South Dakota Overtakes California and More in America’s Best-Rated State Parks for Outdoor Adventure – Travel And Tour World

South Dakota Overtakes California and More in America’s Best-Rated State Parks for Outdoor Adventure, according to new research. Custer State Park leads with a visitor rating of 4.70 out of five. California, North Carolina, Vermont and Arkansas follow, showcasing diverse landscapes, wildlife experiences and exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities nationwide.

America’s Best-Rated State Parks Revealed as South Dakota Beats California to First Place, according to new research from Bearadise. Custer State Park leads the national rankings with a visitor rating of 4.70 out of five. California, North Carolina, Vermont and Arkansas follow, highlighting the growing appeal of diverse outdoor destinations.

America’s Best-Rated State Parks Revealed as South Dakota Beats California to First Place

South Dakota Takes the Lead in America’s State Park Rankings

South Dakota has emerged as the home of America’s highest-rated state park, outperforming several destinations traditionally associated with the country’s most spectacular outdoor landscapes.

New research from Bearadise places Custer State Park at the top of a ranking comparing visitor ratings across the contiguous United States. The Black Hills destination achieved an average score of 4.70 out of five, putting it ahead of leading state parks in California, North Carolina, Vermont and Arkansas.

The findings offer an interesting perspective on American outdoor tourism. While famous national parks often dominate travel conversations, state parks provide alternative experiences that can be equally rewarding.

From coastal cliffs and mountain viewpoints to peaceful lakes and riverside campsites, the leading destinations demonstrate the geographical diversity of outdoor recreation across the country.

The research also suggests that travellers looking beyond established tourism hotspots can discover highly regarded natural attractions in states that receive less national attention.

Custer State Park in South Dakota Claims First Place

Custer State Park secured the highest position in the Bearadise ranking with an average visitor rating of 4.70.

Located in South Dakota’s Black Hills, the park is known for its wildlife, mountain scenery, scenic roads and extensive outdoor recreation opportunities.

One of its most recognisable attractions is its free-roaming bison herd. Visitors travelling through the park may also encounter pronghorn, deer and other wildlife in their natural surroundings.

The Wildlife Loop Road provides opportunities for wildlife observation, while Needles Highway takes motorists through striking granite formations and mountain landscapes.

Sylvan Lake is another major attraction. Its rocky surroundings and calm waters make it popular with walkers, photographers and families seeking a scenic outdoor experience.

The park also offers camping, fishing, hiking and opportunities for recreational driving.

For South Dakota’s tourism industry, the ranking provides additional recognition for a destination that combines wildlife tourism with accessible outdoor activities.

Its leading position demonstrates that strong visitor satisfaction is not restricted to America’s most internationally recognised destinations.

California’s Point Lobos Takes Second Place

California secured second place through Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, which recorded an average visitor rating of 4.59.

Situated along California’s central coast near Carmel-by-the-Sea, the reserve offers a distinctive combination of coastal scenery, walking trails and marine wildlife.

Visitors can explore paths overlooking rocky headlands, sheltered coves and the Pacific Ocean.

The surrounding waters form part of a protected marine environment where visitors may observe sea otters, harbour seals and seabirds.

Point Lobos is particularly attractive to photographers and nature enthusiasts because its landscape changes with the weather, tides and coastal light.

Unlike larger wilderness parks, its appeal centres on a relatively compact coastal environment with numerous viewpoints.

Its second-place ranking reinforces California’s position as a major destination for nature-based travel while highlighting the appeal of protected coastal landscapes.

