Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, near Lesterville, Missouri, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. With a mix of tent sites, RV accommodations, and cabins, it caters to all kinds of camping preferences, ensuring everyone can find their perfect spot.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms and showers, which visitors appreciate after a day of hiking or swimming. Many campers have highlighted the spacious sites that offer a good amount of privacy, making it easy to relax and unwind. One reviewer noted, “The campground was big and comfortable,” which sums up the vibe pretty well.

For those eager to explore, the nearby Shut-Ins provide stunning views and great opportunities for hiking and biking along paved paths. The Scour Trail is also a popular choice, offering a unique perspective of the area. Plus, the general store on-site has all the essentials you might need, from firewood to snacks, making it convenient for your stay.

While the campground can get busy, especially on weekends, the friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a worthwhile destination. Whether you're planning a quiet retreat or an adventurous getaway, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park has plenty to offer.

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Black, MO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Black is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Black, reviewed by campers like you.

Black

The Best Camping Near Black, Missouri

Stayed two nights camping in Loop 1 that provides electric and water, however basic sites were also available.  The site was close to the State Park (with a trail connecting to the campground) as well as to a 10 mile loop for hiking (Groggins trail).  The bathrooms were good, however the showers were somewhat on the dirty side.  There is a fire pit and a grate at each site.  Each site could be reserved for a small fee.  There is an onsite store to purchase some items (e.g. firewood).  On a side note, some of the trails in Johnsons Shut-Ins could use some maintenance.  The Groggins trail and Scour trail both had areas where the trail was not clearly marked and disappeared into the brush.

Johnsons Shut-Ins

We go here every other year and we have a blast. it's great from young to the older crowd. Fishing, swimming and floating. we will be back this summer.

Great place and a great time

Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is an amazing park that combines the comforts of an RV park with the rustic side of walk-in tent sites.  It is the best maintained park in the Northeastern part of the Ozark's.  It has a store in the middle of the campground.  The sites all have concrete pull-ins and the bathrooms and shower houses are all brand new, modern, and clean.

The sites are spread a part giving plenty of room to campers.  There are several tent sites that you can walk into to get away from the concrete.  There is a gear cart to help you get everything back from your car to your site.

This is a place where you could spend several days and have a lot of fun.  This is the premiere campground in that area of the Ozark's.

The staff is also very helpful and friendly.



Johnsons Shut-Ins is a special place

I had no idea what to expect, just following brown signs in the Ozarks. The state park has a very interesting, well done visitor center to learn about the surrounding areas geological history. Arriving at the shut-ins by walking down a wooden boardwalk you get glimpses of crystal clear rushing water, then it opens up to points to get in. It's beautiful and impressive. The water has carved out tide pools and waterslides, canals and whirlpools. There are several deep collections if you want to take a break and float around. There are trout and blue gill, armadillo and elk in the area. Down the road a bit there is also Elephant Rock State Park and campground with walk in primitive camping that each have raised decks, picnic tables and fire pits. Also available RVs and cabin rentals. I personally walked around and collected quartz and mushrooms. Very pleasant.

Worth it

The Shut-Ins is one of my kids favorite state parks to visit, very nice, clean and fun place to explore and camp. The visitor center has lots of information and maps available. The Camp sites are large for tents and there are trees for a hammock. The camp ground is clean with showers, bathrooms and fire rings. Water shoes are a must and or swim suite  if you plan on exploring the shut-ins * ROCKS CAN BE SLIPPERY.  There is a long decked walk way to get to the shut-Ins, They are really a site to see, the white water runs through a maze of outcroppings and dumps in to a large pool at the bottom. Can be busy during peak summer season. 

Very nice, clean and fun place to explore and camp 

Peaceful here. Fun to play in the water! We just went on a day trip and now I want to go back for a full weekend!

The formations are so neat and the camping is good

Johnsons is a fantastic state park. The facilities are updated and the campsites are level and well maintained. The walkin sites are on platforms and are spaced for privacy. The setting at this state park is the draw. The river and the trails are well worth the trip. It snowed on our last visit in March.

