Filthy Fun: Travelers Slam Unsanitary Conditions at Top State Parks

As of November 2025, travelers are voicing their frustrations with the unsanitary conditions plaguing some of America's most popular state parks. Despite the country's vast network of over 10,000 state parks, a number of these natural treasures have fallen into disrepair due to chronic underfunding.

In Ohio, East Fork State Park's Harsha Lake has been plagued by harmful algal blooms for years, with one Reddit user recounting how they "left when a turd floated past" them. Similarly, Oklahoma's Lake Thunderbird State Park, nicknamed the "Lake Dirty Bird," is known for its reddish, soil-stained waters, as well as dirty campsites and even the occasional dumped body.

North Carolina's Jordan Lake State Recreation Area has also drawn ire for the trash left behind by visitors, particularly on the park's swimming beaches. "Dirty diapers, cans, shoes, fishing line, corn cobs...scattered everywhere," lamented one Redditor. Pennsylvania's Beltzville State Park and Michigan's Belle Isle Park have faced similar issues, with complaints ranging from broken bottles and soiled diapers to E. coli-contaminated waters.

Experts attribute these problems to a significant backlog of maintenance issues stemming from a lack of funding for state park systems in recent years. As demand for outdoor recreation has surged, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, many parks have struggled to keep up with the influx of visitors and maintain cleanliness standards.

While some state governments, such as Ohio, have launched initiatives to address water quality concerns, the overall challenge of maintaining the country's vast network of state parks remains an ongoing battle. As one disappointed Redditor put it, "It's like this every weekend morning. GROSS!"