Arizona’s state parks are often overlooked in favor of our national parks and monuments, but these parks shouldn’t be missed. Here are ten of our favorite under-appreciated state parks in Arizona you’re sure to love:

1. Buckskin Mountain State Park
Jody C./TripAdvisor
Buckskin Mountain State Park, 5476 AZ-95, Parker, AZ 85344, USA
northernneckinn/TripAdvisor
This little oasis is a wonderful place to camp overnight. Enjoy views of the Colorado River, and relax in the shade under the trees. This is a nice, quiet place. It's got some ridiculously clear water, too.
2. Alamo Lake State Park
Quadyak/TripAdvisor
Alamo Lake State Park, Arizona, USA
Amanda A./TripAdvisor
This state park is like an oasis in the desert. It's located about 38 miles north of Wenden. It's remote, and the road to get here is unpaved, which means that you'll find some quiet and solitude when you visit. Bring your kayak, and don't forget some binoculars - it's a great spot to see bald eagles. Read more about this little-known hidden gem in this article.
3. Cattail Cove State Park
Quadyak/TripAdvisor
Cattail Cove State Park, Arizona 86406, USA
AZfordman/TripAdvisor
With so much to see and do at Lake Havasu, this little state park is easy to miss. You'll find it 19 miles from Lake Havasu City, along State Route 95. It's a great place to fish, and you'll find several trails for hiking. It's even got a sandy beach!
4. Fort Verde State Historic Park
John D./TripAdvisor
Fort Verde State Historic Park, 125 E Hollamon St, Camp Verde, AZ 86322, USA
Karin C./TripAdvisor
This state park proves that history isn't boring. You'll find some great docents here, who will entertain you with stories and show you some really cool artifacts and displays. Learn more on the official website.
5. Homolovi State Park
management/TripAdvisor

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Homolovi State Park, AZ-87, Winslow, AZ 86047, USA
malcliz/TripAdvisor
The word "homolovi" means "place of the little hills" in Hopi, and the name is fitting. In addition to the little hills dotting the plains here, you'll find over 300 Ancestral Puebloan sites, which were occupied before 1260 AD. The park is located near Winslow. Click here to learn more about this amazing, lesser-known state park!
6. River Island State Park
Bradlee C./Yelp
River Island State Park, 5200 AZ-95, Parker, AZ 85344, USA
milagr R./Yelp
If you're looking for a beautiful place to relax in nature, River Island State Park is the perfect spot. Enjoy the sandy beach, quiet cove and 37 camping sites, where you can see some amazing stars in the night sky. Great news: this park's also got a beach!
7. Oracle State Park
timeexplorer/TripAdvisor
Oracle State Park, 3820 E Wildlife Dr, Oracle, AZ 85623, USA
management/TripAdvisor
At this state park, you'll find plenty to explore. Go for a hike on one of the many trails, or tour the Kannally House - a ranch house built in the 1930s in the Mediterranean Revival Style. Oracle State Park is also a designated Dark Skies park, which means that stargazing is a definite must when you visit. Learn more in this article.
8. Riordan Mansion State Park
management/TripAdvisor
Riordan Mansion State Historic Park, 409 W Riordan Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, USA
RuinsWatcher/TripAdvisor
Riordan Mansion State Park preserves a 13,000-square foot mansion built in the Arts and Crafts style of architecture. Take a tour of this amazing home.Learn more about Riordan Mansion (and some others!) in this article.
9. Red Rock State Park
management/TripAdvisor
Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Rd, Sedona, AZ 86336, USA
Service Consulting/TripAdvisor
You'll find this gorgeous red-rock canyon just outside of Sedona. Hike along Oak Creek and see tons of wildlife and an array of native trees. Stop by the Visitor Center to see a film and some interactive displays. Learn more about this amazing state park in this article.

Which of Arizona’s state parks is your favorite? Take a look at these 9 Arizona State Parks that will knock your socks off!

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit in Arizona

Tori Jane | January 17, 2022

What are some of the best state parks in Arizona?  

Arizona is an awesome state for those who love the outdoors, and it’s home to 31 state parks! There’s something here for everyone, from lovers of amazing landscapes to history buffs and everyone in between. Of course, the term “best” is indeed subjective; what we feel are the best may not be someone else’s best, and we get that. However, there are certain state parks that seem to get much more love than others, and that’s the metric we’ll use for this answer. Some of the best, moved beloved state parks in Arizona include Slide Rock State Park, which is absolutely breathtaking and so popular that it’s almost impossible to get in during the summer months. Oftentimes, you’ll arrive to find a long line of cars hoping to be the next to enter; oftentimes, the wait can be a few hours. Nearby, there’s also Red Rock State Park, which is world-famous for its amazing views of Sedona and its famous red cliffs, buttes, and rock formations. Lake Havasu State Park is especially popular during summer, too, and it becomes something of a party central, so if that’s up your alley, you’ll love Havasu!  

What are the most popular hiking trails in Arizona?  

Arizona is home to more than 800 miles of amazing hiking trails, all unique and awe-inspiring in their own ways. There are some trails that are particularly popular, though, and for good reason: they’re AMAZING. For example, nestled within Oak Creek Canyon not far from Slide Rock State Park is the world-famous West Fork Trail, which has made countless “best of the United States” lists for its overwhelming beauty. Bright Angel Trail, at Grand Canyon National Park, is the single most sought-after hike in the state, despite its difficult nature. In the Phoenix metro area is Camelback Mountain, a mountain that does look suspiciously like a camel that locals absolutely love to hike. The summit is amazing! Read more about the famous West Fork Trail in this article.  

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