Best Places to Camp in the Midwest

Explore our scenic campgrounds throughout the midwest region of the US.

Midwest Region
St. Louis, Missouri
All Regions / Midwest

Midwest Region

  • States

    Illinois Indiana Kentucky Missouri Ohio West Virginia

  • What Weather Can You Expect

    The climate of the Midwest Region is a combination of humid continental to humid subtropical. The states that are predominantly humid continental, including Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, have hot and humid summers and cool to cold and snowy winters. West Virginia and Kentucky have humid subtropical climates, with long, hot and humid summers and a lot of precipitation throughout the year. Winters in these states are generally mild and cool. The KOA campgrounds in this region are open with extended seasons from early spring through late fall or open all year, so there are many opportunities to enjoy camping activities in this region.

  • View Our Midwest KOA Campgrounds & RV Parks

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  • Must See Sights In The Midwest Region

    The Midwest Region is surrounded by land with the exception of the northern borders of Illinois and Indiana at the southern tip of Lake Michigan and the northern border of Ohio on Lake Erie's shoreline. This region is a blend of highly populated metropolitan areas and various natural wonders to explore. In Missouri, explore a newly designated Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, a reflection on the role of this city in expanding the United States to the west. Lake of the Ozarks reservoir provides lots of recreational opportunities and Branson, Missouri is an entertainment area with numerous shows and amusement parks. Indiana is also home to the newest national park, Indiana Dunes National Park, along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. The Indianapolis Zoo and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home to the Indianapolis 500, are other popular draws located in this state. The major metropolitan area of Chicago, Illinois, is located on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan and here you can visit Millenium Park and the Magnificent Mile. Ohio is bordered by Lake Erie to the north and contains Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Major cities in Ohio include its capital Columbus, as well as Cleveland and Cincinnati. West Virginia has some great state parks to visit, including Blackwater Falls State Park, and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park for historical buildings and hiking trails. Kentucky is home to the famous annual Kentucky Derby horse race in Louisville. You will also find Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky.

Best Places To Go While Camping In The Midwest Region

Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Kentucky

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Indiana Dunes National Park

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Missouri

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, Kentucky

Punderson State Park, Ohio

Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Turkey Run State Park, Indiana



FAQs For Camping in The Midwest Region

The Midwest, also known as America's Heartland, refers to the north-central portion of the United States. The climate of the Midwest Region is a combination of humid continental to humid subtropical. The best time to travel to the Midwest is based on what you plan to do during your vacation, but most people can agree that the winters are often long and brutal.

If you're looking to enjoy water-related activities, than summer is the best time to visit. Summer days can get hot and humid, but as long as you are prepared for the environment then you'll be all set.

Fall is also a great time to visit because many areas burst with autumn colors and the temperatures are cooler.

The Midwest is home to thousands of captivating attractions. From outdoor adventure to electrifying cities, there's an endless array of activities to pique your interest.

Some of the top attractions are Mount Rushmore, Gateway Arch, Mall of America, Indy 500, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Kentucky Derby, Corn Palace, and the Indianapolis Zoo.

When it comes to outdoor adventure, the Midwest has numerous parks to explore. A few of the top parks in this region are cuyahoga Valley National Park, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Indiana Dunes National Park. If you're a thrill seeker, check out Cedar Point which is an amusement park with the world's largest, tasted and tallest roller coaster: the Steel Vengeance.

The Midwest Region is rule of outdoor adventures, like hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, snowshoeing, and so much more.

Some of the best places to go camping, hiking, and biking are Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blackwater Falls State Park, Lake of the Ozarks, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. All of these parks provide lots of recreational opportunities to enjoy.

When winter rolls around, there are a wide variety of outdoor activities as well. For those who want a hearty exercise, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are fun way to take in some incredible terrain. You can also go sledding and snow tubing if you are looking for a more thrilling, less physical activity.

There are eight official national parks, offering explorers of every kind the perfect place to celebrate the National Park Service. The most-visited park is the United States is Great Smoky Mountains. Other popular parks in the midwest are Gateway Arch National Park, Indiana Dunes National Park, Mammoth Cave National Park, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.These parks offer opportunities for outdoor adventure, as well as historical buildings and sites to explore.

Since the Midwest is surrounded by land, there are various natural wonders to explore whether you are camping, hiking, paddling or biking. The parks offer old forest, sandstone gorgeous, and an abundance of water in the form of rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.

