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National Park Coverage Across the U.S. by Playground Equipment.

Which state in the U.S. has the highest percentage of land covered in state parks and national parks? Many assume that the state with the most land would take the top spot, but the state with the highest percentage is actually one of the smallest in the country! For those looking to enhance their parks, adding the highest quality outdoor park playground equipment can make these spaces even more enjoyable for visitors. Our equipment is designed to fit the unique needs of any park, providing safe and fun options for all ages.

This interactive map compares the total acreage of each state with the combined acreage of both state and national parks to determine each state’s ranking. Not every state in the U.S. has a national park within its borders, but they make up for it with many state parks for residents to explore and enjoy.

 

States with Most and Least Parks Compiled by Playground Equipment

The state with the highest percentage of state and national park coverage is Hawaii, with parks covering 9.41% of the state’s 4,134,000 acres. Its 50 state parks cover 30,000 acres, while the two national parks in Hawaii make up 358,870 acres.

The state that ranked last was Kansas, with just 0.06% of the state’s 52,660,000 acres made up of 26 state parks (32,000 acres) and 0 national parks.

The biggest difference between a state park and a national park is the governing body that oversees them. State parks are operated by state governments, while national parks are managed by the federal government. State parks often have more amenities to offer, such as picnic tables and shade structures, making them ideal locations for community gatherings and outdoor activities. These amenities ensure that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, regardless of the weather or the length of their stay.

Both state and national parks are deemed protected lands in order to preserve their natural beauty, historical or scientific importance, or recreational potential.

California has the most state parks in the country, with 270 parks offering various outdoor activities. Across the United States, there are a total of 3,729 state parks, with 11 states having more than 100 state parks each. Rhode Island comes in last with just 15 state parks. Providing accessible and well-maintained parks can make a significant difference in the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Amenities such as metal picnic tables can add value to these parks by offering convenient seating areas for families and groups.

  1. California: 270
  2. New York: 215
  3. Washington: 212
  4. Oregon: 195
  5. Florida: 191
  6. Massachusetts: 154
  7. Illinois: 142
  8. Pennsylvania: 121
  9. Alaska: 119
  10. Connecticut: 109

The state with the most national parks is California, with nine of the nation’s 61 national parks within its borders. The total acreage of these nine national parks in California is more than 6.3 million acres, offering vast expanses of protected land for exploration and recreation. States like Utah and Alaska follow closely, offering incredible landscapes and outdoor experiences for visitors. Ensuring that these parks are equipped with the necessary park amenities such as park benches can enhance visitor satisfaction and encourage longer stays.

  1. California: 9
  2. Alaska: 8
  3. Utah: 5
  4. Colorado: 4
  5. Washington, Florida, and Arizona (tied): 3

U.S. States Ranked by State and National Park Coverage: The Infographic

The infographic below takes an in-depth look at each state’s total coverage of state parks and national parks and how the state’s ranking was determined by acreage. You’ll also discover the ten states with the most state parks, all of which boast an impressive 100+ parks, as well as the seven states with the most national parks within their borders. Enhancing these parks with top-quality playground and recreational equipment ensures that they remain inviting spaces for families and communities to enjoy.

Click to view the full-size infographic

U.S. States Ranked by State and National Park Coverage - PlaygroundEquipment.com - Infographic

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Enhance Play Areas with Merry-Go-Rounds, Seesaws, and Swing Sets

To create a truly engaging recreational space in your state or national park, consider adding classic playground favorites like merry-go-rounds, seesaws, and swing sets. These timeless pieces of playground equipment provide endless fun for children and can be a central attraction in any park. By incorporating these features, alongside essentials like picnic tables and playground shade structures can ensure that your park offers a well-rounded and enjoyable experience for kids of all ages.