Pike Lake is a local favorite, with decent hiking trails and beach. Heed warnings of swimmers itch and know that the dog beach is very small, with no beach at all (just a place rest for your dog to go take a swim.)

As for the campground, it’s small and has relatively little privacy so you’ll make quick friends with your neighbors - unexpected from a state park. But the restroom facilities have flush toilets & showers, and are clean.

Be sure to check out the interpretive astronomy trail and take the walk up Powder Hill to the tower!

We knew very little about this park going in, but are so glad we’ve discovered it now! All of the hiking trails , but particularly the Flint Rock & Weeping Rock trails, rank up there with the best hikes we’ve ever done. This is the only state park with an actual swimming pool (additional use fee) - and it is a VERY nice, resort style pool.

The campground is unique in that it can take quite awhile to reach your site from the entry point. They are heavily wooded and have nice fire pits and newer toilets throughout, as well as playgrounds.

If you mountain bike (we don’t), this place is a must! There is a special trailhead with air for your tires and everything.

Our favorite state park that no one around has ever heard of. We had so much fun exploring the sheer wilderness of this place, all the different camping areas, canoe and kayak launches, picnic areas and trails. There are lake views (and beaches!) almost anywhere you look. The shower areas and vault toilets were very clean and were definitely on the new side (October 2020.) I hear the bugs get nasty in summer, but fall here is magical. The tower doesn’t offer much of a view, but it’s still a fun little walk. Highly, highly recommended.

Disclaimer: We exclusively camp at national, state and county parks and have no children, so can’t comment on the amenities you may find at private campgrounds.