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Best Campgrounds near Black, MO

916 Reviews

Southeastern Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest and state parks provide a range of camping options near Black, Missouri. 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Black, Missouri (157)

    1. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

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

    $11 - $32 / night

    "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."

    2. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Ironton, MO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 546-2450

    "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."

    3. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    11 Reviews
    Black, MO
    6 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Black, MO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 729-6656

    $10 - $40 / night

    "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."

    5. Bell Mountain Wilderness Area

    6 Reviews
    Black, MO
    8 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Twin Rivers Landing

    6 Reviews
    Black, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 637-2274

    $10 - $15 / night

    "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."

    7. Council Bluff Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Belleview, MO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 766-5765

    $11 - $100 / night

    "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."

    "We went to a nearby convenience store to get water. Site 43's buried terracing railroad ties are rotted and should be replaced before someone gets hurt."

    8. Bearcat Getaway

    7 Reviews
    Annapolis, MO
    11 miles
    Website

    $12 / night

    "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"

    9. Parks Bluff Campground

    4 Reviews
    Black, MO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 637-2290

    "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."

    10. Big Creek RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Annapolis, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 598-1064

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Black, MO

289 Photos of 157 Black Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Black, MO

916 Reviews of 157 Black Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Brazil Creek Camping Area

    Free to stay, no water, no gray dump, no garbage

    It's a free place to park and stand the night. The campground does not have any water, grey dump, or garbage. So it is primitive camping.

    There are lots of insects that will attack you on your walk, too...

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Meramec Valley Campground & RV Park

    Peaceful and quiet

    My cousin invited us to this particular campground and my wife fell in love with it. It truly felt like a campground regardless of the amenities they have to offer.

  • Maddie L.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout

    Owners get drunk so they can fight with customers!

    Went to go have a peaceful birthday dinner tonight with my family, and the lovely owners Tyler and Jennifer Juliette were so intoxicated that they kicked us off the property for being in a open public space without camping passes. My fiancé and some of the other guys were all hanging around the dumpster area(no sign saying you can’t be there), when a manager came over and was very rudely asking if they had day passes. When my fiancé calmly tried to explained we were there under a reservation, and we were only hanging around the public general store, the manager proceeded to get visibly angry and said she was informing the owner of our behaviour. After my fiancé came and told me of the situation, I went outside to see what the chaos was. Tyler and Jennifer proceed to come up to my fiancé and say“are you the one who was mouthy with my manger”. Mind you, they both were clearly intoxicated and had alcohol in hand and the manager had a cigarette hanging out of her mouth most of the interaction. After they came up I looked at Tyler and said“Sir we are here under reservation if I could just explain” and Tyler replied“I don’t care about a reservation and you’re going to let me talk.” They proceeded to say we needed to leave or they would call the cops. I told them obviously they had too much to drink and that we would leave. As we turned around to go inside and grab our belongings, they followed us the entire time. Tyler followed me so closely I was so scared he was going to grab me! Literally he was half an inch away from being chest to back with me, and I told him aggressively to back Up, get away from me and that I am a young woman. When we got inside, the owners told my family we were the most“disrespectful children” they’d ever met, mind you we are both legal adults. I grab my belongings, we left, and we surely will never ever be back! My family was left embarrassed, shocked, and disturbed by how poorly the owners handled the situation. If they had kindly asked us to see our passes or that we couldn’t hang by the dumpsters, there would have been 0 issue. If anyone there witnessed the interaction, I am highly sorry for the scene. However this was 100% poor business management and could’ve been handled 1000x better. So unfortunate that the owners are to entitled and money hungry to hear out the people who give them business.

  • Overland 1.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Piedmont Park

    Beautiful Place

    This is a beautiful campground. It is an older campground but very well maintained and very clean. The view from my camp is spectacular. I have electric, water, a covered picnic table, a fire ring and all for $8/night with my pass discount. Only negative thing I can say is the long hike to the bathrooms, but not really all that bad. Wonderful campground, will stay here again

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Great Campground!

    Stopped for one night, but could have stayed more. Great campground with tons of trees and shade. Each site has a table and fire pit. Big, clean bathrooms and showers. Playgrounds for kids. Caves to explore. I’m

  • Overland 1.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Mark Twain National Forest Markham Springs Campground

    Beautiful out of the way spot.

    This is a very clean, well kept campground in Mark Twain National Forest. It has electric, vault toilets showers and a potable water spigot. Very reasonably priced. The water was cut off for repairs shortly after I arrived but, no problem, stuff happens. Been here 12 days and it has been very enjoyable. I did a field report and it tested my "cell" reception but I have no signal here so I am using Starlink and have a great connection so that will skew the test results. They need to ask if using Starlink before doing that test.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Huge park right on the River

    We arrived on a Saturday and the park was packed, but were able to have a spot with electric. Campground probably has well over 200 sites with electric, electric and water, and tent camping. Right on the Merrimack river where one could go hang out in the river or float or tube down the river. Cave that is situated in the park that one can pay for a tour Fisher cave. We actually went to the Meramec Caverns tour about 15 miles away. Road into park is fairly narrow and has a pretty good grade going up and down. Park is actually almost 3 miles from the visitor center. Even though the park was very full when we arrived, it emptied out to almost no one on Sunday afternoon. You are nicely spaced apart from other people for the most part. Showers were adequate.

Guide to Black

Camping near Black, Missouri, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, you can enjoy nature while making lasting memories with family and friends.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Check out the trails at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The Scour Trail was also close and really neat to see." You can also hike at Echo Bluff State Park, where another camper said, "The hiking trails offer stunning vistas and the chance to encounter local wildlife."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming, fishing, or kayaking at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "The Saint Francis River and the Big Creek meet in the park. The big creek is spring-fed and ice cold."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Round Spring Campground noted, "We saw wild horses. The Rangers were friendly and helpful."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at St. Francois State Park Campground said, "The shower house was nice with great water pressure and they were clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of the campsites. One reviewer at Echo Bluff State Park mentioned, "Sites were spacious and there’s not a 'bad' site in the whole park."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the friendly vibe. A camper at Silver Mines said, "The campground hosts were very friendly and took good care of all the campsites."

What you should know:

  • Cell Service: Be prepared for limited cell service in some areas. A visitor at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground noted, "No ATT or Verizon cell. The trees boosted the rating and were the highlight of the place."
  • Reservations Recommended: It’s a good idea to make reservations ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. One camper at Round Spring Campground advised, "Make sure you have made reservations before you get here."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A reviewer at Berryman Trail & Campgrounds mentioned, "There are vault toilets but no water."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A family at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground said, "The water is slow and shallow enough in tons of places for littles and deep and cold enough for the older kids."
  • Quiet Campgrounds: Choose quieter campgrounds for a more relaxing experience. A visitor at St. Joe State Park Campground noted, "Quiet time is at 10 pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. One camper at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park mentioned, "The general store has the essentials."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure to check for electric and water hookups before booking. A reviewer at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground said, "Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups."
  • Space Considerations: Be aware that some sites can be tight. A camper at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "Parking at the sites is about 50-100 ft away from the table and fire pit."
  • Use Portable Power: If you rely on power, consider bringing a generator. A visitor at Round Spring Campground noted, "I used mine during the day. I didn't hear anyone else using one though and felt guilty."

Camping near Black, Missouri, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

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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