The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds in Missouri

3,608 Reviews

Missouri's state parks and recreation areas provide a broad spectrum of cabin camping options for visitors seeking shelter beyond traditional tent and RV sites. Meramec State Park near Sullivan offers cabin accommodations with electric hookups, picnic tables, and showers within a year-round facility rated above 4.3 stars by visitors. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in Lesterville similarly features cabin options alongside its popular water features, while Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson combines cabin lodging with glamping alternatives. Most cabins in Missouri state parks include basic amenities such as electricity, beds, and nearby restroom facilities.

Reservations for Missouri's cabin accommodations are typically required well in advance, especially during summer months and holiday weekends. Many cabins remain open year-round, though amenities and services may be reduced in winter. Water access remains a significant attraction, with many cabins positioned near lakes, rivers or springs. Missouri's varied terrain means cabin locations range from riverside settings to forested hillsides, with some providing easy water access while others offer more secluded experiences. A visitor commented that "Loved the solitude of being by the water. We had another RV next to us for a few days, but with the privacy fence in between you would never know it."

Campers consistently rate cabin accommodations at Bennett Spring State Park and Crystal Springs highly, with multiple reviews mentioning friendly staff and clean facilities. Several visitors highlighted the proximity to water features, with one noting that "There is a little spring onsite and very friendly owners!" Some park cabins provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and nature centers, enhancing the overall experience. Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground receives positive reviews for its combination of water recreation and comfortable accommodations. The cabins at Cuivre River State Park near Troy include options for glamping and yurt stays, offering alternatives to traditional cabin camping. While most Missouri cabins provide basic amenities, visitors should verify specific features when booking as amenities vary significantly between locations.

Map showing campgrounds in MissouriExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites in Missouri (885)

    1. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    56 Reviews
    Black, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 546-2450

    $11 - $32 / night

    "It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."

    "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."

    2. Meramec State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Sullivan, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-6072

    $12 - $48 / night

    "Miles upon miles of trails. Spacious campground, caves to explore, old time blast furnace to explore, fresh Missouri spring with exceptional fishing. Then theres a general store with a restaurant"

    "Growing up near here, this was the state park that my family always went to. Forty some years later, it is still my favorite park in Missouri. I enjoy camping here with my family and friends."

    3. Table Rock State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Hollister, MO
    Website
    +1 (417) 739-4627

    $12 - $42 / night

    "The campsite was large with an asphalt path and a nice spot for my tent. First weekend in May and the park was pretty much full. My campsite close to the facilities."

    "Nice campground with a paved walking/cycling trail from boat docks to the dam. Nice showers, fairly level campsites. Fishing within walking distance."

    4. Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Kaiser, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 348-2694

    $13 - $50 / night

    "Lake of the Ozarks State Park campground is located in Kaiser Missouri about 5 miles down highway 134 off of highway 42. This campground is about 1.5 hour from Columbia and Springfield Missouri."

    "We stayed close to the river in the primitive area and the deer were all over.  These deer were super friendly and didn't move at all as we walked right past them. "

    5. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 856-4411

    "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."

    "The state of missouri does an amazing job providing opportunities for families to enjoy the beauty of nature. Nature programs for kids and parents to learn. Well kept facilities."

    6. Blue Springs Lake Campground

    46 Reviews
    Blue Springs, MO
    Website
    +1 (816) 503-4805

    $33 - $48 / night

    "The sites were well situated such that you felt you had plenty of privacy."

    "The original plan was to be in Blue Springs for an outdoor off-road RC event, camping in our pup with a generator at the track."

    7. Cuivre River State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Troy, MO
    Website
    +1 (636) 528-7247

    $15 - $38 / night

    "Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope."

    "It’s close to our house and there’s always something new to do each time. The bathrooms are well maintained and the campsites are fairly large and provide lots of shade."

    8. Bennett Spring State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Windyville, MO
    Website
    +1 (417) 532-4338

    "This state park is one worth a stop when near Springfield. I drove north toward this park to enjoy something a bit different and found it to be very peaceful during a weekday. "

    "A trout fisher dream, as one of Missouri’s 5 hacherys are here. Fun for this kids to see the amazing amount of fish."

    9. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Leasburg, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 245-6576

    $12 - $52 / night

    "Other than the water, Onondaga Cave SP has been one of my favorite places to camp in Missouri for more than 20 years."

    "We stayed one night on our way through Missouri. It’s only about ten minutes south of I-44. The campground was only about half full, so it was nice and quiet."

    10. Hawn State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Farmington, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 883-3603

    $12 - $25 / night

    "Hawn State park, located off of highway 32 near St. Genevieve, is a wonderful, must visit in southeast Missouri."

