Roaming the States: Discovering the best RV parks in the Mid-West region of the United States
The Midwest region of the United States is known for its heartland charm and stunning natural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for RV enthusiasts. Here’s a guide to some of the top RV parks in North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa. Each of these Midwestern states offers its very own unique charm, outdoor activities, and scenic beauty, promising an unforgettable RV adventure.
North Dakota
North Dakota, with its expansive prairies, badlands, and scenic rivers, invites RV enthusiasts to discover its unspoiled beauty. Whether you’re seeking wild terrain, tranquil lakeshores, or historic sites, these five RV parks showcase the best of North Dakota’s allure.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park – Medora:
Nestled in the badlands, this national park offers RV campers a glimpse of untouched wilderness. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hike on trails amidst colorful rock formations, and witness diverse wildlife, including bison and wild horses.
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – Mandan:
Home to the reconstructed military buildings and the On-A-Slant Indian Village, this state park provides RV camping steeped in history. Visitors can explore historic sites, hike trails along the Missouri River, and immerse themselves in Native American culture.
Lake Metigoshe State Park – Bottineau:
Nestled near the Canadian border, this park offers RVers a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush forests and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, hiking trails, and spotting diverse wildlife in a tranquil woodland setting.
Grahams Island State Park – Devils Lake:
Set on an island in Devils Lake, this park offers RV camping with waterfront views and outdoor activities. Visitors can fish for walleye, hike trails, enjoy birdwatching, and take in panoramic lake views.
Lewis and Clark State Park – Williston:
Located on the shores of Lake Sakakawea, this park offers RV campers a scenic lakeside experience. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking trails, and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscapes.
South Dakota
South Dakota, known for its stunning national parks, historic landmarks, and scenic landscapes, invites RV enthusiasts to explore its diverse attractions. Whether you’re seeking iconic monuments, tranquil lakes, or a mix of both, these five RV parks showcase the best of South Dakota’s allure.
Custer State Park- Custer:
Nestled in the Black Hills, Custer State Park offers RV campers a chance to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, spot diverse wildlife like bison and elk, hike trails, and discover scenic lakes and granite peaks.
Mount Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch – Hill City:
Situated near the iconic Mount Rushmore National Memorial, this RV park offers a range of amenities and proximity to Black Hills attractions. RVers can enjoy spacious sites, pools, hiking trails, and easy access to the monumental landmark.
Badlands/White River KOA – Interior:
Set near Badlands National Park, this KOA campground provides RV campers with a gateway to the rugged beauty of the Badlands. Visitors can explore hiking trails, experience the park’s unique rock formations, and marvel at panoramic views of the prairies.
Palisades State Park – Garretson:
Known for its unique rock formations along Split Rock Creek, Palisades State Park offers RV camping amid stunning natural beauty. Visitors can hike trails, go rock climbing, enjoy picnics, and explore the scenic landscapes carved by the creek.
Lewis and Clark Recreation Area – Yankton:
Set along the Missouri River, this recreation area offers RVers a chance to enjoy water activities and serene landscapes. Visitors can go boating, fishing, hike trails, and enjoy scenic river views.
Nebraska
Nebraska, known for its vast prairies, rolling sandhills, and historic landmarks, invites RV enthusiasts to discover its hidden treasures. Whether you’re seeking peaceful lakeshores, panoramic vistas, or a mix of both, these five RV parks showcase the best of Nebraska’s charm.
Eugene T. Mahoney State Park – Ashland:
Nestled in the Platte River Valley, this state park offers RV campers a wide array of activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and water park fun at the Family Aquatic Center.
Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area – Ogallala:
Set along the shores of Lake McConaughy, this area offers RVers a serene lakeside experience. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, sandy beaches, and spectacular sunsets over the largest reservoir in Nebraska.
Fort Robinson State Park – Crawford:
Located in the Pine Ridge region, this former military fort is now a sprawling state park. RV campers can explore historic buildings, hike scenic trails, go horseback riding, and learn about the region’s history.
Indian Cave State Park – Shubert:
Nestled along the Missouri River, this park offers RV camping amidst woodlands and limestone bluffs. Visitors can hike trails, explore the famous Indian Cave, enjoy picnics, and take in views of the river valley.
