Woman fly fishing on a river in the mountains. 

The West and Midwest regions of America are home to some of the most naturally stunning and biologically diverse hunting grounds and fisheries in the world.

Check out the best U.S. hunting and fishing destinations in the Midwest and West and top camping spots. 

The West and Midwest regions of America are home to some of the most naturally stunning and biologically diverse hunting grounds and fisheries in the world. Whether you&rsquo;re a seasoned sportsman looking to get away for a week-long hunting excursion or a fisherman looking to test your mettle against other skilled anglers, the West and Midwest have you covered.
<h2 dir="ltr">Black Hills National Forest - South Dakota</h2>
Known for its deer, elk, pheasant, and turkey hunting, the Black Hills National Forest offers a sprawling, picturesque destination to experience the South Dakota hunting season. When you think of South Dakota, you probably imagine wide-open plains, Mount Rushmore, and long straight roads. But straddling the South Dakota-Wyoming border is the Black Hills National Forest, spanning 1.2 million acres of untouched wilderness filled with craggy peaks, lush forests, and meandering mountain streams.
Filled with big and small game alike, this national forest offers a diverse combo of hunting options. And with 30 developed campsites, and easy access roads, Black Hills National Forest is an excellent location for beginner hunters. The forest also allows dispersed camping in most areas for the more experienced sportsman looking to dodge the crowds and land that trophy buck!
While planning your trip, be sure to brush up on the<a href="https://gfp.sd.gov/events/keydates/"> specific dates</a> and hunting regulations in the area. Obtaining a non-resident license can be more expensive and complicated than resident hunting, but it is extremely important to respect the wildlife conservation plan in place!
<h3 dir="ltr">Where to Stay</h3>
<a style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);" href="https://www.spot2nite.com/park/lake-park-campground-and-cottages?equipmentType=&amp;vehicleLength=&amp;adults=1&amp;checkOut=2023-06-22&amp;children=0&amp;lng=-110.77072402265624&amp;lat=37.88875245687809&amp;checkIn=2023-06-21&amp;infants=0&amp;pets=0&amp;zoom=8&amp;fitBounds=false&amp;entry=search">Lake Park Campground &amp; Cottages</a> offers the perfect RV camping experience for your Black Hills adventure. Located just minutes from the Black Hills forest, this lakefront campground offers a variety of full service RV sites with 30 AMP and 50 AMP electric hookups, as well as fully equipped vacation homes and cottages. And a scenic 10 minute drive will land you right in the heart of Rapid City. An undeniable perk when the RV fridge starts to get low!
<h2 dir="ltr">White River National Forest - Colorado</h2>
Colorado has seen a massive influx of people in recent years, and it&rsquo;s easy to understand why. This state boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the entire world. Home to the Rocky mountains and a wide variety of other diverse landscapes, Colorado is an outdoorsman&rsquo;s delight. And despite the recent growth in population, there are still several untouched wilderness areas to escape the crowds and experience the hunting trip of a lifetime.
With an area of 2.3 million acres, White River National Forest offers plenty of space to dodge the crowds that you might run into in other areas of Colorado. And it has so much to offer! A world renowned big game hunting destination, and the premier Colorado elk hunting zone, White River National forest all but guarantees you&rsquo;ll end up back home with a full freezer. There are also several natural bodies of water, making this an excellent location to hunt waterfowl and other migratory birds.
Be sure to check out the specific<a style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);" href="https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/HuntingSeasonDatesAndFees.aspx"> season dates and hunting licenses</a> while planning your trip. And if you plan to hunt small game, don&rsquo;t forget to register with the<a href="https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/HIP.aspx#:~:text=If%20you%20will%20hunt%20small,need%20to%20participate%20in%20HIP."> Harvest Information Program</a> and familiarize yourself with harvest reporting guidelines.
<h3 dir="ltr">Where to Stay</h3>
