The Midwest, a region often celebrated for its heartland charm and down-to-earth spirit, boasts a surprising wealth of natural beauty. Beyond the sprawling farmlands and bustling cities lies a diverse landscape perfect for outdoor adventures. From the shores of the Great Lakes to the rolling hills of the Ozarks, the Midwest offers a tapestry of camping experiences to suit every taste. Whether you crave the solitude of a backcountry site or the convenience of modern amenities, this region has a campsite waiting for you.
This guide explores 22 of the best places to camp in the Midwest, each offering a unique blend of scenery, activities, and opportunities for creating lasting memories. Prepare to be captivated by the rugged beauty of the Badlands, the serene shores of Lake Michigan, and the historical intrigue of state parks steeped in Native American and pioneer history. This list of camping destinations will show why the Midwest is an exceptional place for your next outdoor adventure.
1. Badlands National Park, South Dakota: A Fossil Hunter’s Paradise
Journey to southwestern South Dakota and discover the otherworldly landscape of Badlands National Park. Spanning over 244,000 acres, this park is a geological wonderland characterized by its dramatic, eroded rock formations, sharp buttes, and expansive prairies. The Badlands are also home to one of the richest fossil beds in the world, offering a glimpse into the prehistoric past.
Camping Experience: Badlands National Park offers two campgrounds: Cedar Pass Campground and Sage Creek Campground. Cedar Pass provides amenities like flush toilets and showers, while Sage Creek offers a more primitive experience with vault toilets and no water. Backcountry camping is also permitted with a free permit, allowing you to immerse yourself in the park’s raw beauty.
Activities: Explore the park’s scenic drives, such as the Badlands Loop Road, and hike along trails like the Notch Trail for breathtaking views. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including bison, prairie dogs, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn. Stargazing is exceptional in the Badlands due to the minimal light pollution.
2. Ludington State Park, Michigan: Lakeside Serenity
Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan in western Michigan, Ludington State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The park encompasses nearly seven miles of pristine shoreline, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests. Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from sandy beaches and towering dunes to lush marshlands and dense woodlands.
Camping Experience: Ludington State Park features three campgrounds: Hamlin Lake, Cedar Campground, and Jack Pine Campground. Each campground offers a variety of campsites, ranging from rustic tent sites to modern RV sites with electrical hookups.
Activities: Hike or bike along the park’s 18 miles of trails, including the popular Skyline Trail, which offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Climb the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse for a glimpse into maritime history. Relax on the beach, swim in the refreshing waters of Lake Michigan, or cast a line for some fishing.
3. Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin: A Natural Playground
Located in south-central Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park is a natural playground brimming with stunning geological formations and recreational opportunities. The park’s centerpiece is the 360-acre Devil’s Lake, a deep, spring-fed lake surrounded by towering 500-foot quartzite bluffs.
Camping Experience: Devil’s Lake State Park offers three campgrounds: Northern Lights, Quartzite, and Ice Age. Each campground provides a range of campsites, from tent sites to RV sites with electrical hookups.
Activities: Hike or rock climb along the park’s 29 miles of trails, including the challenging but rewarding East Bluff Trail. Swim, boat, or fish in Devil’s Lake. Explore the park’s unique geological features, such as the Balanced Rock and the Devil’s Doorway.
4. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan: Towering Dunes and Scenic Vistas
Located along the northwestern coast of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a breathtaking expanse of towering sand dunes, pristine beaches, and lush forests. The park’s dramatic landscape was shaped by glaciers during the Ice Age, leaving behind a unique and unforgettable natural environment.
Camping Experience: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers several campgrounds, including Platte River Campground, D.H. Day Campground, and the more rustic South Manitou Island Campground (accessible by ferry).
Activities: Climb the iconic Dune Climb for panoramic views of Lake Michigan. Drive along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive for stunning vistas of the dunes and coastline. Explore the historic maritime village of Glen Haven. Hike or bike along the park’s numerous trails, including the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
5. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio: Caves, Waterfalls, and Gorges
Venture into southeastern Ohio and discover the natural wonders of Hocking Hills State Park. This park is a geological wonderland characterized by its towering cliffs, deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and mysterious caves. Explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from hemlock-shaded forests to rocky outcroppings.
Camping Experience: Hocking Hills State Park offers a variety of camping options, including a campground with tent and RV sites, as well as cabins and even unique lodging options like wigwams.
