It’s difficult to summarize Midwest camping with a single theme. While riverside relaxation may trump adventure for some, there are campsites in the Great Lakes Region that are anything but luxurious, reveling in the rugged. And the Midwest also has the preeminent berry farm campground that keeps making its way back onto this list.
Sandy Springs Campground is the repeat champion, with the sought-after destination on the Ohio River taking the top spot for the second consecutive year. It’s Sandy Springs’ fourth straight year in the Top 3. Another familiar name is Missouri’s B Berry Farms & Co., a working berry farm that earns rave reviews for all aspects of the operation. It’s also good to see some new contenders from the I-states crack the Top 10 — Iowa, Illinois and Indiana.
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, OH
What makes it great: Sandy Springs Campground has been named Best Place to Camp in the Midwest for two years in a row, and it’s easy to see why. With 40 full-hookup sites, cabins and camper rentals, guests can enjoy stunning views of the Ohio River, watching barges and tugboats pass by, or relax by the campfire under the stars.
The campground is equipped with modern amenities and a camp store and the hosts are known for their hospitality, making campers feel like part of the family. Activities are available for all ages, ensuring everyone has a memorable stay.
Watch the fog flow down the river from an Adirondack chair, gaze out at the foothills of Kentucky or retreat for a hike in the Shawnee State Forest. There are also planned events for the whole family all summer long.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Perfect long weekend getaway. We just left and had a wonderful time! Campground is clean, seasonal campers are kind and the views are beautiful! We stayed in site 10 right on the river and the views were great.” — Tiffani C
“We stayed from Sunday until Tuesday and didn’t want to leave! The campground offers something for everyone: playground equipment, basketball hoop and various balls, access to the river for fishing, and absolutely stunning views of the Ohio as well as the surrounding hills. The campers were friendly. Nobody was loud and obnoxious. The owners Julie and Darcy are super nice and helpful. We liked the campground so much we’re returning in a few weeks!” — BluePitMom O
Campground details
Price: $35-$125
Number of sites: 40
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
2. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Campground — Minnesota
Location: Two Harbors, MN
What makes it great: Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is laid out along the rugged shores of Lake Superior, with the namesake beacon providing a stunning backdrop to any camping adventure.
There are 46 drive-in sites with electric hookups in the Shipwreck Creek Campground, four backpacker/kayaker sites roughly 2 miles from the parking lot, and 20 cart-in sites less than a half-mile from the lot. The cart-in sites are particularly notable, providing seclusion and stunning views of the lake and the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse. Campers can use provided wheeled carts to transport their gear to these sites.
The park’s location along the Gitchi-Gami State Trail provides easy access for hiking, biking and cross-country skiing, while the nearby Pebble Beach offers a picturesque spot for relaxation and wildlife viewing.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Split rock is a great place to stay on the north shore! Great place to set up base camp and go explore nearby parks and trails!” — Tori K
“Shipwreck Creek Campground is a great new(er) addition to the Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. All of the sites are large and spacious with interesting rock features and vegetation that adds to the privacy.” — Erin K
Campground details
Price: $20-$35
Number of sites: 70
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
3. Copper Falls State Park Campground — Wisconsin
Location: Mellen, WI
What makes it great: Copper Falls State Park Campground offers a serene and scenic camping experience amidst towering pines and hardwoods. The park features two campgrounds: the North Campground with 32 sites (28 with electric hookups) and the South Campground with 23 non-electric sites, including four walk-in sites.
All sites are reservable and equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and tent pads. The South Campground also boasts a rustic, accessible cabin for up to four people, complete with padded beds and nearby shower facilities.
For those seeking solitude, the park offers a backpack campsite accessible via a 1.3-mile spur off the North Country Trail. This primitive site, situated along the Bad River, provides a tranquil setting for campers willing to hike in. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, fishing in Loon Lake and nearby rivers, and exploring the park’s picturesque waterfalls.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Copper Falls State Park is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The hiking trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful scenic views, making for an enjoyable trek through nature. The campsites are spacious and provide a good amount of privacy, allowing for a peaceful camping experience.” — Malte W
“Beautiful park. Loved the hiking and waterfalls. Campsites were big and could hear the stream behind ours.” — Jennifer D
Campground details
Price: $20-$30
Number of sites: 55
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
4. Superior National Forest Fall Lake Campground — Minnesota
Location: Ely, MN
What makes it great: Fall Lake Campground is nestled in the Superior National Forest near and offers a serene and well-maintained camping experience catering to both RV and tent campers.
