10 Great State Park Alternatives To National Parks

In a year that many national parks are bursting at the seams with record-setting traffic, why not try camping at a state park instead?

“There are about 60 national parks, and about 6,000 state parks. There’s a lot of hidden gems that are just overlooked because they don’t get the media hype,” says Kevin Long, co-founder of The Dyrt.com, a camping website and app, featuring reviews from millions of users.

He shares some favorite state campgrounds with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Grayson Highlands State Park,  Virginia:  Not only are the Blue Ridge Mountain views memorable at this state park, but so are the residents, a herd of wild horses. “They’ll walk through your campsite if you’re lucky. They kind of ignore the people,” Long says. Overnight visitors can choose from a bunkhouse, yurts and camping sites, along with equestrian camping areas.
More information:   dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/grayson-highlands

Goblin Valley State Park, Utah:  Although named for its distinctive, eroded sandstone pillars, the appeal here goes beyond the geological. It’s also a certified International Dark Sky Park, which makes for incredible stargazing. “It’s one of the best spots if you want to see the Milky Way,” Long says. “If you catch it, it will be a lifetime memory.”
More information:  stateparks.utah.gov/parks/goblin-valley/

Monte Sano State Park, Alabama:  Located above Huntsville, this park offers easy access to the city’s famed U.S. Space and Rocket Center, and other attractions. But there’s plenty to see on site too, including a Japanese garden and tea house, planetarium and playground. “If you have a family that gets a little too antsy sitting around, there’s plenty of campsite activities,” Long says.

Read the full article from USA Today here.