Whether you’re into hiking, paddling, fishing or berry picking, or just kicking back to watch birds or sunsets, you’ll find the perfect campsite in the Midwest. After all, “Midwest Nice” doesn’t just describe the people; it’s a commentary on the campgrounds as well.
Sandy Springs Campground is a top-notch camping destination on the Ohio River and holds the No. 1 spot on the 2024 Best Places to Camp in the Midwest Region list. In addition to Sandy Springs, four other campgrounds on the list are returnees from 2022 or 2023 — B Berry Farms & Co. and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Missouri, Wyalusing State Park in Wisconsin, and Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping in Minnesota.
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.
1. Sandy Springs Campground — Ohio
Location: Stout
What makes it great: At the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains on the banks of the Ohio River, this campground is easy to reach but surrounded by forest. Choose from tidy, spacious riverside RV sites, rental campers, camping cabins, or even a houseboat. Then settle into an Adirondack chair and watch the tugboats and river barges make their way along the river. The surrounding area is great for birdwatchers, and anglers can fish from the campground’s boat ramp. There are showers, laundry, a dump station and a camp store.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“The view!!!!!! Backing your camper up to the view of the Ohio River is so calming.” — Mark R
“We arrived late and the hosts were so kind and communicative. We were met at the office and given a site right on the river. We had a peaceful night and awoke to fog on the river which was beautiful and quickly lifted. A sweet kitty visited with us during our walk down to the water and breakfast.” — Mary T
“If you are looking for good old wholesome camping take advantage of Sandy Springs Campground any time of the year.” — Denise C
Campground details
Price: $35-$125
Number of sites: 40
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
2. Hitchcock County Nature Center — Iowa
Location: Honey Creek
What makes it great: Set on 1,500 acres of prairie and savannah in the midst of the ecologically important Loess Hills, this campground and nature center emphasize outdoor education and interacting with the environment. The highest point among the park’s rolling hills is home to the Loess Hill Lodge, where there’s a gallery and gift shop. Pick up an adventure pack and explore the area while learning how to identify animal tracks, cloud types, bugs and more. The RV sites all have hookups and there’s a modern bathhouse. Some of the backcountry sites require a mile-plus hike over rough terrain and are situated on a ridge overlooking the Missouri River Valley.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Clean, quiet and tranquil.” — Jeremy B
“This is my favorite place to tent camp! Nice bathhouse, and even the pit toilet is clean and unoffensive. Tent sites are spacious and most are separated by lots of trees so there’s plenty of shade, privacy, and wildlife. Firewood is available and hiking trails are nearby.” — Amber M
“One of the best places ever. Only spent one night but would have stayed longer if we would have had time. Nice clean bathhouse and restrooms. Lots of hiking trails and even hiking sticks. We really enjoyed this short stay!” — Char S
Campground details
Price: $10-$50
Number of sites: 27, plus 7 primitive backcountry sites
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
3. Mouth of Two Hearted River State Forest Campground — Michigan
Location: Paradise
What makes it great: Located on the shore of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the rivermouth campground is connected to the lake by a pedestrian suspension bridge. The North Country Trail runs right through the campground, and other hiking trails lace the surrounding dunes. There is a boat launch for kayaks and small boats, and the lake and river both are great for fishing. Plentiful trees make the tent sites ideal for hammocks. Facilities are rustic — there are vault toilets and drinking water, and a fairly rough road getting here, but the otherworldly landscape is worth the drive.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Awesome and secluded! Amazing experience. Quiet. Plenty of room…access to the river. Will be back!” — Brian K
“Overall it was one of our favorite campgrounds.” — Clete B
“This place was fantastic. Sits right on the river, easy boat and kayak access.” — Dan T
Campground details
Price: $15-$20
Number of sites: 36
RV sites: No
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
4. Voyageurs National Park Backcountry Camping — Minnesota
Location: International Falls
What makes it great: The sense of adventure that comes from boating to a trailhead and then hiking or paddling further in to reach your campsite is hard to beat. That’s the draw at this collection of backcountry sites scattered around the water-based Voyageurs National Park at the northern edge of Minnesota. Similar to the nearby Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the park is a series of lakes, bays and wide rivers with designated campsites all around on lakeshores and islets. You can arrange for a water taxi to some of the campsites, upping the luxury factor. Once you’re there, explore the forested, rocky landscape, watch for wildlife, stargaze in the dark night skies, or paddle the waterways to your heart’s content.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Beautiful, convenient, relaxing. Spent the days bumming around, swimming and exploring the bay with our paddleboard (took a day trip to Ek lake, too).” — Aaron S
“Our campsite was beautiful! 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
Campground details
Price: $25-$35
Number of sites: 14
RV sites: No
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: No
5. B Berry Farms & Co. — Missouri
Location: Marshfield
What makes it great: Camp among rows of honeyberries and thornless blackberries, or tucked into a grove of 50-year-old cedar trees, or next to a lonely pine tree beside a seasonal pond. This working berry farm deep in the Ozarks has a variety of sites scattered around the property, from tiny camping nooks to shaded group areas and even a bunkhouse. Cute names for each site, like “RV There Yet,” give you a sense of the vibe. Each spot has fire rings and access to restrooms; some have picnic tables and hookups. There’s also a pool table, a new waterpark and a store on-site that sells farm-made products like soap, lip balm, tea, jam and baked goods.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Even if you aren’t going to see the lakes around (we didn’t) there is plenty to entertain you right on the Farm. There is an abundance of wildflowers, walking trails, chill zones, a water park, outdoor solar shower, bugs, a friggin Berry field. WITH PINK BLUEBERRIES!!!! They taste like cotton candy — you have to ask about them.” — Abe & Makayla
