Discover America's Hidden Picnic Gems: Top 125 Off-Grid Spots for Your Next Outdoor Adventure

We conducted a survey with 3,000 Americans to uncover the top 125 off-grid picnic spots across the country. These lesser-known locations, cherished for their tranquility and natural beauty, offer the perfect escape from the crowds and noise of more frequented areas. Nestled in remote mountains, hidden within dense forests, or beside scenic lakes, these top-rated spots promise a peaceful retreat where you can truly connect with nature.

Here are the top ten off-grid picnic locations that guarantee an intimate and serene outdoor experience:

1. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida

Leu Gardens, a botanical garden in Orlando takes the top spot, providing tranquil picnic spots amidst its diverse plant collections. This easily accessible location is perfect for a relaxing picnic in a serene setting.

2. Shelby Farms Park, Memphis, Tennessee

In second, Shelby Farms features expansive green spaces, scenic picnic areas, walking trails, and various recreational activities. Its convenient urban location makes it an ideal spot for a day out.

3. Alafia River State Park, Lithia, Florida

Known for its rugged trails, Alafia River State Park offers secluded picnic spots along the river. The park’s distinctive terrain and peaceful atmosphere create a wonderful setting for family picnics.

4. Lake Johnson Park, Raleigh, North Carolina

Lake Johnson Park boasts picturesque picnic spots with stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest. Its natural beauty and calming environment make it an excellent city picnic destination.

5. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, Blue Diamond, Nevada

This state park in fifth provides breathtaking picnic spots overlooking Red Rock Canyon. Its combination of natural splendor and historical significance makes it a prime location for a picnic.

6. Great Falls Park, McLean, Virginia

Great Falls Park features spectacular views of the waterfalls and serene picnic areas along its trails. Its natural beauty and closeness to the city make it an ideal picnic venue.

7. Angel Island State Park, San Francisco Bay, California

Located in San Francisco Bay, Angel Island offers stunning views of the Bay Area from unique vantage points. The park features hiking trails, picnic tables, and barbecue grills, making it an ideal destination for a day of outdoor fun and relaxation.

8. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin, Kentucky

Famous for its impressive waterfall, Cumberland Falls also has hidden picnic areas along its trails. The park’s scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect picnic spot.

9. Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, Maryland

Renowned for its picturesque waterfall, Cunningham Falls includes quiet picnic areas within the surrounding forest. Its natural charm and peaceful environment make it an excellent choice for family picnics.

10. Discovery Park, Seattle, Washington

And rounding up the top ten, Discovery Park offers stunning views of Puget Sound and tranquil picnic areas along its trails. Its natural beauty and urban proximity make it a prime spot for city picnics.

Another recent survey revealed that potato salad reigns supreme as America's favorite picnic food, celebrated for its versatility and international varieties. Alongside potato salad, other popular choices include chips and salsa, fruit salad, cookies, deviled eggs, and sub sandwiches. These foods are not only delicious but also convenient and easy to prepare, making them ideal for a relaxing day outdoors.

When considering the best times for family picnics, certain national holidays stand out. The 4th of July and Memorial Day are particularly cherished for outdoor gatherings, often featuring traditional foods like grilled meats and various salads. These holidays bring families together to celebrate with festive picnics in picturesque settings.

Creating the perfect picnic menu involves a blend of easy-to-transport, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. For a perfect picnic, preparation is key: choose dishes that can be made ahead of time and are easy to transport. To ensure perishable items stay fresh, use insulated coolers and ice packs. Don’t forget eco-friendly disposable utensils, napkins, and trash bags to make clean-up a breeze and keep the picnic area tidy.

Finally, cleaning up after yourself when having a picnic in the beautiful outdoors is essential to preserving the natural beauty and health of our environment. Leaving trash behind not only mars the scenic landscape but also poses significant threats to wildlife, who may ingest or become entangled in litter. Additionally, leftover food and waste can attract pests and contribute to the spread of diseases. By taking the time to properly dispose of all waste, recycle when possible, and leave no trace, we ensure that these pristine areas remain enjoyable for future visitors. Practicing responsible picnicking helps maintain the ecological balance, supports conservation efforts, and fosters a deeper respect for nature. Remember, the simple act of cleaning up can have a profound impact on the environment, safeguarding these outdoor havens for generations to come.

Methodology: Online panel survey of 3,000 adults based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. July 2024.

Image Credits:

Header Image: Image by garetsvisual on Freepik

1. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida: By Boldpotato - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6330973

2. Shelby Farms Park, Memphis, Tennessee: By Ceptember - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=103326941

3. Alafia River State Park, Lithia, Florida: By Mwanner at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17877024

4. Lake Johnson Park, Raleigh, North Carolina: Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

5. Spring Mountain Ranch State Park, Blue Diamond, Nevada: By ZooFari - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8530954

6. Great Falls Park, McLean, Virginia: By MamaGeek at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5489041

7. Angel Island State Park, San Francisco Bay, California: By Taras Bobrovytsky - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=90880987

8. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin, Kentucky: By J654567 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9485949

9. Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, Maryland: By Jarek Tuszyński - Own work, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43096657

10. Discovery Park, Seattle, Washington: By Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2811637

Potato Salad: Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik

Picnic Food: Photo by Svetlana Kuznetsova on Unsplash

Clean Up: Photo by Arthur Poulin on Unsplash