The campground is open from early May to late September, aligning with the walleye fishing season, making it a popular spot for anglers. Sites are spacious, many offering lake views, and are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings and tent pads. Some lakeside sites are accessed via stairs, providing a more secluded experience.
Amenities include a camp store that offers firewood and ice, canoe rentals and a playground for children. There’s also a hiking trail and sandy swimming beach.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is perfect for canoeing, kayaking and fishing. While the campground is popular and can be busy, especially during peak seasons, it maintains a peaceful atmosphere with the sounds of loons and owls enhancing the natural setting.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “This will now be one of our new favorite campgrounds. It’s the perfect mix of modern (lots of nicely spaced electric sites, well maintained shower/bathrooms, on-site store, canoe rentals and more) and rustic. (Wildlife, birds, a stones throw from the BWCA, and gorgeous sunsets.)” — Deb M
“Had the Best Time! We loved how private the campsites are! The people who run the campground were also super nice!” — Layla M
Campground details
Price: $28-$120
Number of sites: 64
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
5. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backcountry Sites — Michigan
Location: Munising, MI
What makes it great: The backcountry sites at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior is peak wilderness and peak nature. Accessible only by foot or boat, these sites provide solitude amidst towering sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches and dense forests.
The North Country Trail, stretching 42 miles through the park, connects most of the 13 designated backpacking campgrounds, each featuring a handful of individual sites and eight group sites. Each campsite is equipped with a numbered post, and tents or hammocks must be set up within 15 feet of this marker.
Bear-proof lockers are provided for food storage, and campers are required to clean out lockers before departing. While most sites offer access to water sources, some may require short hikes to reach them. Insects, including black flies and mosquitoes, can be prevalent from late May through September so be prepared.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Great hike. First backpacking trip with my youngest son. We hiked around Beaver lake and along Lake Superior. We camped at Lowney crip and Beaver Creek. Enjoyed both sites. Of course Beaver Creek provide the better views sitting above Lake Superior.” — Robert S
“Backpacking Pictured Rocks was amazing! The views were breathtaking! The sites were very nice with so much space. … Put this on your bucket list for sure!.” — Krissy M
Campground details
Price: $20
Number of sites: 100+, plus dispersed
RV sites: No
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: No
6. Northern Exposure Campground & RV Park — Michigan
Location: Mesick, MI
What makes it great: The early 90s television show Northern Exposure took place in Alaska. This reboot, in the form of a campground & RV park, is set in northern Michigan.
Spanning 300 wooded acres along 2½ miles of shoreline on Hodenpyle Pond, this family-friendly campground provides a variety of accommodations, including 220 RV sites with water and electric hookups and 40 primitive tent sites (100 are waterfront).
Amenities include 50-amp service, hot showers, a camp store and a pizzeria. Guests can enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, hiking and exploring the nearby North Country Trail.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Great Campground. First time going there was amazing. Staff was friendly. Campground was quiet and everyone who was around us was super nice and friendly.” — Robert C
“My HAPPY place. Best place to relax for a week!” — K
Campground details
Price: $30-$45
Number of sites: 260
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
7. B Berry Farms & Co. — Missouri
Location: Marshfield, MO
What makes it great: Many places claim to be unique, but a 40-acre, family-run, pick-your-own berry farm and campground is the definition of the word. B Berry Farms & Co. has a handful of RV sites with 20- or 30-amp hookups, 10 tent sites and a cozy bunkhouse that sleeps four.
Guests can pick fresh berries and explore the property’s trails through lush woodlands. The property also boasts a recreation area with horseshoe pits, a climbing wall, a 10-foot bouncing net, and a water play area featuring a 95-foot zipline and various swings.
