Author name: America's State Parks Editorial Team

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

America's State Parks Editorial Team
railroad tracks leading into a cavern at natural tunnel state park in virginia

Natural Tunnel State Park

Natural Tunnel State Park is located in the Appalachian Mountains near Duffield in Scott County. Only a 1 ½ hour drive from Knoxville, TN this public…

Massive 215-foot natural limestone arch over Cedar Creek gorge at Natural Bridge State Park Virginia

Natural Bridge State Park

Discover Natural Bridge State Park in Massachusetts. Plan your visit with trail info, best times to go, camping tips, and everything you need for a great outdoor adventure.

stream flows past exposed tree roots in a state park near peoria illinois

5 State Parks Near Peoria, Illinois

The area around Peoria, Illinois’s largest city, is home to many state parks. These fascinating parks offer access to a

cliffs along the coast at a state park near baltimore maryland

10 State Parks Near Baltimore, Maryland

Editorial note: We choose and update recommended nearby parks using official park information, visitor-planning usefulness, available activities and facilities, geographic

exploration station at machicomoco state park in virginia

Machicomoco State Park

[caption id="attachment_29036" align="aligncenter" width="600"] View from Machicomoco State Park. Photo: Park Facebook page[/caption]Virginia’s…

sun setting over the water at mason neck state park in virginia

Mason Neck State Park

Picturesque Mason Neck State Park lies in Southern Fairfax County about 20 miles from Washington, DC.

This Northern Virginia public recreation area…

wooden bridge over a small pond at leesylvania state park in virginia

Leesylvania State Park

Trusted Guide to Virginia’s Potomac Heritage Park – Updated 2025

sunset over the water at kiptopeke state park in virginia

Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park guards Virginia’s Eastern Shore at the southern tip—a unique coastal sanctuary
where nine World War II-era concrete ships…

sun poking behind summer trees at a state park near galena illinois

10 State Parks Near Galena, Illinois

Galena, a famous city in Illinois, is well-known for its exemplary 19th-century infrastructure and ancient ceremonial sites. Not only is

colorful foliage around a lake at a state park near ocean city maryland

10 State Parks Near Ocean City, Maryland

Once called ‘America in Miniature’ by the National Geographic Magazine, Maryland boasts an incredible natural landscape. Incorporating everything from the

bare winter trees and icy water at james river state park in virginia

James River State Park

Official Guide: James River State Park — Offering rolling hills, quiet forests, and spectacular views of the historic James River.

clouds and sky reflected in the water at holliday lake state park in virginia

Holliday Lake State Park

[caption id="attachment_28863" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The calm beauty of Holliday Lake State Park. Photo: Park Facebook…

sunset over the bridge at high bridge trail state park in virginia

High Bridge Trail State Park

Official Guide: High Bridge Trail State Park — A spectacular rail-trail in Virginia, featuring the magnificent 2,400-foot-long High Bridge…

wild pony grazing at grayson highlands state park in virginia

Grayson Highlands State Park

Where Wild Ponies Roam Free — Virginia’s highest state park offers
iconic encounters with free-ranging ponies, access to the Appalachian…

stormy skies and waves from the beach at false cape state park in virginia

False Cape State Park

Not far from the North Carolina border lies a vast area of undeveloped land along the coast and near Virginia Beach.

This Virginia park, on the…

swimmers playing in the surf at first landing state park in virginia

First Landing State Park

Where American History Began — Virginia’s most popular state park
marks where English colonists first landed in 1607, now featuring 1.5…

hilltop view overlooking fall foliage at fairy stone state park in virginia

Fairy Stone State Park

Home of the Legendary Fairy Stones — Discover rare cross-shaped
crystals, swim in a pristine mountain lake, and explore one of Virginia’s…

fall leaves hanging over the water at douthat state park in virginia

Douthat State Park

Douthat State Park is a National Register of Historic Places gem built by the
Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Nestled in Virginia’s…

sun shines through trees onto water at clinch river state park in virginia

Clinch River State Park

[caption id="attachment_28613" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Beautiful Clinch River. Photo: Park Facebook page[/caption]Clinch River State Park is…

sailboat off public beach at claytor lake state park in virginia

Claytor Lake State Park

Claytor Lake State Park offers a resort-style experience on a beautiful 4,500-acre lake in
Virginia’s Blue Ridge foothills. With 3 lodges, 15…

beach along the potomac river in caledon state park in virginia

Caledon State Park

Caledon State Park is a public recreation area in King George County, 23 miles east of Fredericksburg and 1½ hour drive from Richmond.

King George…

sunset over the sea at belle island state park in virginia

Belle Isle State Park

Belle Isle State Park is a public recreation area on the Rappahannock River in Lancaster County less than 2 hours from Richmond.

This 892 acre…

trees reflected in the water at bear creek lake state park in virginia

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Bear Creek Lake State Park lies less than an hour’s drive west of Richmond.

This picturesque 326-acre public recreation area managed by the…

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