Awesome

**OZARK TRAIL:** I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park. When I planned the trip the only information for camping that was available were regulations requiring you to camp 100 feet from the trail.

I have to admit that the Ozark Trail Association provides amazing resources about the Ozark Trail but they fail to describe what has become primitive backcountry campsites all along the trail. Many of these sites are marked on the detailed National Geographic maps provided for free by the Association as water holes, but they are also clearly set up as campsites as well.

Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had.

**JOHNSON SHUT-INS:** I visited this state park last year but I drove in and visited. This time we used the park as a way point for our 50 mile backpacking trip we did during spring break. It was still 5 stars and we were lucky to get a cabin and a shower. I was hoping to add some additional supplies but to my dismay the general store and main facilities don't open until the first week of April. It was a huge bummer because I was looking forward to a cheeseburger and some oreos. Oh well. Now that I know I will plan better for the future.

UPDATE: Ozark Trail - Johnson Shutins is a great place to get a shower and resupply

This is a great place to bring you family and stay. Plenty of activities for everyone.

Great summertime fun

Campgrounds are nice, cabins are cozy, the campground rangers stop to inform us of a show or play at the main stage by the play ground in the evening. We’ve been to Johnson’s Shut-ins 3 years in a row &amp; love our visit every time. The water is warm &amp; clear, rocks are fun for climbing on in the summer, just be sure to wear water shoes because they’re slippery. Beautiful scenery for the Midwest!

Johnson’s Shut-Ins

My kids go on an “annual cousins camping trip” with my sister in law and her girls every summer. Johnson’s Shut-Ins was perfect! 

Great family camping experience!

Lots of folks are aware of this once hidden gem so go during the week

My first visit EVER was when we camped the weekend of the Total solar eclipse last summer! we watched the eclipse at elephant rock, but this place was amazing! Bring water shoes or tennis shoes that can protect your feet when climbing the rocks, sun screen is a must and a water proof bag or fanny pack would be a very important addition!  Campgrounds were very spacious and plenty to chose choose from.  Staff was friendly, and the store was packed with goodies! 

So much fun!

Highly recommend planning a weekend to stay at Johnson Shut-Ins State Park. There is two parts to the park, the campground and the actual Shut-Ins.                                                               Camground: Offers Electric, Basic, Cabins and even Walk-in sites. The basic sites, which is my personal favorite, has its own beauty by surrounding your site with trees giving you your privacy.  
Shut-Ins: Absolutely beautiful!! Its about a mile from the campground and then it is about .5 mile paved path walk to the Shut-Ins from the parking lot. Don’t let that intimidate you! It’s worth it! Expect to be there for a few hours to enjoy the rocks and natural pools. Make sure you wear really good water shoes, you’ll be doing a lot of climbing through the rocks. 
Side Note: If you’re camping, you get a pass to the the Shut-Ins reserved parking for only campers. Also make sure you stop by the visitor center to learn more about the park. 
Wait, there’s even more! Elephant Rocks State Park is a must go! It’s about a 20 minute drive from Johnson Shut-Ins. You wont want to miss out  on the giant rocks! I recommend going early in the morning to Elephant Rocks to climb and walk the park and then head to Johnson Shut-Ins to cool off and relax. (You won’t have to worry about parking if you’re a camper 😉) 

I posted a few pictures of both parks and put in the caption which park is which. 

So much History! 

Managed to get the most secluded spot in the campground which is hard to do considering that you usually need to book months In advance. Great place to camp! There is a beautiful bike trail connecting the campground to the rest of the park. They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt. Also in close proximity to Elephant Rock State Park. 
 


Great biking and awesome spot

Absolutely beautiful park. Well maintained trails and camp areas. The shut-ins provide the perfect spot for cooling off on a hot day after hiking nearby trails. Normally crowded with a consistent inflow of foot traffic but there is always enough space to have a good time. 

Great Place to Cool Off

I have never seen a campground so clean and beautiful looking! In loop 3 the sites are very private and spacious.