Rank	State	Highest rated parks	Average rating (out of 5)
1	South Dakota	Custer State Park	4.70
2	California	Point Lobos	4.59
3	North Carolina	Mount Jefferson State Natural Area	4.57
4	Vermont	Maidstone State Park	4.54
5	Arkansas	Moro Bay State Park	4.52
6	West Virginia	Beartown State Park	4.51
7	Maine	Quoddy Head State Park	4.51
8	Nevada	Novi Adventure Tours	4.50
8	North Dakota	Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park	4.50
10	Iowa	Cedar Rock State Park (Lowell Walter Residence)	4.49
11	Arizona	Kartchner Caverns State Park	4.48
11	Virginia	Grayson Highlands State Park	4.48
13	Delaware	Cape Henlopen State Park	4.47
14	Pennsylvania	Ricketts Glen State Park	4.46
15	Georgia	Amicalola Falls State Park	4.45
16	Florida	Lovers Key State Park	4.45
17	New York	Thacher State Park	4.43
18	Missouri	Ha Ha Tonka State Park	4.43
19	New Jersey	Barnegat Lighthouse State Park	4.43
20	Wisconsin	Copper Falls State Park	4.42
21	Montana	Natural Bridge Falls Picnic Area	4.41
22	New Hampshire	Lake Francis State Park	4.41
23	Minnesota	Soudan Underground Mine	4.41
24	Oregon	Maumee Bay State Park	4.40
24	Wyoming	Sinks Canyon State Park	4.40
26	Idaho	Harriman State Park	4.39
27	Indiana	Turkey Run State Park	4.38
28	Tennessee	Burgess Falls State Park	4.38
29	South Carolina	Huntington Beach State Park	4.38
30	Nebraska	Smith Falls State Park	4.38
31	Massachusetts	Halibut Point State Park	4.37
32	Michigan	Presque Isle Park	4.36
33	Alabama	Gulf State Park	4.36
34	Washington	Point Defiance Park	4.35
35	Maryland	Assateague State Park	4.33
36	Texas	Longhorn Cavern State Park	4.33
37	Kentucky	Kentucky Horse Park	4.31
38	Illinois	Tunnel Hill State Trail	4.29
39	Louisiana	Palmetto Island State Park	4.29
40	Rhode Island	Colt State Park	4.29
41	Connecticut	Harkness Memorial State Park	4.28
42	Utah	Dead Horse Point State Park	4.27
43	Colorado	Roxborough State Park	4.27
44	New Mexico	Cimarron Canyon State Park	4.20
45	Ohio	Hocking Hills State Park	4.17
46	Oklahoma	Chickasaw National Recreation Area	4.14
47	Kansas	Wilson Reservoir, State Park And Wildlife Area	4.12
48	Mississippi	Tishomingo State Park	3.83

North Carolina’s Mount Jefferson Ranks Third

North Carolina claimed third place with Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, which achieved an average rating of 4.57.

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains near West Jefferson, the destination is known for its elevated viewpoints, forested slopes and walking trails.

Visitors can explore mountain paths that provide views across the surrounding Appalachian landscape.

The natural area’s higher elevation also creates opportunities to experience seasonal changes, including colourful autumn foliage and cooler summer conditions.

For travellers exploring western North Carolina, Mount Jefferson offers an alternative to more heavily visited mountain attractions.

Its strong visitor rating demonstrates the appeal of relatively small natural areas that provide memorable scenery without requiring an extended wilderness expedition.

The result also strengthens North Carolina’s reputation for mountain tourism, hiking and scenic outdoor recreation.

Vermont’s Maidstone State Park Secures Fourth Place

Vermont entered the top five through Maidstone State Park, which received an average visitor rating of 4.54.

Located beside Maidstone Lake in the state’s Northeast Kingdom, the park provides a peaceful setting for camping, swimming and outdoor recreation.

The lake is surrounded by forested landscapes that attract visitors seeking quieter holiday experiences.

Camping facilities allow travellers to spend several days enjoying the natural surroundings, while swimming and boating provide recreational opportunities during warmer months.

The destination also reflects Vermont’s wider appeal as a state associated with forests, lakes and seasonal outdoor travel.

Its position in the ranking is particularly significant because it demonstrates that smaller, less internationally recognised destinations can compete with more prominent outdoor attractions.

For travellers interested in slower holidays, Maidstone offers an environment centred on nature rather than large-scale entertainment.

