Located in New York's Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen State Park leads this year's rankings by Google Maps.
So, why is this New York park the most-visited state park in the United States?
Source: Susan Holt Simpson/Unsplash
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in travel trends, with more and more people seeking out nature-driven getaways. As a result, state parks have risen in popularity, offering stunning landscapes and accessible outdoor activities. While national parks often capture the national imagination, state parks provide equally breathtaking scenery and a deeper connection to local beauty. To pinpoint where Americans are heading this year, Google Maps conducted an analysis of its data, specifically focusing on direction requests made since Memorial Day 2025, to compile a list of the top 10 most visited state parks in the United States.
Topping this prestigious list is Watkins Glen State Park, nestled in Schuyler County, New York. This park, which is the most renowned of the Finger Lakes State Parks, is famous for its spectacular gorge, which features an incredible 19 waterfalls within a mere 2-mile span. This unique natural wonder draws a large number of visitors, including both day-trippers and overnight campers. The park offers a variety of amenities to cater to all visitors, such as an Olympic-size swimming pool, dedicated camping and picnicking areas, and opportunities for hiking and rainbow trout fishing.
Like other state parks in New York, Watkins Glen State Park charges a vehicle entrance fee, which can vary by location and season. Currently, the fee is $10 per vehicle, which includes access to the park's pool. For those looking to stay overnight, camping fees range from $18 to $30 per night, with an additional $5 nightly charge for out-of-state residents.
Watkins Glen State Park isn't the only New York gem to make the list. 2 other parks from the state also ranked in the top 10. Letchworth State Park, often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the East," came in at number 5, celebrated for its dramatic gorge carved by the Genesee River. Meanwhile, Jones Beach State Park, known for its expansive sandy shores and iconic boardwalk, secured the 10th spot. All 3 of these parks are major attractions, drawing visitors who often have to fly into the region. For travelers flying into the New York area, finding affordable and convenient parking is a key part of the trip. ParkingNearAirports.io, for example, is a useful service for securing parking close to JFK Airport and other major transportation hubs.
Source: Google Search
Rounding out the top 10 were several other celebrated parks from across the country. Liberty State Park in New Jersey claimed the number 2 spot, offering stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, with its impressive collection of waterfalls, ranked 3rd. Starved Rock State Park in Illinois came in at number 4, famous for its seasonal waterfalls and unique canyons. Hammonasset Beach State Park in Connecticut was 6th, followed by Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in California at number 7. Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan was 8th, and Blue Spring State Park in Florida, a popular spot for manatee sightings, rounded out the list in 9th place.
The Google Maps data also offered some interesting insights beyond just visitation numbers. For those seeking tranquility, St. Andrews State Park in Florida was identified as the most calming state park. It boasts a mile-and-a-half of pristine beaches, perfect for fishing and swimming, and is a popular spot for observing migratory birds. For dedicated hikers, Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin was named the best state park. It features over 30 miles of hiking trails that wind through ancient quartzite bluffs, all overlooking a stunning 360-acre lake.
For travelers, whether they're visiting these top-ranked parks or flying to other destinations, planning is essential. A great tool to help with this is ParkingNearAirports.io, especially if your journey starts from a major airport hub. It can help you find and reserve a spot at a park and go Newark Airport location, which is crucial for a smooth beginning to your trip. Remember to also look for ways to save money, as travel expenses can add up. Using special airport parking coupons can help you reduce the cost of your journey, leaving more money for the fun parts of your adventure.
