From Jo Landolfo’s guide · Section 11
Jo’s original selections and descriptions are reproduced here with gender-neutral wording. They reflect the manuscript, not a current safety or amenities audit. Ranger coverage, lighting, cell service, closures and camping conditions can change. Check the official state park website before traveling.
Dead Horse Point — Utah
Wide-open visibility, clean overlooks, and terrain that allows you to see threats long before they ever get close. One of the safest parks for new solo travellers.
Custer — South Dakota
Rangers everywhere, scenic roads, and a calm camping culture. Wildlife, lakes, and other travelers make this park feel safe round-the-clock.
Lost Dutchman — Arizona
Perfect desert visibility. Trailheads close together, friendly volunteers, and excellent ranger presence. Great for sunrise and early morning hikes.
Valley of Fire — Nevada
Popular, busy, safe, and stunning. Full of people during daylight hours — a built-in safety buffer for solo travelers.
Fort Clinch — Florida
A peaceful coastal park with a mix of forests and beach terrain. Well-lit, patrolled, and widely loved for its quiet loops.
Hocking Hills — Ohio
Crowded in a good way. Lots of hikers, lots of families, lots of eyes everywhere — safety through presence.
Silver Falls — Oregon
Waterfall trails, patrolled loops, and well-trained staff. Great bathrooms, clear maps, and strong cell service in key areas.
Itasca — Minnesota
Clean loops, wide roads, full amenities, and a very “safe Midwest” vibe. Confidence boost guaranteed.
Porcupine Mountains — Michigan
Ranger stations around every turn. Plenty of designated camping areas — perfect for travelers still building wilderness confidence.
Snow Canyon — Utah
A solo traveler’s dream. You can see everything from your site — every trail, every movement, every shadow.
Cheaha — Alabama
Big mountain views, friendly staff, well-lit sites, and easy access to main roads. Great first southern park for solo travelers.
Beavers Bend — Oklahoma
Easy navigation, scenic rivers, and laid-back campers. Not an intimidating park at all.
Cape Henlopen — Delaware
A beautiful flat, very visible campground with beach access. Excellent lighting at night.
Letchworth — New York
The “Grand Canyon of the East.” Extremely popular — and popularity becomes a safety blanket.
Fall Creek Falls — Tennessee
A huge park with lots of activity and ranger presence. Great for travelers who want nature without isolation.
Gooseberry Falls — Minnesota
Consistent foot traffic and friendly camp loops. Waterfalls and visibility go together.
Hunting Island — South Carolina
Beautiful beachfront camping with active staff and well-monitored loops.
Deception Pass — Washington
One of the most visited Washington parks — which translates to exceptional safety.
Smith Mountain Lake — Virginia
Bright, open loops with water views. A gentle, peaceful setting.
Anza-Borrego — California
Wide-open desert terrain with some of the best sightlines of any park in the country. Perfect for travelers who want solitude — without isolation.