Best Places to Camp in the Midwest

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

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.
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Illinois Campgrounds Indiana Campgrounds Kentucky Campgrounds Missouri Campgrounds Ohio Campgrounds West Virginia Campgrounds

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

When is the Best Time to Visit 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.

What Are the Top Attractions in the Midwest Region?

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.

What Are the Top Outdoor Activities in the Midwest Region?

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.

Which National Parks Are in the Midwest Region?

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.

Which State Parks Are in the Midwest Region?

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.

Where Can You Find the Best Food in the Midwest Region?

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.

Is the Midwest Region Good For Camping?

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.