2023 Best Places to Camp in the Midwest Region
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COMING SOON
JULY 2022
Credit: Shari G
Location: International Falls, MN
What makes it great:
It’s a waterworld of sorts. All campsites require travel by water to access. There are 147 reservable frontcountry sites located on four of Voyageurs’ large lakes. The 14 backcountry sites are more remote and require a miles-long hike after the watercraft drop-off. Some of those sites still need a final canoe ride following the hike!
While exploring Voyageurs National Park and its 2.8 billion-year-old bedrock — some of the oldest exposed rock in the world — you can hike along 52 miles of scenic trails. Or if you prefer to explore while floating, you can use a kayak, canoe, sailboat, motorboat, houseboat or tour boat.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Our campsite was beautiful! Boated out 17 miles to our own island with a dock provided. The camping pads made setting up the tents 10x easier and more organized. The lake water was refreshing and there were so many places to boat to for hiking, cliff jumping, and especially fishing. Had an absolute blast!” — Samantha
“It was incredible. The views were stunning and it was easy to get our boat in and out of a small cove behind our site. There are two tent pads but we found a couple of other spots on nearby trails where you could set up a tent if you had a bigger group. My favorite feature of our site was a rock ledge that looked out over the water.” — Marisa D
Campground Details
Price: $20
Number of sites: 161
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
1. Voyageurs National Park — Minnesota
Credit: Kate K
Location: Munising, MI
What makes it great:
Forests, dunes, beaches, solitude, great views and inspiration are all connected by nearly 100 miles of trails at Pictured Rocks. The country’s first national lakeshore winds along the southern side of Lake Superior and is a prime spot no matter the season.
Summer’s a no-brainer; that’s the time for beaches and boats. Fall brings out the foliage and plenty of opportunities for hunting and fishing. Winter’s freeze turns waterfalls into curtains, fishing into ice fishing, and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing become the official mode of transit. Spring’s thaw brings out the birds, and the birdwatchers!
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Hiking the Pictured Rocks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Get away from the crowds and see the beauty of this place! When we were there, we had most of the campground to ourselves! It really is a breathtaking experience and overall, not that hard of a hike! — Ashleigh M
“This site is the epitome of what many imagine Pictured Rocks camping to look like. The site is situated along Lake Superior with beach access and dramatic views. It serves as the perfect base camp for shoreline exploring & can be accessed by a moderately difficult hike. I'd recommend bringing warm clothes, even when visiting in mid-summer, as the wind blowing off shore has a chill to it.” — Anna C
Campground Details
Price: $20
Number of sites: 100+, plus dispersed
RV sites: N
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: N
2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites — Michigan
Credit: Brent S
Location: Stout, OH
What makes it great:
Sandy Springs Campground is nestled between the Shawnee State Forest and the banks of the Ohio River with a clear view of the Kentucky Appalachian foothills in the distance. Watch tugboats and barges roll on down the river and wake up to the sounds of the many species of birds that make their home in the Ohio River bluffs. Pitch a tent, pull up in your RV, rent a cabin or climb aboard the S.S. Sandy Springs Houseboat. Events are planned around all the big holidays and you can celebrate Christmas in July with glow-in-the-dark “sleigh” rides, a bicycle and golf cart parade and Christmas scavenger hunt. Or show up in August for an end-of-summer Water Wars Weekend!
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“What a great little family-owned and -run campground. The only thing you'll hear are barges running up and down the Ohio River and an occasional train over on the Kentucky side. Spots are big, grounds are neat and clean and the service is friendly and accommodating.” — Doug J
“This is a very quiet place to camp. We are right on the river and enjoying watching the barges go up and down. Owners are very attentive and we see them out and about. Full hookups are a great feature. Also nice to have private showers. Campground is close to the Shawnee State Forest, so we headed over there to swim at one of the beaches. Also there's good soft serve at the Buckeye Dairy Bar between here and Portsmouth.” — Bernadette L
Campground Details
Price: $35-$125
Number of sites: 40
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
3. Sandy Springs Campground — Ohio
Credit: Meg S
Location: Oglesby, IL
What makes it great:
Starved Rock State Park’s optimal location along the Illinois River provides outstanding opportunities for fishing, hiking, hunting and various other outdoor pursuits. Eighteen moss-covered stone canyons and tree-covered sandstone bluffs set the scene, and more than 13 miles of trails allow access to it all.
