I'm looking to drive somewhere during my spring break (~March 5-12), starting from the Chicago area. We're looking for a destination (or a couple destinations) that have good hikes and/or camping (that would be accessible that early in the season), great scenery and ideally some nearby towns with healthy eats.

-We're not afraid to do a ton of driving -- there are a couple of us and we can trade off.
-If there is affordable skiing nearby, we'd love to spend a day or two doing that but it's not the primary focus.
-Two people are intermediate campers, one is a beginner and all are in good shape and looking for a lot of exercise each day.
-We'd be willing to camp and/or stay in safe hotels.

Any guidance would be GREATLY appreciated! Thank you!!!

The campground in Arches NP near Moab is open in March.
http://www.nps.gov/arch/planyourvisit/camping.htm
If you didn't want to drive all the way from Chicago, you could take the Amtrak California Zephyr as far as Grand Junction CO and rent a vehicle from there.

Arches and Canyonlands National Parks would be my suggestions as well. Stay in Moab and/or camp. You could ski in Provo/Park City.

We fly into Grand Junction on our way to Moab. It's a nice regional airport and downtown Grand Junction has some tasty eats. The drive is scenic and not too long.

Oregon has been frequently mentioned as an area of outstanding natural beauty, and would be an ideal destination if you're looking for a sizable trip across the States.

Not sure about the skiing situation if I'm honest! Sounds like an amazing trip though.

It's probably too early for the Rockies, Pacific Northwest or most of the red-rock national parks in the southwest (high altitude) which would still be wintry. Me, I'd look at flying to LA and heading to Palm Springs and Joshua Tree NP. Fabulous hikes, plenty of affordable accommodations, lots of cool activities. If you want to drive, fine, but it's a long way.

If you don't mind a ton of driving ( 20 hrs each way), as suggested by indyhiker and tom fuller, go to Moab for Arches and Canyonlands.

When you get on 70 past Denver, you will be going by all sorts of skiing places if that is what you want. I doubt that you would be camping in those places, but as has been mentioned you can camp in Arches in the spring. The hiking in both Arches and Canyonlands is great and the scenery is awesome and they are very different even though only a few miles apart.

Glacier National Park in Montana is also a great option.

Glacier National Park in Montana is also a great option.

Less great in March when much of the Park is closed.

I'd recommend Moab. We've gone for spring break in March, and it was nice. Not too hot but definitely chilly in the evenings.

Come to Oregon and I will teach you to snowshoe.
The ranger led walks at Crater Lake will continue until April.
http://www.nps.gov/crla/planyourvisi...shoe-walks.htm
If you really want to camp, I know of 2 fire lookout towers that you can rent for $40 a night.
They each have a propane gas range and one has a wood stove with plenty of firewood in the woodshed.

My brother lives just south of Chicago and loves Asheville, NC. They go there often. It would be perfect for your wish list.

http://www.exploreasheville.com/

Head south to the Arkansas state parks.

My concern with the Smokies or Blue Ridge Mountains in March would be rain and chilly temps. It's gorgeous and offers otherwise great hiking, but is often pretty wet that time of year.

Didn't realize that so much of Glacier was closeed at that time. My bad!

I would also suggest Moab Utah - about a 20 hr drive from Chicago. You would have the opportunity to do some great skiing in nearby Colorado as well as great hiking in Arches and Canyonlands. There are lots of camping areas - some in town with lots of amenities, a campground in Arches and some beautiful sites along the Colorado River just outside town and also on Kane Creek Road which is beautiful. The temps will be in the 50's and 60's - perfect for hiking and night time campfires. There are also lots of motels in town and plenty of places to eat and drink.

Love Utah and it would be great.

I'm going to suggest an unusual one..It's an undiscoverd Gem in America.

The Buffalo National River.
I would also suggest Petit Jean St. Park.

You can Float the River, zipline, and hike to many waterfalls.

www.buffaloriver.com

Best hikes...
Glory Hole Falls
Hemmed In Hollow Falls
Triple Falls AKA Double Falls
Goat Bluff Trail
The Lost Valley
Whitaker Point AKA Hawksbill Craig
Pedestal Rocks

The above are all found near Upper Buffalo River area. I find it better than Lower Buffalo River area.
There is little there in the way of food.

I would suggest a short side trip to Crystal Brdiges in NW Arkansas. You can find plenty of food options there.