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Camping in the Arcadia region of Missouri centers around the Mark Twain National Forest and several notable state parks, with Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park and Marble Creek Recreation Area serving as popular destinations. The area supports a diverse range of camping styles from developed campgrounds with full hookups to primitive tent sites, with cabins available at Johnson's Shut-Ins and Twin Rivers Landing. Many campgrounds in this region provide access to natural water features, with several sites situated near creeks, rivers, or lakes.
Road access varies throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring navigation on winding forest roads. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though primitive areas may have seasonal closures from November through March. Water access points and natural features like shut-ins draw significant crowds during summer months, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures and fewer visitors. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly at places like Murphy Overlook dispersed camping area and Bell Mountain Wilderness. As one camper noted about Marble Creek Recreation Area, "The campground is an adventure to get to. Located on a winding road off of 72/21 just south of Arcadia."
State parks in the region typically provide more amenities than the national forest campgrounds, with shower facilities and electric hookups common at Johnson's Shut-Ins and St. Joe State Park. Campers consistently praise the natural attractions surrounding these camping areas, particularly the shut-ins, nearby Elephant Rocks State Park, and the various creeks and rivers that offer swimming and fishing opportunities. Tent sites at many campgrounds feature varied terrain, with some areas more level than others. According to one visitor at Marble Creek, "Campsites are well maintained with fire rings and picnic tables in each site. There is a public pit toilet in the center of the campsites near the entrance. This is a nice location in close proximity to both Elephant Rocks and Johnson Shut-Ins."
"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."
"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."
from $15 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Also worth noting is that there is water faucet an a drinking fountain next to the restroom bldg, so you can get fresh water if needed."
"Great for all kinds of camping with beautiful trails and Missouri’s largest waterfall. It is also Missouri’s highest point."
"This is a nice little campground located in the Mark Twain National Forest. The St."
"Our site was right next to the campground hosts who were very nice and very involved (they even found my parents who made the mistake of taking the first Silver Mines exit)."
from $15 - $100 / night
Check Availability"There is hiking, it is in a National Forest that allows Dispersed Camping outside designated areas and off roads."
"Site # 20 had a perfect path to the water, and a reasonable creek walk up to a swimming hole."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."
"There’s a couple nice lakes with big beaches great swimming for the kids and you can rent a canoe or a kayak to paddle around on the lake."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Shower houses were conveniently located in camping area. Big River was just a small walk away from the campsite. I know they had been flooded, but I am still cleaning rocks and dirt from the camper."
"State Park in Southeast Missouri along Big Creek. Well maintained campsites with electric hook ups. Water and dump stations, but no water hook up sites."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"We stay here anytime we want to go to south east Missouri. The owners are absolutely awesome folks the park is immaculately kept the spots are level clean and well kept."
"A little too close to one another for my liking, but well put together and level. Camp Host very nice and helpful woman and prices were reasonable, especially for firewood and propane."
"The drive to the site from highway 32 is just over 6 miles on a forest service road (2363). There is a beautiful view of the valley to the south west and we were treated to an incredible sunset."
"If you like beautiful scenery and being away from people while camping this is a perfect spot for you. It’s dispersed so bring your supplies."
"It's about a five hour drive if you don't have to stop, so we got to the trailhead for the Bell mountain loop at around 11pm."
"The Bell Mountain Wilderness Area is about a 2.5 hour drive from the St. Louis area - mostly highway until the winding country roads for the last 30 mins. There are two entrances to the mountain."
"Large primitive sites with plenty of space and access to community water pump in each area. Full RV hookup sites with room for tent camping friends. Trash pickup."
"Outside there is a big water spigot, picnic table, fire ring, and grill. You have access to the "beach" on the crystal clear Black River."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWhat a wonderful place to venture to with a young family. The people that run the campground are beyond generous and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The farm animals were a huge hit with the kids and they loved petting and feeding them. We will surely be back!
TravelerThe road leading in had downed trees that were cut back, the road itself was tolerable for my 2 wheel drive dodge journey. Some of the sites were grown over but one a few sites were usable with fire rings. Wood in the area was mostly dead. There was a decent area for us to put the tent out. Overall a good stay.
