4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
St. Francois State Park Campground and Washington State Park Campground house upscale glamping accommodations near Bonne Terre, combining wilderness immersion with comfort. These state park properties feature safari-style canvas tents and semi-permanent structures with modern conveniences including electricity and comfortable beds. Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout also provides luxury glamping options with both water and electrical hookups, making it suitable for guests wanting a more glamorous outdoor experience without sacrificing amenities. The sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean shower facilities. Meramec Caverns Natural Campground rounds out the area's premium accommodations with its unique glamping units situated near its famous cave system. One camper shared, "We stayed at site #86 and the sites around us seemed to be a little more spread out than others."
St. Louis West Historic Route 66 KOA stands out with distinctive yurt accommodations, providing a circular, tent-like experience with solid flooring and sturdy walls. Several glamping sites in the region provide direct access to water activities, with Washington State Park and Sam A. Baker State Park offering boat-in access for a truly unique arrival experience. Nearby hiking trails connect many glamping locations, with Mooners Hollow trail frequently mentioned in reviews. According to a visitor, "There are some nice hiking options within the park. It was exceptionally quiet when I stayed both times." Most glamping accommodations in the Bonne Terre region remain open year-round, though availability peaks during spring and summer months when water activities are most accessible. The proximity to St. Louis (approximately one hour) makes these glamping sites popular weekend getaways for city dwellers seeking comfortable outdoor experiences.
"Saint Francois is a tent and rv campground just 1 hour south of saint louis, MO in Bonne Terre. It also along a river which allows swimming at your own risk because there is no real entrance site."
"Definitely a lot of kid noise, but I much prefer that to adults drinking into the night."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $23 / night
"This park is so rich in Missouri and USA history - from buildings costructed by the African-American CCC stonemasons to Native American petroglyphs, there's some fascinating stuff here."
"The electrics sites are closer to the river, the tent sites are more private in trees in a separate area. Yay: Rent a canoe/kayak/tube to enjoy the river (on site!)."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $32 / night
"This is my favorite campground in Missouri. It has the best atmosphere with grand hiking, both day hikes and back country camping. I have stayed all over in this campground."
"There is a main loop of campgrounds all facing one another (e.g. little to no privacy) with electric hookups and reservations allowed (these fill FAST) then there are a few primitive walk up sites for"
Available this weekend
from $14 - $25 / night
"Camped before, getting ready to go this weekend. They have day long family friendly activities and the campsites deck out for Halloween with a $500 prize for best. Then at dish trick or treat."
"The showers and bathroom are clean. The fishing great and the camp sites are spacious and level. They have cabins for rent too and pavilion and amphitheater"
"Had a great area to roast s’mores and sit around the campfire at night"
"Easy access to the sand bar from the campground. Our site had electricity but no water. Fill up on the way in. Did not use the bathhouse due to COVID19. Be sure and check out the stars at night!"
Available this weekend
from $14 - $46 / night
"They had hot showers and bathroom which is always a plus. There was a little trash at the site but nothing bad. We had a ton of room between us and others. We could choose our site."
"The staff was very friendly and helpful. Check-in was very easy and we were met at the gate. They drove us over to our spot and brought us over a firepit."
from $23 - $38 / night
"Bathroom available. Nice secluded area."
"Good access to the Berryman Trail. There is a creek running along the camping area with a road along the opposite side. Park for the day or camp overnight to get an early start."
"Close to all the St Louis attractions as well as practically across the street from Six Flags. There is a pool and store on site."
"They have a dog park, rv hookup sites, electric tent sites and primitive sites. We stayed at a primitive tent site with both dogs."
"Because we wanted air conditioning, we opted for the lower sites near the river. We camped at site# 28 and it was just right. We were not on the river but close enough to hear it."
"Shaded, grassy, and very private except for the occasional visitors who drive up the road to see the overlook near these two campsites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $50 / night
"This site was probably my favorite one in Missouri so far. Has a few sites that are great for groups. Then a few sites that are more private for solo/family camps."
"Enjoyed my stay and hikes on the equestrian trails. At the time no horses were around, only other tent campers, one of which gave me their extra camp wood."
TravelerIt’s fun to see the animals. I was happy they have an outdoor shower because I needed it when I got here. I’d say the only down side is the animals roam so there is a lot of poop. Wouldn’t want to wander at night.
GuideSuper clean campground. The host is really welcoming and answers any questions you have. Some amazing views of you pick the right spot.
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.
