Top 22 Midwest Camping Destinations You Can’t Miss

The Midwest has a diverse selection of camping areas surrounding the Great Lakes and various parks featuring rivers, plains, hills, valleys, and waterfalls. You’ll find options that cater to both modern amenities and rustic camping styles. This article explores some of the best camping spots in the Midwest, perfect for solo adventures or memorable family outings.

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Located in South Dakota, this park spans over 244,000 acres, including one of the richest fossil beds in the world. The abundant wildlife such as prairie dogs and bison roaming the plains makes it a perfect camping destination. With two campgrounds, including a backcountry site, it offers year-round access to nature.

Ludington State Park, Michigan

This beautiful park offers stunning views of forests and marshlands along nearly seven miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. With picturesque dunes and a historic lighthouse, it also features eight hiking trails covering 18 miles, catering to hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Devil’s Lake State Park, Wisconsin

This park is a haven for nature lovers, featuring a pristine lake ideal for boating and fishing. Discover various natural wonders such as a sandstone bridge, gorges, and sandy beaches. Additionally, over 29 miles of trails delight hikers and mountain bikers.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan

The natural beauty of Sleeping Bear Dunes can be traced back to the Ice Age, featuring activities like dune climbs, scenic drives, and impressive canoeing experiences. This location is among the best places to set up a tent in the Midwest for a reason.

Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

Hocking Hills features diverse landscapes, including caves, bridges, waterfalls, and gorges. With numerous camping options available, you can choose unique accommodations like horse ranches or cozy cabins.

Indiana Dunes State Park, Indiana

This stunning park features some of the best beaches in the Midwest along 15 miles of shoreline. With over 70 miles of trails winding through prairies, forests, and dunes, it’s a haven for outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, and wildlife observation.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

As Minnesota’s only national park, it covers 344 square miles and offers a plethora of water sports. Visitors can enjoy guided boat tours, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and more in this scenic park on the U.S.-Canada border.

Brown County State Park, Indiana

As Indiana’s largest state park, it offers rolling hills and waterfront access ideal for camping, biking, swimming, and fishing, along with an indoor aquatic center featuring a water slide.

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Nebraska

This family-friendly park in the Midwest features an aquatic center, lodge, and restaurant, making it an ideal camping spot. Guests can enjoy activities like golfing, mini-golf, paddle boating, and hiking.

Shades State Park, Indiana

Enjoy serene views along the sandstone cliffs overlooking Sugar Creek and access to Pine Hills Nature Preserve, this destination is perfect for hiking, canoeing, and bird watching.

Peninsula State Park, Wisconsin

With 468 campsites in this stunning Door County park, you can enjoy a golf course, beautiful beach, and various water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The Northern Sky Theater adds family-friendly entertainment options.

Custer State Park, South Dakota

This scenic campground is nestled within breathtaking rock formations, lush meadows, and clear brooks. With options for trout fishing, horseback riding, and hiking, it is a must-visit camping destination in the Midwest.

Silver Dollar City’s Wilderness, Missouri

Between the Silver Dollar City amusement park and scenic Table Rock Lake, discover beautiful campgrounds and rustic cabins along with RV sites. Amenities such as a swimming pool, game room, and a general store add to the comfort of your stay.

Walnut Point State Park, Illinois

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy this park, famous for its trees, specifically the sassafras, maple, oak, hickory, and walnut found around the 59-acre Walnut Point Lake and nearby trails.

Grand Marais Recreation Area, Minnesota

Recognized as one of Minnesota’s top five destinations, this campground is beautifully situated between the harbor and Lake Superior, offering a variety of campsites and a lakeside pavilion.

Wilderness State Park, Michigan

This park features beautiful islands and picturesque views along Lake Michigan. It’s an ideal spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the scenic Great Lakes region.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Missouri

This expansive recreation area boasts over 8500 acres, offering access to stunning landscapes perfect for hiking, kayaking, and enjoying nature in the Ozarks.

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Starved Rock is a prominent destination in Illinois, featuring premium RV and campsite options along with community picnic areas. Outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and boating are available throughout the park’s beautiful canyons.

Sibley State Park, Minnesota

Located on the shores of Lake Andrew, this historic park features rustic stone structures and well-maintained trails, making it a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts and treasure hunters alike.

Tuttle Creek Cove Park, Kansas

Tuttle Creek Cover Park offers leisure and adventure among the grassy prairies of eastern Kansas. You can enjoy boating, kayaking, hiking, and even hunting in the surrounding areas.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, North Dakota

This historical park offers guided tours and scenic trails, reflecting the stories of President Abraham Lincoln. It’s also an excellent spot for nature lovers looking to hike and bike through picturesque landscapes.

Dolliver Memorial State Park, Iowa

Covering more than 500 acres in the Des Moines River Valley, this state park is a glorious spot for exploration. It features historical trails and abundant birdwatching opportunities right from the campsite.