The 10 Most Ridiculously Named State Parks

We love almost everything about America’s wonderful state parks. From their sprawling, scenic landscapes to their abundant offerings of recreational opportunities, we can find almost nothing bad to say about any of our nation’s treasured parks. Yep, we said almost. Because while their campgrounds, lakes, mountains, and cabins are divine, some of their names make us shake our heads and ask, “HUH?” To read more, visit our site at PocketRangerBlog.com

1. Cape Disappointment State Park

Fun fact: Cape Disappointment State Park was formerly called Fort Canby State Park. Yes, its name was changed once before… to Cape Disappointment! Did “Fort Canby” not sound disappoint-y enough? Why on Earth would anyone attach the name “Disappointment” to a stunning park that offers a beach, two lighthouses, an interpretive center, and miles of hiking trails? We’ll never understand.

2. Dead Horse Point State Park

So is this the former hang spot for a bunch of dead horses? When you roll into the campground, is your RV dragged in by horses who afterward drop dead of exhaustion? Is it a place bickering couples visit in order to continue arguing and “flogging a dead horse”? NOPE to all of the above! It’s actually a breathtakingly beautiful park offering gorgeous views and a smattering of recreational activities. Who would’ve guessed?

3. Devil’s Hopyard State Park

“Devil’s Hopyard” sounds like a yard where a bunch of devils hop around on pogo sticks. Although many stories abound on the origins of the park’s name, none have been verified, and sadly, none involve bouncing devils. If you pay the park a visit, expect to encounter interesting pothole stone formations and stunning waterfalls – and no hopping demons.

4. Dismal Swamp State Park

Oh, it’s “dismal”? Well then why the heck would we want to go there?! Maybe to stroll the boardwalk and enjoy the gorgeous swamp forest? Perhaps to explore 18 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails? Or maybe even to canoe or kayak down the canal? With all these activities available at the park, couldn’t they have settled on a better adjective than “dismal”?

5. Goblin Valley State Park

The name “Goblin Valley” conjures images of ghouls dancing about as a chorus of “Booooooooooooooo”s echoes from the canyon walls. Thankfully that’s not what you’ll find here. Instead, prepare for top-notch hiking, camping, and picturesque views of the goblin-like hoodoo formations.

6. Hard Labor Creek State Park

Hard labor!? That’s exactly the kind of thing we’re trying to avoid when we visit the parks, and we bet the same for the many golfers who descend on the park to enjoy its fabulous 18-hole golf course. May we suggest changing the name to Hardly Any Labor Creek State Park?

7. Hells Gate State Park

From the name of this park, we’d expect its entrance to be the gateway to Hell. As you can see from the photo, that is hardly the case. In fact, with camping, fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and water sports just some of the recreational activities available here, we’re inclined to think a visit to Hells Gate State Park would actually be quite heavenly.

8. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

When we think of active park-goers, “shut-ins” is not something that comes to mind. Missouri’s website refers to Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park as a “jewel” that offers excellent swimming, camping, picnicking, and scenic Ozark vistas. A “shut-in” is the last thing we’d be if we lived anywhere near this park!

9. Snake Den State Park

What could a “Snake Den” be other than a giant, creepy den of snakes? Well, apparently it could also be a first-rate park offering hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing. The park isn’t even snaky at all! Its name comes from a canyon-line stone fissure found at the park. Very misleading!

10. Starvation State Park

We can think of plenty of reasons to visit a state park, but experiencing starvation is not one of them. Luckily you won’t have to worry about that at Starvation State Park, as its vast reservoir offers phenomenal fishing. The park even hosts an annual walleye fishing tournament! Starvation, smarvation.