<a style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);" href="https://www.spot2nite.com/park/glenwood-canyon-resort?adults=1&amp;equipmentType=&amp;checkOut=2023-08-25&amp;fitBounds=false&amp;children=0&amp;lng=-106.98914690400099&amp;vehicleLength=&amp;lat=39.52730136282111&amp;checkIn=2023-08-24&amp;location=Eagle+County%2C+CO%2C+USA&amp;infants=0&amp;pets=0&amp;locationType=ParkLocation&amp;zoom=10&amp;entry=search">Glenwood Canyon Resort</a> is the perfect RV resort to serve as a basecamp for your Colorado hunting season adventure! Just a short drive from anywhere in White River National Forest, Glenwood Canyon Resort offers the only lodging, camping, and RV parking in the canyon.
Enjoy on-site activities like rafting, fly fishing, or biking. Or if you&rsquo;re looking to unwind after a long hunting day, kick back at the bar &amp; grill, or sign up for the package deals with Glenwood Hot Springs and Mountain Hot Springs!
<h2 dir="ltr">Clear Lake Team Bass Tournament - California</h2>
Bass are known for putting up a good fight, making this style of fishing a challenging and rewarding pursuit on its own. But if you&rsquo;re ready to add another layer of excitement, consider testing your skills against hundreds of anglers in a fishing tournament!
The Clear Lake Bass Tournament is the longest running tournament on Clear Lake, CA (the largest freshwater body in the state). And after 35 years, this Clear Lake bass fishing tournament is as thrilling as ever and offers the chance to bring home thousands of dollars in prize money. Not to mention bragging rights!
Head over to<a href="https://www.lakecochamber.com/clear-lake-team-bass-tournament/"> Lake County&rsquo;s official website</a> to get signed up. Or check out the many other<a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FishingContests/Default.aspx?water=Clear+Lake+(Lake+County)"> Clear Lake fishing tournaments</a> available throughout the year. And don&rsquo;t forget to swing by the local bait and tackle shop to grab your fishing license before the tournament!
<h3 dir="ltr">Where to Stay</h3>
After a long day of competition, take your boat right up to your campsite at<a href="https://www.spot2nite.com/park/clear-lake-campground?adults=1&amp;equipmentType=&amp;checkOut=2023-07-07&amp;fitBounds=false&amp;children=0&amp;lng=-122.94448870355086&amp;vehicleLength=&amp;lat=39.46608840401618&amp;checkIn=2023-07-06&amp;location=Lake+County%2C+CA%2C+USA&amp;infants=0&amp;pets=0&amp;locationType=ParkLocation&amp;zoom=8&amp;entry=favorites"> Clear Lake Campground</a>! Just a few minutes by car or boat will land you at this classic American campground located right on Cache Creek. Travel trailers, campers, tents, and RVs are all welcome, with most sites providing water, sewer, and 30-amp electricity hookups. And if you didn&rsquo;t get your fill of fishing for the day, Clear Lake Campground offers waterfront camping where you can fish the creek right from your site!
<h2 dir="ltr">Salmon Run - Kenai Peninsula, Alaska</h2>
Alaska is often referred to as America&rsquo;s last frontier, and for good reason. The landscapes in America&rsquo;s 49th state are borderline incomparable to anything found in the lower 48. And the Kenai peninsula is no exception. This breathtaking region is home to massive snowy mountains, lush forests, and scenic rivers brimming with salmon just waiting to be caught.
The Alaska Salmon Run often tops the bucket list of anglers from all over the world. Every summer, millions of salmon make their way upstream from the Gulf of Alaska to their spawning grounds in the Kenai River and Kachemak Bay. This stunning spectacle provides an unparalleled opportunity for amateur and expert fishermen alike to land some of the most coveted fish in the world and to stock their freezer for the rest of the year.
The Kenai Salmon Run dates can vary, but it typically begins in the middle of May each year and lasts through September, peaking in July and August. Several species of salmon are making their run during this window including king, sockeye, pink, chum, and silver. Be sure to brush up on the<a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static-sf/Region2/pdfpubs/kenrun.pdf"> specific dates</a> and<a href="https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishregulations.sc_sportfish"> regulations</a> on Alaska&rsquo;s official web portal while planning your trip!
<h3 dir="ltr">Where to Stay</h3>
Located right on the water,<a href="https://www.spot2nite.com/park/driftwood-inn-rv-park?equipmentType=&amp;vehicleLength=&amp;adults=1&amp;children=0&amp;infants=0&amp;pets=0&amp;checkIn=2023-09-05&amp;checkOut=2023-09-08&amp;location=Kenai+Peninsula+Borough%2C+AK%2C+USA&amp;locationType=ParkLocation&amp;fitBounds=false&amp;lat=59.899367034993126&amp;lng=-150.22243815&amp;zoom=6&amp;entry=search"> Driftwood Inn and RV Park</a> offers an idyllic and affordable lodging option right in the heart of Homer, AK. After a long day on the river, relax and unwind around the community firepit and enjoy the scenic mountain views that surround you. This destination offers RV sites, a historic inn, two distinct lodges overlooking the beach, a seaside cottage, and Woodside Fishing Lodge suites - all conveniently situated near the restaurants, museums, art galleries, and shops that Homer has to offer.
