Welcome to our second installment of State Park Stays, where we review park-by-park where we've stayed during our cross country road trip. We hope you'll find these reviews helpful as you plan your next adventure in our nation's state parks.

HISTORIC BLAKELY STATE PARK - SPANISH FORT, AL

Cost: $30/night.
Hookups: Water, electric. Sites were pretty rough -- gravel only with many pot holes and ravines.
Amenities: Restrooms, but no showers or laundry.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: There are several trails around the park.
Online Reservation: No.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 2/5

We only stayed here for a night because we couldn't get into our original destination, Meaher State Park, until the following evening. As a last resort, it was okay. But not sure I'd stay again with Meaher so close. Definitely safe and lots of trails, but facilities were lacking some. The proprietor did stay late to let us in, so that's a plus!

Meaher State Park - Mobile, AL

Costello and Mel on our walk out to the pier for sunset at Meaher State Park.

Cost: $35/night or $182 for the week plus tax.
Hookups: Water, sewer, electric.
Amenities: Nice looking bath houses w/ laundry on-site. But many washers/dryers were broken and the showers did not get warm so we showered in the camper.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: No trails on the park but you can walk on the docks!
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: Yes to free Wifi, though we couldn't get it to work. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 3/5

If you are just driving by you might think "why did they give Meaher such a high rating?" The truth is it was sunny. And we'd also been isolated in very wooded, forested areas for a while. So it was actually nice to see a neat, small park full to the brim with RVers of all kinds. We met our neighbors. We made friends. We basked in the sun. All in all, really great. But if you can, stay the week. It will save you some $$ for sure.

st. andrews STATE PARK - panama city, fl

Our primo water front spot at St. Andrews State Park in Panama City, FL.

Cost: $28/night.
Hookups: Water, electric.
Amenities: Huge bath houses w/ laundry on-site.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: Not a lot of hiking paths, but lots to explore with pristine beaches, a few small trails, gator pond and more. Bring your bikes -- that will make getting around a lot easier!
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 4/5

The outdoor opportunities at St. Andrews are limitless! So much to see and do, but let's be honest: spend most of your time at the beach, okay? The beaches are great. It was a little chilly for swimsuit weather when we were there, but we did take a long stroll by the water and loved it. Bring your bikes to get around, too. Oh, and do us a favor and swing by Patches Pub. Have a drink and pizza there and wash your worries away.

skidaway island STATE PARK - Savannah, ga

Our spot among the Spanish Moss at Skidaway Island State Park.

Cost: $39/night.
Hookups: Water, electric.
Amenities: Okay bath houses -- one at the tail end of the park is new and nicely update. Laundry on-site.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: There are several trails around the park.
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 3/5

We are not going to lie: the price tag on this park was a little much for us. Especially since we didn't think it was miles ahead of any other park we've stayed at. But I guess you're paying for proximity to the gem that is Savannah. There are some nice trails in the park, so spend an afternoon exploring and go to the lookout tower for sure. Also stop in the nature center and pet the baby alligator.

paris mountain STATE PARK - greenville, sc

Paris Mountain State Park is a true CCC gem!

Cost: $19/night.
Hookups: Water, electric.
Amenities: Good bath houses. No laundry.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: There are so many great hiking trails in the park. Plus it's an old CCC park. Great architecture and the spillway is super cool. We recommend taking the short trail around the lake to start.
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: Yes to free Wifi at the office / check-in. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 4/5

This state park packed a lot of wow factor for the price. Amazing hikes throughout the park. Plus it's an old CCC park and you can tell. It's got that great "parkitecture" look with the handmade fences and stone bridges and walls. Take the trail around the spillway for sure and hike your heart out.

lake powhatan national forest - asheville, nc

The views at Lake Powhatan are amazing. Carson even saw an otter one day!

The camp sites are well maintained at Lake Powhatan.

