Best Camping in Missouri

3,151 Reviews

A hefty sum of forty-one state parks with more than 3,600 campsites makes camping in Missouri a breeze to plan and enjoy. Long known as “The Cave State,” Missouri has nearly 6,400 historic caves to offer the archeologists at heart. And with abundant shoreline space, water activities are surprisingly easy to find at Missouri campsites. So round up the crew and grab your gear – it’s time to make memories camping in Missouri!

Thanks to the Lake of the Ozarks, the state has over 1,150 miles of shoreline, making camping in Missouri a must for water lovers. Experience the Ozarks’ breathtaking outdoors in the beautiful Ozark Mountains at one of Elk River’s three campgrounds, which offer rafting, canoeing, camping and angling.

Looking for a little history lesson along with your camping adventure? Look no further than Missouri’s intricate cave scene. Meramec Caverns located in the Ozarks is a 4.5-mile cave system that has existed for the past 400 million years. Meramec Caverns is just one hour from the heart of St. Louis, and offers lodging, camping, and canoeing in addition to guided tours of the cave.

The quaint and historic Graham Cave State Park is just over an hour west of St. Louis, and offers a walk through ancient history along with year-round camping availability, five hiking trails, and over 386 scenic acres to explore. Take a trip down literature lane and visit the famous Mark Twain Cave near Hannibal, MO. Mark Twain, a Hannibal native himself, incorporates the maze-like cave in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Cave-lovers can also descend into the Onondaga Cave State Park to view towering stalagmites, stalactites, and active flowstones.

Get away and explore Missouri’s scenic shoreline spots and cave wonders. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Missouri along the way.

Best Camping Sites in Missouri (826)

1.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
55 Reviews
158 Photos
453 Saves
Black, Missouri
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$11 - $32 / night
2.
Meramec State Park Campground
54 Reviews
163 Photos
256 Saves
Sullivan, Missouri
Tree-shaded campgrounds and cabins are what staying at Meramec State Parks is all about. Forty of our most scenic parks offer a wide range of sites, from basic sites to pitch a tent at to full-service sites for your RV. Fourteen favorite state parks offer lodging options ranging from motel rooms and fourplexes to a lake house, yurts and outpost cabins and makes for great camping near Kansas City.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$12 - $48 / night
3.
Table Rock State Park Campground
51 Reviews
92 Photos
282 Saves
Hollister, Missouri
Table Rock State Park has two campgrounds and offers basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites or a platform tent site for a unique camping experience. Get everything you need for your stay at the park store.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$12 - $42 / night
4.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground
49 Reviews
182 Photos
192 Saves
Kaiser, Missouri
With Lake of the Ozarks camping, enjoy the solitude of an undeveloped cove hidden along the shorelines of one of Missouri’s largest lakes. Swim, fish, boat or simply take in the view from a shady campsite or picnic area overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The park offers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities on the lake or on shore.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers basic and electric campsites and three organized group camps and Pin Oak Facility. For those who need a little extra space, family campsites are available.
Stock up on camping supplies at the Camper Store, which is located near the campground entrance.
On shore, hikers, backpackers, equestrians and bicyclists can wind through open woodlands, sunny glades, small springs and streams to bluff-top views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Water enthusiasts can make use of the park’s two swimming beaches, boat rentals and paved boat ramps. Park stores sell all of the necessary supplies for a day on the water. Year-round overnight accommodations include campsites, Outpost Cabins and yurts.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$13 - $50 / night
5.
Sam A. Baker State Park Campground
48 Reviews
134 Photos
140 Saves
Patterson, Missouri
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
6.
Blue Springs Lake Campground
41 Reviews
38 Photos
172 Saves
Blue Springs, Missouri
Blue Springs Campground features modern facilities and is located only 5 minutes from Blue Springs Lake. Some of the amenities include:
Attendant Fire Grill Firewood - $7/bucket (outside firewood is not permitted) Laundry Picnic Table Playground Restrooms Showers Premiere - Full Hookup with Concrete Pad: 29 sites Full Hookup: 16 sites Electric: 23 sites Electric and Water: 13 sites Total: 81 sites
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$33 - $48 / night
7.
Cuivre River State Park Campground
39 Reviews
76 Photos
226 Saves
Troy, Missouri
Cuivre River State Park is one of the state’s largest and most rugged parks! Cuivre River State Park lends a wilder, Ozarkian flavor to the otherwise predominately agricultural landscape of northern Missouri. Although not far from St. Louis, the park is a nature lover’s paradise. It is an outdoor delight to stroll through the park in the spring when flowering dogwood is in bloom or in the fall when the trees are ablaze with autumn colors.
The park is perfect whether you want to enjoy an afternoon visit or spend a few days. Both primitive and modern campsites are available, and Lake Lincoln offers swimming, boating and fishing. The park’s wild and natural areas provide hiking, backpacking, photography and wildlife observation activities. There is also an equestrian trail with a campground for overnight stays.
Cuivre River State Park offers reservable basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites, an equestrian campground, three organized group camps and a special-use camping area. Try one of the park's family campsites for a little extra space or a platform tent site for a unique camping experience.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $38 / night
8.
Onondaga Cave State Park Campground
38 Reviews
101 Photos
209 Saves
Leasburg, Missouri
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$12 - $52 / night
9.
Bennett Spring State Park Campground
38 Reviews
95 Photos
150 Saves
Windyville, Missouri
The valley that cradles Bennett Spring has created a place of peace and recreation that has welcomed generations of enthusiastic anglers. Bennett Spring camping is one of Missouri’s earliest state parks and continues today to attract fishermen and nature lovers seeking to make new memories.
More than 100 million gallons of clear, cool water gush from Bennett Spring each day and form a spring branch stocked daily with rainbow trout waiting for lucky fishermen. Fishing may be the main draw but the park also offers many other amenities such as a dining lodge, campgrounds, cabins and hiking trails. Whether you are a traditional fishing enthusiast or someone seeking a place to relax and refresh, Bennett Spring State Park has what you need to make every trip one to remember.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
10.
Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
36 Reviews
128 Photos
186 Saves
Eminence, Missouri
The park features a primitive group/special-use camping area with a fire ring and restroom facilities. Call the park for information on how to reserve this area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access