Some of the most popular state parks in the Midwest are Blackwater Falls State Park, Punderson State Park, Starved Rock State Park, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Turkey Run State Park, and Backbone State Park. Since these parks are often overlooked, they are typically less crowded providing more solitude to enjoy the nature offered within these parks.

A typical meal in the Midwest Region is considered "all-American." If you're looking to try delicious comfort food, look no further. Some Midwestern foods you must try are Chicago-style hot dogs, bratwurst, juneberry pie, pulled-pork BBQ, pan-fried walleye, toasted ravioli, and bison burgers. Since there are so many great options to choose from, you're bound to try some of the Midwest's iconic food options during your visit.

Let's look at some of the must-visit restaurants in the region. There is 17th Street BBQ, Das Dutchman Essenhaus, Octave Grill, Proof on Main, Claudia Sanders Dinner House, The Boathouse at Forest Park, 44 Stone Public House, Buckeye Express Diner, The Golden Lamb, and Elle & Jack's.

The Midwest is known for its lush forested views, breaking dune vistas, and stunning sunsets. The Midwest Region has a wide selection of camping areas with different rivers, plains, hills, valleys, and waterfalls to explore. Whether you're looking for modern amenities or a place to pitch a tent, there are plenty of opportunities to camp in the Midwest.

Since temperatures don't typically reach extremes in this region, it's a great place for year-round camping. Winters are generally mild and cool, while summers are hot and humid, so there's always something to do depending on the season you plan your camping trip.

Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes State Park

View Our Midwest Campgrounds

Benton KOA Journey
Benton KOA Journey

1500 North DuQuoin Street, Benton

Casey KOA Journey
Casey KOA Journey

1248 East 1250th Road, Casey

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday
Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday

8404 South Union Road, Union

Galesburg East / Knoxville, IL KOA Holiday
Galesburg East / Knoxville, IL KOA Holiday

1081 E US Highway 150, Knoxville

Grayville / I-64 KOA Holiday
Grayville / I-64 KOA Holiday

200 Koehler St., Grayville

Kankakee South KOA Holiday
Kankakee South KOA Holiday

425 East 6000 South Road, Chebanse

Lena KOA Holiday
Lena KOA Holiday

10982 US Highway 20 West, Lena

Marion / Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday
Marion / Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday

75 Egyptian Parkway, Creal Springs

Springfield KOA Journey
Springfield KOA Journey

4320 KOA Road, Rochester

St. Louis N.E. / I-270 / Granite City KOA Journey
St. Louis N.E. / I-270 / Granite City KOA Journey