There is an abundance of native wildlife to view, and you won’t be hungry for things to do as Starved Rock schedules special events throughout the year. There’s also luxury lodging available at the circa 1930 stone and log Starved Rock Lodge.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Great camping experience at Starved Rock Campground. Well maintained. Relatively level sites. Good space between campers. Heavy fire pits and grates. The hiking trails are challenging but rewarding.” — Jason L
“Starved Rock State Park and the surrounding area has some of the most beautiful views in north central Illinois. We’ve spent many days exploring trails for river views, bluffs and overlooks, even waterfalls! There is so much to see here! Whether you stay in a tent, cabin, or the resort, you’re sure to find a treasure for the eyes and spirit.” — Bill M
Campground Details
Price: $25-$35
Number of sites: 133
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
4. Starved Rock State Park Campground — Illinois
Credit: Nancy W
Location: Ely, MN / Superior National Forest
What makes it great:
Fall Lake Campground serves as base camp for direct access into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, an extremely popular place for anglers. Leave the pole at home and enjoy birding, boating and hiking. There’s a swimming beach for kids in addition to a playground and picnic area.
The visitor center features a display of replica artifacts found during archaeological digs in the area and there are many local events throughout the year. Canoes are available to rent for the 1,200 miles of canoe routes contained within the million-acre BWCAW.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“The mixture of surrounding trees are beautiful. Great vibes at this campground. Nice new bathroom facilities; you do need a code to open the door so make sure you grab that! Definitely worth the stay if you’re visiting up this way. Plus the proximity to Fall Lake is outstanding. Beautiful campground 10/10 recommend” — Stephanie K
“Roomates and I came out here in July to have a weekend away. Wow!! Personal own island campsite...need I say more!!! Canoeing, fishing, bbq! It was a great getaway!!! The actual campsite itself is MASSIVE as well!!! Very clean and easy access to the lake!!!” — Jordan L
Campground Details
Price: $22-$105
Number of sites: 64
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
5. Fall Lake Campground — Minnesota
Credit: Nick S
Location: Elkland, MO
What makes it great:
A campground combined with a pick-your-own farm? That is berry exciting! (Sorry.) B Berry boasts 11 campsites with spots for RVs and a newly renovated barn bunkhouse that sleeps four. But the berries are what makes B Berry Farms so sweet.
There are more than 5,000 bushes of all different types of berries scattered across 10 acres. B Berry is also a manufacturer of hundreds of natural personal care products. On-site there are horseshoe-pitching areas, a rec room with darts, a 12-foot climbing wall and more.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Quaint berry farm accommodating RVs. Host met us with welcoming gifts. Our site had electricity and water. Not all sites do. There are clean public restrooms and a solar hot water shower. They have a game room available for all to use. They also supplied wood for a fire. They supplied a s'mores kit as part of the welcome kit. There is a water cube that even the dogs enjoyed on this very hot day. We picked fresh blueberries and enjoyed the walk thru the gardens.” — James C
“I rarely ever leave reviews but this place deserves it. I called early in the day to make a reservation for the cheapest spot. When I arrived, they offered to upgrade me because of the availability for the same price. The farm is beautiful. Teresa and Brandon met me and gave me supplies to make s’mores as well as a ton of fire wood and hay to get the fire going. There was no road noise and the neighbors were so far away that I didn’t know anyone was there until I took my dog exploring around the property.” — Ian L
Campground Details
Price: $5-$39
Number of sites: 11
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
6. B Berry Farms & Co. — Missouri
Credit: Frank H
Location: Higginsville, MO
What makes it great:
Green Acres is the place to be. This quiet, cozy country retreat is nestled in the rural outskirts of Higginsville. Three acres of a 180-acre farm is dedicated to three RV sites, two camping sites and one on-site vintage travel trailer completely renovated and decorated with collectibles and antiques.
The owners live here in their 1920s prairie style home: the Red Brick Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast. There’s outdoor furniture, a fire pit (firewood is provided), a BBQ grill and a horseshoe pit. Take a stroll on the winding country road or sit and relax among the shade trees, crop fields and pastures. Nearby sightseeing includes several historic Civil War sites, in addition to wineries and orchards. Green Acres we are there.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“The best place we stayed on our East to West Coast trip by far. Quiet, exceptionally clean, well maintained. Outstanding hosts and they even own a great local BBQ restaurant! We will stay there again on the return trip.’ — Joe A
“I would highly recommend this place. The hosts are lovely and accommodating. We came in with our small trailer, two kids and a dog. There was plenty of space for all of us and even a wonderful tire swing for the kids. We got to take a peek into their recently refurbished on-site trailer which is great! I hope we get the chance to stop in again.” — Heather M
Campground Details
Price: $36-$210
Number of sites: 6
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
7. Green Acres at Red Brick Farmhouse — Missouri
Credit: Kim L
Location: Ellison Bay, WI
What makes it great:
Wagon Trail Campground is in northern Door County, which is the easternmost tip of Wisconsin that juts into Lake Michigan, and is nicknamed the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.” The land borders the Mink River Estuary State Natural Area, and its wooded sites offer a feeling of unmatched seclusion and privacy.
