Fall RV Adventures: Campgrounds to Visit in the Heartland
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, there’s no better time to hit the open road in your RV. Whether you’re a leaf-peeping enthusiast or just love the crisp autumn air, the Midwest offers some fantastic campgrounds to explore. Here are three must-visit RV campgrounds in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Missouri that you can enjoy this fall.
Iowa
- Ledges State Park
- Location: Boone, IA
- Highlights: Nestled in the scenic Des Moines River Valley, Ledges State Park is known for its stunning limestone cliffs and beautiful fall foliage. The park has a mix of wooded and open areas, perfect for hiking and biking. Plus, there are plenty of spots to enjoy a cozy campfire at night.
- Lake Macbride State Park
- Location: Solon, IA
- Highlights: With its sparkling lake and surrounding forests, Lake Macbride is a picture-perfect destination for RV camping in the fall. The campground offers full hookups, hiking trails, and opportunities for fishing. Don’t forget to take a boat out on the lake to see the vibrant fall colors from the water!
- Pine Lake State Park
- Location: Eldora, IA
- Highlights: This park boasts a beautiful lake, plenty of hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for a fall getaway. Campers can enjoy activities like kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching, all while surrounded by stunning autumn landscapes.
Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Location: Oglesby, IL
- Highlights: Famous for its canyons and waterfalls, Starved Rock offers a breathtaking backdrop for fall camping. The park’s RV campground has all the amenities you need, and there are numerous trails to hike that showcase the changing leaves. Don’t miss the views from the top of Starved Rock itself!
- Shabbona Lake State Park
- Location: Shabbona, IL
- Highlights: This hidden gem features a beautiful lake, great fishing spots, and spacious campsites. As the leaves change, the park becomes a vibrant canvas. The calm waters and surrounding woodlands make it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection.
- Kankakee River State Park
- Location: Bourbonnais, IL
- Highlights: Enjoy the scenic views of the Kankakee River and the stunning fall colors at this state park. With ample hiking and biking trails, it’s perfect for those who love outdoor activities. The campground features both electric and non-electric sites, making it a great option for any RV traveler.
Wisconsin
- Devil’s Lake State Park
- Location: Baraboo, WI
- Highlights: Known for its striking bluffs and gorgeous lake, Devil’s Lake is a popular spot for fall camping. The park features a variety of hiking trails, and the fall colors create a breathtaking landscape. Make sure to hike the East Bluff Trail for stunning panoramic views!
- Kettle Moraine State Forest
- Location: Eagle, WI
- Highlights: With its rolling hills and diverse ecosystems, Kettle Moraine is a great place to experience fall foliage. The park offers several campgrounds with RV options, and the scenic trails are perfect for hiking or biking while surrounded by colorful trees.
- Potawatomi State Park
- Location: Sturgeon Bay, WI
- Highlights: Located on the Door County peninsula, this park is famous for its picturesque views of the water and forests. The fall colors reflect beautifully in the bay, creating an idyllic setting for camping. Enjoy hiking, fishing, and biking while soaking in the autumn scenery.
Minnesota
- Itasca State Park
- Location: Park Rapids, MN
- Highlights: Home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Itasca State Park is stunning in the fall. The park features RV-friendly campgrounds and plenty of hiking trails. Don’t miss the chance to take a photo at the headwaters while surrounded by autumn colors!
- Jay Cooke State Park
- Location: Carlton, MN
- Highlights: This park features stunning river views and rugged landscapes. As the leaves change, the park becomes a vibrant tapestry of colors. The campground is equipped with electrical sites, and you can explore numerous trails that wind through the picturesque scenery.
- Soo Line Trail
- Location: Multiple access points
- Highlights: The Soo Line Trail offers a unique camping experience with several campgrounds along its route. This multi-use trail is perfect for hiking, biking, or just enjoying the changing leaves. Plus, the friendly RV campgrounds along the way make it a convenient stop for your fall travels.
Nebraska
- Chadron State Park
- Location: Chadron, NE
- Highlights: Nestled in the Pine Ridge area, Chadron State Park offers unique rock formations and stunning fall foliage. The park has a great campground with full amenities and numerous trails for hiking. Don’t miss the scenic drive through the park for incredible views.
- Fort Robinson State Park
- Location: Crawford, NE
- Highlights: Rich in history and natural beauty, Fort Robinson State Park is perfect for fall camping. The park features beautiful landscapes, historical sites, and ample hiking opportunities. The campgrounds are well-equipped for RVs, and the fall colors make the park especially picturesque.
- Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area
- Location: Ogallala, NE
- Highlights: Known for its stunning lake and expansive sandy beaches, Lake McConaughy is a great spot for fall camping. The campground offers excellent amenities, and you can enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, and simply taking in the beautiful autumn scenery.
Missouri
- Table Rock State Park
- Location: Branson, MO
- Highlights: Nestled near the popular tourist destination of Branson, Table Rock State Park is known for its beautiful lake and surrounding woodlands. The fall colors create a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. The campground offers full amenities for RV travelers.
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park
- Location: Camdenton, MO
- Highlights: This park features stunning views of the Lake of the Ozarks and unique geological formations. The fall foliage adds to its charm, making it a great spot for hiking and exploring. The campgrounds have electric sites, making it convenient for RV camping.
- Mark Twain State Park
- Location: Florida, MO
- Highlights: This park is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the fall colors. With its beautiful lake and wooded areas, Mark Twain State Park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and fishing. The campground is RV-friendly, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Conclusion
No matter which state you choose, the Midwest offers a wealth of beautiful RV campgrounds to explore this fall. From stunning lakes to vibrant forests, these campgrounds provide the perfect backdrop for a memorable autumn adventure. So pack your bags, grab your RV, and hit the road to experience the beauty of the season!
