134 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The St. Francois Mountains region surrounding Bonne Terre, Missouri features a variety of camping options within an hour's drive. St. Francois State Park Campground, located directly in Bonne Terre, offers year-round camping with separate areas for tents and RVs along the Big River. Nearby, Cherokee Landing provides boat-in access and cabin rentals, while St. Joe State Park in Park Hills (about 15 minutes south) maintains multiple campground loops with both electric and basic sites. The area's camping landscape extends to more primitive options at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, where Missouri's highest point attracts hikers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking more secluded experiences.
Campground access varies significantly across the region, with some entrances presenting challenges. As one camper noted, "Entering St. Francois State Park can be difficult as you enter on a dangerous highway where you need plenty of room to stop, but there is none." Most state park campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though facilities like showers may close seasonally. Summer weekends bring higher occupancy rates and occasional noise issues, particularly at St. Francois State Park where campers report hearing races from the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (May through September), especially for sites with electrical hookups or those near water access points.
Water features dominate the camping experience in this region of Missouri. The Big River at St. Francois State Park provides swimming and fishing opportunities, though one visitor mentioned "the river is monopolized by one company for rafting/kayaking/canoeing." Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, about 45 minutes southwest, offers unique geological formations where the Black River flows through narrow channels of ancient volcanic rock. Campers consistently praise the area's wildlife viewing opportunities, with reports of deer, raccoons, turtles, and abundant bird species. Site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds, with reviewers noting that "the electric loop sites are close together" at St. Francois, while Taum Sauk Mountain offers "nicely spaced" sites with "a lot of shade" for those seeking more solitude.
"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."
"Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park."
from $15 - $27 / 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"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."
"Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! We camped in mid-March 2021 for 7 days and thoroughly enjoyed the area. They had just opened a new shower house which was clean and well kept."
from $12 - $36 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $29 / night
Check Availability"There are walking paths all around and a beautiful lake /clubhouse area. Super people running the place and of course other campers were so helpful."
"Many walking/cart paths. Great shop and fishing!"
"We love the beautiful lake, the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access. You can rent a cart to go running around the huge campground. Very friendly staff."
from $25 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Owners met us at the entrance and guided us in which was much appreciated. They were extremely nice and helped us get set up since we knew nothing and had just picked up the camper that morning."
from $50 - $700 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 - $80 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $80 / night
"Favorite park in Missouri for backpacking."
"It offers a variety of hiking trails, a nice play ground, plentiful picnic tables, and is some of the best scenery in Missouri."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability
TravelerWhat 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!
GuideThis is definitely more of a “camp” site with bugs and pretty basic needs. When we arrived on Thursday no one was there. Easy to park. When we left Saturday morning of Labor Day, it was a parking lot zoo! Location near caverns is super cool. Bathrooms are sketchy. Super buggy and only a screen door between outside and toilets/showers. It’s a little concerning for a women to shower behind a curtain and only a flimsy screen door to outside. We were backed to river in a 35’ travel trailer no sewer at site and dump station on way out was in passenger side while all dump pipes are on driver side. It worked to go under but interesting to solve.
ScoutMost of the campers here live here long term. It’s more of a trailer park than a camping spot. They have a pool but most people probably wouldn’t use it. The restrooms and showers or shower, only one for the entire grounds, are 2 stars. If you needed an emergency stop over it would work.
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.
The area surrounding Bonne Terre offers varied camping experiences across elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet in the ancient St. Francois Mountains. Camping spots near Bonne Terre, Missouri provide access to unique geological features including granite formations, mountain peaks, and river-cut valleys. Many campgrounds remain accessible in cooler months with reduced crowds, creating more peaceful overnight conditions.
Explore off-road trails: St. Joe State Park Campground in Park Hills features extensive off-road vehicle trails across former mining land. "Good place to ride your off-road vehicles. Lots of trails and plenty of different types of trails to try out," writes J.T. The park offers designated areas for motorized recreation separate from hiking trails.
Visit historic petroglyphs: Washington State Park Campground preserves Native American rock carvings accessible via short trails. "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," notes Phil W. The park's interpretive displays explain the significance of these ancient carvings created by indigenous peoples.
Cool off in natural waterways: During summer months, Johnson's Shut-Ins offers a natural water playground where the Black River flows through narrow volcanic rock channels. "The kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins. We have already planned to return in the summer to swim!" says Ashlee B. Water temperatures remain cool even during hot summer days.
Privacy between sites: Hawn State Park Campground offers well-spaced camping areas, particularly in the walk-in section. "Small park as far as the amount of campsites, but this makes it peaceful and secluded. Great restrooms/showers," notes Jenny H. Sites are situated among pine trees that create natural separation.
Hiking through diverse ecosystems: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park provides access to Missouri's highest point with camping directly on the mountain. "The hike to Mina Sauk falls and Devil's Toll is always worth it," says Mara F. The park's trails traverse through deciduous forests with oak and hickory trees, leading to rocky outcroppings with valley views.
Dedicated camping platforms: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park features raised wooden platforms for tent camping in the walk-in area. "The walkin sites are on platforms and are spaced for privacy," reports Chad K. These platforms provide flat sleeping surfaces on otherwise rocky terrain and help minimize environmental impact.
Weekend noise variations: St. Francois State Park experiences noise from the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip during race weekends. "The campground is also loud on the weekends especially if there are races at the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip," reports Cody S. Race schedules can be checked in advance for quieter camping periods.
Site terrain considerations: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground has rocky ground that requires careful tent placement. "Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent," advises Amanda C. Some sites feature natural moss covering that can provide cushioning between rocks.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the region fill quickly during summer months. "We stayed on a Monday-Wednesday in a walk-in spot in loop 5. Every spot was occupied but park was maintained well," notes Becky T. about Johnson's Shut-Ins. Weekday stays often require advance booking during peak season.
Beginner-friendly water activities: Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout offers calm lake swimming with easy access points. "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 Wendy P. Children can safely wade into shallow areas.
Short hiking options: Washington State Park features trails suitable for various ability levels. "We hiked the 1000 step trail. Most of the campers did fine but those who were not use to hiking did struggle a bit," says Scott M. Younger children may prefer the shorter, flatter trails near the visitor center.
Dedicated recreational facilities: St. Joe State Park maintains two swimming beaches with designated swimming areas. "Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!" reports Olivia S. The shallow beach areas provide safer swimming opportunities for children.
Limited RV access at some locations: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park does not accommodate RVs due to site limitations. "TENT CAMPING ONLY!!! My friend had been turned away on a previous trip!" warns Lynn G. RV campers should focus on St. Joe or St. Francois State Parks instead.
Site leveling requirements: St. Joe State Park Campground provides concrete pads at some sites to assist with leveling. "We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1," explains Olivia S. when comparing campground sections. RVers should bring leveling blocks for gravel sites.
Campground layout variations: St. Francois State Park has different camping loops with varying degrees of privacy. "The electric loop sites are close together," mentions Cody S. RVers looking for more space might prefer Campground #2 at St. Joe State Park where sites are more generously sized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bonne Terre, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bonne Terre, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Bonne Terre, MO and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bonne Terre, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bonne Terre, MO is St. Francois State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 31 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bonne Terre, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Bonne Terre, MO.
Keep Exploring