This tranquil destination was established in 1971 and the name is derived from the logging roads that ran through the property. There are 145 campsites spread out across 80 acres, and Wagon Trail offers cabins, yurts and travel trailers. It also provides deluxe, temperature controlled restroom facilities with free showers. All bathrooms have been recently renovated.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“The best campground I've been to to date! The bathrooms are AMAZING compared to others, everything is new and well maintained. There's a park, game room, adult lounge, amazing trails and all breeds of dogs are welcomed! They have a dish-washing area by the bathrooms and they make sure soap and cleaning supplies are there to use. We tent camped the first night but then a yurt came up and we snagged that for the next 2 nights with the kiddos. It's fall so it's wet out but the beauty of the surrounding area is something to enjoy while not at camp.” — Ashley N
“I have nothing but nice things to say about this campground. The sites, facilities and management are outstanding. Big sites with plenty of privacy. Fellow campers were very courteous of each other.” — John B
Campground Details
Price: $40-$135
Number of sites: 145
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
8. Wagon Trail Campground — Wisconsin
Credit: Ruth K
Location: English, IN
What makes it great:
Sycamore Springs’ 250 acres are home to 10 shelter houses, numerous playgrounds, fishing ponds, a softball field, basketball court, wedding chapel, 35 tent camping sites and 64 RV camping sites. As a bonus, firewood is free for campers.
Sycamore Springs is family friendly (alcohol is not allowed) and offers sites for all types of camping. Water views are available and there are fire pits on all sites. Camping cabins are offered at a discounted rate during the week, and the fully furnished House of Annie & Bud also awaits.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This place is so beautiful. It has at least 11 playgrounds for kids and a small "town" complete with school house, play houses, a library, and a building for parents. Goats to pet. A small river, two ponds and areas for tent campers all the way to full hookups. Super clean bathrooms are nice.” — Julie K
“Playgrounds everywhere. Nice big sites with full hookups in the newer section. Price is very nominal for the amenities in my opinion. We were able to go “creeking” do trail walking, bike riding. Just a super neat little place. They even have a little village set up houses to play in! There is even free firewood! Would definitely go back. Thoroughly enjoyed by all of us!” — Beth H
Campground Details
Price: $10-$30
Number of sites: 99
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
9. Sycamore Springs Park — Indiana
Credit: Jennifer M
Location: Madrid, IA
What makes it great:
Ledges State Park is a 1,000-acre nature preserve and recreation area located on a bend of the Des Moines River 40 miles north of the capital city. Activities include hiking, fishing and paddling, as well as the exploration of a prehistoric river canyon.
The campground offers RV sites with full or partial hook-ups and primitive tent sites, and a youth group site. All sites have picnic tables, fire pits and cooking grills, and all have access to water, restrooms and showers. Ledges also has a playground, outdoor amphitheater and is within walking distance of trails.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“I stayed at Ledges in June and hiked the trails again in February. The campground is well kept but busy in the summer months with it being a popular hiking destination for Des Moines locals. With most of the surrounding areas having little to no elevation changes there are a few nice hikes along some rocky hills beside the river both in summer and winter.” — Anthony W
“Growing up in Iowa maybe 50 miles from the Ledges was one of the best things for me. Campground is clean and well kept with both electric and primitive with a few hike-in spots. It is a beautiful park with some good trails and a creek running through the bottoms of the "canyon." Loved going all the time when I was a kid and now 30 years later I have taken my family there several times making the drive from Kentucky just for some relaxation time.” — Matt A
Campground Details
Price: $12-$18
Number of sites: 178
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
View the 2023 Best Places To Camp Regional Awards winners by region.
10. Ledges State Park — Iowa
2023 Best Places to Camp in the Midwest Region
The Midwest is dotted by iconic bodies of water, whether it be the five Great Lakes or the Land of 10,000 Lakes, aka Minnesota. One of those lakes in the North Star State, Lake Itasca, is actually the source of the Mississippi River. So it’s no surprise water plays an integral role in the Midwest’s best camping spots.
No. 1 on the list of the 2023 Best Places to Camp in the Midwest Region is Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, where every one of their 161 campsites must be accessed by water. Second on the list is Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites in Michigan.
Check out these and the rest of this year’s Best Places to Camp Regional Award winners in the Midwest Region, which are based on reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s vast community of campers.