Cleanest campground 

johson shut ins campground is very well kept. each loop is separated into categories and each site is separated by trees. it feels secluded even though your neighbors are close. there is a trail behind everyones site that is connected and it leads to the showers and general store. there is areas for RV, Tent, and walk up. there is safe drinking water and it is only a mile from the actual shit ins which is a remarkable experience. the pavement was massive but still had plenty of flat grassy area inyo the woods for tents. i would highly recommend. but it is a distance to find gas and food so shopping at the general store may be required. 

Get Shut In

There are many Drive in sites and walk-in sites. Lots of hiking trails along with the actual shut in. Dog friendly.

Great camping

Sites have lots of space for setup and distance between your neighbors. WiFi available at the campground store, cell service is hit or miss. The sunsets are amazing. Camping gets you preferred access and special parking for the river. Bring a bike for exploring or rent one there!

Relaxing and away from the city 

There are hookup sites as well as a primitive loop for tent camping. The cart provided was great to walk our gear down the trail to our site, and there was a flat deck for us to camp on (which was great on our rainy weekend). The store was nice, and we got some great ice cream on the way out. We drove in, but the people next to us backpacked from another campsite. Absolutely a great experience.

Perfect for any experience

Found this to be a nice relaxing camp ground with lots of places for hiking and most important dog friendly

Nice relaxing campground

I have mixed feelings about this experience. J-Shuts never gets old and I gave been visiting for over 20 years, but only camped once in July. The newish (9 yrs old?) is the result of the old sites being washed out when the Ameren Reservoir breached flooding and destroying much of the campsite area. The decision to move camping across Hwy N is good for safety, but separates you from the shut-ins which is probably why you are there.
We had a site with electric hook up which meant we could charge phones and run a small fan to combat Missouri heat.  We tent camped but our site was clearly meant for a camper. There was only a small patch of rocky grass and a large concrete slab and pull through. It backed to trees, but was mostly unshaded and completely exposed to the road. The showers and restrooms are individual, good sized closets. No charge for showers. There is a store that has what you forgot, plus fun stuff you didn't know you had to have until you saw it.  
There is so much to see in this area of Missouri. This campground is a great jumping off point for seeing not only the Shut-Ins, but Elephant Rocks, Taum Sauk State Park,  hiking the Ozark Trail, and checking out the town of Arcadia Valley. 

Gorgeous Park, Good Camping

Visited in October - weekday without reservations - The process for securing campsites is awkward at best as it is staffed for very limited hours. It seems a pretty new campground, nice restroom facilities (individual toilet/sink rooms). We are tent campers and in Oct. we tend to look for sites with electric because it gets dark so early - all the electric sites have these massive concrete pads - "double wides" - that actually also include the fire pit! We thought this was a lot of hardscape in a natural setting and so checked out the basic loop and it was the same thing. There are walk-in sites which we did not check out that I presume are not concrete. Unfortunately there hasn't been much attention given to tenter's needs as the concrete slabs are relatively level but area around them (if there is enough available for a tent) is pretty slopey - the staff person suggested putting our tent on the concrete!!! We slept slopey - it was OK. Also the first site we set up in - the 20amp circuit breaker wasn't working so we had to switch after having set up our tent - lesson learned: check breakers first! One more thing: we are very conscientious about not moving firewood and are willing to spend premium to buy firewood from the Park concession. This wood was WET and $1 a stick - come on ….. The park and neighboring parks in the area are well worth visiting.

New and lots of concrete

This is the perfect place for a family in the summer. Crawling through the rocks with water flowing between them was always fun for me as a kid. Still looks beautiful today as an adult. The campground is also very nice. Showers and bathrooms are clean. Probably the best state park in Missouri. 

Great place to be!

Amazing state park with wonderful new visitor center. Lots of history and it has completely been rebuilt. Campground was clean and well managed. Lots of wildlife and amazing science at work. Must see in Missouri. 

Beauty Elegance Activities and technology

A lot to do on the grounds and surrounding areas. Sites were very large with ample parking space

Great sites with lots to do 

We have stayed in cabins and tent camped. Beautiful spot, but can be very heavily populated 

A drive to the shut ins

The Shutins are a perfect spot for an active camper. The rocks in the river make for an amazing natural waterpark! Wearing water shoes is a must! I only gave it 4 stars because dogs are not allowed in the shut-ins area, only at the campsite. My dog goes everywhere with me so it makes us hesitant to return.

