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Best Campgrounds near Bourbon, MO

712 Reviews

Camping near Bourbon, Missouri centers around river recreation and cave exploration in the Ozark foothills. The area features several established campgrounds including Blue Spring Ranch in Bourbon and nearby Meramec State Park and Onondaga Cave State Park. These parks are part of Missouri's extensive state park system, with most campgrounds situated along scenic waterways like the Meramec River. Mark Twain National Forest's Berryman Trail Campground offers more primitive camping options about 20 miles southeast of Bourbon. Many campgrounds in the region combine access to natural attractions with recreational opportunities, particularly cave tours and river activities.

Most campgrounds in the Bourbon area are open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures ideal for camping. Heavy rainfall can affect camping conditions, particularly at sites near rivers. According to reviews, some campsites at Onondaga Cave State Park can experience standing water after rain. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near Interstate 44 and spotty reception in more remote areas. Visitors should stock up on supplies in Bourbon or Sullivan before heading to more remote campgrounds, as noted by campers at Brazil Creek Camping Area.

The camping options near Bourbon accommodate various preferences, from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping. Riverfront resorts like Blue Spring Ranch, Huzzah Valley Resort, and Bass' River Resort cater to water enthusiasts with boat-in access and river recreation. These private campgrounds typically offer more amenities than public lands, including cabins and glamping options. State parks provide a middle ground with electric hookups, modern restrooms, and shower facilities while maintaining a natural setting. For those seeking solitude, the Berryman Trail Campground in Mark Twain National Forest offers basic facilities with vault toilets but no water hookups, providing a more rustic experience with well-spaced sites and access to hiking trails.

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Best Camping Sites Near Bourbon, Missouri (118)

    1. Meramec State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Sullivan, MO
    9 miles
    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."

    2. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Leasburg, MO
    6 miles
    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."

    3. Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort

    21 Reviews
    Leasburg, MO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 245-6837

    "Positives: quiet time starting at 11:00 pm, we didn’t hear cursing, loud music, or anything else that disturbs little ones once they go to sleep, close to the river, clean restroom and shower house, shaded"

    "They have a family section if you prefer to be away from the louder bunch."

    4. Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

    20 Reviews
    Stanton, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-3166

    $23 - $38 / night

    "We had arrived a little too early in the camping season and we happened to pick days where Missouri had a cold front (previous weekend was warm)."

    "Security patrols around the clock and doesn't put up with any ridiculousness.

    Campsites available on pavement, gravel for campers and RVs and grass for tents."

    5. Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground

    12 Reviews
    Steelville, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 775-2410

    "River access within walking distance. Canoe and raft rental available."

    "We stayed in our pop-up camper that was close to the road at the front of the campground. Across the road was the river so we were close to the river which was very nice."

    6. Bass' River Resort

    12 Reviews
    Leasburg, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 786-8517

    $11 - $16 / night

    "This go around we pulled our popup down and chose a site with out hookups. (545) only negative things to say about the site was that it was very densely populated with trees."

    7. RV Self-Park

    8 Reviews
    Sullivan, MO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 259-6678

    $20 - $39 / night

    "You will hear some highway noise, but honestly, after years in trucking, it just felt like home. No restrooms or extras, but for a quick, no-hassle stop right off I-44, this place nailed it."

    8. Blue Spring Ranch

    6 Reviews
    Bourbon, MO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 732-5200

    "We park close to the creek, we drive to the Meramec River and sometimes enjoy petting a horse or goat. Last year we zip lined. It’s close to the caverns and other awesome sites."

    "It's up by the cabins/cottages and you definitely need to drive there. Get there early in the morning to set up your chairs in the river to get a good spot."

    9. Huzzah Valley Resort

    9 Reviews
    Steelville, MO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 786-8412

    "One we used, and many other we saw, had small trees outlining the edges of the sites. 

    We had a group of people next to use who were very loud on Friday evening until past midnight ."

    "We took a couples float during the week to get away from our busy lives and relax. The huzzah resort is always top notch."

    10. Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

    16 Reviews
    Davisville, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "There is a pavilion near the access points to the Berryman and Ozark trails."

    "Pretty creek right behind campsite. Enjoyable walking trails."

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Recent Camping Photos near Bourbon, MO

230 Photos of 118 Bourbon Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bourbon, MO

712 Reviews of 118 Bourbon Campgrounds

  • 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

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Purina Farms

    PWD National Specialty

    Stayed the week for the PWD National Specialty trials. Convenient, clean, and solid FHUs.

    "Please note that RV reservations are only accepted for those entered(or those who have dogs/cats entered) in an event that has contracted space, which includes the overnight camping lots."

  • 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.

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Lots of spots, close to highway

    Great park close to hwy 44 (5ish minutes + drive to campground) Lots of spots to choose from even though it was a Saturday in August. All are pretty flat and open with not much privacy. Showed up at 5pm and chose an open spot but had to call to reserve because I had no cell service (phone worked, internet didn’t). Phone reservation was super easy and efficient. Our spot (#86) had a lot of broken glass under the picnic table and the fire out was filthy. Convenient potable water and dump station areas. We just stopped for the night while driving through the area so didn’t use the park which seems to have tons to do.

