ALABAMA
Desoto State Park in Fort Payne (256-845-0051 or call 256-845-5075 for camping information). Tie your canoe to the car roof, grab your paddles and head for Little River Canyon on Lookout Mountain, 35 miles of crisp, clear mountain water. In some places, Little River has expert-class white-water rapids, but its quieter stretches are just right for floating, tubing and swimming. 
Be sure to save time for a visit to 100-foot Desoto Falls, the crowning glory of this 5,000-acre park near the Tennessee border. A lodge, chalets, cabins and campsites offer something for every family's comfort zone.
NEW YORK
Watkins Glen State Park in Watkins Glen (607-535-4511). A sculptured chasm and 19 waterfalls--some that you can walk under--make this park a choice Finger Lakes destination for families. There is an Olympic size pool for you to enjoy and there is also a Rainbow trout run in the spring. Take the 1.5-mile Gorge Trail down 832 stone steps, then follow in Native American footsteps along the Indian Trail at the rim. In the evening, a sound and light show is projected on the sheer rock wall. Overnighters can choose from among 305 campsites.
TENNESSEE
Reelfoot Lake State Resort Park in Tiptonville (731-253-7756). The best way to get out on the lake is to sign up for a three-hour naturalist-guided pontoon tour, which shows off this 25,000-acre park. Back on land, you can take the Cyprus Boardwalk nature trail over the lake to view snakes and blue herons lurking in the swampy areas. The nearby 20-room Airpark Inn offers families an alternative to the park's 114 campsites.
WISCONSIN
Willow River State Park in Hudson (715-386-5931). Water, and plenty of it, is the key to this 2,800-acre park's popularity--which dates back to the Chippewa and Dakota Indians, who once used it as a recreation area. Two lakes, three waterfalls, trout streams and a pond for motorboating make this 80-campsite spot an inviting place to beat the summer heat.
COLORADO
Ridgway State Park in Ridgway (970-626-5822). Shoot from the playground to the beach on this 2,200-acre park's 70-foot tube slide, then slow your pace in a paddleboat on the reservoir. The fishing is prime here: cast on the river or go for the sure thing in the two small ponds stocked with rainbow trout.
ILLINOIS
Eagle Creek State Park in Findlay (217-756-8260). The perfect combination of resort area and wilderness is here on Lake Shelbyville, where you can try every water sport imaginable, from fishing to houseboating. It also has an 11 mile hiking trail for outdoor enthusiasts. Across the lake is Wolf Creek State Park, with 305 campsites, horseback riding, a beach, and 1- to 2-mile hiking trails and both state parks offer 4-lane boat ramps and high-water boat ramps at no charge. Stay at the park resort or opt for the outdoor life with 180 campsites.
ARKANSAS
Lake Catherine State Park in Hot Springs (501-844-4176). Cool off at this 1,940-acre lake park, where canoes, paddleboats and pontoons are a favorite way to get around. At day's end, you can watch slide shows and movies in the amphitheater before turning in at the campground.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in June 1996. Updated April 2004.
