Travelers are increasingly seeking out local accommodations. nature-driven getawaysState parks are popular for hiking, camping and other activities. While national parks often get the spotlight, state parks—also protected areas determined at the state level—offer equally stunning landscapes and easy access to local beauty. Google Maps analyzed data recently to determine the 10 most popular state parks in the U.S.
Google Maps has ranked the top 10 maps based on directions requested on its platform since Memorial Day in 2025. Top of the list comes Watkins Glen State Park Schuyler County is located in New York.
Watkins Glen State Park, the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks with 19 waterfalls in just two miles of gorges, streams and gorges. The park is open to both day-trippers and overnight campers, with amenities such as an Olympic-size swimming pool, camping and picnicking facilities, hiking, and rainbow trout fisheries.
Watkins Glen State Park is no different than other New York State Parks. It charges a fee per vehicle to access its facilities. This fee can change depending on the season and location. The cost of using the park’s swimming pool is currently $10 per vehicle. Camping is priced between $18-$30 per night. Residents of other states pay an additional $5.
New York State is home to two more parks ranked in the Top 10. Letchworth State Park At No. Jones Beach State Park, ranked No. 10, is known for its wide stretches of sand and boardwalk. It is well-known for its boardwalk and wide stretches on sand.
Liberty State Park is the top park in New Jersey. Silver Falls State Park, in Oregon, is No. 2. Starved Rock State Park (Illinois) at No. Hammonasset Beach State Park Connecticut is ranked No. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, California at No. Warren Dunes State Park is located in Michigan and ranks No. 8. Blue Spring State Park was ranked ninth. Blue Spring State Park is located in Florida and ranks eighth.
Google Maps data indicates that St. Andrews State Park is the most relaxing state park. This Florida park has a mile and a half of beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, fishing, and is a great place to observe migratory wildlife.
Devil’s Lake State Park, in Wisconsin, has 30 miles worth of hiking trails that wind through quartzite bluffs and overlook a 360-acre water body.
