12 of the Best Places to Camp in State Parks Across the U.S.

"You may dream of seeing the geysers of Yellowstone or the overwhelming greatness of the Grand Canyon, but chances are you have a handful of little wonders in your own backyard. State parks like Goblin Valley in Utah hold their own against the neighboring Arches National Park (or Canyonlands, for that matter), while Maine's Baxter State Park is arguably just as wild as the well-known Acadia National Park (Baxter doesn't even have running water!). Plus, state parks tend to be less crowded and more affordable-two things that bode well for overnight guests."

"State parks may not see the heavy traffic of national parks, but in most cases, you'll still want to plan ahead and secure your camping spot in advance. Each state runs its own reservation system, which may be online, via phone, or even in person. And some parks or camping areas are first come, first served, so you won't want to show up too late in the day."

"Before you pack up and head out, make sure to research what amenities are available-some state park campgrounds are extremely primitive, requiring you to pack in your own water and pack out your trash, while others have full RV hookups, hot showers, and stores. And finally, be sure to respect any wildlife you encounter, manage your campfire responsibly (you don't want to be that person), and follow the principles of Leave No Trace."

State parks provide numerous camping opportunities that can match national parks' scenery while being less crowded and more affordable. Campgrounds vary widely, from full-service RV hookups with hot showers and stores to primitive sites that require bringing water and packing out trash. Reservation systems are managed by individual states and may be online, by phone, or in person; some sites remain first-come, first-served. Campers should research amenities, secure reservations when possible, respect wildlife, manage campfires responsibly, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Examples include Goblin Valley State Park in Utah and Baxter State Park in Maine.

Read at Travel + Leisure