State Parks

Vacation close to home - in your state parks

Every state has some state parks. In these tight-budget times, vacationing near home at one of your state parks is not only a good option, but there are plenty of activities to keep everyone happy.

Where I live in Utah, there are state parks offering river rafting, boating, hot springs, hiking, camping, ATV trails, historical sites, museums, golf courses, and even an Anasazi village.

Since most are just a gas tank away from the crowded cities, it may be time to discover your state's heritage or just relax in a quiet and beautiful setting.

 

 

 

Golf course at Wasatch Mountain State Park

Utah has 48 state parks

Here are just a few:

Wasatch Mountain State Park - This well-known park is located in the Heber Valley close to Heber City and Park City. It has two wonderful golf courses, a large campground with plenty of trees and privacy, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing areas, and ATV, hiking, and biking trails.

Heber City is close enough that you could camp in the park and eat in the city in a nice restaurant. Or just go up for the day, play a round of golf, have a nice dinner and head home afterward.

Little Sahara Recreation Area

Little Sahara - One of Utah's most popular, this park consists of 60,000 acres of shifting sand dunes, sage brush and juniper trees. People come from miles around to play, mostly with their ATVs.

The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and includes campgrounds with flush toilets and drinking water in warmer months.

The Willard R. Fullmer Visitor Center is open year-round (but closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and has drinking water and restrooms available. There is a per-day use fee - call 435-433-5691 for more information.

Rockport State Park, Utah

Rockport and East Canyon State Parks - How would you like to stay in a Yurt? Both of these state parks now offer yurts as an alternative to RV or tent camping.

All yurts have wooden lattice walls and ceilings, wooden floors, indoor lighting, and adjustable dome skylights. Three large screened windows keep the ultra-modern tents cool during summer, while insulated walls and thermostat-controlled electric stoves keep them warm in winter. Cost is $60 per night.

Each yurt accommodates up to six people and provides:

  • One bunk bed (double or queen) and one full size futon
  • Couch seating (when futon is folded)
  • Electric heat
  • Front porch/deck with a picnic table, gas barbeque grill, and a fire pit
  • Electrical outlets and a ceiling light
  • Locking door with key
  • Drinking water, restrooms and trash receptacles are located nearby. Showers are available about 1/2 mile away at the Juniper campground

Visitors should bring:

  • Bedding, such as sleeping bags and/or sheets, blankets and pillows
  • Camping-style cookware and cooking supplies
  • Eating utensils

Activities in these two parks consists of boating, hiking, camping, canoeing/kayaking, fishing, swimming, or laying on the beach.

Colorado has 42 state parks

Or maybe you live in or near Colorado. Visit one of their 42 state parks this summer. Any activity you can think of is available.

New York has 168 state parks

Are you closer to the East coast? There's plenty to do there also. Visit New York's 168 state parks, 35 state historic sites, 76 developed beaches, 53 water recreational facilities, 27 golf courses, 39 full service cottages, 818 cabins, 8,355 campsites, 18 nature centers, or explore 1,350 miles (2,172 km) of trails. (per Wikipedia). Now that should keep you busy for years!

So if a big vacation is not in your budget, take a look at your state and see if there are some great state parks maybe a gas tank away - or less.


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