ScoutSuper family friendly, quiet, clean & everyone who works here is super nice!
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.
ScoutTicks are soooo bad, def bring bug spray. There's also a DG and a gas station within 5 mins so that's a huge plus
LegendThis is my favorite campground in Missouri. It has the best atmosphere with grand hiking, both day hikes and back country camping. I have stayed all over in this campground. The spring that runs through it is great in the heat of the summer and the huge pine trees provide excellent shade. There is not much cell service down in the valley, but calls will go out if you drive up the hill. The sites book up quickly so make sure to have a reservation before showing up.
Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest provides diverse camping terrain near Bonne Terre, where elevations range from 500 to 1,700 feet. Located about 60 miles southwest of St. Louis, this region features oak-hickory forests, dolomite bluffs, and clear-running streams that maintain cool temperatures even during summer months. Fall camping is particularly popular when humidity drops and temperatures range from 45-75°F between September and November.
Hike the Mooners Hollow Trail: Located near Hawn State Park Campground, this trail offers pine-filled valleys and creek crossings. "Nowhere else in the state of Missouri have I been able to camp and feel like I'm in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. The trails are amazing with big boulders and beautiful creeks," shares one visitor.
Explore prehistoric petroglyphs: The Native American rock art at Washington State Park Campground provides a glimpse into ancient history. "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," notes a camper who visited in March 2021.
Float the Big River: Many campgrounds offer canoe, kayak, and tubing rentals for exploring local waterways. "My husband and I kayaked here and it was amazing! Probably the best short trip you could take on a kayak," reports one Washington State Park visitor.
Crystal clear creeks: The Huzzah Creek at Red Bluff Campground is popular for swimming and wildlife watching. "The Huzzah creek is rocky but beautiful. You have to be careful because there are sudden drop-offs, it can be two feet deep and then you take a few steps and it's seven feet deep," warns a regular visitor.
Fall foliage views: Many campers report October as prime time for scenic camping. "Hawn is one of the best fall campgrounds close to the St. Louis area. There are a number of hiking options around the campground in the park and nearby nature reserve," notes one camper.
Spacious group sites: Several campgrounds feature extra-large sites for family gatherings. "For our annual cousin campout in our ancestral home of Davisville we reserved site 24 and the group site directly behind it. It was beautiful and perfect," shares a Red Bluff Campground visitor.
Flash flood risks: Several campgrounds sit in flood-prone areas. "Unfortunately it was in a flash flood hazard zone and hurricane Barry was dumping rain on us. There are new campsites under construction, farther back from the river," reports one camper at Red Bluff.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise. "The campground is also loud on the weekends especially if there are races at the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip," notes a visitor to St. Francois State Park Campground.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty coverage. "There is no cell phone coverage. Follow the USFS directions, not Google Maps. That will put you on good paved roads," advises a visitor to Hazel Creek Campground.
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking luxury camping close to Bonne Terre, Missouri, several outfitters provide premium accommodations. "We stayed in site #86 and the sites around us seemed to be a little more spread out than others," a glamping visitor noted.
Accessible swimming spots: Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout offers family-friendly water access. "The lake has many easy entrances for swimmers near the club house - broad steps or large boulder for the more adventurous. Can be a bit slippery tho so bring your water shoes," advises one visitor.
Halloween camping events: Some campgrounds host special seasonal activities. "They have day long family friendly activities and the campsites deck out for Halloween with a $500 prize for best. Then at dusk trick or treat. Very accommodating," shares a Twin Eagle visitor.
Choose sites away from traffic: Strategic site selection improves the experience. "Loved the campground! However, lesson learned to reserve a campsite further from the road. Great hiking trails," suggests a Washington State Park camper.
Gravel pad quality: Many RV sites feature crushed gravel that may require leveling. "The campsites are large. Several back up to the creek, which is shallow and pretty. The rest are scattered through the wooded campground," notes a visitor to Hazel Creek Campground.
30-amp vs. 50-amp service: Electrical capacity varies between parks. "Easy plug n play electric on a 30 amp box, no issues with blowing fuses like I have at other big state parks," shares a Washington State Park visitor from December.
Proximity to St. Louis: Most campgrounds with glamping near Bonne Terre, Missouri sit within 60-90 minutes of the city. "This is a nice campground if you're looking for an easy place to get to from St Louis. The campsites are nice and shaded," notes one Washington State Park visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Bonne Terre, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Bonne Terre, MO is St. Francois State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Bonne Terre, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 glamping camping locations near Bonne Terre, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