Showing results 1-10 of 826 campgrounds

Popular Camping Styles in Missouri

Tent Camping in Missouri

RV Parks in Missouri

Free Dispersed Camping in Missouri

Cabins in Missouri

Dog Friendly Camping in Missouri

Glamping in Missouri

Horse Camping in Missouri

Pet-friendly camping in Missouri

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

$11 - $32 / night

Meramec State Park Campground

Tree-shaded campgrounds and cabins are what staying at Meramec State Parks is all about. Forty of our most scenic parks offer a wide range of sites, from basic sites to pitch a tent at to full-service sites for your RV. Fourteen favorite state parks offer lodging options ranging from motel rooms and fourplexes to a lake house, yurts and outpost cabins and makes for great camping near Kansas City.

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

$12 - $48 / night

Table Rock State Park Campground

Table Rock State Park has two campgrounds and offers basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites or a platform tent site for a unique camping experience. Get everything you need for your stay at the park store.

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

$12 - $42 / night

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground

With Lake of the Ozarks camping, enjoy the solitude of an undeveloped cove hidden along the shorelines of one of Missouri’s largest lakes. Swim, fish, boat or simply take in the view from a shady campsite or picnic area overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The park offers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities on the lake or on shore.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers basic and electric campsites and three organized group camps and Pin Oak Facility. For those who need a little extra space, family campsites are available.

Stock up on camping supplies at the Camper Store, which is located near the campground entrance.

On shore, hikers, backpackers, equestrians and bicyclists can wind through open woodlands, sunny glades, small springs and streams to bluff-top views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Water enthusiasts can make use of the park’s two swimming beaches, boat rentals and paved boat ramps. Park stores sell all of the necessary supplies for a day on the water. Year-round overnight accommodations include campsites, Outpost Cabins and yurts.

