National parks get a lot of attention, but in many regions of the U.S., state parks are equally as beautiful. From quiet lakefront beaches to historic sites to coastal dunes, state parks offer experiences that are always worth the journey.
Key Takeaways
- Eight states including Kentucky and Tennessee offer free day entry to their state parks, with no entrance fee.
- Illinois parks are free to enter, but beach use costs one dollar per person each day.
- Missouri opens more than 160,000 public acres for activities, with free entry across its entire state park system.
While most state park systems charge a day-use entrance fee to help offset the costs of the park’s management and maintenance, some states keep the experience free for all. Here are eight states that have free day-entry to their state parks.
Which U.S. States Offer Free Entry to State Parks
Arkansas Free State Parks
Do Arkansas State Parks Charge Entrance Fees?
There are no entry fees at Arkansas state parks, with the exception of parks that require a tour to access the facility, like Crater of Diamonds Mine State Park. However, fees are charged for activities like camping, guided experiences, and special events.
Where to Camp in Arkansas State Parks
Dozens of state parks in Arkansas offer on-site camping, including the Campendium community favorites of Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Bull Shoals-White River State Park in Lakeview, and Village Creek State Park in Wynne.
Illinois Free State Parks
Do Illinois State Parks Charge Entrance Fees?
Enjoy 309 state parks and recreational sites for free in Illinois. Parks are managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which doesn’t charge an entrance fee on state-owned or operated land. The exception? If the park has a beach, there’s a $1 per-day, per-person charge for beach use.
Where to Camp in Illinois State Parks
While visiting Illinois state parks, check out the camping at five-star reviewed campgrounds at Lincoln Trail State Park in Marshall, Beaver Dam State Park in Plainview, and Nauvoo State Park in Nauvoo.
Iowa Free State Parks
Do Iowa State Parks Charge Entrance Fees?
Most of Iowa’s state park system doesn’t charge entrance fees for resident and non-resident visitors. Two popular parks, Lake Manawa and Waubonsie, have an entrance fee for non-residents only.
Where to Camp in Iowa State Parks
Rest your head for the night in an Iowa state park at one of these popular campgrounds: Prairie Rose State Park in Harlan, Ledges State Park in Madrid, and Clear Lake State Park in Clear Lake.
Kentucky Free State Parks
Do Kentucky State Parks Charge Entrance Fees?
Entrance to Kentucky’s 45 state parks is free of charge to all visitors. Kentucky’s most well-known and beloved state parks include My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park, and Green River Lake State Park.
Where to Camp in Kentucky State Parks
The Bluegrass State has a number of state park campgrounds within its borders, including at Paintsville Lake State Park in Staffordsville, Yatesville Lake State Park in Louisa, and My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Missouri Free State Parks
Do Missouri State Parks Charge Entrance Fees?
Missouri’s state park system offers more than 160,000 public acres for activities, and entrance to all state parks is free of charge. Park locations include places of natural and scenic beauty, Civil War battlefields and other historic sites, and the longest developed rail-to-trail system in the U.S.
Where to Camp in Missouri State Parks
Five-star state park camping awaits in Missouri at Bennett Spring State Park in Lebanon, Arrow Rock State Historic Site in Arrow Rock, and Montauk State Park in Salem.
Ohio Free State Parks
Do Ohio State Parks Charge Entrance Fees?
Bask in the beauty of Ohio’s state parks, with zero entrance fees. Park day-use facilities, which include trails, beaches, picnic areas, and boating and fishing areas, are free for all to use. Like most other state park systems, there are fees for activities such as camping and golfing.
Where to Camp in Ohio State Parks
Ohio manages 57 state park campgrounds. Some of the Campendium community’s favorites include Maumee Bay State Park in the town of Oregon, Salt Fork State Park in Lore City, and Hook Lake Campground in McConnelsville.
Pennsylvania Free State Parks
Do Pennsylvania State Parks Charge Entrance Fees?
Pennsylvania offers free entrance to each of its 121 state parks. Head to the Keystone State to check out the hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping, and picnicking available.
Where to Camp in Pennsylvania State Parks
Settle into a night of quiet relaxation at one of these top-rated state park campgrounds in Pennsylvania: Raymond B. Winter State Park in Mifflinburg, French Creek State Park in Elverson, and Codorus State Park in Hanover.
Tennessee Free State Parks
Do Tennessee State Parks Charge Entrance Fees?
Tennessee’s state parks are open year-round and entrance is free; however, there may be permits or reservations required for activities within the parks.
Where to Camp in Tennessee State Parks
Check out the Tennessee state park campgrounds at Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Lebanon, Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, and Chickasaw State Park in Henderson.
For affordable fun in the outdoors this summer, consider heading to one of these eight states that offer free entry to their state parks.
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