    "There is 3 trails with the longest having two loop options with connectors from the other two trails. There are also walk in sites here and hike in sites. This park will not disappoint."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 885 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Missouri Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos in Missouri

951 Photos of 885 Missouri Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Missouri

3608 Reviews of 885 Missouri Campgrounds

  • Kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    Puma — Mark Twain State Park

    Quiet nature

    We had a nice 2 night stay in Fall. The tree colors were amazing. There are several different trails that interconnect allowing for hikes of different lengths.

    We were on the Puma Loop in site 070. It was fairly flat with few neighbors. Everyone was pretty quiet.

    Cell service (T-mobile) was really weak, but the wifi coverage was excellent.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    The Embers Glamping and RV Resort

    Clean/New/Expensive/Great Location

    Little expensive, but does it all right. Super nice shop with coffee shop and pizza attached.

  • Pam R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Blue Springs Lake Campground

    Favorite on trip

    We loved this campground. The sites are so pretty and spaced well. The bathroom/showers were clean. The laundry worked well. The camp host was friendly and welcoming. This was the best campground we stayed at on our cross country trip. All the sites were nice.

  • granny T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Honey Creek Conservation Area

    Free quick stopover off 29

    A Missouri conservation area, a mile off the road. a gravel road gives you access to many multi use trails. see map attached. there were 5 or so nice camping spots with picnic tables and fire rings along the tree line soon after entering, but no gravel off road parking areas. signs said we must stay on gravel, so we couldn't camp there with our trailer without blocking the road. we found a handicapped site by the the one vault toilet. and one campsite at the end of the road. Both were not available. we set up in the parking area near the vault toilet, stayed hooked up to our truck. the outhouse was clean and had paper, but could use a new seat. it was a pretty area with lots of trees just changing into Fall colors. We didnt hike on the trails due to hunters present. it worked well as a quick stop over

  • Kennon H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Nice base camp

    We had a great time exploring the north KC area. Just 25 miles from downtown town. The best finds were in the town on Weston Bend. The campground is adding new 50 amp full hookup sites.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Free during winter season; otherwise, $10

    Camped for one night at site #7 on Oct 23, 2025. It turned out that this was the first night that camping fees were suspended for the winter season. This National Park Service campground has mostly walk-in tent sites - a few near the river were difficult to find. I parked my van in a small parking lot which serves sites 6 & 7 - just up the hill from the campground loop and vault toilet. The campsites include a table, metal fire ring and lantern pole. Sites 6 & 7 are close together, actually just one site with 2 tables and fire rings, good for a group campout. Except for a few fishermen who fished for a little while, I had the campground all to myself. Very quiet, peaceful night. I enjoyed fishing for smallmouth bass here. There is no potable water, and no hookups. Hammock camping and limited Starlink connectivity may be possible depending on the site. There is a his/hers vault toilet located in the center of the loop; it was clean and supplied with tp. Except for a small trash container in the vault toilet, there is no trash service at this campground; I took out the trash that I created as well as trash left by previous users. The gravel roads accessing this campground were in good condition during my visit. This is a beautiful location. There was some AT&T and T-Mobile service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    North Fork

    Large sites, good separation

    Camped at site #4 in the Dogwood Loop in Oct 2025. Paid $5 with senior pass. Previous review applies. Trash service available. Vault toilets (3) were open; clean with tp. Water was turned off for the season. There are a couple of hiking trailheads in campground. The Blue Spring Trail was really nice; it was moderately difficult in a few areas. Nice views of the North Fork River along this trail. Bank fishing possible in the nearby day use area. The campsites were large with good spacing between them. There is no privacy, however, between sites. My site was level, but can't say that for all sites. The campsites and roads were paved. The campground appeared well maintained during my stay.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Nice campground with access to trails

    Camped here in mid-October 2025. Free national forest primitive campground. Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead. It was mid-week, so it was quiet and peaceful here. Only one other camper here during our visit who car-camped in a parking lot. Sites included a metal fire ring and table; some with tent pads. Hammock camping is possible depending on the site. My site had a grass and dirt surface. The vault toilet was clean and equiped with tp. No potable water. Hiking into the Hecules Glades Wilderness Area was wonderful. The trails into the wilderness area appear to be open to hikers, backpackers, hunters and equestrian riding. Hitching rails are available at the campground. Access to the campground on the forest road was good; a 2wd passenger car should be able to make it here. Overall, a nice, peaceful overnight stay.

  • Stephanie O.
    Oct. 27, 2025

    St. Francois State Park Campground

    Excellent choice for quick weekend trip!

    Had a wonderful weekend camping trip in the basic loop. Grass well-trimmed, campground pretty clean and full of families. Definitely a lot of kid noise, but I much prefer that to adults drinking into the night. Staff always cheerful and eager to provide a good experience; they do ride around every so often to check in on things. Camp host on site. Some sites certainly better than others; the biggest ones are near the entrance to the basic loop.

