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John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - is our nation's first underwater park. Formed in the 1960's, Pennekamp Park represents over hundred square miles of mangrove shoreline, grass flats, and of course their famous coral reef. With over One million visitors per year, the underwater beauty of this park makes it one of our nation’s best.  It is an adventure for all levels of swimmers - so don’t be intimidated by this ocean destination. This park lives and breaths in the Florida Keys.  Experience it!

John Pennekamp State Park - Florida

America’s State Parks are nice in that they are everywhere in the United States. All fifty states have state parks that typically preserve a natural area, provide some sort of recreation -picnic tables, camping, hiking, boating and biking trails for the public. There are also state historic parks, sites which preserve some historical aspect of a state’s past. The list to choose from is very large but we believe you will be delighted by a visit to each of this years TOP 10 State Parks here in the USA.  Please make a point to share your photos with us so we can share them with the world.

Situated in one of the most scenic areas on the Oregon coast, Sunset Bay State Park features beautiful sandy beaches protected by towering sea cliffs. Only a short walk from the beach, the campground has sites for tent camping and RV's, as well as cozy and comfortable yurts. Day-use and picnic facilities are located along the bay to allow easy access for beachcombing, fishing, swimming, and boating.  experience pristine coastal forests, seasonal wildflowers and spectacular ocean vistas.

Sunset Bay State Park - Oregon

Wasatch Mountain State Park is Utah's most developed state park. Named for Wasatch Mountain, the park consists of 21,592 acres and sits at an elevation of 5,900 feet. Wildlife in the park includes deer, elk, wild turkeys, and moose. Wasatch Mountain State Park is used for mountain activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, off-road vehicle use, horseback riding, Nordic skiing, snow tubing, and snowmobiling. It is also home to Wasatch Mountain and Soldier Hollow golf courses.  So much to do - unbelievable views and Golf????   I think we know why this Park makes the list!    Fore!

Wasatch Mountain State Park - Utah

Franconia Notch State Park is located in the heart of the popular White Mountain National Forest. Franconia Notch is a spectacular mountain pass traversed by a unique parkway which extends from the Flume Gorge at the south to Echo Lake at the north.   When you arrive, make sure to visit the Flume Gorge, ride the aerial tramway at Cannon Mountain, and explore the New England Ski Museum. Also, you can swim at Echo Lake, trout fish, ride bikes on the Recreational Trail and much more! We Love NH!

Franconia Notch State Park - New Hampshire

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is over 60,000 acres  and is  one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. Towering virgin timber, secluded lakes, and miles of wild rivers and streams make a visit to the "Porkies" a trip to remember.  This park was established in 1945. Since then, many changes have taken place in the way we live; however, the Porcupine Mountains are almost unchanged. The remote interior with its towering pine and hemlock seems to defy time, and the solitude of the park is mysterious and exciting.    

Porcupine Mountains State Park - Michigan

Chugach State Park  at Anchorage's edge lies the third largest state park in USA.  This is 500,000 acres of some of the most accessible hiking, skiing, camping, wildlife viewing, snowmobiling, rafting, and climbing in Alaska. Those who are lucky enough to live there feel the influence of Chugach State Park almost daily. The mountainous backdrop to Anchorage reminds them that, although they live in an urban setting, they really reside in the middle of a vast wilderness with changing weather and wildlife in town.

Chugah State Park - Alaska

Palo Duro Canyon State Park - America’s second largest canyon is located about an hour's drive from Amarillo. The grandeur of Palo Duro Canyon, a  sixty mile-long and eight hundred foot-deep canyon carved out of the Texas High Plains is amazing. Visitors to the 16,402-acre Palo Duro Canyon  are treated to towering cliffs layered with bands of red, yellow, purple and white. Patches of juniper, mesquite, sunflower and prickly pear cacti adorn the canyon slopes, while red clay and veins of white gypsum blanket the ground.    This state park is a sight to behold - enjoy every moment.

Palo Duro Canyon State Park- Texas

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park occupies a 6,000-acre site which was once part of the Atchafalaya Basin. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, at the edge of a beautiful water wilderness, is also a perfect point from which to explore the natural and cultural heritage of South Louisiana. Combine your wilderness adventure with a tour of nearby historic areas such as the city of St. Martinville and Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site. A stay at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park will be remembered as an introduction to the remarkable diversity of South Louisiana.  Journey into the swamp, see some alligators & relax!

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park- Louisiana

There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary. Rising more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is an extraordinary place.  In the crest of the timeworn Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, at an elevation 6,684 feet it is the highest point east of the Mississippi. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms in the horizon is a feast for the eyes breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges & fertile valleys. A beautiful drive to the top!

Mount Mitchell State Park - North Carolina

Presque Isle State Park is a 3,200-acre sandy peninsula that arches into Lake Erie. As Pennsylvania's only "seashore," Presque Isle offers its visitors a beautiful coastline and many recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, bicycling and in-line skating. A National Natural Landmark, Presque Isle is a favorite spot for migrating birds. Because of the many unique habitats, Presque Isle contains a greater number of the state's endangered, threatened and rare species than any other area of comparable size in Pennsylvania.

Presque Isle State Park - Pennsylvania