Scarborough Beach State Park
- 418 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074
- http://www.scarboroughbeachstatepark.com/
- (207) 883-2416, +1 207-883-2416
- Scarborough, ME 04074
Best State Park Beaches in the United States
State parks across the United States offer some of the most beautiful, natural, and affordable beaches
in the country. Unlike crowded resort beaches, state park beaches give you wide-open shoreline, unspoiled scenery,
walking trails, wildlife, and peaceful outdoor experiences.
This guide features the top state park beaches in the U.S., perfect for families, nature lovers,
campers, swimmers, and anyone who loves wide-open natural coastal beauty.
🌲 Why State Park Beaches Are Special
- Uncrowded and peaceful natural beauty
- Affordable entry fees (or free!)
- Family-friendly and beginner-friendly beaches
- Trails, dunes, wildlife, and scenic viewpoints
- Great for camping, picnics, kayaking, and exploring
- Clean, protected environments with park rangers on-site
Top State Park Beaches in the United States
Hunting Island State Park – South Carolina
A quiet, undeveloped coastline with palm trees, a lighthouse, and abundant wildlife.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Beaches – Hawaii
Black sand beaches framed by volcanic cliffs and dramatic natural scenery.
Bahia Honda State Park – Florida Keys
Crystal-clear Caribbean-style water—one of the prettiest beaches in America.
Grayton Beach State Park – Florida
Powdery white sand and emerald water on one of the cleanest beaches in the U.S.
Cape Henlopen State Park – Delaware
A beautiful Atlantic beach with biking trails, fishing pier & wildlife viewing.
First Landing State Park – Virginia
Calm Chesapeake Bay water perfect for families, kayaking, and picnics.
Huntington Beach State Park – South Carolina
Quiet beach with birdwatching, nature trails, and historic Atalaya Castle.
Assateague State Park – Maryland
Beach + wild horses = one of the most unique beach experiences in the U.S.
Dead Horse Point State Park (Lake Powell Beaches) – Utah
Red rock landscapes meet blue water for unmatched scenic beauty.
Sand Harbor – Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Crystal-clear water with massive boulders—one of the most photographed beaches in America.
🌞 Popular Things to Do at State Park Beaches
- Swimming, snorkeling & paddleboarding
- Nature & wildlife viewing
- Picnicking & beach grilling
- Hiking dunes, forests & coastal trails
- Photography of unspoiled nature
- Kayaking, canoeing & fishing
- Camping or RV stays within the park
Where to Stay Near the Best State Park Beaches
Many state park beaches offer on-site camping, cabins, or lodges. Others have hotels or beach rentals just minutes away.
- Florida Keys – oceanside campgrounds & beach lodges
- South Carolina – beachfront campgrounds near quiet coastlines
- Oregon – coastal cabins with rugged Pacific views
- Delaware – resorts & rentals near Cape Henlopen
- Lake Tahoe – luxury hotels & scenic lakefront inns
- Maryland/Virginia – options near Assateague & Chincoteague
📅 Best Time to Visit State Park Beaches
| Season | Why It’s Ideal |
|---|---|
| Spring | Best weather before summer crowds |
| Summer | Perfect for swimming & family trips |
| Fall | Cooler temperatures & great photography lighting |
| Winter (Florida & Hawaii) | Warm water + peaceful parks |
What to Bring to State Park Beaches
- State park pass or entrance fee
- Cooler with drinks & food
- Beach chairs & umbrellas
- Sunscreen & bug spray
- Comfortable shoes for trails
- Camera for nature photography
- Camping gear (if staying overnight)
Best State Park Beaches by Category
Best for Nature Lovers
- Assateague State Park (MD)
- Hunting Island State Park (SC)
- Gulf Islands National Seashore (FL/MS)
Best for Families
- First Landing State Park (VA)
- Grayton Beach State Park (FL)
- Sand Harbor (NV)
Best for Scenic Views
- Cape Henlopen (DE)
- Makena Beach (HI)
- Dead Horse Point (UT)
State Park Beach FAQs
Do state parks have lifeguards?