For families, there’s a clubhouse stocked with games and lawn chairs, perfect for watching sunsets or relaxing after a day of adventures. The host is known for warm hospitality, often greeting guests with homemade treats like fresh banana bread. The farm also offers a selection of natural skincare products, including soaps, teas, and lip balms, crafted from the farm’s produce.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Upon entering, you can feel the magic created when human creativity meets divine inspiration. Warmly greeted with a smile and a tour of this wonderful retreat, I knew I’d be a frequent guest. This place has everything from axe throwing to free coffee and the property is engineered and planned very nicely. This is my new favorite camping spot!” — Joshua P
“Found this place on a whim through Missouri. Was looking for dispersed camping and not much popped up in the area. So campgrounds were next up. This place already had a few good reviews, so I called them up. Immediately knew this was going to be the place. Super nice folks, clear communication, and even showed us the grounds upon arrival. Lots of amenities for just staying a single night. Everything you need and want in a campground.” — Carson S
Campground details
Price: $7-$48
Number of sites: 16
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
8. F. W. Kent Park — Iowa
Location: Oxford, IA
What makes it great: F.W. Kent Park Campground is a peaceful retreat within a thousand-acre park renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The campground features 86 first-come, first-served sites equipped with 30/50 amp electric hookups, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet.
Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring and a paved pad, providing a comfortable camping experience. Firewood is available for purchase and a dump station is conveniently located near the campground entrance.
The park has more than 13 miles of hiking trails that meander through diverse habitats, including prairies and woodlands. The Lake Trail offers scenic views and crosses seven historic county road bridges and fishing enthusiasts can enjoy the 27-acre stocked lake. For families, the campground provides a quiet atmosphere, spacious sites and proximity to the beach and playgrounds.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “The perfect weekend getaway. My dad and I tent camped here in mid August. It is the perfect camping destination between Amana Colonies and Iowa City.” — Evan G
“Driving cross country, this was my favorite campground. I had a large, private site that had a mowed path leading to the lake. The large lake is beautifully landscaped with walking bridges made from recycled iron and memorial trees of many varieties.” — Lisa S
Campground details
Price: $20
Number of sites: 86
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
9. Oak Point Campground — Lake Glendale — Illinois
Location: Vienna, IL
What makes it great: Nestled within Shawnee National Forest’s Lake Glendale Recreation Area in southern Illinois, Oak Point Campground features spacious and well-maintained campsites, providing ample privacy amidst the towering pines and hardwoods of the forest.
The campground’s location offers direct access to a 3-mile hiking trail around Lake Glendale, great for wildlife viewing, fishing and kayaking. The nearby swimming beach, with a lifeguard on duty during summer months, offers a refreshing spot to relax and enjoy the lake.
While the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends, as it can fill up quickly.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “We were lucky to have site #10 available when we arrived. It had a small trail leading to an alcove. We were able to easily port our kayaks to launch. There are many water lilies to work through/around. They weren’t blooming when we were there, but I’m sure it’s impressive when they are. It’s a beautiful lake. We also hiked and mountain biked the trail around the lake. Fun for everyone!” — Anne S
“This is a little gem of a refuge within the Shawnee NF – about 30min from Marion, down a beautiful country road before nestling among the trees around the lake.” — Twan M
Campground details
Price: $10-$20
Number of sites: 93
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: No
10. Follow The River RV Resort — Indiana
Location: Florence, IN
What makes it great: Follow The River RV Resort has 160 spacious pull-through and back-in sites, all equipped with full hookups (20/30/50 amp), concrete pads, picnic tables and fire rings.
Campers can enjoy a variety of amenities, such as a saltwater swimming pool, playground, dog park and a jumping pillow for children. The resort also offers a catch-and-release fishing pond, horseshoe pits and a paved walking/biking trail.
The clubhouse serves as a hub for social activities and includes a mini arcade, free Wi-Fi, and a general store offering RV supplies, snacks, firewood and propane. Restrooms and showers are clean and well-maintained, contributing to the overall comfort of guests.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “We love this campground! It’s big and plenty of room for big rigs! It’s clean and well maintained. We love the fishing pond, pool, playground and jump pillow. We stayed a month over the summer and just came back for another month. It’s definitely one of the nicest campgrounds we’ve stayed at!” — Amanda E
“We absolutely love this campground, very friendly staff and well kept and clean!! They are pet friendly and allow portable fences.” — Randy P
Campground details
Price: $53-$63
Number of sites: 160
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes