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Camping near Black, Missouri spans from developed RV and tent sites with electric hookups and concrete pads to free dispersed camping within the national forest boundary. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers developed sites with concrete pads for tents, RVs, and cabins, while maintaining a wooded setting with reasonable privacy between sites. Nearby, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground provides more primitive camping in a higher elevation setting. For those seeking more solitude, FS-2363 Dispersed Camping at Murphy Overlook offers free, undeveloped camping opportunities within the national forest boundary.
Camping in this region follows distinct seasonal patterns, with most facilities in state parks operating year-round but experiencing peak visitation during summer months when the Black River and its tributaries draw swimmers and paddlers. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park provides electric hookups, shower facilities, and a general store that typically opens in April and operates through fall. Many private campgrounds like Twin Rivers Landing and Bearcat Getaway supplement public options with additional amenities including cabin rentals and direct river access. Winter camping remains available but with reduced services. A camper noted, "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."
Waterfront access stands out as a defining feature of the camping experience in this area, with several campgrounds positioned along the Black River corridor. The unique geological formations at Johnson's Shut-Ins create natural water slides and pools that attract swimmers during summer months, though visitors should approach with caution. According to one visitor, "The shut-ins are rock formations smoothed over by water. They are extremely slippery! Shoes are a necessity." Campgrounds in the area typically feature level sites with fire rings and picnic tables, with varying degrees of privacy between sites. The region's campgrounds serve as excellent base camps for exploring nearby attractions including Bell Mountain Wilderness Area, Elephant Rocks State Park, and miles of hiking along the Ozark Trail system.
"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."
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
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."
"The sites are all walk in but it’s a short walk from your car to the site. Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent. Pit toilets are located at the entrance to the campground."
"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."
"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."
"This is a beautiful camp ground with electric sites right on the crystal clear Black River. The host is awesome and takes good care of the campground."
"This campground is definitely off the beaten path so make sure that you have the majority of your necessities before setting up camp."
from $10 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It is a popular spot for people who are there to float the Black River.
We were hiking the OT from Taum Sauk to Johnson Shut-ins so we opted for a camping cabin to keep it simple."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability"Pit toilets in pretty bad shape but did we expect any different😂 loved our visit, went down to the lake to swim and found a walking trail by the water just down from our campsite."
"The Council Bluff campground is easy to navigate and has really easy access to trails. There are drop toilets close to the sites, and the beach is a fairly short walk (~1mi) to the farthest campsite."
from $15 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Nice float on the Black River. Cool water and beach to sit and watch the floaters go by in as well! Group sites and were pretty large and mostly shady. This place is lit up fast after dark!"
"Black river access on site. Firewood included with site rental. Ice is only $2.50. No cell service"
from $12 / night
Check Availability"The camp sites in the #70’s are so close to the water and a short walk to the toilet/shower house! The bathrooms could have been cleaner and some of the lights were out but not the worst I have seen!"
"Access to the river is the best. They have float trips and canoes and kayaks for rent. River is crystal clear though it can get crowded. We found a nice secluded beach on the river and it was great."
"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."
TravelerAs with every Mo State park we've been to so far, it is perfect. Easy access to the river for fishing and swimming. RV sites have electrical and water hookups. Some have sewage as well. Showers available. Even a restaurant at the lodge as well as a store with the basics, and beer!
ScoutRoger and his wife and there staff are amazing we stay here a couple times a year. One of my favorite spots and the food is to die for.
LegendGreat place for exploring the cave on a tour or playing in the water to cool off. Campground is small and reservations are needed. Great hiking.
LegendWe didn't camp here, but hiked and drove through the campground. It was small, but decent. Seems pretty quiet. Good for trout fishing in season.
LegendThe campground is very new and modern. Not too many trees though. Great hiking, biking, and boating. There is a hotel, restaurant, and cabins for rent. Food is good at the restaurant. Watch for the wild horses! This is great for any size rig and beautiful walk in tent sites on platforms.
LegendThe trees changes are amazing in the fall. Lots of great camping spots to select from. Good for any kind of camping and has cabins, store, and restaurant. Great bike trails and plenty of water play in the river.
LegendThis is a park not far from St Louis with camping and hiking. Campground is on the small side.
LegendWe loved renting cabins on New year's Eve here. It is so quiet and peaceful. Cabins are a good size with sleeping for 4. Bathrooms are down a small hill from the cabin. Great hiking all around!
LegendI love this park for the dogwood trees in the spring. Reservations are highly recommend especially if you have a large rig and during summer river floating season. Don't use the back loop with a rig larger than 25 feet. You have to thread the needle between wiggly trees. Great hiking here too and a cave!