List of Notable US State Parks

No.	US state	State park names
1	Alabama	Gulf State Park, Cheaha State Park, Oak Mountain State Park
2	Alaska	Chugach State Park, Kachemak Bay State Park, Denali State Park
3	Arizona	Kartchner Caverns State Park, Slide Rock State Park, Lost Dutchman State Park
4	Arkansas	Moro Bay State Park, Petit Jean State Park, Devil’s Den State Park
5	California	Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
6	Colorado	State Forest State Park, Roxborough State Park, Golden Gate Canyon State Park
7	Connecticut	Hammonasset Beach State Park, Sleeping Giant State Park, Gillette Castle State Park
8	Delaware	Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware Seashore State Park, Lums Pond State Park
9	Florida	Bahia Honda State Park, Myakka River State Park, Silver Springs State Park
10	Georgia	Amicalola Falls State Park, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Vogel State Park
11	Hawaii	Waimea Canyon State Park, Akaka Falls State Park, Kokeʻe State Park
12	Idaho	Ponderosa State Park, Bruneau Dunes State Park, Farragut State Park
13	Illinois	Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen State Park, Giant City State Park
14	Indiana	Brown County State Park, Turkey Run State Park, Indiana Dunes State Park
15	Iowa	Backbone State Park, Ledges State Park, Maquoketa Caves State Park
16	Kansas	Kanopolis State Park, Wilson State Park, Clinton State Park
17	Kentucky	Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Carter Caves State Resort Park
18	Louisiana	Fontainebleau State Park, Chicot State Park, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
19	Maine	Quoddy Head State Park, Baxter State Park, Camden Hills State Park
20	Maryland	Assateague State Park, Swallow Falls State Park, Patapsco Valley State Park
21	Massachusetts	Mount Greylock State Reservation, Nickerson State Park, Halibut Point State Park
22	Michigan	Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Ludington State Park
23	Minnesota	Itasca State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Tettegouche State Park
24	Mississippi	Tishomingo State Park, Buccaneer State Park, Paul B. Johnson State Park
25	Missouri	Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Elephant Rocks State Park
26	Montana	Makoshika State Park, Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Flathead Lake State Park
27	Nebraska	Chadron State Park, Fort Robinson State Park, Indian Cave State Park
28	Nevada	Valley of Fire State Park, Cathedral Gorge State Park, Spring Valley State Park
29	New Hampshire	Franconia Notch State Park, Crawford Notch State Park, Pawtuckaway State Park
30	New Jersey	Island Beach State Park, Liberty State Park, High Point State Park
31	New Mexico	City of Rocks State Park, Elephant Butte Lake State Park, Bottomless Lakes State Park
32	New York	Letchworth State Park, Watkins Glen State Park, Niagara Falls State Park
33	North Carolina	Mount Mitchell State Park, Jockey’s Ridge State Park, Hanging Rock State Park
34	North Dakota	Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Theodore Roosevelt State Park, Lake Metigoshe State Park
35	Ohio	Hocking Hills State Park, John Bryan State Park, Mohican State Park
36	Oklahoma	Beavers Bend State Park, Robbers Cave State Park, Roman Nose State Park
37	Oregon	Silver Falls State Park, Smith Rock State Park, Ecola State Park
38	Pennsylvania	Ricketts Glen State Park, Ohiopyle State Park, Presque Isle State Park
39	Rhode Island	Colt State Park, Lincoln Woods State Park, Goddard Memorial State Park
40	South Carolina	Hunting Island State Park, Table Rock State Park, Huntington Beach State Park
41	South Dakota	Custer State Park, Palisades State Park, Newton Hills State Park
42	Tennessee	Fall Creek Falls State Park, Cummins Falls State Park, Burgess Falls State Park
43	Texas	Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Garner State Park, Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
44	Utah	Dead Horse Point State Park, Goblin Valley State Park, Snow Canyon State Park
45	Vermont	Maidstone State Park, Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Emerald Lake State Park
46	Virginia	Grayson Highlands State Park, First Landing State Park, Natural Tunnel State Park
47	Washington	Deception Pass State Park, Cape Disappointment State Park, Palouse Falls State Park
48	West Virginia	Beartown State Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, Babcock State Park
49	Wisconsin	Devil’s Lake State Park, Peninsula State Park, Copper Falls State Park
50	Wyoming	Hot Springs State Park, Curt Gowdy State Park, Sinks Canyon State Park

Arkansas Completes the Top Five with Moro Bay State Park

Arkansas secured fifth place through Moro Bay State Park, which achieved an average rating of 4.52.

