So you’re thinking of going on a summer road trip but can’t
think of anywhere specific to go. The northeast has the coastline, history, and
big cities. The southeast has picturesque beaches, big name theme parks, and world-renowned
cuisine. The west coast has deserts, canyons, and of course, SoCal. So what
does the Midwest have? Corn? Winter snow? The Midwest isn’t a typical vacation
destination, but there’s plenty to do, if you’re looking for it. One thing to
keep in mind is that the winters are often very harsh, but the fall, spring,
and summer are pleasant. No matter what you’re looking for, the Midwest has it:
beaches/lakes, theme parks, and forest. Below are some of our favorite Midwestern
camping destinations.
Starved Rock State Park- Illinois
About an hour and a half outside of Chicago, you’ll find
peace and serenity in Starved Rock State Park. From canyons to waterfalls,
fishing and hiking, you’ll get a little bit of everything “outdoorsy” here. If
you prefer to hike, there are 13 miles of mapped and well-traveled trails. The
visitor’s center has plenty of educational and fun activities for kids of all
ages including story telling, guided mini-hikes, and crafts. If you plan to
take your trip sans kids, then there are a few local wineries and breweries to
visit. This state park allows for traditional (dry) camping and also has RV
hookup sites. If you’d prefer to ditch the tent or don’t have an RV, you can
reserve a night in one of the cabins or lodge.
Black Hills National Park- South Dakota and Wyoming
If you’re looking for forest, you’ve just found 1.25 million
acres of it. With 30 campgrounds, 32 picnic areas, and 353 miles of trails, you
won’t have time to be bored or disappointed. Do you like presidential faces? If
so, be sure to stop by Mount Rushmore and take a look at Lincoln, Washington,
Jefferson, and Roosevelt. Although surrounded by the Black Forest, Mount
Rushmore is actually considered a separate area administered by the National
Park Service. If, alternatively, you are interested in caves, Jewel Cave National
Monument is also surrounded by Black Hills. Jewel Cave is the third longest
cave in the WORLD with nearly 182 mapped passageways. Thankfully, Black Hills
has traditional campgrounds, RV sites, and cabin lodging. There are even
campgrounds specifically designed for group camping- and those designated for “dispersed
camping.”
Roaring River State Park- Missouri
If you’ve ever had an inkling to visit fictitious Tom Sawyer’s
home state, then this state park is the place to be. This 4,000 acre park is
located in the Ozarks on the southwestern side of the state. One of the most
popular state parks, the rivers are stocked with rainbow trout. For obvious
reasons, this park is a favorite of fisherman and hunters, but it also has
seven hiking trails, a nature center, and a pool for the little ones. In the
summer, you can wade in the river or enjoy a bite to eat at the full service
restaurant located in the on-site conference center. As for lodging options,
this park has rustic cabins for rent, traditional campsites, RV sites, and
luxury hotel rooms that are located in the conference center. Be sure to stop
at the on-site store for fishing equipment!