  • Trevor S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Tom Sauk Mountain State Park

    Primitive

    We didn’t camp here but drove up the mountain to check out the look out. Took a trip through the campground, tent camping only and it looked like most sites had platforms and a picnic table. I seen one or two restrooms. Looked nice and wasn’t crowded. Several hiking trails, I think we’ll come back in the future to hike

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Brazil Creek Camping Area

    Small and picturesque

    Stayed one night. Beautiful country drive from 1-44. Abundant shade. No Verizon service. Aggressive horseflies and mosquitoes. Lots of sewer flies in the vault toilet. Water source is creek.

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Not gatekeeping this place.

    I don't live anywhere near here so I'm not going to keep this place a secret. The other reviews make this place seem terrible. I drive a Toyota Highlander and I did the road with no problem. It is not an ATV trail! There was 1 big puddle and 1 sharp rocky turn that I just went slow through. No problem. Probably couldn't do it towing a camper though.

    We were the only people camping there until the next afternoon when a couple families came down with kids to swim and float. The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing.

    Can hear a road and trucks passing fairly nearby. Right across the water on top of a hill is a big house that was chainsawing the next morning but we never saw anyone.

    The dogs got to run and swim.

    Obviously, no bathrooms, electricity or amenities but not far from a town.

    Try it out, it's beautiful.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Klondike Park

    Love it

    Second time camping here. Much better spot this time, since I could pull right up to the spot, site 26. Last time we were in spot 22. 22 is a long ways from the bathroom and parking lot. The trails are great, the shower house is really nice, lake is beautiful. Will definitely be back.

  • Teresa J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Pin Oak RV Park

    We’ve been staying since may

    We’re still here and love it!

Guide to Bourbon

Camping near Bourbon, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, have great hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, "The Scour Trail was also close and really neat to see."
  • Enjoy the river: At Meramec State Park Campground, you can swim, fish, or just relax by the water. A camper shared, "Plenty to do in the area including hiking, cool restaurants, swimming in the river."
  • Visit the caves: Onondaga Cave State Park Campground is known for its stunning caves. One reviewer said, "Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Montauk State Park Campground noted, "Showers are full of hot water and very clean."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Lazy Day Campground mentioned, "Sites are well laid out and easy to maneuver."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground said, "The staff is very friendly and helpful."

What you should know

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground mentioned, "No connection for any data at our campsite."
  • Crowded during holidays: Some campgrounds can get busy on holiday weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during holiday weekends."
  • Water access varies: Not all campgrounds have water hookups. A camper at Graham Cave State Park Campground noted, "I only give it three stars because there's no water hookups."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One camper at Echo Bluff State Park said, "The park hosts were so friendly, helpful and hard working."
  • Pack games and activities: Bring along games to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Lazy Day Campground mentioned, "The little details make it very homey."
  • Plan for meals: Cooking at the campsite can be fun. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground shared, "My favorite part of camping is cooking and eating at the site."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site levels: Make sure your site is level for a comfortable stay. A visitor at Meramec State Park Campground said, "Campsites are on top of each other though, so that stunk."
  • Bring extra supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park noted, "The general store has the essentials."
  • Be prepared for wildlife: Keep an eye out for local critters. A visitor at Cuivre River State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site had skunks and raccoons each night."

Camping near Bourbon, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping options in Bourbon, MO?

Bourbon, MO offers several camping options in the surrounding area. Brazil Creek Camping Area provides dispersed camping with good access to the Berryman Trail and features a creek running alongside the camping area. It's perfect for those seeking a more primitive experience, though you'll want to stock up on supplies in Bourbon before heading out as the site is remote. For those wanting additional options, Blue Spring Ranch near Bourbon offers boat-in and drive-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Both locations provide excellent bases for exploring the natural beauty of the Missouri Ozarks.

Are there any campgrounds near Bourbon, Missouri that accommodate RVs?

RV campers near Bourbon have several excellent options. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground, just a short drive from Bourbon and only about ten minutes south of I-44, offers RV sites with concrete pads, water and electric hookups, plus amenities like a playground, laundry facilities, and a dump station. For those looking for full-service options, St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA is located right off I-44 with level spots, good space between sites, cable TV hookup, water pressure around 40 psi, and both 30 and 50 amp electrical connections available.

What are the seasonal camping options available in Bourbon, MO?

Seasonal camping around Bourbon offers year-round possibilities with some considerations. Maramec Spring Park provides a popular option with trails, historic iron works, and a fish hatchery that's accessible throughout most of the year. The park is particularly busy during spring and summer months. For fall camping, St. Francois State Park Campground offers a beautiful setting to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills with their autumn colors. Located about an hour from Bourbon, it makes for a peaceful seasonal retreat. Winter camping is more limited, so checking ahead for campground closures or reduced services during colder months is recommended.

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