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

$13 - $50 / night

Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

Blue Springs Lake Campground

41 Reviews

38 Photos

172 Saves

Blue Springs, Missouri

Blue Springs Campground features modern facilities and is located only 5 minutes from Blue Springs Lake. Some of the amenities include:

Attendant
Fire Grill
Firewood - $7/bucket (outside firewood is not permitted)
Laundry
Picnic Table
Playground
Restrooms
Showers


Premiere - Full Hookup with Concrete Pad: 29 sites
Full Hookup: 16 sites
Electric: 23 sites
Electric and Water: 13 sites
Total: 81 sites

Pets
Fires
Electric Hookups
Phone Service

$33 - $48 / night

View All

Recent Reviews In Missouri

3151 Reviews of 826 Missouri Campgrounds

Tammie
Scout
September 6, 2024
Arapaho Campground, Canoe, Raft Rental
Labor Day
Great place for the price. The staff is very helpful and welcoming! We will be visiting again in the future!
Aaron R.
Scout
September 4, 2024
Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area
Very quiet, very pretty, several issues.
Asked for a lake view cabin. We were the only ones here since it was a weekday after labor day so all cabins were open. I go to check in and it's a long sidewalk between narrow rails. Not at all easy if you are disabled and with my COPD, I had to stop several times.
I get cabin 6. If you go here DO NOT GET CABIN 6. It's the only one you can't park in front of as it's down the side of a hill. You must traverse several levels of steps down a steep grade. The office hours are over by now so I hauled what we needed down.
The lake view was somewhere past the forest so I'll take their word on that.
The refrigerator was filthy and we had no hot water. Since it was after hours all we could do is clean the fridge, make supper and wait till 9 in the morning to call maintenance.
Maintenance arrives and determine the elements are bad. At about 10:30am they started working. Spent most of our only full day watching them fix the water heater. The maintenance guys were very nice but I'm not leaving my stuff with strangers.
So basically, I spent $200 to sit on a deck with acorns falling on us or on the world's most uncomfortable couch as they worked on getting me hot water. Early morning fishing was shot.
They did say we could now switch cabins but I would need to move our stuff back up Mt Fk-That just to move it again into the new cabin, then back out again tomorrow.
It is a lovely area and the people are friendly but they need to do better. Also, warn people that cabin 6 is more cliff side than lake side.
Fred S.
Legend
September 4, 2024
Sparrowfoot
Well maintained campground
Stayed here here for one night in early September during our trip to Wyoming. Paid $10 with interagency senior discount. Stayed in the B Loop. We were one of 5 campers here; camped in a camper van. Our sie, B46, was close to a clean vault toilet (which has tp). Short walk to clean restroom/shower house; this building also has a laundry room. The sites have a level gravel driveway; most sites are back-in. Spacing between sites is okay; no privacy between sites. Even though the campground is along a lake, the sites at B Loop offer no lake views. Hosts seemed friendly. Did not see any hiking opportunities at this loop. There is a path to the lake at the back end of the loop. There is nothing special about this campground, but it is a good, clean, quiet location for an overnight stay. I had excellent T-Mobile 5G service. I would stay here again.
Jared G.
Traveler
August 29, 2024
Turner's mill
Peaceful and scenic
Spent 3 nights here and the area is beautiful! The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear. The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in. Great spot if you are in the area. A few people on the river fishing and kayaking but no other campers that we saw while there.
G
Greg B.
Guide
August 28, 2024
Lake Paho
Sparsly Used Dark sky Campsite
Very nice view of the lake, lots of campsites around the lake. Not many lights around and no big cities and a low horizon so it’s a good place to visit for a visual observation night with a telescope or binos. Only one other camper at my campsite when I visited, so it’s a good weekend retreat from the city life. This is a primitive campsite; there are two waterless bathrooms and 8 or so gravel spots at site B on the Eastern side of the lake.
J
Julie M.
Traveler
August 26, 2024
Blue Springs Lake Campground
Nice clean park
Enjoyed a quick stay here several times. Laundry facilities. Clean and spaces not too close together. Well set up for either tent or RV. Shade.
A
Art Z.
Guide
August 24, 2024
Onondaga Cave State Park Campground
Great campground. Great cave. Fun river. Avoid campsite 65
We stayed one night in campsite 65. Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened July 4, 2024. The river is still fantastic fun, especially for our grandkids ages 9 and 12.
