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The annual America’s State Parks Photo Contest is back

America’s State Parks announced the ninth annual America’s State Parks Photo Contest, so we’re breaking down the rules, how to enter, and the judging criteria.

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Plan your spring hikes now. | Photo by @upstateoutdooradventurer

Water bottle, sunscreen, hiking boots, and camera? Check. The 2025 America’s State Parks Photo Contest is here. If you have an eye for photography or just love SC’s state parks, keep reading.

The rules

  • You can only submit 40 photos per person
  • You must be a resident of the US
  • All photos must be taken between May 12, 2023, and July 18, 2025
  • Photos have to be submitted as a .JPG
  • Photos can’t have watermarks
  • The deadline to submit is Friday, July 18

The categories

Your photos can fall in one of five categories:

  • Friends and family
  • Activities
  • Camping
  • Wildlife
  • Scenic and seasons

The judging criteria

Photos will be judged on:

  • Originality
  • Artistic composition
  • Technical quality
  • Directly from the site — “Whether the photograph showcases the best of America’s State Parks camping and outdoor activities”

Check out our parks guide, grab your camera, and get submitting.

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