Top 6 RV Destinations in the Midwest USA

Tour the Underrated Midwest USA by RV

One of the most underrated regions for scenery in the continental USA, the Midwest is home to the iconic “amber waves of grain,” charming hamlets, the Mississippi river bed, and other truly beautiful sites. Let’s explore a few Midwest RV destinations and get this show on the road.

1. Mackinac Island, Michigan

Located in the straits between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas on majestic Lake Huron, historic Mackinac Island is accessible by ferry or private boat only. Visiting RVers need to park on the mainland and take the ferry over. You can check out the local KOA or any number of other RV campgrounds nearby to enjoy the lake and access the island for day trips. 

Once on the island, take some time to explore the 19th century architecture on foot, bike, or horse-drawn carriage, take a hike through the island’s lush natural beauty, climb the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, visit the Governor’s summer residence, or explore the many historic sites associated with colonial, revolutionary, and expanding American history.  

2. Custer State Park, South Dakota

One of the most ecologically diverse parks in the United States, Custer State Park features stunning scenery, unique wildlife, landmarks, and ample hiking. Though not as renowned as nearby Mount Rushmore or Badlands National Park, you can enjoy scenic routes featuring bison, bighorn sheep, hawks, and more as well as eye-catching rock formations in Custer State Park, which even has some RV camping within the park grounds. 

Sites to see include Needles Highway and the Eye Tunnel (make sure that your RV can clear the section of the tunnel that is 8’4” wide by 12’ high or tow a daily driver for this one), Wildlife Loop Road, Sylvan Lake, and the welcoming entourage, the Begging Burros. 

3. The Great River Road, Minnesota

Following the course of the mighty Mississippi River as it traverses through Minnesota, the Great River Road features historic towns and landmarks along scenic views of the river. Minnesota’s beautiful scenic parkway spans almost 600 miles across 20 counties and 43 towns and provides access to areas that tell the Minnesota origin story of the Mississippi. 

The Great River Road takes you to the small wilderness stream in Itasca State Park where the Mississippi begins, and here you can walk across its headwaters. As the river winds across northern Minnesota, it passes through large reservoirs and the city of Grand Rapids as it makes its way to central Minnesota, through Brainerd, Little Falls (the childhood summer home of Charles Lindbergh), and St. Cloud. It’s later hugged on both sides of Minneapolis-St. Paul by biking and walking trails as well as a theater complex and several major museums. And finally, the southern Minnesotan portion heads through Red Wing, Lake City, and Winona as a wide expanse of river heading into Wisconsin and beyond. 

RVers will be delighted to find plenty of state parks with ample campgrounds and inviting, easily accessible sites along the Minnesota portion of the Great River Road. 

4. The Black Hills National Forest, South Dakota

Home to the famous Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills are a popular RV destination offering a variety of outdoor activities. You can hike the hills, visit Mount Rushmore, and enjoy the nearby scenic drives in over a million acres of beautiful, untouched forest. 

Named for the Lakota words, “Paha Sapa,” meaning “hills that are black,” you’ll be amazed by the pine-covered hills that loom prominently over the prairies by several thousand feet. Make time to explore the extensive winding cave system, including Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument, as well as the former deepest gold mine in America, Homestake Mine, and waterfalls at Spearfish Canyon. The grasslands of the Black Hills are home to bison, elk, deep, antelope, prairie dogs, and more unique wildlife, all against this dramatic natural backdrop. 

RVers visiting the Black Hills National Forest will find plenty of campsites available from the forest service or private campgrounds with close access. 

5. Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

In a state not usually known for its scenic destinations, Ohio’s Hocking Hills State Park offers many hiking trails through stunning rock formations and waterfalls. RV travelers can spend several days exploring this less-traveled area and park on the state park grounds. Since this state park is open year-round, it’s a great place to visit, no matter the season. 

Make time to explore Ash Cave, Rock House, Conkle’s Hollow, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, and more. Experience guided night hikes, the BigFoot Festival, haunted hikes, the Jeep Show, and other unique arts and cultural events throughout the year, only in Ohio, and only at Hocking Hills State Park. 

6. Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Enclosed within a ring of towering trees, Starved Rock State Park is home to many types of wildlife and natural amenities for visitors to enjoy. The Illinois River winds through the park, whose rock formations create beautiful waterfalls to enjoy and opportunities for fishing, ice fishing, boarding, and more. Another state park that is open during the winter, you may enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing across the park. 

A morphology of sandstone canyons and cliffs shaped by glacier melt, this spectacular landscape offers a magnificent view with plenty of local amenities to enjoy, including log cabins, saunas, and spacious RV campsites with hookups, barbecue pits, and more. 

Ready to explore the Midwest USA in an RV of your own?

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