Just out your doorstep are dozens of unique places that are yours to explore and enjoy. Recreational facilities, hiking trails, historical landmarks, lakes, rivers, natural areas, beaches and forests— they belong to you! Why is that? Because they’re part of our public lands, our unique state parks system.
There’s no better way to easily connect with nature, get some exercise in the outdoors, learn something new or just relax, than visiting your local state park. Let’s keep state parks healthy and available for future generations too. You can do that by visiting often and taking full advantage of the unique qualities of state parks, so vital to our country’s heritage. You can also spread the word to others, invite your friends and family and introduce your children to the wonders of public lands through visiting state parks.
Use this website to learn about fun activities that are nearby at your state parks. These are just a few of the great recreational opportunities that are offered. What are you waiting for? Get out and explore!
The following partners are working hard to preserve and protect parks, educate the public about the value of nature and the importance of being healthy and active in the outdoors. Thanks to them for making Explore Your Parks available nationwide!
California State Parks
California Department of Parks and Recreation manages more than 270 park units which contain the most diverse collection of natural, cultural, and recreational resources to be found within California. The parks reflect every ecosystem found throughout the state—from beaches to desert, ancient forests and alpine peaks. California State Parks’ mission is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state's extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
Colorado State Parks
Colorado State Parks manages 42 parks statewide, ranging from the plains to reservoirs to the mountains that make this state famous. In the mission statement of Colorado State Parks, “the stewardship of Colorado’s natural resources” is one of the highest priorities. Visitors are encouraged to learn all about the state’s natural resources and join in efforts to preserve and enjoy the public lands and natural resources for future generations.
Georgia State Parks
The Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks & Historic Sites manages more than 60 properties that preserve the state's environment and history. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Colonial Coast, there is an exceptional variety of resources. Through these sites, important habitat for plants and animals, give people a place to enjoy the outdoors, and protect historic places where future generations can learn about the past.
Idaho State Parks
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation manages 30 state parks. The agency manages a series of outdoor recreation grant programs that provide facilities and services to a wide variety of recreationists and the local governmental and nongovernmental organizations that serve them. The mission of the Idaho parks is to To improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship.
Maryland State Parks
Maryland has 66 state parks full of recreation opportunities ranging from nature walks to biking, boating, camping, kayaking, historical adventures and more! The mission of the Maryland Park Service is to manage the natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources to provide the best use for the benefit of people. Maryland residents and officials have worked hard to preserve public lands for everyone to enjoy—today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
Massachusetts State Parks
Massachusetts State Parks offers dozens of places to escape and enjoy the outdoors, with hundreds of miles of trails, camping opportunities, boating, swimming, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, picnicking, skiing, golfing, historical sites, educational programs and more. In addition, Massachusetts State Parks is dedicated to providing outdoor recreation opportunities in Massachusetts State Parks for visitors of all abilities. Many parks are easily accessible via public transportation as well.
Missouri State Parks
Missouri's state park system contains 85 state parks and historic sites plus the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry. With more than 200,000 acres available to the public, the system includes homes of famous Missourians, Civil War battlefields; and reminders of yesterday such as gristmills and covered bridges. The state's most outstanding landscapes are preserved here for everyone's enjoyment - deep forests, glades, prairies and blue streams and lakes. The mission of the state park system is to preserve and interpret the state's most outstanding natural landscapes and cultural landmarks, and to provide outstanding recreational opportunities compatible with those resources.
New York State Parks
From the shores of Long Island to the mighty Niagara Falls, New York's 178 state parks offer countless opportunities to explore your natural environment, escape from the grind of the everyday and experience exciting new adventures. Beaches, boat launches, hiking trails, campsites, and golf courses all await. Many of the parks are accessible via public transportation as well, so you can explore nature on a moment’s notice.
Ohio State Parks
The Division of Parks manages 74 state parks in 60 counties with over 174,000 acres of land and water resources. Ohio State Parks host about 55 million visitor occasions each year. Most parks offer educational programming and special activities for visitors through seasonal naturalist programs and customer service initiatives. The mission of the Ohio State Parks is to enhance the quality of life through exceptional outdoor recreational experiences and sound resource management.
Oregon State Parks
The mission of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department is to provide and protect outstanding natural, scenic, cultural, historic and recreational sites for the enjoyment and education of present and future generations. Oregon's state parks are among the most popular in the U.S: their combined day-use and camping attendance of 39.6 million visitors (2001) consistently ranks the system among the ten most visited in the nation.