Midwest Living magazine's top 24 campgrounds

Following the country’s recession, interest in camping and RVing soared, especially in the Midwest. In fact, the National Association of Parks and Campgrounds reports that more Midwesterners cite camping as a hobby than people in any other region. Now, the May/June 2013 issue of Midwest Living magazine rates the region’s best 24 campgrounds.

Canning Creek Cove Park in Council Grove, Kansas

“We got into RVs and took them across the Midwest, visiting campgrounds and interviewing dozens of campers to find the best places to stay,” said Kendra Williams, senior travel editor. “Every amenity, including the cleanliness of restrooms and things to do for the kids, the scenic vistas and prices and even summer events were factored” when deciding who made the cut.

The result is a comprehensive list of fantastic camping spots, including five “supercampgrounds” that offer a winning combination of scenery, family-friendliness and amenities.

The 24 campgrounds featured in the May/ June 2013 issue include (*denotes “supercampground”):

Illinois 

• Starved Rock State Park Campground (Utica) 

Indiana

• Brown County State Park (Nashville) 
• Indiana Dunes State Park (Chesterton) 
• Middlebury KOA (Middlebury) 

Iowa

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in Middlebrook, Missouri

• Dolliver Memorial State Park Campground (Lehigh) 

Kansas

• Canning Creek Cove Park (Council Grove) 

Michigan 

• P.J. Hoffmaster State Park Campground (Norton Shores) 
• Platte River Campground (Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Honor) 
• Wilderness State Park Campground (Carp Lake) 

Minnesota 

• *Grand Marais Recreation Area (Grand Marais) 
• Old Barn Resort (Preston) 
• Sibley State Park Campground (New London)

Missouri

• Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park (Middlebrook) 
• Silver Dollar City’s Wilderness (Branson) 

Nebraska

• *Eugene T. Mahoney State Park (Ashland) 

  

  Platte River Campground in Michigan's Sleeping Bear
  Dunes National Lakeshore

North Dakota

• Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park Campground (Mandan) 

Ohio 

• Hueston Woods State Park Campground (College Corner) 
• Lighthouse Point and Camper Village at Cedar Point (Sandusky)  (You can also see my blog post and video about camping at Cedar Point, which we have done several times.)

South Dakota 

• Blue Bell Campground (Custer State Park, Custer) 
• Lewis and Clark Recreation Area (Yankton) 
• Mount Rushmore KOA/Palmer Gulch Resort (Hill City) 

Wisconsin 

• *Hayward KOA (Hayward) 
• Merry Mac’s Campground (Merrimac) 
• Smokey Hollow Campground (Lodi)

The five “supercampgrounds” featured in the May/June issue received special accolades for their combination of “creature comforts and unbeatable views.” The clean restrooms and well-stocked camp store are a plus for Brown County State Park in Nashville, Ind., but The Little Gem Restaurant’s pork tenderloin sandwiches and fried buttermilk biscuits (dusted with cinnamon and sugar) are an even bigger hit. While at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park in Ashland, Neb., kids will go ga-ga over its outdoor water park, mini golf course and pedal boats. Adults will enjoy the scenic view overlooking the Platte River.

Two honorable mentions named in the article, Clay’s Park Resort in Lawrence, Ohio, and Slattery Vintage Estates in Nehawka, Neb., are recognized for their more pampered approach to camping, also known as “glamping.” Clay’s Park Resort features Amish-made, queen-size beds situated in posh-style tents overlooking a lake in addition to big-name music concerts. At Slattery Vintage Estates, glampers can sip wine, dine on wood-fired pizzas and enjoy live music. In the morning, a three-course breakfast awaits in their wine-tasting room.

The May/June issue is currently available on newsstands, and the article is online at www.midwestliving.com/campgrounds.