Washington State Park Campground operates year-round with 35 sites offering electric, water, and sewer hookups for RVs up to 35 feet, plus walk-in tent sites in a separate area. Located less than an hour from St. Louis, this state park facility charges $12-$36 per night and accepts reservations. The campground sits within Washington State Park along the Big River, with a Dollar General store positioned right outside the park entrance for last-minute supplies.
The electric sites occupy rolling terrain closer to the river, while tent campers find more privacy among trees in their dedicated section. Both areas share a centrally located shower house that campers consistently describe as clean and well-maintained. David T. notes the "easy plug n play electric on a 30 amp box, no issues with blowing fuses like I have at other big state parks." Sites provide picnic tables and fire rings, though the terrain can be rocky in places. Campers report that sites in the middle of the tent area may collect rainwater runoff during storms.
The Big River provides swimming and floating opportunities, with canoe and kayak rentals available on-site through Thunderbird Lodge. The park maintains multiple hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, plus features Native American petroglyphs accessible via marked trails. A swimming pool offers an alternative to river activities. Morgan S. describes "river access, amazing hiking trails & great views" along with "very clean campsites with lots of shade for tent campers & nice level lots."
Road access requires navigating some challenging sections, and campers note that sites closer to the main road experience more traffic noise from day-use visitors. The campground hosts receive praise for their knowledge and friendliness. Cell service is available throughout the facility. Raccoons are active at night, so proper food storage proves essential. For additional camping options in the region, explore campgrounds around Washington State Park.
Description
Campground
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWashington State Park Campground is located in Missouri near Cadet
Directions
From jct Hwy 47 & Hwy 21: Go 6 mi N on Hwy 21.
Address
13041 State Highway 104
De Soto, MO 63020
Coordinates
38.08741635 N
90.69537817 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/19/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/19/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/19/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/19/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/19/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/19/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 58 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 28 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 2 hrs 2 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 2 hrs 17 min from Columbia, MO


































