As temperatures across the country warm up and days grow longer, it is a great time of year to test your hunting and fishing skills. We have highlighted five parks below that are perfect spots for a fishing or hunting camping trip.
Recommended: 9 Places for Trout Fishing this Spring
1. Webster State Park, Kansas
The rolling hills of Webster State Park attract lovers of nature to enjoy the outdoors under spacious skies. There are 880 acres in which to explore Webster Reservoir and the surrounding habitats that are teeming with life. Wildlife enthusiasts will see deer, turkeys, and plenty of waterfowl and shorebirds. Photographers can find lots of opportunities for great shots.
Webster State Park also offers hunters and fishermen the perfect setting for their sport of choice. There are 8,018 acres for public hunting including over 1,400 acres of water. Fishing gives you a wide variety of catches such as crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and white bass. In spring, you can also hunt turkey.
2. Crawford State Park, Colorado
Colorado’s western slope is a great place to spend a getaway weekend or a longer vacation. Crawford State Park near the Black Canyon of the Gunnison makes for a wonderful outdoor escape for the whole family. Blue Mesa Reservoir provides water recreation with a great place to launch a boat and get out into the sunshine. There is also jet skiing and water skiing here as some of the activities you might want to try.
As a quality fishery, this park is known for its great perch and crappie. You may also reel in a largemouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout or channel catfish. The best times to fish to avoid motor boats on the water are early in the morning or late in the day. In the spring, turkey hunting is popular with safety rules in place within the park.
Get a Hunting and/or Fishing License
Recommended: Preparing for Spring Hunting Season
3. West 40 RV Park, Minnesota
This RV resort in Ely, Minnesota is an ideal home base for a fishing adventure. There are 39 RV sites and five tent sites to set up camp and explore the local lakes and other attractions, such as the Mesabi Trail or the Gilbert Off-Road Vehicle Park.
But the real star around West Forty RV Park and Campground are the abundance of lakes where you can throw in a line and are almost sure to catch something. Nearby Lake Ore-be-gone has crystal clear waters and plenty of walleye, northern pike, and trout to nab. Ely Lake, only a ten minute walk from the campgrounds, has some of the best smallmouth bass, northern, crappie, and bluegill fishing in northern Minnesota.
4. Natchez State Park, Mississippi
Natchez State Park is located in a lovely wooded setting next to Natchez Lake. There are plenty of camping sites along with one primitive camping area. Each reservable site has water, table, fire ring, and grate. There are also cabins to rent, as well as a boat launch site. Besides hunting and fishing, you can play disc golf, hike, picnic, or bike.
Turkey hunt here from mid-March through April. And, you’ll definitely want to try your hand at fishing in the park, as the largest bass in Mississippi history was caught here. You’ll also find black bass, catfish, some crappie, and bream.
Get a Hunting and/or Fishing License
Recommended: 9 Underrated Parks You Need to Visit
5. American Legion State Forest (Hawes), Connecticut
When they say a river runs through it, they may mean the American Legion State Forest (Hawes). The West Branch of the Farmington River provides so many outdoor recreational opportunities for those who want to take to the water. Canoeing, kayaking and tubing are popular. There are 11 miles of hiking trails that take you to historic sites. Besides hunting and fishing in the park, you can enjoy picnicking and hiking.
Trout fishing is great here, and the Farmington River is the ideal place to cast a line. Spring turkey hunting is permitted in this forest, but hunting is not the most utilized activity here. This means an uncrowded hunting experience!
Get a Hunting and/or Fishing License
More Information about Booking
Are you ready for your 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.