GuideMake sure to set your route to the road entrance of 2363. Don’t rely on the pin through the app, as it brings you to a house not the road. The road is a little bumpy to enter. There is also only a couple spots along the road to pull off and camp. The one we stayed at had a prebuilt fire pit, but sadly the previous people left trash. So please remember to PICK UP your trash. other than that beautiful place to camp.
RangerFollowing the coordinates led me 6 miles down CR-2363, and the road became rough at the end so I couldn't make it all the way to the coordinates. However, there are a few spots on this road before you get to the FS road. There are some dirt paths that lead to a spot for camping. There was one pull- thru spot with a fire ring. Not many spots from what I saw, and they are truly dispersed. The road is narrow gravel and there are a few rough spots.
RangerThere are a few loops to park in, and a couple of spots are right on the river. I drove back in my truck scouting for future spots to bring my trailer. This is not a spot I'll bring my camper.
The road is very narrow and there are washed out spots, and one area that is just large rocks. It was too rough for my camper. My Tacoma was fine, though. If you're driving a high clearance vehicle, you'll be okay. Bugs were bad, as expected for August.
RangerThis is a decent campground to stay for free. There is a pit toilet. There was only one picnic table and not many defined spots but I think you can pull up in the grass wherever you like. It's right at a trailhead. I started to walk the trail but couldn't find it when it crossed the road. The roads are good getting here. The campground road has a few pot holes, but nothing too bad. I would come back here and look for nearby hiking.
GuideI gave this campground a five star again. I am a solo female camper. I like to go to places that are safe with a good atmosphere and this had both and plenty of things to do a roundabout when coming through this area again I will definitely stay here.
GuideI stayed the weekend at Patt’s place and absolutely loved it the atmosphere accommodations the owner she was more than helpful. I’m a solo camper female in my stay there was awesome.
ScoutWe got our F350 with a slide in camper down to the creek. About a mile off the main road but it was super tight. Would recommend having a saw in case tree is down: def scraped some branches but it was nice at the end with the creek there. Very peaceful
The Mark Twain National Forest encompasses much of the Arcadia region, with elevations reaching 1,772 feet at Taum Sauk Mountain, Missouri's highest point. Dispersed camping options in this area offer more seclusion than established campgrounds, with primitive sites available along forest service roads. Cell service typically drops to minimal or non-existent in these remote locations.
Hiking on the Ozark Trail: Marble Creek Recreation Area serves as a trailhead for a section of the Ozark Trail. "Marble Creek is the starting point for the only free standing portion of the Ozark Trail. It is 8 miles from Marble Creek to Crane Lake," notes Mara F. The trail offers varied terrain through the Mark Twain National Forest.
Explore Bell Mountain Wilderness: For serious hikers, Bell Mountain Wilderness Area offers challenging backcountry experiences. "The Bell Mountain Wilderness Area is about a 2.5 hour drive from the St. Louis area - mostly highway until the winding country roads for the last 30 mins. There are two entrances to the mountain," explains Loren G. The loop trail climbs to stunning summit views and creek crossings.
Float the Black River: Twin Rivers Landing provides river access for paddling adventures. "Waters were super clear. We floated the Black River Friday through the campground, and had a blast. Our 6 man raft was in great condition and we had no problems with pick up at the put out," shares Lizz G. The campground offers equipment rentals and shuttle service.
Visit highest point in Missouri: From Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground, hikers can reach the state's highest elevation. "Taum Sauk Mountain is known for being the highest peak in Missouri but has a lot more to offer with its breathtaking views. There are three trails that are within Taum Sauk Mountain and you don't want to miss out on these views!" advises Erica P.
Secluded dispersed camping: Murphy Overlook offers primitive camping with panoramic views. "This site is accessible by AWD and 4x4 but I would hesitate to attempt it with any other car. The drive to the site from highway 32 is just over 6 miles on a forest service road (2363). There is a beautiful view of the valley to the south west and we were treated to an incredible sunset," reports Jason F.