Activities: Hike to iconic landmarks such as Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls. Explore the depths of Rock House and Conkle’s Hollow. Go ziplining through the forest canopy or horseback riding along scenic trails.
6. Indiana Dunes State Park, Indiana: Beaches and Birding
Located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park offers a unique blend of sandy beaches, towering dunes, and lush woodlands. The park’s 15 miles of shoreline provide ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
Camping Experience: Indiana Dunes State Park features a campground with both tent and RV sites.
Activities: Hike or bike along the park’s 70+ miles of trails, exploring diverse ecosystems. Enjoy swimming, fishing, and kite flying on the beach. The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a vast diversity of migratory birds passing through the area.
7. Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota: A Water Wonderland
Located on the border between the United States and Canada in northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is a vast wilderness of interconnected waterways, pristine forests, and rugged shorelines. The park’s four major lakes—Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake—offer over 344 square miles of water for exploration.
Camping Experience: Voyageurs National Park offers a unique camping experience, with campsites accessible only by boat.
Activities: Explore the park’s waterways by canoe, kayak, or boat. Hike or bike along the park’s numerous trails, keeping an eye out for wildlife. Enjoy fishing for walleye, northern pike, and other species. Take a guided boat tour or participate in a ranger-led program to learn about the park’s history and ecology.
8. Brown County State Park, Indiana: Rolling Hills and Aquatic Fun
Located in south-central Indiana, Brown County State Park is the state’s largest, encompassing nearly 16,000 acres of rolling hills, forested ridges, and scenic valleys. The park’s rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems offer a wide range of outdoor activities.
Camping Experience: Brown County State Park offers a large campground with a variety of campsites, from tent sites to RV sites with full hookups.
Activities: Hike or bike along the park’s numerous trails, exploring the scenic backcountry. Swim in the park’s large indoor aquatic center, featuring a water slide. Fish in one of the park’s lakes or streams.
9. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Nebraska: Family Fun
Located near Ashland, Nebraska, Eugene T. Mahoney State Park is a family-friendly destination offering a wide range of recreational activities and amenities. The park features a modern lodge, a restaurant, an aquatic center, and a nature center.
Camping Experience: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park offers a campground with both tent and RV sites.
Activities: Swim in the park’s aquatic center, featuring a wave pool and water slides. Play a round of golf or mini-golf. Go paddle boating or fishing on the park’s lake. Hike or bike along the park’s trails.
10. Shades State Park, Indiana: Sandstone Cliffs and Serenity
Located in west-central Indiana, Shades State Park offers a tranquil escape into nature. The park is characterized by its sandstone cliffs, deep ravines, and lush forests. Sugar Creek flows through the heart of the park, providing opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.
Camping Experience: Shades State Park offers a campground with both tent and RV sites.
Activities: Hike along the park’s trails, exploring the scenic cliffs and ravines. Canoe or kayak down Sugar Creek. Go bird watching in the park’s diverse habitats.
11. Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin: Door County Gem
Located in Door County, Wisconsin, Peninsula State Park is a popular destination known for its stunning scenery, diverse recreational opportunities, and charming atmosphere. The park encompasses over 3,700 acres of forests, bluffs, and shoreline along Green Bay.
Camping Experience: Peninsula State Park offers a large campground with over 460 campsites.
Activities: Hike or bike along the park’s numerous trails, including the popular Eagle Trail. Swim or relax on the beach. Explore the park’s historic lighthouse. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or boating on Green Bay.
12. Custer State Park, South Dakota: Wildlife and Scenery
Located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Custer State Park is a sprawling wilderness known for its scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and diverse recreational opportunities. The park encompasses over 71,000 acres of rolling hills, granite peaks, and lush forests.
Camping Experience: Custer State Park offers several campgrounds, each with its own unique character and amenities.
Activities: Drive along the scenic Wildlife Loop Road for a chance to see bison, elk, deer, and other wildlife. Hike to the top of Black Elk Peak, the highest point in South Dakota. Fish for trout in one of the park’s lakes or streams.
13. Silver Dollar City’s Wilderness, Missouri: Theme Park Adventure
Located near Branson, Missouri, Silver Dollar City’s Wilderness is a unique camping destination that combines the thrill of a theme park with the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. The campground is located near the popular Silver Dollar City amusement park and Table Rock Lake.
