Custer State Park Voted Nation's Top Gem

State parks across the United States are increasingly capturing travelers' attention, offering rich natural experiences comparable to national parks. A recent study by RV-rental marketplace RVezy, analyzing Tripadvisor visitor data, has identified South Dakota's Custer State Park as the nation's most-loved state park.

Custer State Park, spanning 71,000 acres, is renowned for housing one of the world's largest publicly-owned bison herds and hosts an annual buffalo roundup. Visitors have highly praised the park, awarding it an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, citing its wildlife, scenic routes, and open spaces.

Following Custer State Park, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve in California secured the second position with a 4.59 out of 5 rating, praised for its coastal views and whale-watching opportunities. Other parks in the top five include Mount Jefferson State Natural Area in North Carolina, Maidstone State Park in Vermont, and Moro Bay State Park in Arkansas.

RVezy's study filtered state parks with over 50 reviews, indicating that the final rankings reflect both park quality and visitor satisfaction. The company noted that state parks offer accessible, affordable, and less crowded outdoor experiences, making them increasingly popular for RV travel and short trips.