Natural waterpark but a no dog zone. 

Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends.
If you plan to go, make a reservation by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). 
This is a State Park with about 80 walk-in, basic, electric, sewer/electric/water and equestrian campsites. Some of the sites have wooden platforms.
The park also has a small store located in the center of the campground.
Swimming is popular at the park. The “shut-ins” are rock formations where the river is limited by hard rock that it is cutting through. In these shut-ins, the river cascades over and around smooth-worn rock, creating a natural water park.
There is also hiking and rock climbing.


Make a reservation !

The campsites are very nice. I don't mind the concrete pads they have for camping and parking. We have a camper but used cots when we tent camped so concrete was not a problem for us.

  

The kids loved the shut ins. We didn't even make it all the way to the back as it was a very long walk. We also visited some of the historical sites in the area.

Nice park with a lot to do in the park and the surrounding area. 

I want to start by saying that this is an awesome sight to see and experience. With that being said, it is also hazardous and not easily accessible. The shut-ins are rock formations smoothed over by water. They are extremely slippery! Shoes are a necessity. The rocks also become very hot to the touch. There is no easy access to the swimming hole. You must climb up and down the hot, slippery rocks. It is not for the faint of heart, or anyone not physically capable of hoisting your own body out of the water, or small children who do not listen. 

  

Despite these warnings, I was glad that my family was able to traverse the shut-ins. It was adventurous (and a little scary) but very cool to do.

Fun but dangerous

Nice park. It’s a pretty long trek from parking to the swimming area with young children and all your gear. I recommend finding a nice pooled in area to swim in. Moving from pool to pool gets dicey. There are some awesome deep pools and “natural slides” but it definitely gets very slippery and you really have to watch the kids. Campground is pretty clean but average for state park.

 Very fun area. Pretty normal campground 

The shut-in are a classic eastern MO destination with crystal clear water and beautiful bluffs.  Campsite are less than 1.5 miles from the swimming area and are very clean and well maintained.  Very nice visitors center with cool exhibits.  General store at the campgrounds with limited hours.  Word of caution..   the shut-in are for strong swimmers only!  I would not recommend it for small children.  The swimming area below the shut-ins however are fine.  Water shoes a must!

Summer Fun!

This has long been one of our favorite places to go as a family. The campground itself is perfect for families with lots of activities, especially during the summer months. Everything from walk in tent sites to full hook ups and even a few cabins. Book far in advance though!
The Shut Ins themself are up the road from the actual campground and require a good hike back to actually get to the water. It’s all flat but you’ll still want to travel light. 
While the water area itself is beautiful you do need to be extremely careful. Especially with little ones. There are areas up top that you can hang out with children and let them swim without issue. But the shut ins themselves need to be navigated with caution. 
Overall this is one of our favorite parks in the state with plenty of fun for everyone!

One of our favorite places!

Stayed on a Monday -Wednesday in a walk-in spot in loop 5. Every spot was occupied but park was maintained well and good time. 

Busy but great. 

Water and electric at every site.  Really nice bathrooms with recycle bins.  Totally lanscaped.

Swanky

So in the winter we can't stay away from the state parks and Johnson Shut Ins is a perfect base to explore the area when it is too cold to tent camp with kids. 
We got a camper cabin in the first weekend of December and brought our two dogs. The campground is mostly empty this time of year. The showerhouses are clean with hot water and there is a friendly host. We bought firewood at a gas station in Arcadia before we got to the park. Of course it was a little wet but burned OK. I wasn't sure if wood was available in the park because of limited facility openings during the offseason. 
We walked the Shut Ins trail one morning and it was misty and beautiful. No dogs allowed there though. There is some cell service on the cabin loop. My only complaint is other campers, who let their dogs run loose. Obviously not the park's fault. The cabins are clean and very nice with rockers on the front porch. 
We visited Elephant Rocks also, where dogs are allowed. 