<h2 dir="ltr">Lake Granby - Colorado</h2>
When it comes to alpine fishing in the heart of the Rockies, Lake Granby stands out as a premier destination in Colorado. Located just a short drive from the town of Granby, this reservoir, the third-largest body of water in Colorado, offers anglers a serene backdrop of towering mountains and dense forests.
Lake Granby is well-known for its healthy trout population which includes rainbow, brown, and the prized lake trout. The lake is also home to Kokanee salmon. The lake&rsquo;s waters provide the perfect habitat for these species, especially during the warmer months.
Lake Granby also hosts several annual fishing tournaments that attract anglers from all over the state and beyond.
<h3 dir="ltr">Where to Stay</h3>
Located on the banks of the Arapaho Bay on the southern tip of Lake Granby,<a href="https://www.spot2nite.com/park/arapaho-valley-ranch"> Arapaho Valley Ranch</a> is the ultimate destination for RVers and campers alike who are looking to take part in the Lake Granby fishing scene. If you&rsquo;re new to the area, the resort offers guided tours with a local expert that will take you to all the best fishing holes. The best part about this resort? They&rsquo;re open in the winter months, allowing you to take advantage of some of the best ice fishing in the state.
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<h2 dir="ltr">Dungeness Crab Fishing - Washington State</h2>
Crabbing is a highly rewarding activity that combines the thrill of saltwater fishing with the joy of cooking. Nothing is more exhilarating than pulling up a full crab pot, and the wide variety of delicious meals you can make with the catch enriches the experience even more.
Washington state is one of the few places in the world where you can catch the coveted Dungeness crab with relative ease. This delicious crab species is plentiful both on the Washington coast and in the Puget Sound, and can be caught using a variety of techniques. You can even scuba dive down and bring them up by hand if you&rsquo;re feeling adventurous!
The Washington crabbing season varies by area, but it usually begins in early July and runs through Labor Day. Some areas might have extended seasons that run into the fall or even year-round. Be sure to check out the<a href="https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/crab"> specific dates</a> and information about<a style="color: rgb(22, 145, 121);" href="https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing"> trapping licenses</a>, available online on the Washington state web portal.
<h3 dir="ltr">Where to Stay</h3>
The<a href="https://www.spot2nite.com/park/elwha-dam-rv-park?equipmentType=&amp;vehicleLength=&amp;adults=1&amp;checkOut=2023-07-07&amp;fitBounds=false&amp;children=0&amp;lng=-123.08739635261793&amp;lat=48.058750550680834&amp;checkIn=2023-07-06&amp;location=1355+Doe+Run+Rd%2C+Sequim%2C+WA+98382%2C+USA&amp;infants=0&amp;pets=0&amp;locationType=ParkLocation&amp;zoom=8&amp;entry=search"> Elwha RV Park and Campground</a> offers the perfect camping experience for your Puget Sound crabbing adventure, with RV sites, a cabin, house, studio suite, and a glamping airstream available for rent. Located just 10 minutes from the quaint coastal town of Port Angeles, this prime location puts you right between the coast and Puget Sound, giving you plenty of access to a variety of world-class crabbing destinations. And if you schedule your visit for early October you&rsquo;ll be right on time for the<a href="https://www.crabfestival.org/"> Port Angeles Crab Festival</a>! 
Ready to get away, go outdoors, and engage with the nature and wildlife of the West and Midwest? Let Spot2Nite make your planning process easier. We have an extensive and easily accessible selection of prime camping spots near your dream destinations. Explore our interactive map and<a href="http://spot2nite.com/"> discover the perfect basecamp</a> for your next hunting or fishing trip.
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Hunting and Fishing in the West and Midwest U.S.

The West and Midwest regions of America are home to some of the most naturally stunning and biologically diverse hunting grounds and fisheries in the world.

Lake Park Campground and Cottages

Driftwood Inn & RV Park

Glen Ayr Resort

Clear Lake Campground

Elwha RV Park

Black Hills Station