13 Natural Water Parks You Need to See to Believe
America’s public lands are filled with natural water parks that rival any man-made attraction, offering up everything from shallow wading pools and cascading waterfalls to soothing hot springs. Paddle the mirror-like waters of the Yampa Valley in the arid northwestern Colorado high country or snorkel the colorful grottoes and coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. From splashing in waterfalls to kayaking class IV rapids, there are many ways to experience these natural water parks.
Soak in the beauty of America’s wild lands at these natural water parks.
1. Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Lake Wales, Florida
Where to Camp: Arbuckle Primitive Hike-In Campsites Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is so named for the narrow ridge that runs north and south through Florida. Here an ancient ocean rose and covered almost all of the peninsula. During this time, the ridge became an island where plants and animals evolved in isolation, creating the scrub unique ecosystem that thrives on the ridge today. The lake and surrounding area is renowned for some of the highest concentrations of rare and endangered plants in the United States.
2. White Mountain National Forest
Lincoln, New Hampshire
Where to Camp: Cannon Mountain RV Park
An easy three-mile hike along the east branch of the Pemigewasset River leads to the granite chutes and cold plunge pools at Franconia Falls. Warm up on rock slabs before taking a dip in pools of various sizes and depths below the falls. Graduate to the 20-foot long water slide at the base of the cascade, or hike a few hundred feet upstream for a short slide into the biggest swimming hole.
Recommended: Incredible Island Camping Getaways
3. George L Smith State Park
Twin City, Georgia
Where to Camp: George L Smith State Park
George L Smith State Park boasts an iconic southern landscape with the centerpiece pond surrounded by thick stands of cypress and tupelo trees draped with Spanish moss. It is such a wonderful place to paddle that canoeists and kayakers can join the Park Paddlers Club. While on the water, be on the look for beaver, blue heron, white ibis, and other wading birds.
4. Yellowstone National Park
Island Park, Idaho
Where to Camp: Henrys Lake State Park
With all of Yellowstone’s thermal features, it’s surprising that there are only a few spots where soaking in the steamy water is allowed. At the northwest entrance below Mammoth Hot Springs, the cold waters of the Gardiner River mix with scalding water pumped naturally out of vents deep beneath the earth’s surface to create ideal soaking conditions at Boiling River Hot Springs.
Recommended: How to Beat the Heat for Summer Camping
5. Guadalupe River State Park
Spring Branch, Texas
Where to Camp: Guadalupe River State Park
The shallow Guadalupe River carries you and your tube on a steady current through Texas Hill Country for a breathtaking natural water park experience. Cruise past limestone bluffs, bald cypress and willow trees, navigating around the occasional mid-river boulder or two. Watch for coyotes, foxes, and armadillos along the riverbanks.
6. Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania
Where to Camp: Ohiopyle State Park
Speed will get your adrenaline pumping on the 100-foot natural waterslide at Meadow Run. A sandstone channel twists left and right as the vigorous flow propels you toward a large pool at the bottom. Catch your breath and climb back up to go again, or head to the southern edge of the park to play in the terraces at Meadow Run Cascades.
Recommended: Great Summer RV Trips for Families
7. Robert Treman State Park
Ithaca, New York
Where to Camp: Robert Treman State Park
Enfield Creek flows through a gorge carved by glaciers thousands of years ago creating the landscape for today’s natural water park. Hike along the creek to 12 waterfalls and swim in the deep, welcoming pool beside one 30-foot cascade. There are even lifeguards on duty for your protection during the summer season.
8. Isle Royale National Park
Upper Peninsula, Michigan
Where to Camp: Grand Marais Recreation Area, MN
The combination of icy water and extreme depths make Lake Superior one of the best spots on the globe for exploring shipwrecks. Water temperatures dip as low as 34 degrees around the 19th century vessels, preserving the ships just as they were when they went down.
Recommended: New England RV & Camping Trip
9. Killens Pond State Park
Felton, Delaware
Where to Camp: Killens Pond State Park
The pine forest surrounding the picturesque millpond at Killens Pond State Park makes for a serene backdrop for a day on the water. Killens Pond is the perfect place to kayak, canoe, or go boating. Nesting bald eagles can be spotted perched in the tall pines along the wateredge or flying overhead. After you are done exploring the natural water park here, the park also has a manmade waterpark with slides and different pools.
10. Willamette National Forest
Lyons, Oregon
Where to Camp: North Santiam State Recreation Area
It’s just over six miles round-trip, and an easy hike to get to the short, steep and fast-flowing water slide on Opal Creek in the Cascade mountain range. After you’ve had your fill of playing in the water, take time to explore the remains of mining operations and other waterfalls along the trail.
11. Worlds End State Park
Forksville, Pennsylvania
Where to Camp: Worlds End State Park
Loyalsock Creek can be wide and calm or frothing with rapids, depending on where you get in. Choose your level of whitewater adventure on this 64-mile creek in Pennsylvania's Loyalsock State Forest with either a class III-IV whitewater kayak trip on the upper stretch above the state park, or a beginner paddle on the lower section below Forksville.
12. Stagecoach State Park
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Where to Camp: Stagecoach State Park
The peaceful waters of Stagecoach Reservoir are a family-friendly training ground for young kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders. After mastering strokes and balance on the reservoir, step it up with a float trip through the Yampa River Valley for a memorable natural water park adventure.
13. Lake Cascade State Park
Cascade, Idaho
Where to Camp: Lake Cascade State Park
Set sail on Lake Cascade for exhilarating speed in the shadow of the Rockies. Launch from one of the beachfront campgrounds to go sailing and windsurfing on the fourth largest lake in the state, nestled in a High Sierra valley outside Boise.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!