Avoid campsite 65 when it rains. We had over an inch of standing water on the concrete pad when we arrived. 18 hours after it stopped raining, we still had some water on the concrete pad.
Other than the water, Onondaga Cave SP has been one of my favorite places to camp in Missouri for more than 20 years.
A
Art Z.
Guide
August 24, 2024
Daniel Boone Conservation Area
Peaceful dark skies
I stayed one night in the RV campsite. There was only one other camper. The grass had been mowed recently so the path around the pond was easily walkable.
Not many of the RV sites had fire rings and, with all of the fresh cut grass, it would have taken a lot of raking to make a spot safe for a fire anyway.
Sammy P.
Scout
August 22, 2024
Mussel Fork Conservation Area
Overnight stop
Had a great stealth camping experience here. Road was gravelled all the way down and opened up to a big gravel lot. I could tell there were a few other paths I could take but the grass was a little overgrown and it was already dark out, so I just car camped in the gravel lot. Had no issues and didn’t see or hear anyone else!
J
Jochen H.
Traveler
August 16, 2024
Blue Springs Lake Campground
Nice and clean
a good price with 30 Dollars
quiet
clean
good and helpful staff
no pool, but you can drive to a lake
Julia V.
Guide
August 14, 2024
Finger Lakes State Park Campground
Had everything we needed
Basic tent site, potable water was right near our site. Bathrooms were clean. There were some families staying nearby but overall was a quiet stay.
Preston R.
Scout
August 13, 2024
Big Shoal RV Country
Terrible management
This place has bad water pressure if you get any at all and rusty water the trash just piles up the facilities are a mess and riddled with bugs the manager ladonna weeks is terrible she makes up new rules braggs about evicting people because she doesn't like them goes to every campsite and trash talks the owners and other campers she speeds around there make sure your kids aren't in her way she's almost hit several overall just a terrible place
M
Maggie C.
Legend
August 12, 2024
Great Escape RV Park & Campground
Nice for overnight
Just stopped for one night on our way east. Friendly host checked us in. Nice dog park with bench and shade. All sites are FHU. They offered to move us to a pull thru, but I picked our site based on proximity to the dog park, so I declined the move. We were in site 38, back-in 30 amp. Sites are a bit tight but no one next door so ok. I recommend for a stopover. Less fancy but nicer for dogs imo than Owl Creek which is one exit away. There is a pond for fishing (no license required) and a swimming pool.
Chunk S.
Traveler
August 11, 2024
Lake Showme Campsites
Nice spot, lots of activity
Great spot, $20 for RVs and campers. Free if primitive camping. All spots have power and water. Waste and sewage dump can be found on campgrounds. One showering station on grounds. Bathrooms within walking distance. Even have a pistol and rifle range. Bathrooms could be cleaned more, but only complaint.
J
John R.
Legend
August 11, 2024
Trail of Tears State Park Campground
Train Lovers.
Large park with not many large RV sites. Lots of tent and dispersed camping. Disappointing store. Equestrian area. Beach and boat launch.
Bj M.
Scout
August 10, 2024
Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest
My second stay at Berryman
I like that quite surroundings. But as a July 1 2024 they started cutting the timber. An they are going to a paid camping area. They have fire rings, tables and blacktop parking spots.
It's a shame it's going to cost to be here.
D
David S.
Scout
August 10, 2024
A Country Charm RV Park
A beautiful small little park
Easy check in if you have made online reservations. Very well taken care of and clean. Great spot to visit the quilting stores here.
B
Brayden W.
Traveler
August 10, 2024
FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Great spot to get away!
Super beautiful and very quiet, no traffic comes through at all. Lots of animal noises around but all together super peaceful
J
John R.
Legend
August 8, 2024
Theodosia Park Campground
Unknown gem.
Very small park. Restaurant and store are Nextdoor. Spots are large. We were the only campers in the park.
Nathaniel B.
Traveler
August 8, 2024
St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Best campsite we've found to explore STL
Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation. It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. I'll
Joseph A.
Traveler
August 7, 2024
Huzzah Valley Resort
Camping at the zoo
If it's your birthday or a bachelor/Bachelorette party, this is your place. They have a family side and a party side (the zoo). Don't expect to get much rest in the zoo. There are plenty of campsites to enjoy. Reserve yours early they fill up fast in the summer. Huzzah Valley is the know party camp ground if you live in the Saint Louis metropolitan area