The Black River region near Black, Missouri offers camping options ranging from 1,000 to 1,700 feet in elevation throughout the eastern Ozark highlands. The area features a distinctive geology of igneous rock formations that create unique swimming opportunities and waterfront campsites. Seasonal water levels affect accessibility at dispersed sites, with spring typically seeing higher flows along the Black River and its tributaries.
Highest point exploration: Visit Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground for access to Missouri's highest elevation. "The overlook to the valley is beautiful, especially for sunrise, and another short walk will take you to the marker for MO highest point," notes Kelsie L. The trails offer varied terrain and scenic viewpoints with limited crowds.
Black River swimming: Access clear water directly from Twin Rivers Landing where campsites connect to river activities. "Waters were super clear. They have bathrooms and showers. Att cell service works good here," reports Joshua Y. The landing provides canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service for various float distances.
Rock formations: Besides the shut-ins, visit nearby Elephant Rocks State Park where giant granite boulders create a playground-like environment. "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," advises Erin J. from Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, highlighting the importance of checking trail restrictions.
Secluded forest sites: For true solitude, Murphy Overlook offers free dispersed camping in Mark Twain National Forest. "We were the only people along this forest service road and got the prettiest spot towards the end of the road overlooking the mountain across. This camping area is a hidden gem!" says Shea B. The sites require 4WD or AWD vehicles to access.
Platform camping: Some campers prefer the elevated wooden platforms at Johnson's Shut-Ins. "Beautiful site, each walk-in was spread apart from each other. We loved it and cannot wait to go back," reports Elizabeth W. The platforms provide level, dry surfaces especially valuable during rainy conditions.
Swimming holes: Natural water features draw campers throughout summer. "The river and the trails are well worth the trip. It snowed on our last visit in March," shares Chad K. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, highlighting that water access can be enjoyed even during off-peak seasons.
Seasonal facilities: Water availability changes seasonally across the region. "We didn't see where the water was but it was supposed to be off for the season anyway so we were prepared," explains Amanda C. about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground. Most campgrounds shut off water during winter months.
Road conditions: Forest service roads require appropriate vehicles. "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)," warns Jason F. about Murphy Overlook.
Wildlife awareness: The area hosts diverse wildlife including bears. "Saw an adult black bear when we left, only about 0.5 a mile from camp. Ran across the road in front of us. Keep that in mind!" advises Sean A. about Murphy Overlook. Proper food storage is essential at all camping areas.
Accessibility considerations: Choose campsites based on your family's mobility needs. "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)," shares Shelby B. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of park programs. "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt," mentions Charlotte B. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, highlighting organized activities that enhance family camping.
Swimming safety: Water features require proper footwear and supervision. "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," reports Becky T., indicating that weekdays might offer slightly less crowded conditions for families.
Site selection: RV campers should research specific site dimensions. "We were in site 43 and our 28' trailer fit great and only needed minor level adjustments," shares a camper about Council Bluff Recreation Area, though noting that "limbs along the road are overgrown" which can impact larger rigs.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer limited services. "Very nice campground with maintained sites and space to camp where you would," explains Loren G. about primitive camping options, highlighting that RVers should prepare for boondocking at more scenic locations.
Water supply planning: Limited water access requires advance planning. "I dumped at Washington State park and they have a water tower where the elbow nozzle can unscrew for my hose. I would probably fill up with potable water from there before going to Council Bluff next time," advises an RVer, noting the importance of identifying water sources before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Black Canyon camping areas?
Several excellent Black Canyon camping areas can be found along the Black River in Missouri. Markham Springs offers beautiful sites right on or near the Black River with gorgeous surrounding forest, providing unique camping experiences and excellent fishing opportunities. Highway K campground is another option located directly on the Black River, made up of two different camping areas and conveniently within a couple hours' drive from St. Louis.
What are the amenities at Black Creek Campground?
While specific Black Creek Campground information is limited in the reviews, similar campgrounds in the Black River region offer comparable amenities. Twin Rivers Landing provides large primitive sites with community water pumps, clean bathrooms within walking distance, shower facilities near the main entrance, and laundry facilities. For more developed options, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park on the Black River features well-maintained facilities with crystal clear water access and is particularly popular during summer months.
When is the best season to visit Black Hills for camping?
The best season to visit the Black Hills region for camping is typically late spring through early fall (May through September), when weather conditions are most favorable. During summer months, campgrounds like St. Joe State Park Campground offer spacious sites with gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire pits. However, be aware that popular water destinations such as Marble Creek Rec Area get busy during hot summer weekends. Fall brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time for a more peaceful camping experience.
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