Cost: $32/night.
Hookups: Water, electric and sewer.
Amenities: Great bath houses with individual showers.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: There are several trails around the park. We recommend taking the loop around the lake and the nearby Hard Times Trail, which is 6 miles and weaves you through the NC Arboretum.
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 4/5

We are convinced you cannot find a better campground this close to Asheville. You are just 15 minutes away from the city and surrounded by nature at its finest. Take the nearby Hard Times trail and walk or jog around the trails in the park, too. The Hard Times trail is an easy stroll with views of Asheville -- plus it takes you through the NC Arboretum. Oh, and don't miss the Grove Park Inn. Have a drink on the veranda.

morrow mountain STATE PARK - albemarle, nc

Costello loved the Pee Dee River at Morrow Mountain State Park.

Cost: $25/night
Hookups: Electric only.
Amenities: Good bath houses.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: There are several trails around the park. We recommend the one down by the boat dock. And pay a visit to the Pee Dee River with your swimming dogs!
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. Sort of yes to cell service (spotty on Verizon).
Overall Rating: 3/5

Morrow Mountain is another CCC park, but we didn't notice the signs of it right away. The park is sprawling and huge with many trail systems throughout. We didn't hike too much here, but did let Costello swim in the Pee Dee River, which he thoroughly enjoyed. A little remote and a little rough around the edges, Morrow Mountain isn't a stunner at first. But go up to the scenic overlook and we think you'll get it.

panther creek STATE PARK - morristown, tn

Costello takes a swim during our hike on one of the many trails at Panther Creek.

Our humble camp site nestled in Panther Creek.

Cost: $25/night
Hookups: Water, electric. Sewer is optional for an additional fee.
Amenities: Great individual bath houses w/ laundry on-site.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: There are some great hiking trails at this park, but they are kind of tough. Many are uphill and not for "beginners" (in our opinion). A 3 mile trail took us 3-hours to complete (though we did stop to watch Costello swim). MUST go up to the scenic overlook. One of our favorite views so far!
Online Reservation: $5 reservation fee.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 4/5

What an unexpected find! At first we didn't think Panther Creek was going to be much of a park, but we LOVED it. The sites are paved and nice. Bath houses and laundry are great. The view from the scenic overlook is a MUST and this is a great park for hikers. It's challenging and has many terrain changes. Overall, an hidden gem in TN.

fall creek falls STATE PARK - chattanooga, tn

We had a great time on the Gilbert Gaul trail.

The falls at Fall Creek Falls are a must see!

Cost: $25/night.
Hookups: Water, sewer, electric.
Amenities: Great bath houses w/ laundry on-site, but in a separate location.
Additional Fees: $5 reservation fee.
Hiking: There are many great hikes throughout the park! We took a 4 and 3 mile trail on separate days. Oh, and you MUST hike down to the falls and walk the bridge.
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 4/5

This is the most visited state park in all of TN and we see why. First off: THE FALLS. You must hike down to see them and cross over the rope bridge. Secondly, the hiking is superb. The Gilbert Gaul Trail was a treat and there were plenty of other hiking / biking paths throughout. The lodge, where Carson's parents stayed, is very nice and there's a great little restaurant/bar there, too. Overall, a very pleasant stay. Just remember: you switch time zones back to central when you go to Chattanooga!

fort boonesborough STATE PARK - lexington, ky

The storm was rolling in at Boonesborough State Park

Cost: $33/night.
Hookups: Electric & water, though the water hookup is VERY far away. We couldn't connect to it with our hose.
Amenities: Bath houses w/ laundry on-site. Laundry was good. Bath houses, not so much.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: Only one short trail (less than 1 mile) that we could find.
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 2/5

We didn't have many options in KY because many of the state's finest parks weren't open for the season yet. Fort Boonesborough was, but it was a disappointment. The bath houses were pretty gross without much hot water or good temp control for that matter. The laundry facilities were actually nicer than the bathrooms (never happens). The sites were a mix of paved and unpaved. Ours was unpaved. The campground is really close to the nearby highway and some sort of rock quarry. Not the prettiest of backdrops. For the first time, it felt like we were at an RV park.

coopers rock STATE forest - morgantown, wv

Our first "real" snow of the year in April in West Virginia at Coopers Rock.

