7 Stunning State Parks to Rival National Park Crowds in 2025

As of August 2025, federal staffing cuts have led to long waits and reduced services at many national parks. However, a new report highlights 7 state parks that can rival these marquee destinations without the crowds.

In South Dakota, Custer State Park is home to one of the nation's largest wild bison herds, as well as elk, pronghorn, and other wildlife. Visitors can explore the park's 18-mile Wildlife Loop Road to spot the animals, including the "begging burros," a herd of feral donkeys. The park also features the scenic Needles Highway, winding through alpine meadows and granite spires.

Across the Pacific, Hawaii's Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks offer a "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" experience, with sweeping views and diverse birdlife. Meanwhile, New York's Adirondack Park, larger than several major national parks combined, provides over 6 million acres of lakes, ponds, and 46 high peaks for hikers and paddlers to enjoy.

Other standouts include California's Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, known for its spring wildflower blooms and dark skies, and Texas' Big Bend Ranch State Park, a vast and uncrowded alternative to the neighboring national park. In Alaska, Chugach State Park near Anchorage offers a backyard wilderness of mountains, rivers, and abundant wildlife.

With these state park gems, visitors can escape the crowds and enjoy iconic landscapes in 2025 without the hassle of national park congestion.