Camping Experience: Silver Dollar City’s Wilderness offers a variety of camping options, including campsites, rustic cabins, and RV sites.
Activities: Visit Silver Dollar City amusement park for a day of rides, shows, and attractions. Swim in the campground’s pool. Go boating or fishing on Table Rock Lake.
14. Walnut Point State Park, Illinois: Trees and Tranquility
Located in east-central Illinois, Walnut Point State Park offers a peaceful escape into nature. The park is characterized by its mature forests, including sassafras, maple, oak, hickory, and walnut trees. The 59-acre Walnut Point Lake provides opportunities for fishing and boating.
Camping Experience: Walnut Point State Park offers a campground with both tent and RV sites.
Activities: Hike along the park’s trails, exploring the diverse forests. Fish in Walnut Point Lake. Go geocaching.
15. Grand Marais Recreation Area, Minnesota: Lakeside Beauty
Located in Grand Marais, Minnesota, on the shores of Lake Superior, Grand Marais Recreation Area offers stunning views and a convenient location for exploring the North Shore. The campground is situated between the harbor and Lake Superior.
Camping Experience: Grand Marais Recreation Area offers a variety of campsites for all types of travelers.
Activities: Explore the charming town of Grand Marais. Hike along the Lake Superior shoreline. Visit nearby attractions such as the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park.
16. Wilderness State Park, Michigan: Great Lakes Paradise
Located on the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Wilderness State Park offers a pristine wilderness experience along the shores of Lake Michigan. The park encompasses over 10,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and shoreline.
Camping Experience: Wilderness State Park offers several campgrounds, including both modern and rustic sites.
Activities: Hike or bike along the park’s numerous trails, exploring the diverse ecosystems. Kayak or paddleboard to nearby islands. Observe wildlife, including otters, muskrats, and mink.
17. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Missouri: Waterfalls
Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a unique geological wonderland. The park is characterized by its "shut-ins," a series of natural rock formations carved by the Black River.
Camping Experience: Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers a campground with both tent and RV sites.
Activities: Hike, kayak, and picnic around the area.
18. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois: Canyons and History
Located in north-central Illinois, Starved Rock State Park is one of the state’s most popular destinations. The park is characterized by its 18 canyons, carved by glacial meltwater.
Camping Experience: Starved Rock State Park offers a campground with premium RV and campsites.
Activities: Hike along the park’s trails, exploring the scenic canyons and waterfalls. Fish in the Illinois River.
19. Sibley State Park, Minnesota: Rustic Charm
Located on the shores of Lake Andrew in west-central Minnesota, Sibley State Park offers a peaceful retreat into nature. The park is known for its rustic-style stone structures, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Camping Experience: Sibley State Park offers a campground with both tent and RV sites.
Activities: Hike or bike along the park’s trails. Swim or fish in Lake Andrew. Explore the park’s historic structures.
20. Tuttle Creek Cove Park, Kansas: Prairies and Watersports
Located near Manhattan, Kansas, Tuttle Creek Cove Park offers a blend of grassy prairies and water recreation. The park surrounds Council Grove Lake, a reservoir created by the Tuttle Creek Dam.
Camping Experience: Tuttle Creek Cove Park offers a campground with both tent and RV sites.
Activities: Go boating, kayaking, or fishing on Council Grove Lake. Hike or bike along the park’s trails.
21. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, North Dakota: History
Located near Mandan, North Dakota, Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park offers a glimpse into the state’s rich history. The park is home to a reconstructed military fort and a Native American village.
Camping Experience: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park offers a campground with both tent and RV sites.
Activities: Tour the reconstructed buildings and points of interest. Hike or bike along the park’s trails.
22. Dolliver Memorial State Park, Iowa: Bluffs and Mounds
Located in the Des Moines River Valley, Dolliver Memorial State Park offers a diverse landscape of bluffs, flatlands, and Native American mounds.
Camping Experience: Dolliver Memorial State Park offers a campground with both tent and RV sites.
Activities: Hike through the well-maintained historical trails. Go bird and animal watching.
This list provides a starting point for exploring the diverse and beautiful camping destinations in the Midwest. No matter what your camping style or preferences, you’re sure to find a place to create lasting memories in this region of natural wonders. Remember to always check the specific park’s website for reservation information, fees, and any current restrictions or advisories before your trip. Happy camping in the Midwest!