Located in southern Arkansas, the park occupies a riverside setting associated with the Ouachita River and Moro Bay.

Fishing, boating and camping are among its principal recreational attractions.

The surrounding waterways create opportunities for visitors to enjoy peaceful landscapes and activities linked to the region’s natural environment.

Unlike destinations primarily known for mountain peaks or dramatic coastal scenery, Moro Bay offers an experience centred on rivers, forests and water-based recreation.

Its inclusion among America’s five highest-rated state parks highlights the diversity of experiences that contribute to positive visitor reviews.

For Arkansas, the recognition may encourage travellers to explore outdoor destinations beyond the state’s better-known attractions.

West Virginia and Maine Narrowly Miss the Top Five

Two additional destinations achieved particularly strong results in the Bearadise research.

Beartown State Park in West Virginia and Quoddy Head State Park in Maine both received average visitor ratings of 4.51.

Beartown is recognised for its unusual sandstone formations, narrow passageways and wooden boardwalks.

Its distinctive geological features create an outdoor experience that differs from conventional hiking destinations.

Quoddy Head State Park, meanwhile, is located on Maine’s rugged eastern coastline.

The park is known for its coastal trails, ocean views and proximity to the historic West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.

Both destinations finished only marginally below Arkansas in the reported scores, showing how closely rated several leading parks were.

Their strong performance also illustrates the importance of landscape diversity in American nature tourism.

America’s Highest-Rated State Parks at a Glance

Rank	State park	State	Visitor rating
1	Custer State Park	South Dakota	4.70
2	Point Lobos State Natural Reserve	California	4.59
3	Mount Jefferson State Natural Area	North Carolina	4.57
4	Maidstone State Park	Vermont	4.54
5	Moro Bay State Park	Arkansas	4.52
Joint 6	Beartown State Park	West Virginia	4.51
Joint 6	Quoddy Head State Park	Maine	4.51

Source: A ranking by Bearadise compared visitor ratings for parks across the contiguous United States to identify the highest-rated destination in each state and reveal which received the strongest overall scores.

What the Rankings Mean for American Outdoor Tourism

The results provide a useful reminder that visitor satisfaction does not always correspond with destination fame.

State parks play an important role in regional tourism by supporting camping, hiking, wildlife observation and recreational travel.

They can also encourage spending in nearby communities through accommodation, restaurants, equipment purchases and other visitor services.

However, visitor ratings should be interpreted carefully. They reflect the experiences and opinions of reviewers rather than a comprehensive assessment of accessibility, environmental protection or visitor facilities.

Anup Kumar Keshan, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, Travel And Tour World:

“South Dakota’s achievement in America’s state park rankings reflects the extraordinary potential of nature-based tourism across the United States. These destinations offer travellers authentic experiences through wildlife encounters, scenic landscapes and outdoor adventures. Recognising lesser-known parks encourages responsible exploration while supporting local businesses and regional economies. As travellers increasingly seek meaningful connections with nature, America’s state parks can play a vital role in promoting sustainable tourism, environmental appreciation and memorable journeys for future generations worldwide.”

The supplied findings do not specify the number of reviews behind each score, the review platforms used or the precise assessment period. Consequently, the ranking should not be interpreted as a definitive measurement of park quality.

Nevertheless, the geographical spread of the leading destinations shows that highly regarded outdoor experiences exist across different regions of the United States.

For travellers planning future holidays, the findings provide an opportunity to consider destinations that may otherwise be overlooked.

South Dakota’s remarkable performance highlights the growing appeal of America’s diverse state parks. From California’s dramatic coastline to Vermont’s peaceful lakes, these destinations offer rewarding outdoor experiences. The rankings encourage travellers to explore lesser-known natural attractions, support regional tourism and discover memorable adventures beyond the country’s traditional holiday hotspots.

South Dakota’s Custer State Park leads America’s best-rated state parks, ahead of California, North Carolina, Vermont and Arkansas. The Bearadise findings highlight the strength of lesser-known outdoor destinations and the diversity of American landscapes. For travellers, the rankings offer fresh inspiration for exploring wildlife, mountains, coastlines and lakes nationwide.