Bighorn National Forest, Wyoming – Porcupine Campground
Kick off your trip in Wyoming’s Bighorn National Forest, about 2 hours from Cody. Porcupine Campground is a stunner, tucked among pine trees with views of rugged peaks. At 8,900 feet, the air’s crisp, and the night sky is crazy clear—perfect for stargazing. You might spot the Milky Way or even a shooting star. Sites have fire pits and picnic tables, and there’s a creek nearby for kids to splash in. Trails like Porcupine Falls are a short hike away for daytime fun.
Family Tip: Bring a star chart or app like SkyView to help kids spot constellations—it’s a blast!
Where to Eat: No food nearby, so pack a cooler or head to Buffalo (30 minutes away) for burgers at the Occidental Hotel’s Busy Bee Cafe.
Camping Details: $16/night, first-come, first-served. Bring water—none on-site. Open June–September.
Oops: Almost said “Porcupine Creek Campground”—wrong name, my bad!
Chadron State Park, Nebraska
Drive about 4 hours east to Chadron State Park in Nebraska’s panhandle. This place is a hidden gem with pine-covered hills and wide-open spaces for stargazing. The campground’s got spots for tents and RVs, plus amenities like showers (a lifesaver with kids). The park’s far from city lights, so the stars pop like crazy—perfect for roasting marshmallows while spotting Orion. There’s a pond for fishing and trails for exploring, too.
Family Tip: Rent a paddleboat at the park’s pond—kids love it, and it’s only a few bucks.
Where to Eat: Pack food or hit The Bean Broker Coffee House in Chadron for sandwiches and hot cocoa before heading back to camp.
Camping Details: $15–$25/night, some sites reservable online. Open year-round, but best May–October.
Indian Cave State Park, Nebraska
Next, head about 5 hours southeast to Indian Cave State Park near Shubert, Nebraska. This campground’s nestled along the Missouri River with shady sites perfect for tents. The stargazing’s awesome thanks to low light pollution, and the park’s got cool history—check out the ancient petroglyphs in the cave. Kids can run wild on the hiking trails or play at the playground. Fall’s a great time here for colorful leaves.
Family Tip: The park’s living history events, like blacksmith demos, are a hit with kids—check the schedule.
Where to Eat: No dining nearby, so bring groceries or stop in Auburn (30 minutes away) at El Portal for tacos and burritos.
Camping Details: $12–$20/night, first-come, first-served or reservable. Open April–November.
Kinda goofed: Forgot to mention the cave trail’s steep—bring good shoes for the family!
Starved Rock State Park, Illinois
Your final stop is Starved Rock State Park in Illinois, about a 5-hour drive from Indian Cave. The campground’s set along the Illinois River, with sites shaded by oaks and great views of the water. It’s a stargazing hotspot—on clear nights, you’ll see tons of stars reflecting off the river. The park’s canyons and waterfalls are perfect for daytime hikes, and the visitor center has maps to keep you on track.
Family Tip: Kids love the short Eagle Cliff trail—it’s easy and leads to a cool river overlook.
Where to Eat: The Starved Rock Lodge cafe has quick sandwiches and ice cream, or try The Root Beer Stand in nearby Oglesby for hot dogs and floats.
Camping Details: $25/night, reservable online. Open year-round, but book early for summer.
