Plan ahead this Father’s Day and treat dad to an outdoor adventure. What better way to show your appreciation than to spend quality time with family on a local getaway. Check out these state parks across the country that offer a variety of recreational activities, campgrounds, and scenic locations that will make lasting memories.
Devils Hopyard, Connecticut
A great place to take Dad for Father’s Day is the Devils Hopyard. A popular attraction is the Chapman Falls which cascades over sixty feet down a stone formation. The water continues and flows as Eight Mile River through the park. If your dad loves wildlife, make plans for the best birding in the state. If he is a fisherman, he will love to throw a line into the stream and hook a brook trout. Make time to explore and choose among 21 campsites in the park which have cooking grills and picnic tables.
Millsite State Park, Utah
At the entrance to Ferron Canyon, there is a quiet lake that invites Dad to enjoy its blue waters. Boating and fishing are the primary adventures here, but there are miles of trails that are fun to bike, hike, or even ride an off-road vehicle. Perhaps your father loves a good game of golf. There’s a nearby golf course where he can tee off. Twenty campsites are available to book, with 10 sites having electric and water and another 10 having electric hookups.
Claytor Lake State Park, Virginia
Claytor Lake State Park in Virginia is a great place to take Dad for Father’s Day. Bring your boat or rent one at the marina to get out on 21-mile-long Claytor Lake. If Dad enjoys fishing, there are plenty of choice spots to pick from along the shoreline. If Dad wants to get in a good hike, there are miles of trails to explore too. Take time to enjoy this scenic retreat and book one of the 15 cabins that overlook the lake!
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Atlanta State Park, Texas
In the northeast corner of Texas, you’ll discover the state park which hugs the shores of the Wright Patman Lake. There is a wealth of activities for Dad, everything from fishing and boating to birding and hiking. Walk the .8-mile nature trail to learn about the area. If biking is what he prefers, there are plenty of roads to ride. Fishing is premier, with huge catfish just waiting to bite. If you want to play basketball or volleyball or even play horseshoes, you can borrow the equipment to play with in the park. There are 58 campsites with water and electricity. Some even have sewer hookups.
Black Hawk State Park, Iowa
No one would have suspected, but it was discovered that this state park is home to the most southern glacial lake in the U.S. The natural lake is a boating paradise, with no motor-size restrictions and three ramps in order to launch. A real challenge to all fishermen, including Dad on this trip, is catching some of the wide variety of fish here. Try your hand at hooking crappies, channel catfish, bluegills, sunfish, walleyes, and largemouth bass. If Dad doesn’t want to swim at the beach at the east end, he can hike along the Stubb Severson Nature Trail and witness a wide variety of wildlife there. Another trail is the Sauk Rail Trail which is a long, 33-mile hard-surfaced trail that takes one from this state park to the Swan Lake State Park in another county. It’s a great trail for biking. The campground is large, with both electric and non-electric sites available. Play disc golf nearby to pass some time and get some additional exercise.
Eno River State Park, North Carolina
The serenity of this park is due to the beautiful Eno River flowing through it and over the rocky stream bed. This shallow stream moves from northwest Orange County for 33 miles to where it joins the Flat River. The park will be a favorite of Dad’s when he sees the 30 miles of trails that go along the stream. Photographers love this park as it offers so many beautiful landscapes to capture. Fishing is popular too. The park is primitive camping only so you’ll need to carry in your own equipment. Here you’ll find solitude and peace in nature.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.