Some do — especially in summer — but many beaches are unguarded. Always check the park website.
Are dogs allowed on state park beaches?
Rules vary by state. Many allow dogs on-leash outside peak hours or seasons.
Can you camp at state park beaches?
Yes! Many state parks offer beachfront campgrounds and cabins.
Do state park beaches have fees?
Most charge a small entrance or parking fee, usually between $5–$15.
Explore More State Park Beaches in the United States Below
Birch Point State Park
- 459 S Shore Dr, Owls Head, ME 04854
- http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=72
- (207) 941-4014, +1 207-941-4014
- Owls Head, ME 04854
Reid State Park
- 375 Seguinland Rd, Georgetown, ME 04548
- https://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/index.pl?search_radio=1&state_park=13&historic_site=&public_reserved_land=&shared_use_trails=&town=&distance=&submit=Go+%BB
- (207) 371-2303, +1 207-371-2303
- Georgetown, ME 04548
South Beach
- 209 Beach Ave, Long Island, ME 04050
- Long Island, ME 04050
Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park
- 426 Wolfe"s Neck Rd, Freeport, ME 04032
- http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/search_name.pl?state_park=31&historic_site=&public_reserved_land=&shared_use_trails=&option=search
- (207) 865-4465, +1 207-865-4465
- Freeport, ME 04032
Two Lights State Park
- 7 Tower Dr, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
- http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/search_name.pl?state_park=28&historic_site=&public_reserved_land=&shared_use_trails=&option=search
- (207) 799-5871, +1 207-799-5871
- Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Mackworth Island State Park
- Andrews Avenue off, U.S. Rte 1, Falmouth, ME 04105
- http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=57
- (207) 781-6279, +1 207-781-6279
- U.S. Rte 1
Sebago Lake State Park Campground
- 3 Campground Road, Naples, ME 04055
- https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/camping/reservations/index.shtml
- (207) 693-6231, +1 207-693-6231
- Naples, ME 04055
Lily Bay State Park
- 425 Lily Bay Rd, Beaver Cove, ME 04441
- https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/trail_activities/lilybay_trail_conditions.shtml
- (207) 695-2700, +1 207-695-2700
- Beaver Cove, ME 04441
Range Pond State Park
- 26 State Park Rd, Poland Spring, ME 04274
- http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/search_name.pl?state_park=11&historic_site=&public_reserved_land=&shared_use_trails=&option=search
- (207) 998-4104, +1 207-998-4104
- Poland Spring, ME 04274
Owls Head State Park
- 186 Lighthouse Rd, Owls Head, ME 04854
- http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=92
- Owls Head, ME 04854
Popham Beach State Park
- 711 Popham Rd, Phippsburg, ME 04562
- https://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/water_activities/popham_beach_conditions.shtml
- (207) 389-1335, +1 207-389-1335
- Phippsburg, ME 04562
Sunset State Beach
- Sunset Beach Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
- http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=544
- (831) 763-7063, +1 831-763-7063
- Watsonville, CA 95076
Doheny State Beach
- 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
- http://www.dohenystatebeach.org/
- (949) 496-6171, +1 949-496-6171
- Dana Point, CA 92629
Dockweiler Beach
- 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
- http://beaches.lacounty.gov/dockweiler-beach
- (424) 526-7777, +1 424-526-7777
- Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Gasparilla Island State Park
- 880 Belcher Rd, Boca Grande, FL 33921
- https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/gasparilla-island-state-park
- (941) 964-0375, +1 941-964-0375
- Boca Grande, FL 33921
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park Beach
- 601 Howard England Way, Key West, FL 33040
- https://fortzacharytaylor.com/
- (305) 292-6713, +1 305-292-6713
- Key West, FL 33040
Henderson Beach State Park
- 17000 Emerald Coast Pkwy, Destin, FL 32541
- https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/henderson-beach-state-park
- (850) 837-7550, +1 850-837-7550
- Destin, FL 32541
Grayton Beach State Park
- 357 Main Park Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
- https://www.floridastateparks.org/graytonbeach
- (850) 267-8300, +1 850-267-8300
- Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459