Walk-in tent sites on platforms: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park provides unique tent camping options. "Beautiful site, each walk-in was spread apart from each other. The walkin sites are on platforms and are spaced for privacy," shares Elizabeth W. These platforms create level sleeping surfaces and offer more separation than standard tent sites.
Creek-side camping: Marble Creek Recreation Area sites offer water proximity. "My favorite part of Marble creek is the low noise, low traffic and you can always find a spot open. A few of the sights are right on the water which is a nice perk. Most sites are nicely separate by trees and brush," explains Shannon B. Sites by the water tend to fill first during summer months.
Family-friendly swimming areas: Silver Mines provides natural water features suitable for families. "We just put up our tents and built another fire ring to the north side of the obvious site. Camp sites are a 2 minute walk to the St. Francois River. Great hiking along the river and good fishing, swimming and kayaking in the river!" shares Leah H.
Seasonal water availability: Multiple campgrounds shut off water systems during colder months. "The water was turned off at the time of year we were there and the pit toilets were pretty full, but otherwise still clean," notes Mara F. about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. Winter campers should plan to bring all necessary water.
Varied tent site terrain: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offers rustic tent camping with challenges. "Self-service campsites, the closest you can get to backpacking with access to a toilet! (Vault toilet) Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent," advises Amanda C. Site selection matters significantly for comfort.
Access difficulties: Some of the best places to camp near Arcadia, Missouri require careful navigation. At Murphy Overlook, "I'd recommend something AWD or be comfortable with momentum style driving, don't need clearance just need the traction on some of the hills," suggests Sean A., who also reports seeing a black bear in the area.
Cell service limitations: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground offers modern amenities but connectivity varies. "The only slight below norms was their wifi was very poor and didn't work half the time so that angered some campers but didn't bother us one bit, we don't go into the woods not to watch tv anyway," shares John K.
Reserve platform sites early: At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, walk-in sites on platforms provide stability for family 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)," explains Shelby B. These sites often book months in advance.
Kid-friendly water play: Marble Creek Recreation Area offers gentle water access. "This spot was perfect for our group of friends bringing children! Site # 20 had a perfect path to the water, and a reasonable creek walk up to a swimming hole," notes Abby D. Sites closest to appropriate swim areas fill quickly during summer.
Educational programming: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt," reports Charlotte B. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
Consider cabin options: For families wanting comfort without full RV setups, Twin Rivers Landing offers simple structures. "We opted for a camping cabin to keep it simple. We were delighted to find it had A/C! There are 4 small cabins with a double bunk, table and 2 chairs plus the A/C. There is a little porch: nice for sitting or gear stash," shares Shawn M.
Site selection at Big Creek: Big Creek RV Park provides level sites with different configurations. "Spots were clean and easy to back into or pull through. A little too close to one another for my liking, but well put together and level," reports Eric H., who advises bringing supplies as there aren't many stores nearby.
Electric hookup locations: St. Joe State Park Campground has specific loops for powered sites. "They have 3 Loops. A lower loop (on the river) for campers with electric and 2 upper Loops for basic camping and non-electric sites," explains Natalie F. The furthest loop is more primitive with only vault toilets.
Campground store supplies: Many campers appreciate on-site stores for forgotten items. "The store was nice, and we got some great ice cream on the way out," mentions Shelby B. about Johnson's Shut-Ins. This convenience eliminates trips to distant towns for basic supplies.
Campground navigation: Some areas require careful maneuvering with larger rigs. "The sites are close together and there is a train beside the river.. but otherwise pretty great. The staff is really nice and takes time to chat with you," notes Amy & Stu B. about Big Creek RV Park, where despite tight quarters, level sites accommodate various RV sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Arcadia, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Arcadia, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Arcadia, MO and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Arcadia, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arcadia, MO is Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 57 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arcadia, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Arcadia, MO.
What parks are near Arcadia, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Arcadia, MO that allow camping, notably Clearwater Lake and Wappapello Lake.
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