Top state parks
State ParkBoyce Thompson Arboretum
State ParkYuma Territorial Prison
State ParkHomolovi State Park
State ParkPicacho Peak State Park
State ParkSlide Rock State Park
State ParkJerome State Historic Park
State ParkCatalina State Park
State ParkRed Rock State Park
State ParkLost Dutchman State Park
State ParkTombstone Courthouse State Historic Park
State ParkTubac Presidio State Historic Park
State ParkPatagonia Lake State Park
State Parks by county
All state parks (20)
| Name | County | Elevation | Nearest town | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boyce Thompson Arboretum | Pinal County | 741 m | Superior | 4 |
| Yuma Territorial Prison | Yuma County | — | Yuma | 7 |
| Homolovi State Park | Navajo County | — | Winslow | 4 |
| Picacho Peak State Park | Pinal County | — | Eloy | 4 |
| Slide Rock State Park | Coconino County | — | Sedona | 4 |
| Jerome State Historic ParkTuzigoot | Yavapai County | — | Clarkdale | 4 |
| Catalina State Park | Pima County | — | Oro Valley | 5 |
| Red Rock State Park | Yavapai County | — | West Sedona | 5 |
| Lost Dutchman State Park | Pinal County | — | Apache Junction | 5 |
| Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park | Cochise County | — | Tombstone | 2 |
| Tubac Presidio State Historic Park | Santa Cruz County | — | Tubac | 3 |
| Patagonia Lake State Park | Santa Cruz County | — | Rio Rico | 3 |
| Riordan Mansion State Historic Park | Coconino County | — | Flagstaff | 7 |
| Dead Horse Ranch State ParkTuzigoot | Yavapai County | — | Cottonwood | 6 |
| Alamo Lake State Park | La Paz County | — | Salome | 2 |
| Cattail Cove State Park | Mohave County | — | Cienega Springs | 3 |
| Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park | Yuma County | — | Yuma | 7 |
| Fort Verde State Historic ParkMontezuma Castle | Yavapai County | — | Camp Verde | 5 |
| Tonto Natural Bridge State Park | Gila County | — | Pine | 3 |
| Oracle State Park | Pinal County | — | San Manuel | 4 |
Sky = estimated Bortle class (1 darkest – 9 brightest).
Map
How to photograph state parks
State parks often protect a signature feature — a gorge, lake or overlook — that is best in early morning before visitors and harsh light arrive.
- Check park hours: many state parks close at dusk, which affects sunset and night shooting.
- Ask rangers about photography permits for commercial work, models or drones.
- Weekday mornings are the least crowded at popular viewpoints.
- Trail maps often mark overlooks — combine them with the sun azimuth to plan.
- Day-use fees or passes are common; buy them online before arriving.
Season: Spring wildflowers and autumn color are peak seasons in most parks.