3157 West Chain of Rocks Road, Granite City

Benton KOA Journey

1500 North DuQuoin Street, Benton

Casey KOA Journey

1248 East 1250th Road, Casey

Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday

8404 South Union Road, Union

Galesburg East / Knoxville, IL KOA Holiday

1081 E US Highway 150, Knoxville

Grayville / I-64 KOA Holiday

200 Koehler St., Grayville

Kankakee South KOA Holiday

425 East 6000 South Road, Chebanse

Lena KOA Holiday

10982 US Highway 20 West, Lena

Marion / Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday

75 Egyptian Parkway, Creal Springs

Springfield KOA Journey

4320 KOA Road, Rochester

St. Louis N.E. / I-270 / Granite City KOA Journey

3157 West Chain of Rocks Road, Granite City

Angola / Hogback Lake KOA Holiday
Angola / Hogback Lake KOA Holiday

5251 West US 20, Angola

Batesville KOA Journey
Batesville KOA Journey

7234 E State Rd 46, Batesville

Bluffton / Fort Wayne South KOA Journey
Bluffton / Fort Wayne South KOA Journey

1625 West Lancaster Street, Bluffton

Brown County / Nashville KOA Holiday
Brown County / Nashville KOA Holiday

2248 State Road 46 E, Nashville

Crawfordsville KOA Journey
Crawfordsville KOA Journey

1600 Lafayette Road, Crawfordsville

Elkhart Co. / Middlebury KOA Holiday
Elkhart Co. / Middlebury KOA Holiday

52867 State Road 13, Middlebury

Indiana Beach / Monticello KOA Holiday
Indiana Beach / Monticello KOA Holiday

2882 N.W. Shafer Drive, Monticello

Indianapolis KOA Holiday
Indianapolis KOA Holiday

5896 West 200 North, Greenfield

Richmond KOA Holiday
Richmond KOA Holiday

3101 Cart Rd, Richmond

Scottsburg / Raintree Lake KOA Holiday
Scottsburg / Raintree Lake KOA Holiday

4577 W State Road 56, Scottsburg

Angola / Hogback Lake KOA Holiday

5251 West US 20, Angola

Batesville KOA Journey

7234 E State Rd 46, Batesville

Bluffton / Fort Wayne South KOA Journey

1625 West Lancaster Street, Bluffton

Brown County / Nashville KOA Holiday

2248 State Road 46 E, Nashville

Crawfordsville KOA Journey

1600 Lafayette Road, Crawfordsville

Elkhart Co. / Middlebury KOA Holiday

52867 State Road 13, Middlebury

Indiana Beach / Monticello KOA Holiday

2882 N.W. Shafer Drive, Monticello

Indianapolis KOA Holiday

5896 West 200 North, Greenfield

Richmond KOA Holiday

3101 Cart Rd, Richmond

Scottsburg / Raintree Lake KOA Holiday

4577 W State Road 56, Scottsburg

Albany / Lake Cumberland KOA Journey
Albany / Lake Cumberland KOA Journey

3465 HWY 829, Albany

Ashland / Huntington West KOA Holiday
Ashland / Huntington West KOA Holiday

80 KOA Lane, Argillite

Bowling Green KOA Holiday
Bowling Green KOA Holiday

1960 Three Springs Road, Bowling Green

Corbin / Laurel Lake KOA Journey
Corbin / Laurel Lake KOA Journey

171 East City Dam Road, Corbin

Horse Cave KOA Holiday
Horse Cave KOA Holiday

KOA AVE, Horse Cave

Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA
Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA

1777 Prizer Point Rd., Cadiz

Louisville South KOA Holiday
Louisville South KOA Holiday

2433 Highway 44 East, Shepherdsville

Paducah / I-24 / Kentucky Lake KOA Journey
Paducah / I-24 / Kentucky Lake KOA Journey

4793 US Highway 62, Calvert City

Renfro Valley KOA Holiday
Renfro Valley KOA Holiday

184 KOA Campground Rd, Mt. Vernon

Russell Springs / Lake Cumberland KOA Journey
Russell Springs / Lake Cumberland KOA Journey

1440 Highway 1383, Russell Springs

Bowling Green KOA Holiday

1960 Three Springs Road, Bowling Green

Corbin / Laurel Lake KOA Journey

171 East City Dam Road, Corbin

Horse Cave KOA Holiday

KOA AVE, Horse Cave

Kentucky Lakes / Prizer Point KOA

1777 Prizer Point Rd., Cadiz

Louisville South KOA Holiday

2433 Highway 44 East, Shepherdsville

Paducah / I-24 / Kentucky Lake KOA Journey

4793 US Highway 62, Calvert City

Renfro Valley KOA Holiday

184 KOA Campground Rd, Mt. Vernon

Russell Springs / Lake Cumberland KOA Journey

1440 Highway 1383, Russell Springs

Branson KOA Holiday
Branson KOA Holiday

397 Animal Safari Road, Branson

Joplin KOA Journey
Joplin KOA Journey

4359 Dakota Lane, Joplin

Kansas City East / Oak Grove KOA Holiday
Kansas City East / Oak Grove KOA Holiday

303 NE 3rd Street, Oak Grove

Lake of the Ozarks / Linn Creek KOA Holiday
Lake of the Ozarks / Linn Creek KOA Holiday

4171 US-54, Linn Creek

Lebanon / Bennett Spring KOA Holiday
Lebanon / Bennett Spring KOA Holiday

13654 Hwy 64, Lebanon

Sam A Baker / Otahki Lake KOA Holiday
Sam A Baker / Otahki Lake KOA Holiday

1224 Wayne 318, Patterson

Springfield / Route 66 KOA Holiday
Springfield / Route 66 KOA Holiday

5775 West Farm Road 140, Springfield

St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday

18475 Old US Hwy 66, Eureka

Branson KOA Holiday

397 Animal Safari Road, Branson

Joplin KOA Journey

4359 Dakota Lane, Joplin

Kansas City East / Oak Grove KOA Holiday

303 NE 3rd Street, Oak Grove

Sam A Baker / Otahki Lake KOA Holiday

1224 Wayne 318, Patterson

Springfield / Route 66 KOA Holiday

5775 West Farm Road 140, Springfield

Andover / Pymatuning Lake KOA Holiday
Andover / Pymatuning Lake KOA Holiday

7652 Pymatuning Lake Road, Williamsfield

Buckeye Lake / Columbus East KOA Holiday
Buckeye Lake / Columbus East KOA Holiday