    Bathrooms older and not spotless, but they stay on top of stocking them. Very well lit at night. Check-in station has patches, t-shirts, and firewood for sale in big bundles for $5. They do cover them when it rains.

    There is definitely a friendly community atmosphere, but you can keep to yourself if that's your preference.

    There is a nice 3-mile hike that begins at the campground.

Guide to Missouri

Camping in Missouri offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to Do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful campgrounds. Hiking trails. Super showers & toilets. Clean. Friendly staff.”
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, check out Bennett Spring State Park Campground. A reviewer said, “The Niangua River was gorgeous and so fun to swim in (clear all the way to the bottom).”
  • Water Activities: Campgrounds near lakes, like Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina, are perfect for kayaking and swimming. One visitor noted, “You will have water and electric but no sewer and no dump station on site.”

What Campers Like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Maramec Spring Park stated, “Great and clean shower house. Well taken care of.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At B Berry Farms & Co., a camper said, “The whole B Berry family are great people. They helped us get in and told us all the fun & exciting things around the farm to do.”
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Raccoon Ridge offer stunning views. One camper shared, “Heavy wooded with shared paths to lake or cove. Marina is within 1 mile by water or 15 minutes by car.”

What You Should Know

  • Reservation Policies: Some campgrounds have strict cancellation policies. A visitor at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground expressed frustration, saying, “Their reservation process raised concerns with their non-industry standard policy of requiring a 10-day notice for cancellations.”
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Raccoon Ridge warned, “Keep food and bait inside as raccoons rule at night.”
  • Ticks and Bugs: Some areas have ticks, so bring bug spray. A review for Pine Ridge Recreation Area mentioned, “Only bummer was lots of ticks.”

Tips for Camping with Families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Boiling Springs Campground, a camper noted, “This camp area is very clean and family friendly! The river was pretty!”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A family at Bennett Spring State Park Campground enjoyed cooking fresh food over the fire.
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A reviewer at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground mentioned, “They have both showers and running water restrooms.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground said, “The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent.”
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina appreciated, “The general store has many options including a wide variety of food and drinks.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Pittsburg Area Campground noted, “Really quiet during the week. However, fishing boat traffic increases through the week.”

Camping in Missouri has its perks and quirks, so be ready for a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Missouri state parks?

Missouri's state parks and conservation areas offer several budget-friendly camping options. Indian Hills Conservation Area provides low-cost camping with basic amenities amid beautiful scenery. Similarly, Union Ridge Conservation Area offers primitive camping at minimal or no cost. Missouri Conservation Areas generally have fewer amenities but provide affordable options for those comfortable with basic facilities. State parks like Lake of the Ozarks and Long Branch charge standard Missouri State Park rates, which are relatively affordable compared to private campgrounds. For completely free camping, Mark Twain National Forest allows dispersed camping outside designated areas and away from roads, though you'll need to bring all supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles.

What recreational activities are available at Missouri campgrounds?

Missouri campgrounds offer diverse recreational activities for all interests. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground features cave tours with impressive lighting displays and river activities perfect for families with children. Long Branch State Park Campground provides swimming beaches, boat ramps, and excellent fishing opportunities. Throughout Missouri's campgrounds, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing. Water enthusiasts will find swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing at many locations, particularly at Lake of the Ozarks and along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Several parks also offer interpretive programs, nature centers, and historical sites from Civilian Conservation Corps construction. Mountain biking trails, horseback riding areas, and bird watching opportunities round out the recreational options.

What are the best campgrounds in Missouri for tent camping?

Missouri offers excellent tent camping options across the state. Marble Creek Rec Area in Mark Twain National Forest provides a natural experience shaped around the creek, with sites that lead to water in every direction. The area offers hiking and dispersed camping options for those seeking solitude. Table Rock State Park Campground features spacious tent sites with asphalt paths and close proximity to facilities. For nature enthusiasts, conservation areas like Indian Hills provide lovely scenery with minimal amenities. Other top tent camping destinations include Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park with its natural water features and Meramec State Park, known for its riverside sites and cave tours.

When is the best season for camping in southern Missouri?

The optimal camping season in southern Missouri runs from late spring through early fall, with specific advantages to each period. Table Rock State Park Campground sees high visitation by early May, suggesting spring's popularity. For more solitude, Asher Creek Campground at Lake Wappapello State Park can be nearly empty on weeknights and during off-season periods. Late spring (April-May) offers comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while fall (September-October) brings colorful foliage and cooler temperatures. Summer provides the fullest access to water activities, though humidity can be high. Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for potential freezing temperatures. Avoid November during deer hunting season if you're not participating.

Keep Exploring