10 Best Camping Spots in the Midwest*

*Subjective of course, no intentional shade being thrown at your favorite spot if it’s not listed!

With its diverse landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty, the Midwest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and camping aficionados. From dense forests to serene lakeshores, there is a variety of camping options that cater to everyone’s taste.

With so many options, there’s just one problem: where to go first!

While we can’t make that decision for you, we can offer you recommendations for Midwest camping. Whether you are tent or teardrop camping, each of these campgrounds showcases the natural wonder of the Midwest. So pack your gear and prepare to discover the best camping in the Midwest!

Known for its breathtaking vistas of the Illinois River, Starved Rock State Park in Illinois is a camping gem. With over 13 miles of hiking trails that lead to captivating canyons and waterfalls, there is always something ready to be explored.

Campsites fill fast! The park recommends reserving your spot 6 months in advance, but allows you to book as close as 4 days prior. Reservations can be made online unless you are booking for a youth group event or handicapped accessible spot. When booking, be sure to pay attention to their person per campsite policy!

The campground offers the choice between 133 Class-A campsites with electric hook-ups or a stay in the on-site lodge. Regardless of the choice, you will have plenty to do.

For a camping experience surrounded by striking rock formations and expansive vistas, Badlands National Park in South Dakota is unparalleled. Campers have the choice to backcountry camp amidst the unique Badlands landscape and explore the park’s trails or camp out at one of the two official campgrounds provided: Cedar Pass and Sage Creek.

Cedar Pass requires a reservation and is limited to 14 days at a time. Sage Creek, however, is a free campsite with availability on a first-come first-serve basis. While at the park, you can choose to hike paved and unpaved trails, explore the park’s working fossil preparation lab, and more!

Ignore the bird poo.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan offers campers the chance to pitch their tents along the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. With towering dunes and pristine beaches, this campground provides a tranquil escape with opportunities for water-based activities and stunning sunset views.

Despite being on the lakeshore, the campgrounds are open year round. The main campground, Platte River, offers tent, walk-in, RV, and group sites. Those who are looking for more adventure can pop over to the backcountry campground if they aren’t up for trekking all the way out to the Manitou Islands. Reservations are required from May through the middle of October.

Nestled in Wisconsin, Devil’s Lake State Park creates a haven for outdoor lovers with its quartzite cliffs, hidden caves, and a crystal-clear lake. Campers can choose from various campsites, each surrounded by lush forests, and explore the park’s hiking and rock climbing opportunities.

Reservations can be made as far as 11 months prior and as soon as the same day, depending on availability. The park features three campgrounds: Quartzite, Northern Lights, and Ice Age. The Quartzite campground offers mainly grassy campsites with limited shade. The Northern Lights campground has a variety of grassy and wooded sites. The Ice Age campground is the only one that does not offer the option of electric campsites.

If you are looking for waterfalls, caves, and towering rock formations, look no further! Hocking Hills State Park has them all! Located in Ohio, this internationally known park hosts campsites nestled within the park’s woodlands, providing a serene backdrop for hiking adventures, waterfall explorations, and stargazing.

During your stay, you can choose between non-electric, full hook-up, hike-in, and electric campsites. Reservations are required for all camping and lodging stays and can be made up to 6 months in advance. Be sure to book as soon as you know you want to go – spots fill up fast!

For a unique camping experience, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota offers campsites accessible only by water. Yep, you read that right. To get to these campsites, you will need a watercraft of some sort. Surrounded by pristine lakes and dense forests, campers can paddle their way to secluded spots, providing an immersive connection with the park’s natural beauty.

Now, if you don’t have access to a watercraft, there are campsites that line the outer boundaries of the park. Within the park, campers have the option of frontcountry, backcountry, and primitive camping. Now, primitive camping doesn’t require a watercraft, however, these two campsites are limited access and hike-in only.

Image by Yinan Chen

Nestled in the Northwoods, the Hayward KOA in Wisconsin serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures with nearby lakes and trails for exploration. Campers will enjoy a comfortable camping experience filled with amenities like mini golf, a large pirate ship-themed playground, and a weekly S’mores party. In the warmer months, you can even enjoy a water park!

As far as camping accommodations, you have the option between cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. Prior to booking, be sure to check out their policy for how many people can stay in each option!

With over 2,000 acres of historic lands to explore, the Indiana Dunes State Park is a fan favorite. This park boasts sandy dunes along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, offering a unique camping experience. Campers can enjoy the beach, hike through the dunes, and explore diverse ecosystems within the park.

The campground offers a variety of amenities including archaeology programs, comfort stations, and beachcombing. You can enjoy your stay in non-electric or electric campsites based on availability. With the right permits, you can also enjoy horseback riding and boating!

Situated along the shores of Lake Superior, the Grand Marais Recreation Area in Minnesota provides campers with a serene lakeside retreat. Campsites offer picturesque views, and the area’s proximity to hiking trails and water activities makes it an ideal camping destination.

Camping reservations during the main season are available 6 months ahead of your arrival date. The campground offers a plethora of camping options including lakeside and wooded tent sites, full hook-up, and electric sites. While the campground is most popular between May and October, they are open year round. During the winter months, camping is available on a first-come first-serve basis.

Sibley State Park in Minnesota offers a tranquil camping experience with its well-maintained campground and diverse natural landscapes. Campers can explore hiking trails, fish in Lake Andrew, and unwind in the midst of the park’s peaceful surroundings. If you are looking for outdoor excursions, Sibley State Park offers a variety ranging from canoe routes to horseback riding.

The park is divided into two campgrounds – Lakeview and Oak Ridge. The Lakeview site are, you guessed it, near the lake with plenty of trees offering shade. The Oak Ridge campsites offer both open and wooded sites. Both campgrounds offer the choice of non-electric or electric site.

Whether you seek the serenity of a lakeside retreat, the thrill of rugged rock formations, or a historic camping experience, the diverse landscapes of the Midwest cater to all preferences. The only thing that could make it better? The comforts of a teardrop trailer.

Vistabule in the shade

Vistabule teardrop trailers offer the convenient size of a large tent with the comforts of a full-size RV. If you are ready to make your teardrop trailer dreams a reality, check out our interactive pricing sheet!