What You Should Know About Camping At State Parks

Looking for a place to camp but not sure you want to fight the crowds at popular national parks? Try a state park instead. State parks are great places to get outside, camp, and explore, and they’re typically less crowded than national park destinations. They can also be more affordable and more accessible. Use Campendium to find state park options near you to start planning your next camping adventure.
Here’s what you should know about camping at a state park:
Affordable and accessible. Although state parks are usually smaller than national parks, they still offer scenic views, recreational activities, and camping options, and are less expensive.
Camping options. You’ll find a variety of camping options at most state parks. From tent camping and RVing to cabin rentals and glamping, there are plenty of ways to stay at state parks.
Day and annual passes. Most state parks charge a fee for vehicle entrance and camping. You can usually purchase passes online ahead of your visit, and oftentimes if you’re biking or walking into the park, there’s no entrance fee required.
Research reservation windows. Depending on the state, campsite reservation windows can range from a few months to a year in advance. Knowing when to reserve will help you book the campsite you want on the dates you want, especially at popular state parks with highly sought-after campsites.
Stay limits. Always check the stay limits at state parks when planning your trip and booking your site. The stay limits usually range from 14 to 30 days, but each state and each park will have different rules, so be in the know if you plan on staying for longer periods of time.
Amenities. Depending on the park, amenities can range from full hookup RV sites to shower facilities and picnic areas, while others might only offer more primitive camping options and minimal amenities. Research each park before you visit so you know what to expect during your stay.
Support local. Since state parks are operated by the state and not the federal government, they rely on entrance and camping fees to maintain the land and facilities within each park. By camping at a state park, you’re helping maintain that land for others to continue to enjoy.
Campfire safety. Always follow campfire regulations and burn bans, and be sure to only use designated areas and pits for your campfires.
Video credit: @Bridges_Media
#statepark #stateparks #camping #rving #rvlife #rvliving #rvtravel #campendium #campground #rvcamping
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[@silverfox6590]

Since moving to Cali a year ago, I’ve stayed at 3 beach front state parks. San Diego, Bolsa Chica, & Dockweiler. Yes they are parking lots with hook ups. I’ve gotten spots from a couple weeks to a day before. Best time to grab a spot is during the week. Weekends are usually booked months in advance.

[@mylibertyvan5650]

Some state parks are more expensive than National Parks, especially for Seniors. 😎🚐🥾

[@2-old-Forthischet]

Don't expect quiet.

[@sadielampduo3762]

Love camping State Parks , primitive and w/water and electric , all year where's possible

[@JeffJensen55]

I’ve been full-time for over three years. I have yet to find a state park cheaper than National Parks (at least in the east half of the country).

[@norys90]

awesome information

[@genekied]

Leave your beer at home, no alcohol allowed in Minnesota State Parks. I think Oregon has the best state parks, loved the yurts as a chance to get out of the RV.

[@joanhall3718]

As an Oregonian I think our State Park campgrounds are huge 200-300 sites with no privacy. The National Forest campgrounds are much smaller and wilder.

[@tncampingnerds]

We love staying in Tennessee State Parks. We post our reviews on TN Camping Nerds Review channel.

[@joanhall3718]

I’m always confused when I hear State Parks are primitive and wild. In Oregon the National Forest campgrounds and small and wild, no hook-ups, and 5-50 sites. The State Park campgrounds are huge, possibly 200 or more sites, many with partial or full hook-ups. There is no privacy, you can always see your neighbors. Are other State’s Parks smaller and more primitive?

[@stanbyme7874]

From another Oregon-this is true in our State but completely different in others. The number of State park passes I possess explains my bank account😂

[@8188jlpc]

Its nearly impossible to get a camp site even months ahead.... and forget about cancelling because of foul weather, you still have an $8 fee/ night, in CA.

[@theinnocent714]

Hello i have the annual state park pass and i wanted to know if the pass can be used for campgrounds?

[@sharonfaithhunter9389]

Indiana has very nice state parks, but very expensive! Plus you have a two night minimum on weekends and only get half your money back if you need to cancel within a week! It's absurd! They're also very loud and badly supervised.

[@angelabuxton2237]

Southern IN native ...IN does have some beautiful state parks....and as far as ALL of them are poorly supervised I'll have to disagree...why because I haven't been been to all of them .

[@djp1234]

I only camp at free dispersed campsites. Paying money to sleep outdoors makes no sense, especially crowded campsites with no privacy.

[@Kihei_Ukulele]

i love this idea, may i know how you get the water for everyday use? thanks.

[@djp1234]

@@Kihei_Ukulele there are different apps that show where you can get water: iOverlander, wikicamps, campendium, QuickMap (for California).

[@garlandstyle5797]

Good video, true for the most part, but that park in the video? Sardines in a line. That isn't pleasant at all. Go outside of California for the best ever State parks.

[@stanbyme7874]

Oregon: never, ever fires. Just accept that & if it’s snowing in Dec & it’s open-they May let ya use fire ring. Be grateful.