“Beautiful view of the stars since it’s out of town. Lots of wildlife and birds.” — Philippe M
Campground details
Price: $7-$48
Number of sites: 10
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
6. Sangchris Lake State Park — Illinois
Location: Rochester
What makes it great: Just outside of Springfield, this state park campground takes advantage of the 120 miles of shoreline along Sangchris Lake. There are actually two lakeshore campgrounds, Deer Run and Hickory Point. Hunters, fishers, hikers and equestrians all have plenty to do here, with easy access to the water and nature trails. It’s also a bird watcher’s paradise and an excellent location for paddlers and boaters. The grounds are up to date and well-groomed with picnic tables, playgrounds and lots of shady hangouts.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“There’s really no way to describe this campground except for: Accommodating. Beautiful. Clean. Convenient. Peaceful. Relaxing. We have spent many weekends here and have never had a bad experience. Tony and Danielle and the rest of the entire campground host staff and crew do absolutely everything to make sure you have a great stay!!! We appreciate them and this wonderful campground.” — Jason L
“Fantastic lakeside camping!” — Mike G
“Came here in winter and it’s really beautiful.” — Jareth C
Campground details
Price: $8-$45
Number of sites: 195
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
7. Wyalusing State Park — Wisconsin
Location: Bagley
What makes it great: A good base from which to explore Wyalusing Hardwood Forest and the Wyalusing Mounds, this campground sits on a limestone bluff overlooking the confluence of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers. There are two parts to the campground: Homestead and Wisconsin Ridge, all with access to modern restroom and laundry facilities. The surrounding area has miles of hiking trails and water trails; boats can be rented from the campground concession stand for exploring the backwaters of the Mississippi River.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Lovely morning sunrise and amazing sunsets. Great hiking trails, overall a great place to stay.” — Brent B
“Awesome campground with lots of hiking trails, and access to backwaters of Mississippi.” — Loren S
“Fantastic site…what a view!” — Stacey N
Campground details
Price: $15-$35
Number of sites: 109
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
8. Indiana Dunes State Park — Indiana
Location: Chesterton
What makes it great: The Dunes encompasses more than 2,000 miles of primitive landscape, including three miles of beach along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. From the campground, a boardwalk path leads down to the beach, and the whole area is very bicycle-friendly (including e-bikes). There’s a convenience store a quarter-mile away, also bike-able. With several tent-only sites, including walk-ins, as well as regular RV sites, the campground caters to a variety of campers in this striking landscape.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Beautiful, huge, shady sites! Beautiful walkway to beach.” — Kathy S
“We enjoyed riding ebikes on the trails. Lunch at the beach front (Lake Michigan) was good, and great views. Would recommend.” — James P
“Great ADA (handicap) site. Only stayed one night. The concrete pad was large and included the fire pit and the picnic table. For someone in a wheelchair, that makes a huge difference. There was enough space between the sites so that you didn’t feel like you were on top of your neighbor. I would definitely come again.” — Laura M
Campground details
Price: $12-$44
Number of sites: 67
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
9. Lamb’s Resort — Minnesota
Location: Schroeder
What makes it great: This family-owned resort stakes its claim as the only campground in the state on the north shore of Lake Superior with campsites right on the lake. Situated on 60 acres with a half-mile of private beach, Lamb’s Resort has been in operation for more than a century. The accommodations include a dozen cabins — all with a fully equipped kitchen and bathroom and pillow-top queen mattresses — and 100 campsites for primitive tent campers and RVers. The Cross River, which bisects the property, is a great spot for swimming and there’s also a playground and arcade. All campers are sure to be merry if they have a little Lamb in their life.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Two nice beaches and a river at the campground. Very beautiful sunrises over the lake! Fall camping will be cool beside the lake so bring warm clothes. Close to MANY Minnesota State Parks and super good hiking trails.” — Tom
“We stayed at this resort for 4 days and wish we had more time. The smooth pebble beach is fantastic. Our dogs loved running up and down the beach and playing on the shore.” — Jason S
Campground details
Price: $34-$279
Number of sites: 112
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
10. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park — Missouri
Location: Middle Brook
What makes it great: The shut-ins are a natural geological feature that creates a smooth-rock water park/play area in the East Fork Black River. The spot can be reached by a short, paved walking trail from the campground. The large campground has walk-in tent sites, RV hookups and camping cabins, plus restroom facilities and a well-stocked camp store. Several hiking areas are nearby, including Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, home to Missouri’s highest point.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This place has what you need for a good camping trip. The general store has the essentials, the campground is clean, sites are decently spaced with enough privacy. Thumbs up.” — Dave
“This was such a clean campground. From the restrooms to the campsite and the river, everything was amazing. The river was a bit busy on Saturday but that’s a given in July. We will definitely be coming back!” — Emilie H
Campground details
Price: $11-$32
Number of sites: 68
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
Browse thousands of the best camping locations in the Midwest region:
- Columbus, OH
- Cleveland, OH
- Cincinnati, OH
- Des Moines, IA
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Davenport, IA
- Detroit, MI
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Lansing, MI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Saint Paul, MN
- Rochester, MN
- Kansas City, MO
- Saint Louis, MO
- Springfield, MO
- Chicago, IL
- Aurora, IL
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- Milwaukee, WI
- Madison, WI
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- Indianapolis, IN
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See all Best Places to Camp awards here.