Mother’s Day Outdoor Trip Ideas
Mother’s Day is a time to pamper Mom, and what better way than to get back to nature. There are many beautiful and exciting state parks to discover, where she can enjoy a comfortable camping experience for her special day. It’s the perfect season to get outdoors and engage in activities such as wildlife viewing, boating, and hiking. Here are some state park locations that Mom will love for you to book today.
Covered Bridge State Forest Retreat, Indiana
Let Mom explore 300 acres of woodland with 4.5 miles of trails where she can hike and view a rich assortment of wildlife. Watch for deer and wild turkey. A one-acre lake awaits a fishing line to see what you can catch. The Parke County covered bridges are close by, and give you a taste of history during your Mother’s Day outing. If you bring a mountain bike, the trails offer a wonderful biking experience. Mom will appreciate the thought that went into taking her away from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life, so she can relax and be pampered.
Martin Creek Lake State Park, Texas
You can look forward to a fun time with Mom when packing your family’s gear across a charming wooden bridge, and taking time to camp on an island in a lake. The primitive camping located here is ideal for a private getaway. There is nothing quite as unique as island camping. Your mother will be surprised and impressed when discovering this treat for Mother’s Day.
There are many activities available for everyone. Try your hand at boating and fishing on a 5,000 acre lake. There are adventures such as wildlife watching, and biking which can fill your days. Explore the old archaeological remains that will reveal earlier times with Native Americans and Western-bound settlers. Grab a camera and be sure to get some intriguing shots. Mom might love staying in a rustic cabin with a kitchen, barbeque, and screened-in porch.
Recommended: Scenic Camping Spots Across the Country
Ponderosa State Park, Idaho
This might be your mother’s favorite Mother’s Day yet if you spend it in this state park. On a peninsula that extends into Payette Lake, this park has scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and evening campfire programs that will keep Mom entertained. The park’s name comes from the 150-foot-tall ponderosa pines that grow here. There are other trees as well that make this park rich with nature – Lodgepole pines, Douglas firs, and western larches. As you hike through, you’ll come upon forested lakeside trails, steep cliffs, and even arid flats with sagebrush. With such diverse environments, you’re sure to see many types of wildlife. Discover deer, moose, muskrats, and beavers. Watch for bald eagles, mallards, Canadian geese, and osprey.
There are 163 campsites to choose from, with 113 in the Peninsula Campground and 50 in the RV Group Campground. Mom may like to stay in one of the five deluxe cabins on the shore of the lake. It is, after all, Mother’s Day and she should be pampered.
Gorges State Park, North Carolina
Hop on the road with Mom and head to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Gorges State Park. This is an intriguing spot for the whole family. Does Mom like to fish? She will find plenty of trout fishing as well as backcountry hiking and a unique visitor’s center. A rare view of plunging waterfalls awaits her as well as river gorges and high rock walls. With 7,500 acres to explore, your mother won’t be bored on this special Mother’s Day trip. This is a primitive walk-in campground that is under a mile to get to this peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Jackson Lake State Park, Colorado
This state park offers a lot for a Mother’s Day camping outing. Water sports are the prevailing activity, with your choice of personal watercraft, sailboats, or motorboats. This open reservoir is perfect for swimming and fishing as well. Mom might enjoy just soaking up the sun on the sandy beach. James Michener said that this park is “an oasis of the plains.” The park is out on the plains in Colorado, with water close by and plenty of waterfowl as well as other wildlife.
Choose between 260 campsites, most of them accommodating trailers, campers, or tents. Mom will enjoy the shady environment as she relaxes with her family in the out-of-doors for a perfect holiday treat.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state's latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.