The underlook trail at the Coopers Rock Scenic Overlook.

Cost: $26/night.
Hookups: Electric only.
Amenities: Nice bath houses w/ nice laundry on-site!
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: There are incredible trails throughout the park. We recommend hiking to the scenic overlook and Raven's Rock.
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: Yes to free Wifi. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 4/5

This park is fantastic. The hike to the scenic overlook made for a nice stroll, and the overlook was outrageous. Again, more great CCC work here and it totally pays off. If the scenic overlook doesn't blow your sock off, then Raven's Rock will. Make time for both the hikes. Oh, and the bath houses and laundry facilities are nice. And we picked up free Wifi somehow, which made our lives 1M times easier. Plus the rangers here are crazy nice (thanks, Neko!).

moncove lake STATE PARK - wv

Mel and Costello pause to gaze at the lake. We were the only campers there!

Cost: $26/night.
Hookups: Electric only.
Amenities: Okay bath houses.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: There are limited trails around the park, but there is a big lake and swimming pool.
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: Yes to free Wifi. No to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 3/5

First things first: stay on the main roads. DO NOT follow the one lane path Google wants you to take. Once you find your (safe) way into the park, you'll be set. The rangers are nice. Sites are nice. Bath houses are nice. View is nice. Sure, it's incredibly rural and you won't have cell service. But that's the charm of Monroe County. Go out and see the sites like Hanging Rock!

chippokes plantation STATE PARK - norfolk, va

We did a lot of laundry at Chippokes. Great facilities!

Cost: $33/night
Hookups: Water, electric.
Amenities: Nice individual bath houses w/ laundry on-site.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: There is a hiking path out to the old plantation that also goes down by the James River.
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. No to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 3/5

I didn't think I'd like this park sheerly by its name, but it was actually kind of nice! Costello met a jackass (aka donkey) there at the working farm and made fast friends. We enjoyed several sunset strolls on the way out to the old plantation house past the farm houses and James River. And we took the free ferry over to Williamsburg to work. It was actually a lot of fun. Facilities are nice and the campground hosts are great.

bull run regional PARK - bull run, va

From L to R: Cindy Dohmen (Mel's Mom!), Mel, Costello, Berdeen Joyce (Mel's Grandma!). At the steps of the Jefferson Memorial.

Cost: $84.30 per night including taxes, fees for non-jursidiction in the cabins; $33/night not including taxes, fees for camp sites.
Hookups: Electric-only at the cabin; electric & water at the camp site.
Amenities: Good bath houses w/ laundry on-site.
Additional Fees: Taxes and handling fees. Also note there are different fees for VA residents versus non-residents.
Hiking: There are several trails around the park. We recommend the Blue Bell trail!
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 3/5

This was one of the closest parks with electricity and water near D.C. And for the price and proximity, we highly recommend it. It's a huge park that takes a little time to navigate and get in and out of. But that's the worst of it. Bath houses are nice. People are nice. Trails are nice. And there's a water park for the kiddos. We also stayed in a cabin with my mom and grandma. The four of us slept comfortably in there and they were well equipped.

pocahontas STATE PARK - richmond, va

We may have had some technical difficulties at this park, but we enjoyed it nevertheless.

Cost: $30/night.
Hookups: Water, electric.
Amenities: Individual bath houses w/ laundry on-site.
Additional Fees: None.
Hiking: There are several trails around the park. We took one out to the lake and over to the CCC museum.
Online Reservation: Yes.
Wifi / Cell Service: No to free Wifi. Yes to cell service (Verizon).
Overall Rating: 3/5

Another great park tucked away just outside of Richmond. We enjoyed the hiking and biking trails, especially the one that leads to the lake and CCC museum. The bath houses are nicely appointed. The scenery was lush and gorgeous. And the campsite host really helped us out when we had mechanical issues and needed some help / a place to stay. Overall a great camping spot for the area.