It’s that time of year when frigid temperatures ease, cold weather gear suitable for polar explorers is packed away, and we collectively make our way outside to enjoy the warmth and greenery of springtime. The Midwest, often hit hard during winter with long gray days and weeks of freezing temperatures, is one area of the country that particularly appreciates the annual thaw. We’ve highlighted eight parks across the Midwest where you can celebrate spring by camping in the warming air.
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1. Danish Alps State Recreation Area, Nebraska
Named after the early Danish settlers in the area, Danish Alps State Recreation Area is a favorite for its many opportunities for outdoor activities. The park’s crown jewel, Kramper Reservoir, was planned with boat fishing in mind, making it a great spot to cast your lines this spring. The area also offers hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, and 22 electric sites are open year-round.
2. Backbone State Park, Iowa
Dedicated in 1920, Backbone State Park was Iowa’s first state park and remains one of its most unique. It’s heavily wooded, boasting a variety of tree and plant species that transform the setting into vibrant greens come springtime. The geologically interesting topography, consisting of a steep and narrow ridge of bedrock cut by a loop of the Maquoketa River and forming the highest point in northeast Iowa – the Devil’s Backbone – is what gives the park its name. The beautiful masonry work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) – including dams on the Maquoketa River forming Backbone Lake, a cluster of rustic family cabins, a beach building, a boathouse, an auditorium, bridges, roads, and picnic shelters – are on display. The park is also beloved for its great bicycling, boating, camping, climbing, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. There are 144 campsites, including 16 cabins, that are open year-round.
3. Greene-Sullivan State Forest, Indiana
This sprawling park is an area attraction for its thousands of acres of forest and over 120 lakes that dot the landscape. The beautiful and serene forest is a favorite in the spring for mushroom hunting, wildlife viewing, spring flowers, photography, and fishing. There are 23 campsites, including 18 cabin rentals, open year-round.
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4. Fall River State Park, Kansas
Positioned between two very different ecosystems, the Cross Timbers region and the grasslands of the Flint Hills, Fall River State Park is home to a remarkable range of plant and animal life. The large park is a blend of forested floodplains, blackjack savannahs, and tallgrass prairie. The Fall River flows through the park and feeds a massive reservoir. These bodies of water contribute to the area’s biodiversity, making it a perfect place to spot migrating birds and budding plants in the springtime. The waters are also fertile fishing grounds for channel catfish, white bass, crappie, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, and walleye. White bass fishing can be excellent in early spring, particularly in Otter Creek and Fall River above the reservoir. Campers can stay at 45 electric and water sites, 45 primitive campsites, as well as three modern cabins that are open all year.
5. Brookville Lake, Indiana
Visitors to this park and the adjacent Whitewater Complex have a massive outdoor playground with plenty of fishing, hunting, boating, and hiking opportunities. There are more than 25 miles of trails, and notable recreational and sport fishing in the lake’s waters for bluegill, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, catfish, walleye, crappie, muskellunge, trout, and white bass. There are 439 campsites available year-round.
6. Calamus State Recreation Area, Nebraska
Situated in the state’s stunning sandhills, Calamus State Recreation Area offers prime fishing and camping in a memorable setting. The wide lake is loaded with walleye, white bass, wipers, channel catfish, carp, drum, muskie, northern pike, and crappie. In addition, catchable rainbow trout are stocked regularly in the adjoining Gracie Creek Pond. In spring and early summer, it’s the walleye that brings the anglers to these waters. Additionally, visitors come for boating, hiking, and hunting. There are 66 campsites open year-round, most with electric hookups.
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7. Lake Anita State Park, Iowa
Lake Anita State Park truly has something for everyone – from hiking on a quiet trail, to casting a line for bass, to relaxing in the campground, to splashing on the beach. Learn about the shrubs and trees growing in the spring on the self-guided nature trail that runs through restored prairielands. Fishing is a popular sport here, with the lake being home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, and walleye. There are 152 campsites open all year long.
8. Meade State Park, Kansas
Meade State Park rests in the High Plains of southwest Kansas and beckons nature lovers with outdoor adventures of all types. Spot wildlife like deer, turkey, rabbit, and waterfowl, or walk the nature trail and identify various trees, grasses, and flowers that come to life in the spring. The large lake is known for its bluegill, crappie, channel catfish, and largemouth bass, making it a fruitful spring fishing location. There are 96 sites, with a mix of primitive camping and electric-water hookups that are available all year long.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.