Top 10 National Parks and State Parks in the Midwest

Nothing brings a family together quite like a nice relaxing camping trip. Whether you are sitting around a campfire, swimming in the nearby lake, or hiking on a scenic trail, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The hardest part usually is figuring out where you want to camp. Well there’s no need to stress over this issue anymore. Here is a list containing 10 of the best campsites throughout the Midwest based upon research gathered from multiple sources.

1) Badlands National Park, SD

The sheer beauty of the rock formations at the Badlands makes it a must see for any tourist. Sedimentary Rock layers make up most of the park’s 244,000 acres and formed because of deposition that started occurring 67 to 75 million years ago. Contrasting climates and environments over time caused various sediments to accumulate at different times. Also, erosion was a main factor in carving out the magnificent rock formations that can be seen today at the Badlands. About 500,000 years ago rivers and streams surrounding the Black Hills were captured by the Cheyenne River which caused the Badlands to erode at a rapid rate of about one inch per year. This created the beautiful spectacle we see today known as the Badlands. A wide array of prehistoric fossils are deposited in the layers of rock.

Wildlife such as bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs, and black-footed ferrets roam around the Badlands as well. The park has a wide array of amenities and campsites that also makes the Badlands National Park number one on our list. There are two campgrounds open year round, a Fossil Preparation Lab, hiking trails, a gift shop at the visitor center, and much more to do at the Badlands National Park.

2) Ludington State Park, MI

There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Ludington State Park. Visitors can hike one of the eight marked trails, enjoy the sand dunes that stretch along side Lake Michigan, take a look at the famous Big Sable Point Lighthouse, or spend some time fishing Hamlin Lake and the Sable River.

355 sites and three separate campgrounds can be found inside the park. Be sure to book you site before the summer season because they fill up months before the summer season.

3) Devil’s Lake State Park, WI

You will not run out of beautiful natural sites to explore while spending time at Devil’s Lake State Park. Sandstone bridges, gorges, sandy beaches, and much more. The rock formations and steep terrain make it an excellent spot for rock climbers to come and enjoy some outdoor climbing. The AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) offers a three day SPI course where a trained instructor teaches you how to properly rock climb in an outdoor setting. Plenty of routes are scattered amongst the park so climbers of all skill levels can enjoy themselves.

There are also three public camping areas located on the north shore of the lake and nine group campsites on the south shore. Be sure to book your campsite in advance because there are only 10 non-resevable campsites available to the public!

4) Hocking Hills State Park, OH

This 2,356-acre park offers cascading waterfalls, breathtaking cliffs, deep recess caves, and forestland as far as the eye can see. It’s location in the sandstone region of Southeastern Ohio makes for some of the most scenic areas in the entire state. There are 6 different hiking regions throughout the park, and they lead to breathtaking natural beauties such as Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, and much more.

Lodging is another aspect that truly makes Hocking Hills a unique park. Take advantage of the opportunity to sleep at horse ranches, in a wigwam, by the river, at an RV park, or at a private campsite.

5) Indiana Dunes State Park, IN

The dunes consists of 2,182 acres of primitive landscape that lies on the north end of State Road 49 in Porter County. Large sand dunes are located along the entire shoreline and tower nearly 200 feet above Lake Michigan. There are plenty of activities to do such as: kite flying, swimming, fishing, and bird watching. A divers array of birds make the sand dunes there home before they travel south for the winter.

A number of picnic areas/shelters, hiking trails, and swimming areas can also be found at Indiana Dunes State Park.

6) Voyageurs National Park, MN

One of Voyageur’s claims to fame is that it’s the only National Park in Minnesota, and it sits on the border of the United States and Canada. It’s known as a water based park with 218,054 acres of land and more than 1/3 of that acreage is water. The park consists of four large lakes and 26 smaller interior lakes. Visitors have the option of lodging at resorts with lakeside cabins, staying in a houseboat, or camping on secluded islands. There are plenty of fishing and hiking opportunities to enjoy while you stay.

The park is open year round and access points to the park can be found just off Highway 53 and include Crane Lake, Orr, Ash River, Kabetogama Lake, International Fall, and Ranier.

7) Eugene T Mahoney State Park, NE

This modern state park is the year-round destination for a family escape. Families can enjoy the aquatic center, lodge, and restaurant. The Peter Kiewit Lodge offers 40 guest rooms with a stunning view of the Platte River valley. Amenities offered at the park include a mini-golf course, disc golf course, an arts and crafts center, paddle boating opportunities, a theater, horse back riding, and much more.

You can find great areas to fish, swim, and enjoy the water along Owen Marina Lake and Platte River. Eugene T Mahoney State Park is located between Lincoln and Omaha.

8) Peninsula State Park, WI

Many people consider Peninsula to be Wisconsin’s most complete park. Spend time enjoying scenic overlooks, sunset spots, picnic areas, lighthouse tours, golfing, and biking. Avid hikers enjoy checking out the Eagle Trail because it gives you up close views of the famous Niagara Escarpment. This is known as the longest escarpment in the United States and Canada and runs east to west.

Also, check out the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse and enjoy scenic views of Green Bay and the Door County area.

9) Starved Rock State Park, IL

18 canyons, more than 13 miles of trails, waterfalls, sandstone overhangs, and spectacular overlooks are just the beginning of what Starved Rock State Park offers. Visitors enjoy the abundant wildlife along the Illinois River. There are plenty of hiking trails, fishing spots, and neat kayaking opportunities around the canyons and terrain that make up Starved Rock State Park.

Premium RV and campsites are scattered throughout the park. A full service bathhouse, community picnic areas, and much more are all available at the park. The park hosts over two million visitors annually which is the most of any Illinois State Park.

10) Dolliver Memorial State Park, IA

More than 500 acres of bluffs, flatland, and Native American mounds can be found around the park. The campground is located in a pleasant setting overlooking the Des Moines River. Visitors love to take the hiking trails the circle around sandstone rock formations towering 100 feet above Prairie Creek. Guests also love spending time fishing, hiking, swimming, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Check all of the different lodging options that vary from Family Cabins, Group Camps, to individual campsites.

Blain’s Farm & Fleet is here to help you prepare for your next camping adventure. Be sure to check out our tents, sleeping bags, camping stoves, and other camping gear in the store and online at farmandfleet.com.