Ozark–St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas
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Arkansas has loads of countryside that is often overlooked. In the Ozark–St. Francis National Forests, you'll find 1.2 million acres of recreational space, home to nine beaches, many lakes and streams, and more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails. Campers can choose between a number of developed campgrounds for RV and tent camping, some of which, including Cove Lake, Redding, and the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area, are open year-round. Other campgrounds, such as Long Pool, Storm Creek, Shores Lake, and Lake Wedington, are open seasonally from May through October. Primitive camping within the five wilderness areas is also permitted — just remember to bring some water (or a water filtration device) and leave no trace.
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Badlands National Park, South Dakota
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Don't underestimate the beauty of the Badlands. The climate may be rough, but it's still gorgeous. Between the many rock formations you'll see throughout Badlands National Park, you'll also find prairies and places to peek at ancient fossils. There are two campgrounds within the park. The first, Cedar Pass, offers 96 campsites, scenic views of the various rock formations, and amenities such as running water and electricity. The other, Sage Creek, is a smaller campground with 22 first come, first served sites and no running water, although you can usually see the bison wandering around.