more.

7. Silver Falls State Park (Oregon)

Closest airport: Portland International Airport (PDX)
Known for: Waterfalls, scenic hikes, and beautiful forested areas.

Also called the 'crown jewel' of Ohio's park system, Silver Falls State Park is a sight to behold. This 9,000-acre Pacific Northwest forest has miles of hiking trails, scenic vistas, and horseback riding opportunities.

You won't want to miss breathtaking activities and locations like:

• South Falls
• Sunset tree climbs
• Rim Trail

Just check out the following travel logistics:

• Airport to park travel time: 1 hour 12 minutes
• Transportation options: Bus, Uber, car rental
• Accommodations: Campsites, horse camps, Smith Creek Village

Planning Your Visit to Silver Falls State Park

Prices for Silver Falls State Park start at $5 per day. If you purchase a campground pass, that will double as a day-use pass. Annual passes are also available.

Park hours depend on the area of the park you wish to visit (plus the time of year). For example, South Falls is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from November through January, then 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM from April to August.

Accessibility options include cabins and yurts, showers, restrooms, and picnic spots. If you're interested in additional accessibility options, contact the front desk at 800-551-6949.

8. Fall Creek Falls State Park (Tennessee)

Closest airport: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
Known for: Waterfalls, hiking, and various outdoor recreational activities.

It's hard to ignore Fall Creek Falls State Park, one of Tennessee's most beloved natural areas. Millions of visitors stop by each year to enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, and much more.

You won't want to miss incredible opportunities like:

• Seeing Fall Creek Falls
• Walking over the Cane Creek Cascades and Suspension Bridge
• Spending the day at Millikan‘s Overlook

Just be sure to accommodate the following logistics:

• Airport to park travel time: 1 hour 13 minutes (cross into a different time zone)
• Transportation options: Uber, rental car
• Accommodations: Lodge, cabins, campsite

Planning Your Visit to Fall Creek Falls State Park

There is no entrance fee to visit this park. However, reserving campsites, group camping areas, and backcountry licenses cost money.

You are also welcome to visit 24/7 but remember that day-use areas are closed at sunset (and the road to the falls is locked at dusk).

As for accessibility, there are several paved trails and overlooks for wheelchair-friendly travel. All-terrain wheelchairs are available to rent upon request.

9. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park (Michigan)

Closest airport: Gogebic-Iron County Airport (IWD)
Known for: Rugged beauty, hiking, waterfalls, and the stunning Lake Superior shoreline.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of the most famous landmarks in Michigan. Visitors can explore over 35,000 acres of lakes, forests, trails, and more.

Feast your eyes (and heart) on the beauty of:

• Porcupine Mountains Winter Sport Complex
• Autumn chairlift rides
• 18-hole disc golf course 

Not sure what to expect? Refer to the logistics points below:

• Airport to park travel time: 35 minutes
• Transportation options: Uber, rental cars
• Accommodations: Cabins, yurts, tiny houses, lodges, backcountry camping

Planning Your Visit to Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

Entering Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park costs $11 for Michigan residents, $31 for nonresidents, and $9 for day-use visitors. Recreation passports are required to visit.

The park itself is open 24/7. However, 8 AM to 8 PM are the official visitor center hours.

Accessibility options have extended considerably over the years. The Nawadaha Falls Trail, for example, is now accessible to wheelchair users.

10. Valley of Fire State Park (Nevada)

Closest airport: McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Known for: Red sandstone formations, petroglyphs, and scenic drives.

Valley of Fire State Park lives up to its name as one of the most scenic park systems outside of LA. Countless red sandstone formations make up the bulk of this park, with unique formations scattered across its many trails.

You may want to visit:

• Petroglyph Trail
• White Dome Trail
• Petrified Logs

Just don't forget to plan for the specifics:

• Airport to park travel time: 58 minutes
• Transportation options: Car rental, Uber
• Accommodations: Group-use campsites, RV camping, individual camping

Planning Your Visit to Valley of Fire State Park

It costs $15 per vehicle ($10 for Nevada residents) to access Valley of Fire State Park. Biking into the park also comes with a fee ($2 per person/bike).

Since the park is open 24/7/365, you only need to be wary of holiday closures. There are also seasonal closures from May to September to protect against heat exposure on specific trails.

This park may not be the most accessible on this list, but there are still some accommodations for intrepid travelers. You should know there are no ADA-compliant trails at this time, and many of its paths are sandy or rocky.

Travel and Accessibility Tips

Want to make the most of your state park trip(s)?

Here is some practical advice to maximize your experience:

• Research various travel methods before you book your flight. Do you plan on carpooling? Renting a car? Getting an Uber or public transport pass?
• Consider your accommodations wisely. Where would you prefer to spend your trip? In a tent or cabin? Or a lodge, resort, or spa?
• Think about safe and effective places to park your car while traveling. It may make sense to avoid bringing your vehicle directly to the park. Taking public transportation can save on vehicle costs, slash admission fees, and ensure your personal property stays protected.

Benefits of Exploring State Parks

State parks are more than beautiful places to visit — they're good for your physical health, mental resilience, and even your pocketbook in most cases.

Studies show that time spent in nature can reduce stress and anxiety. Visiting a state park on your next vacation may also help to restore your emotional equilibrium and promote mental wellness over time.

Additional research highlights physical benefits such as better sleep and lower blood pressure. Traveling and staying active can also help reduce your risk for chronic disease, promoting a happier, healthier, higher-quality life.

State parks are also an affordable alternative to more expensive vacations requiring pricier accommodations. For example, the average trip to Hawaii costs around $4,000 per week. In contrast, the average price of state park lodging ranges between $407.55 and $816 per week — a savings of nearly 10x depending on your circumstances.

Start Hiking America's State Parks Today

Whether you're looking to plan a solo hike or a quiet vacation with your family, a visit to one of America's state parks will have everything you're looking for and more. Plus, scheduling a visit near an airport can help you plan the logistics of your trip, including giving your car a place to stay while you rent, carpool, or take public transportation.

The Parking Spot can help you find parking at dozens of America's most popular airports, so scheduling a trip to significant state parks has never been easier. Just book your visit, park your car, and go — we'll take care of all the security and parking logistics for you.