Awesome Winter Cabin

Beautiful site, each walk-in was spread apart from each other. We loved it and cannot wait to go back.

Walk-In

We spent the weekend at WI513, wagons are provided as the trail is hilly. Camp site has wooden pads due to terrain, and depending on which campsite you’re in, bathroom and shower facilities are nearby and kept very clean. 
General store on site has provisions, firewood, and free WiFi. 
Nearby Shut-ins is in the day use are beautiful, great for a dip on a hot day. However those who wish to continue practicing social distancing should skip the dip and stick to the miles of beautiful trails. 

Walk-Ins Perfect for Social Distancing

We loved this clean and beautiful campground!  We stayed in the fall and the colors were amazing.  Our kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins.  We have already planned to return in the summer to swim!  Well maintained facilities and the store had everything you could need. Nice paved sites that have picnic tables &amp; fire pits. 

Our favorite!

Very nice campground with nice showers and clean bathrooms. Camp sites were somewhat close together so hope you like neighbors. We didn’t check the nearby trails to the shut-ins before coming. The shut-ins trail DOES NOT allow dogs so that’s a bummer. Found some other local hiking trails so overall it wasn’t too bad. 

Nice campground, check trails for pet rules 

This is a new(ish) and well maintained campground. It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool. We weren’t there during the summer months, but I am sure this park is busy when the weather is good for swimming. We stayed at the campground at the end of September when the leaves were just starting to change colors and it was beautiful.  

  

All the sites have concrete pads and there is plenty of space between sites with lots of trees. There is also a walking path that cuts through the middle of both loop 2 and 3. This is great if you are planning trips with friends and family but can’t get sites directly next to each other. The park has a great general store which is centrally located and there is a nice big laundry facility attached if you need it. We didn’t use the bathroom/shower facilities while we were there due to covid, so I unfortunately don’t have information about those for you.

  

Be aware the shut-ins are separate from the campgrounds. This can be either a positive detail or a negative depending on how you look at it. It’s only bad if you are concerned about the fact that you have to drive or walk to go play in the water. However, I think the good outweighs the bad in this case.  

  

Although we weren’t there during the warmer/swimming months, I can imagine the park gets pretty busy during the weekends and hot days. So the positive is, if you are camping, that the campground area won’t be busy with day-use visitors because the park is split up. Which means, you can still enjoy the peace and quiet if you aren’t playing at the actual shut-ins. That is definitely a plus in my book.  

  

The only issue we had was there was nobody at the gate to check us in. We had to check in by text or we could scan a QR code and there were no campsite maps available either. So hopefully you have better phone service then we had, and make sure to download a site map so you can find your campsite more easily.  

  

Overall, the park is great. The shut-ins are beautiful and if you are into exploring the area around Johnson’s Shut-ins there are multiple state parks nearby where you can drive to and do some more exploring.

Great campground and beautiful river

This is still the favorite spot, so far, to take my kiddos to. Gorgeous views, a clear and well cared for river. Scenic views from the walkway and stairs built beside it, with open areas to access the river and the beautiful huge rocks scattered among it. A great jumping and swimming spot, too. Unmatchable!

Absolute Perfection!

We love this campground! Each campsite has lots of shade and privacy. Plus a large concrete pad. Their bathrooms are always clean and water is hot for showers. I can go on and on about this campground. It’s very nice! 

Our favorite campground! 

Arrived in evening as a stopping point. It was a bit loud but right at quiet time everyone was silent until after quiet ours ended. The campground trail was nice and the amenities were surprisingly well maintained. Hot shower in private shower room, flush toilet, well lit and not over crowded. 

Better than expected 

More private than I expected from a big state park campground with showers and the works. I’d absolutely recommend. 

Quiet and very well maintained 

We stayed in lot 211 in early October.  The park is outstanding.  Clean.  Level sites.  Paved hiking trails to the Shut In’s. The store and visitor center were already closed during the week but open on the weekend.  The leaves were just starting to turn.