Joseph A.
Traveler
August 7, 2024
Sam A. Baker State Park Campground
Where the rivers meet
Sam a Baker is a beautiful destination for any family. There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding. There are multi camp sites that can be easily reserved online. The Saint Francis River and the Big Creek meet in the park. The big creek is spring feed and ice cold. The Saint Francis is wild and is considered white water during the rainy season. There are plenty of amenities in the park for the novice camper. From the camp store to the shower house. SAM A BAKER has you covered
Joseph A.
Traveler
August 7, 2024
Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Remote camp on the river
Log yard is a Backwoods camping area on the current river. 4 wheel drive is recommended. You have to cross a creek to get to this location. If the weather moves in. It would be wise to pack up and move out while you can. If the creek comes up, you may not be able to cross it again. There is one good established campsite at this location and 2 not so good ones. The area changes after a flood, and the campsites have to be reestablished. There is a boat ramp at this location that is a favorite hang out of the locals. They will drink, play loud music, and leave trash lay around. This stretch of the current is 25-hp boat territory. There will be boat traffic on the river on the weekends. Log yard is part of the Ozark scenic river ways, which is FEDERAL LAND. You may have an encounter with a forest ranger at this campsite. If you do, they will ask for your info and have you establish a Backwoods campsite. Be respectful and don't upset the Rangers. They don't play in the Ozark scenic river ways. This camp is beautiful and wild. NO CELL SERVICE. If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago. Get out and enjoy what Missouri has to offer
Z
Zachary C.
Scout
August 5, 2024
Toronto Springs Dispersed
Primitive camping
Completely free clean and shaded couldn’t ask for better
J
Jessica H.
Scout
August 3, 2024
Roberts Bluff Access
Great Overnight Spot
Great stop 5 minutes off of I-70! The site has three camp sites available with car pull ins and fire rings. Lots of mosquitoes due to the site being right on the water. Also two cats hang out around the site. No bathroom we could find.
L
Logan D.
Traveler
August 3, 2024
Branson Shenanigans RV Park
Clean and great
We have stayed with them twice. Spots are strategically placed and surrounded by woods. The owner is very kind and informative guiding you to your spot and helping you park. He will also give his favorite local recommendations for restaurants and attractions. He’s a veteran. Never had any issues with anything.
Stanley C.
Scout
August 2, 2024
Blue Sky RV Park
Unfit, sewage issues being covered up by owner
Sewage from wrongfully fixed drainage pipes ( no junction box or lateral lines installed ) flowed for park onto neighbors property. Owners just trying to cover it up . Glad I'm not there neighbors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available in Missouri?

According to TheDyrt.com, Missouri offers a wide range of camping options, with 826 campgrounds and RV parks in Missouri and 41 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground in Missouri?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Missouri is Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park with a 5-star rating from 55 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Missouri?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 41 free dispersed camping spots in Missouri.

What are the best parks in Missouri?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks in Missouri that allow camping, notably Mark Twain National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.

Best Camping in Missouri

Best Camping Sites in Missouri (826)

1.

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

2.

Meramec State Park Campground

3.

Table Rock State Park Campground

4.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground

5.

Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

6.

Blue Springs Lake Campground

7.

Cuivre River State Park Campground

8.

Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

9.

Bennett Spring State Park Campground

10.

Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

Popular Camping Styles in Missouri

Tent Camping in Missouri

RV Parks in Missouri

Free Dispersed Camping in Missouri

Cabins in Missouri

Dog Friendly Camping in Missouri

Glamping in Missouri

Horse Camping in Missouri

Pet-friendly camping in Missouri

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Meramec State Park Campground

Table Rock State Park Campground

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground

Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

Blue Springs Lake Campground

Recent Reviews In Missouri

3151 Reviews of 826 Missouri Campgrounds