15 State Parks Offering Amazing Senior Discounts

The heat of summer is over, and the cool fall air is the perfect time to explore and enjoy the outdoors, especially if you're traveling more during retirement. Luckily, there are ways to save on those adventures, thanks to senior discounts.

If you're 62 or older, you can snag reduced fees on campsites and admission at these state parks allowing you to stretch your retirement budget while making the most of the season.

California offers multiple reservations, day-use passes, and camping reservation options for their state parks — including senior passes.

Those over 62 have two options: Golden Bear and Limited Use Golden Bear. You’ll also get $1 off vehicle day use without needing a pass.

Consider using that discount to visit Emerald Bay State Park, south of Lake Tahoe.

You can also use your California senior discount or pass to visit Humboldt Redwoods State Park.

Along with seeing giant redwoods and hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, several recommended itineraries include scenic driving routes, historic structures, and rivers to swim in.

Last on the list for using your California senior discount is South Yuba River State Park, an ideal stop for those seeking a more historically enriching experience.

The park itself offers several hiking and exploration options, as well as historic mining sites, including the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, the world’s longest single-span covered bridge.

Ohio state parks offer discounted rates for seniors for both lodging and camping fees, as well as day use and overnight rentals through a Golden Buckeye Card.

One great park to utilize this at is Hocking Hills State Park, which has several options for electric and non-electric camping and lodging.

In addition to breathtaking scenic hiking, other activities include boating, fishing, hunting, biking, and more.

Utah sells an annual state park day pass to residents for $125, but seniors can obtain it for only $65. This pass can admit up to eight people, including the pass holder.

One must-see state park is Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. As the name suggests, the park is made up of mountainous sand dunes estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 years old.

Another stunning Utah state park is Antelope Island State Park. Located on the Great Salt Lake, this island is home to many species of wildlife, including antelope, bison, mule deer, and bighorn sheep.

It’s also great for birdwatching, swimming, mountain biking, horseback riding, and stargazing.

Virginia’s state park discount pass for seniors is $40 annually, compared to the normal rate of $85, and is available to those 62 and older.

There are several state parks in Virginia, but a great one for history buffs is First Landing State Park.

The first touchdown point for English colonists, visitors can camp in tents, RVs, yurts, or cabins to enjoy the beach and its historical exhibits.

Another great Virginia state park to visit with a discounted senior pass is Bear Creek Lake State Park.

If you want a more nature-oriented getaway, this state park in the center of the Cumberland State Forest is a great option.

You can rent a boat or bring your own to the 40-acre lake, swim, or fish, rent a cabin, bring camping gear, go hiking, and more.

There’s no shortage of stunning naturescapes in Florida or state parks. Florida residents over 65 will be happy to hear that campsite fees are 50% for them at all state parks.

One of several gorgeous parks to consider is Rainbow Springs State Park. As the name suggests, this park is home to beautiful freshwater springs.

RV hookups are available, as well as hiking, birding, fishing, paddling, swimming, and other fun activities.

Colorado is another state full of natural beauty, with plenty of state parks. Residents 64 and older can get an annual park pass for $70, compared to the regular $80 rate.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a great place to visit with the discounted pass. There are plenty of camping options, including RV hookups and backcountry camping.

The park is over 12,000 acres and is part forest, part meadow, and part peaks.

Senior residents in Indiana can enjoy the state’s many striking state parks for half the rate of resident passes — $25 versus $50.

One unique state park worth checking out is the Indiana Dunes State Park. The park’s namesake is on the southern shore of Lake Michigan, where the shoreline contains dunes nearly 200 feet in height.

New Mexico residents 62 years old and above can get an annual camping pass for just $100, compared to the $180 fee for all other residents.

If you want to visit a geological wonder, use your pass to visit the City of Rocks State Park. The large rock formations, nearly 35 million years old, were formed from a volcanic eruption and sculpted through erosion.

Senior residents in Texas over 65 receive a 50% discount on entry fees for themselves and an additional person. Those born on or before August 31, 1930, get in for free.

One great site to visit is Big Bend Ranch State Park. You can camp at several sites, including backcountry grounds, or stay in lodging houses. Fun activities include stargazing or paddling the Rio Grande between Texas and Mexico.

All Kentucky state parks offer 10% off lodges and cottages to those aged 62 and over, as well as AAA membership discounts to keep more money in your wallet.

A great place to utilize this discount is Carter Caves State Resort Park. In addition to touring the massive cave system, you can go gem mining, birding, fishing, hiking, paddling, and more.

New York residents over 62 years old get free weekday access to most state parks and discounted entry fees to historic sites.

Those wanting to go on a breathtakingly scenic hike, boat, fish, or bird watch should check out Hudson Highlands State Park Preserve, which is over 8,000 acres and mostly undeveloped.

There are many state parks around the country offering generous senior discounts to help you enjoy the warm weather and geat ahead financially.

If you’re looking for a cross-country exploration, consider purchasing an America the Beautiful senior pass from the National Park Service, available to those 62 and older.

Senior lifetime passes are $80, while the annual passes are $20, covering entrance and day-use fees at national parks.