4460 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake

Butler / Mohican KOA Journey
Butler / Mohican KOA Journey

6918 Bunker Hill Road South, Butler

Calcutta / West Point KOA Journey
Calcutta / West Point KOA Journey

13721 East Liverpool Road, Lisbon

Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday
Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday

3232 Downing Street SW, East Sparta

Carrollton KOA Holiday
Carrollton KOA Holiday

4145 Fresno Rd. NW, Carrollton

Coshocton KOA Holiday
Coshocton KOA Holiday

24688 County Road 10, Coshocton

Dayton KOA Holiday
Dayton KOA Holiday

7796 Wellbaum Road, Brookville

Hocking Hills KOA Holiday
Hocking Hills KOA Holiday

29150 Pattor Rd, Logan

Lake Milton / Berlin Lake KOA Holiday
Lake Milton / Berlin Lake KOA Holiday

15487 Creed Rd, Lake Milton

Lebanon / Cincinnati NE KOA Holiday
Lebanon / Cincinnati NE KOA Holiday

760 Franklin Rd, Lebanon

Mt. Gilead KOA Holiday
Mt. Gilead KOA Holiday

901 E High Street, Mt. Gilead

Salem / Lisbon KOA Holiday
Salem / Lisbon KOA Holiday

33807 Winona Road, Salem

Sandusky / Bayshore KOA Holiday
Sandusky / Bayshore KOA Holiday

East Shoreway Drive KOA, Sandusky

Shelby / Mansfield KOA Resort
Shelby / Mansfield KOA Resort

6787 Baker 47, Shelby

Streetsboro / Cleveland SE KOA Holiday
Streetsboro / Cleveland SE KOA Holiday

187 State Route 303, Streetsboro

Sunbury / Columbus North KOA Holiday
Sunbury / Columbus North KOA Holiday

8644 Porter Central Rd, Sunbury

Thompson / Grand River Valley KOA Holiday
Thompson / Grand River Valley KOA Holiday

6445 Ledge Rd, Thompson

Toledo East / Stony Ridge KOA Journey
Toledo East / Stony Ridge KOA Journey

24787 Luckey Road, Perrysburg

Wapakoneta KOA Holiday
Wapakoneta KOA Holiday

14719 Cemetery Road, Wapakoneta

Andover / Pymatuning Lake KOA Holiday

7652 Pymatuning Lake Road, Williamsfield

Buckeye Lake / Columbus East KOA Holiday

4460 Walnut Road, Buckeye Lake

Butler / Mohican KOA Journey

6918 Bunker Hill Road South, Butler

Calcutta / West Point KOA Journey

13721 East Liverpool Road, Lisbon

Canton / East Sparta KOA Holiday

3232 Downing Street SW, East Sparta

Carrollton KOA Holiday

4145 Fresno Rd. NW, Carrollton

Coshocton KOA Holiday

24688 County Road 10, Coshocton

Dayton KOA Holiday

7796 Wellbaum Road, Brookville

Hocking Hills KOA Holiday

29150 Pattor Rd, Logan

Lake Milton / Berlin Lake KOA Holiday

15487 Creed Rd, Lake Milton

Lebanon / Cincinnati NE KOA Holiday

760 Franklin Rd, Lebanon

Mt. Gilead KOA Holiday

901 E High Street, Mt. Gilead

Salem / Lisbon KOA Holiday

33807 Winona Road, Salem

Sandusky / Bayshore KOA Holiday

East Shoreway Drive KOA, Sandusky

Shelby / Mansfield KOA Resort

6787 Baker 47, Shelby

Streetsboro / Cleveland SE KOA Holiday

187 State Route 303, Streetsboro

Sunbury / Columbus North KOA Holiday

8644 Porter Central Rd, Sunbury

Toledo East / Stony Ridge KOA Journey

24787 Luckey Road, Perrysburg

Wapakoneta KOA Holiday

14719 Cemetery Road, Wapakoneta

Flatwoods KOA Journey
Flatwoods KOA Journey

350 Days Drive, Sutton

Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday

343 Campground Road, Harpers Ferry

Huntington / Fox Fire KOA Holiday
Huntington / Fox Fire KOA Holiday

290 Fox Fire Road, Milton

Flatwoods KOA Journey

350 Days Drive, Sutton

Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday

343 Campground Road, Harpers Ferry

Huntington / Fox Fire KOA Holiday

290 Fox Fire Road, Milton

Babcock State Park, West Virginia

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