The Winter Olympics arrive this month, inspiring the athlete in all of us to get out and get active. While state parks are usually associated with traditional outdoor activities like hiking and camping, there are plenty of opportunities to play or practice your favorite sports at state parks throughout the country. Many parks have top-tier sporting amenities like Olympic-sized swimming pools, 18-hole golf courses, and equestrian facilities. Find your favorite sport or state park on this list of Top State Parks for Sports.
Recommended: Preparing for Spring Camping
1. Eisenhower State Park, Kansas
- Sport: Frisbee golf
Eisenhower State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and athletes of all ages. The park has a playground, swimming beach, horseshoe pits, basketball court, kayak and canoe rentals, and multi-purpose hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. For the frisbee golfer, there’s an outstanding 18-hole frisbee disc golf course for hours of fun competition.
The park is located on the eastern fringe of the Flint Hills and is beloved for its rolling hills, bluestem grasses, and wildlife such as white-tail deer, fox, bobcat, turkey, and quail. There’s plenty of camping with 208 sites, including six cabins.
2. Buttgenbach Campground at Croom Motorcycle Area, Florida
- Sport: ATV and Motorcycles
The Buttgenbach Campground at Croom Motorcycle Area is situated in the heart of the large OHV Riding Facility designed for ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts. There are miles upon miles of marked and unmarked ATV and dirt bike riding trails, including a Kid’s Beginner and Intermediate Riding/Training Area. This is simply one of the best places for ATV and motorcycle lovers – from amateurs to pros – to ride in the region, if not the entire country. There’s a campground with 51 tent and RV sites, most with extra room for trailers carrying ATVs and dirt bikes.
Recommended: Preparing for Spring Hunting Season
3. Jack Hill State Park, Georgia
- Sport: Golf
This park’s famed Brazell’s Creek Golf Course was expanded to 18-holes a few years ago, transforming it into a challenging test for even the most avid golfers. There are overlooks of wetlands, island greens, and a long, winding bridge connecting to the back nine. Besides this scenic golf course, there’s also a fun miniature golf course for the whole family. Additionally, picnic tables and shelters surround a small lake where visitors can rent aqua cycles, kayaks, and fishing boats during the warm months. Campers have their choice of 45 sites, including 10 cottages.
4. Keewaydin State Park, New York
- Sport: Swimming
Located on the St. Lawrence River, Keewaydin State Park has excellent boating and fishing year-round, with 120 boat slips and plenty of boat launches. Another real highlight of the park is its Olympic-sized swimming pool, accessible during the warmer months and outfitted with lifeguards. There are 48 campsites with great views of the river.
Recommended: Gulf Coast Road Trip
5. Kentucky Horse Park, Kentucky
- Sport: Horseback riding
As you can probably guess, Kentucky Horse Park is a fantastic spot for horseback riding and other equestrian sports. This equine-themed park and competition facility is set on more than 1,200 acres in the heart of Kentucky’s famous Bluegrass region. The horse park offers daily programs and presentations, not to mention one of the most comprehensive schedules of equestrian events in the entire country. The Hall of Champions Show, Parade of Breeds, and the Big Barn Stall-Side Chat are just some of the presentations offered. The park also has an International Museum of the Horse, the largest of its kind in the world, and The American Saddlebred Museum, which are included with admission.
There are 260 campsites with electrical and water hookups, paved pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Lighted tennis and basketball courts, a swimming pool, and playgrounds are just some of the other amenities rounding out this full-service park.
6. Turkey Run State Park, Indiana
- Sport: Tennis
Nestled along State Road 47 southwest of Crawfordsville in Indiana, Turkey Run State Park offers visitors a chance to explore sandstone ravines and aged forests while taking in stunning views along Sugar Creek. Besides the natural beauty of the park, there are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy: horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and playing volleyball and tennis on the park’s courts. There are over 200 campsites open all year long.
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.