No 2 on USA Today List for Good Reason

Excellent camping, very clean spots, kinda close together but still a bit wooded, bathrooms and showers were clean and perfect as well.

Excellent

We tent camped in loop 3 in late November for one night. The bathroom and showers were still on in this camping area. The spots are slightly close together but still very wooded. Not a lot of people camping at this time of the year even on a Saturday. Camp hosts were fabulous. The sites aren’t really set up for tents. More for Trailers. We had to get creative to find a spot to put up the tent in order to stake it down. Large parking pads, fire rings, and picnic tables at each camp site. 

Late Fall Tent Camp

Love it. Best way to put it. There is a store and firewood, campsites are semi close but very large and well put together!!

Johnson shut ins

This was such a clean campground. From the restrooms to the campsite and the river, everything was amazing. 
The river was a bit busy on Saturday but that’s a given in July. 
We will definitely be coming back!


Great campground!

This place has what you need for a good camping trip. The general store has the essentials, the campground is clean, sites are decently spaced with enough privacy. Thumbs up.

Nice Campground

We arrived at 9:30 AM and headed for the North Day Use parking lot. We were the second or third car there. We did not plan to see the shut-ins but instead put our chairs in the river via the access trails by the North Day Use side. We were able to choose any picnic table and setup our future lunch spot. I don't think but one other table was used the rest of the day, because most people that parked here walked to the shut-ins. The early afternoon was very peaceful and we were the only people in that section of the river. By mid afternoon the parking lot was full and there were then several small groups of families in the section by us, all very polite and friendly. Don't know, but imagine the shut-ins were busy with people due to seeing all the cars drive in that direction. We left by 3:30 and the parking lot was starting to empty out. Decent vault toilet in this section, if you don't look in it, and flush toilets by the Black River Center.

North Day Use side is very nice

The campground was big and comfortable. We wanted to stay close to the open shower houses since only those in loop 3 and the cabins were open until April. Stayed in loop 2, which was still close enough to cabins shower house. Our site was right at the beginning of the loop and was very level and offered privacy since no one was to our right. No problem with cell service for 5G, we were able to stream music and apps. Anything under 5G was in SOS mode. No antennae TV available, either. The shut-ins were right down the road or you could walk or bike the paved path all the way there. The Scour Trail was also close and really neat to see.

Late Winter Camping

**General:** Very large state park with six separate loops/areas:

• Loop 1: 10 Equestrian sites with water and electric (50 amp)

• Loop 2: 20 FHU sites (50 amp)

• Loop 3: 21 Sites with electric only (50 amp)

• Loop 4: 14 sites with no hookups

• Loop 5: 14 walk-in sites plus three special use sites

• Six cabins 

  

**Site Quality:** We stayed in Loop 3. Each site was very generous in size and reasonably distanced from each other. Most had foliage separating them. All sites looked to be level, and the camper pads were either all concrete or concrete/macadam and in very good shape. A large wooden picnic table, lantern/garbage hook, and fire pit complete each site. 

  

**Bath/Shower House:** The one closest to our site (and I’m assuming others are the same) had three toilet/sink combos and one family restroom/shower. On the other side of the building were three shower rooms. While they were clean, the floors were concrete, and the walls cinderblock and there was a bit of a musty odor. 

  

**Activities/Amenities:** We were there during the week in May and the visitor center and both stores (one in the campground and one by the Shut-Ins) were only open on the weekends. There was a laundry room with very reasonably priced machines ($1 each for the washer and dryer), a playground, and an amphitheater (which also was not in use when we were there). There is a gravel path that bisects each of the loops providing a nice way to walk/run throughout the campground. The signage in the park is good so even though no one was at the check-in station, it was easy to find our site and other facilities. The big draw for this park is the shut-ins (narrow constriction or gorge in a stream) where people can swim/slide from one to the other via small waterfalls into pools of water. We did see a few hearty souls in the water when we were there, and I can only imagine what it would be like on a hot summer weekend! 

  

We had almost the entire Loop 3 to ourselves, so it was a very quiet stay for us (except for the cicadas)!.

Photos of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Real photos from real campers