Smith Falls State Park – Valentine:
Home to the state’s highest waterfall, Smith Falls State Park offers RVers a tranquil getaway. Visitors can hike trails, canoe the Niobrara River, and marvel at the stunning 70-foot waterfall.
Kansas
Kansas, often associated with its vast prairies and historic landmarks, invites RV enthusiasts to explore its natural beauty and cultural heritage. Whether you’re seeking lakeside relaxation, historic sites, or a mix of both, these five RV parks showcase the best of Kansas’ allure.
Milford State Park – Milford:
Set along the shores of Milford Lake, this state park offers RV campers a serene lakeside experience. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking trails, and scenic views of the largest lake in Kansas.
Clinton State Park – Lawrence:
Nestled along the shores of Clinton Lake, this park offers RVers a mix of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking trails, and wildlife observation in a tranquil lakeside setting.
Tuttle Creek State Park – Manhattan:
Located along the Big Blue River, Tuttle Creek State Park provides RV camping with scenic views of the water. Visitors can enjoy water activities, hiking trails, and wildlife watching in a peaceful natural setting.
Scott State Park – Scott City:
Nestled in the High Plains, Scott State Park offers RVers a chance to explore unique geological formations. Visitors can hike trails, marvel at the bluffs and rock formations, and discover the area’s natural history.
El Dorado State Park – El Dorado:
Set around the expansive El Dorado Lake, this park offers RV camping and a variety of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking trails, and even horseback riding in a beautiful lakeside setting.
Missouri
Missouri, known for its diverse landscapes and historic landmarks, beckons RV enthusiasts to explore its natural wonders. Whether you’re seeking lakeside retreats, riverside adventures, or a mix of both, these five RV parks showcase the best of Missouri’s allure.
Bennett Spring State Park – Lebanon:
Renowned for its trout fishing and natural beauty, Bennett Spring State Park offers RV campers a serene escape. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking trails, and exploring the park’s scenic beauty and historic sites.
Table Rock State Park – Branson:
Set along the shores of Table Rock Lake, this state park offers RVers a lakeside retreat. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Ozark Mountains.
Mark Twain State Park – Stoutsville:
Located on the shores of Mark Twain Lake, this park offers RV camping amidst woodlands and water. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching in a peaceful lakeside setting.
Meramec State Park – Sullivan:
Nestled along the Meramec River, this park provides RVers with a chance to explore natural wonders. Visitors can enjoy cave tours, canoeing, hiking trails and exploring the river valley’s scenic beauty.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park – Kaiser:
Set along the shores of Lake of the Ozarks, this park offers RV camping and a range of recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking trails, and relaxation in a picturesque lakeside setting.
Iowa
Iowa, known for its rolling hills, scenic rivers, and vibrant communities, invites RV enthusiasts to discover its diverse attractions. Whether you’re seeking lakeside retreats, historic sites, or a mix of both, these five RV parks showcase the best of Iowa’s allure.
Maquoketa Caves State Park, Maquoketa :
Nestled amidst picturesque woodlands, this park offers RV campers a chance to explore unique geological formations. Visitors can hike trails, explore limestone caves, and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
Pikes Peak State Park – McGregor:
Set along the bluffs of the Mississippi River, Pike’s Peak State Park offers RVers panoramic views and outdoor activities. Visitors can hike trails, enjoy scenic overlooks, and witness the confluence of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers.
Backbone State Park – Dundee:
Known as Iowa’s first state park, Backbone offers RV camping amidst rugged cliffs and woodlands. Visitors can hike trails, fish at the lake, and explore unique rock formations like Devil’s Backbone.
Brushy Creek State Recreation Area – Lehigh:
Set around Brushy Creek Lake, this area offers RVers a range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking trails, and birdwatching in a serene lakeside setting.
Ledges State Park – Madrid:
Known for its sandstone cliffs and picturesque canyons, Ledges State Park provides RV campers with a unique natural escape. Visitors can hike trails, enjoy picnics, and explore the park’s diverse landscapes.
Embark on an RV adventure through the Midwest’s best parks, where lakeshores, dramatic landscapes, and outdoor activities await. Whether you seek lakeside relaxation, rugged beauty, or a mix of nature’s wonders, these parks promise an unforgettable RV journey through the diverse landscape of the Midwest.