Utah's National Parks get a lot of recognition, and they're incredibly popular with both residents and tourists. But did you know that Utah also has 45 state parks? These protected areas provide Utahns (and visitors) with tons of fishing, camping, ATV riding, skiing, golfing and so much more. They also preserve much of Utah's history.Take a look:

1. Camp Floyd State Park

This little gem is an important part of Utah's history. The Federal Government was worried about a rebellion, so this fort was built by the U.S. Army in 1858 to keep an eye on the Mormons. It served not only as an Army fort, but also as a stagecoach stop and Pony Express station. Visit the museum here and see docents dressed in period costume and learn more about this interesting period in Utah's early history. It's located in Fairfield, about 22 miles from Lehi. Here you can find a map and directions to the park.

2. Gunlock State Park

Gunlock Reservoir is a paradise for fishing, boating and playing in the water. It's located near St. George, so the weather here is generally mild. If you're a fan of waterfalls, you'll be a fan of this amazing park.

3. Anasazi State Park

This park protects one of the largest Ancestral Puebloan villages west of the Colorado River. Occupied from AD 1050 to 1200, this village was once home to around 200 of Utah's earliest residents. The Anasazi museum houses artifacts and offers a six-room replica dwelling, as well as an underground dwelling. You'll find Anasazi State Park in Boulder.

4. Escalante Petrified Forest State Park

Play on Wide Hollow Reservoir via canoe, kayak or paddle board. Camp overnight, and hike through this petrified "forest" with its large chunks of petrified logs. Don't be tempted to take one home with you, though - not only is it illegal to remove the petrified wood from the park, but it's said that you'll suffer a terrible curse! Visit Utah State Parks for a map and directions to the park.

5. Wasatch Mountain State Park

Wasatch Mountain State Park is located in Midway, about 50 miles from Salt Lake City. In the summer, you can golf, camp, hike, bike and ride your ATV. In the winter, enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing. Check out the Utah State Parks official website for a map and directions.

6. Goosenecks State Park

The folks who know about this state park tend to visit only briefly - it's very hot in the summer and there's no shade. What the park does have is incredible views - you can see for miles here. The San Juan River winds it way though deep canyons more than 1,000 feet down. It's located way down in the southeast corner of the state, near Mexican Hat.

7. Frontier Homestead State Park

Learn what life was like for Utah's pioneers and early settlers at this fun-filled little state park. The park offers tons of hands-on activities, exhibits and lots of holiday celebrations, too. This place is a winter wonderland at Christmastime! Visit Frontier Homestead State Park near Cedar City.

8. Red Fleet State Park

This picturesque state park is hiding out near Dinosaurland. You'll find it about 13 miles north of Vernal. You can hike along dinosaur tracks that are 200 million years old in this park, or boat and fish on Red Fleet Reservoir.

9. Palisade State Park

There's so much to do at this state park! Golf on the 18-hole course, paddle around in the reservoir, go camping, hiking or ride your ATV in nearby Six-Mile Canyon. You'll find Palisade State Park in Sterling.

10. Snow Canyon State Park

38 miles of hiking trails and 15 miles of equestrian trails take you past ancient lava flows. The red Navajo sandstone is gorgeous year-round, and this park hosts guided hikes and events every month.

What's your favorite Utah state park? Tell us in the comments! Did you know that This Is The Place Heritage Park is also a Utah state park? It's a magical place to visit during the holidays!