The cheapest state parks are located in Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Pennsylvania and Tennessee. The state parks in these six states are free for everyone and they welcome guests all year round.
State parks are great places to find cheap camping accommodation. This is made even more accessible and budget-friendly in states that don’t require entry fees for their state parks. This is why these states are the places with the cheapest state parks.
Hawaii State Parks
Hawaii boasts the most state and national parks of any state. There are currently two national parks and 50 state parks in the state of Hawaii. In fact, the national parks in Hawaii cover 9.4% of the state’s landmass. This is in addition to the 30 000 acres of state parks.
The beautiful islands of Hawaii offer so many incredible opportunities for you to explore and uncover hidden beauties. It is incredible that access to these state parks remains free.
Camping
There are only two Hawaiian state parks that allow camping. These are Kalōpā state park which offers both tent and cabin camping and Kīholo State Park which is available for tent camping only. Kiholo state park is only open for camping on weekends.
The cost to stay at either of these state parks is $20 a night for Hawaii residents for groups of 10 or less. If you are not a resident the cost is $30 a night.
A cabin at Kiholo state park is $70 per night for residents and $100 per night for non-residents. Each cabin can accommodate 8 people.
You are also able to stay overnight in Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area in A-frame shelters. These are very basic but offer a different option for those wishing to remain in the park. These are at a cost of $40 a night for residents and $70 for non-residents.
Illinois State Parks
In Illinois, there are over 300 state parks and recreation sites that are free for public use. These areas total around over 375 000 acres of land. Each park offers something new and exciting for all those who pass through the gates.
The Illinois state park system is conveniently divided into 4 areas: Northwest, Northeast, EastCentral, West-Central and South. This makes it easier to plan your trip and find the information relevant for the region of the state you are visiting.
Camping
In order to stay in a state park campground, you will need to book through Reserve America. There is a non-refundable fee of $5 for campsites and $25 for cabins.
You can expect to pay $8-35 a night for a campsite depending on the type of site you need. Those with more amenities are going to cost more.
If you are a senior citizen many times you are able to camp for free also. You can also use the cabins at a significantly reduced rate.
Missouri State Parks
The Missouri state park system is one of the best in the country. It ranks high in the top five in the country and it is not surprising given the astounding nature of its 91 state parks.
The state parks are made for camping and adventuring. In total there are 3500 campsites at your disposal in Missouri state parks. There is a place for everyone in its ample 160 000 acres of land.
Camping
There camping rates for Missouri state parks range from $13-59 a night in the peak season and $12-49 in the off-peak season. These rates vary on the level of amenities available. Full hookup sites will set you back the most with dry camping being the cheapest way to camp in Missouri state parks.
You can also expect to pay a booking fee of around $8 if you want to make an advanced booking. This would be a good idea in very busy periods. If it is a quiet season then you can forgo this expense and do what is known as a “walk-in booking”.
Those who are senior citizens, disabled or military are able to claim a $2 a night discount on the advertised rate.
You can see a full list of parks and rates here: Peak Season Off-Peak Season
Pennsylvania State Parks
Pennsylvania is the home to 300 000 acres of state parkland. The acreage is spread over 121 state parks throughout the state. The state parks are known for their beautiful picnic locations and well cared for hiking trails. Along with this, visitors enjoy fishing and camping.
There are a number of state parks in Pennsylvania that have swimming pools. These pools do cost however the price is very reasonable ranging from free to $15
Camping
On average camping in Pennsylvania state parks is $4 – $35 per night. A backpacking site by the river will set you back only $4 while a full hook up site in peak season is going to be at the $35 a night mark. There are substantial discounts for week-long stays.
Like Hawaii, there are discounts for Pennsylvania state residents which makes it a little cheaper to camp in your own backyard so to speak.
The Pennsylvania state park system works on a base rate for camping and then adds on costs depending on what you require. There are options to add on extra vehicles, pet dedicated sites, and storage.
The maximum length of time you are able to camp in a state park is 14 days during peak season and 21 days in off-peak season. This should be plenty of time to get all your adventuring needs in!
Tennessee State Parks
Tennessee state boasts 56 incredible state parks. Within these state parks, you will find an overwhelming 80+ waterfalls to explore among many other enticing natural wonders. As with all the state parks in this article, Tennessee state offers free entry to all visitors.
Camping
There are 36 campgrounds located in Tennessee state parks. There are campsites to suit every traveller. From the rugged hiker looking to spend the night under the stars, right up to those who prefer the comforts of a luxury motorhome.
The state park system has divided the parks into three regions: West, Middle and East. These defined areas will help you to locate state parks within the area you are visiting.
Generally, camping in Tennessee state parks costs $14 for sites with no hookups right through to $25 for full hook up sites. Reservations for these sites can be made online or over the phone.
