Best Campgrounds near Cape Girardeau, MO

Camping near Cape Girardeau, Missouri includes a mix of state parks, RV resorts, and conservation areas along the Mississippi River and surrounding woodlands. Trail of Tears State Park, located about 10 miles north of Cape Girardeau in Jackson, offers year-round camping with both electric and basic sites. The electric loop sits directly beside the Mississippi River with views of passing barges and trains, while a more secluded basic loop is nestled in wooded terrain near Lake Boutin. Within city limits, The Landing Point RV Park and Cape Camping & RV Park provide convenient options for travelers with full hookup sites. General Watkins Conservation Area, south of Cape Girardeau near Benton, offers a smaller, more rustic camping experience with just a few sites that are particularly popular during deer hunting season in November.

Most campgrounds in the region are accessible year-round, though summer humidity makes electric sites desirable from April through September for air conditioning or fans. Trail of Tears State Park requires reservations, which can be made up to 365 days in advance with a small reservation fee. Verizon cell service typically shows 2-3 bars throughout the area. The Mississippi River location means train noise is common at riverside campgrounds, with frequent horn blasts at crossings. According to reviews, campgrounds near the river can experience both barge and train noise throughout the day and night. Winter camping is available but less crowded, with weeknights offering the most solitude even during peak summer months.

The camping options around Cape Girardeau accommodate various preferences and needs. RV campers will find full-service parks in town with 30 and 50 amp hookups, while tent campers can enjoy more natural settings at state parks and conservation areas. Trail of Tears State Park features fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and a swimming area at Lake Boutin that becomes popular during summer months. One visitor noted, "The lake's swimming area was very popular, as were other parts of the day use sections of the park." For those seeking convenience, some businesses in Cape Girardeau, including Cracker Barrel and Planet Fitness, allow overnight RV parking. These urban camping alternatives provide easy highway access and proximity to restaurants and services for travelers passing through the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Cape Girardeau, Missouri (100)

    1. Trail of Tears State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    McClure, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5268

    "There is a lot of history and nearby Cape Girardeau is a very neat city to visit."

    "Due to the pandemic, only one host has volunteered for Trail of Tears."

    2. The Landing Point RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Cape Girardeau, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 334-7878

    "Water park close by (5 minute drive) that was great for the kids on a hot day. Camping spots was all nice and level. looked like all the spots was full hook ups."

    "There is a big grassy area in the middle of the loop of wanting to play games and run around."

    3. Cape Camping & RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Cape Girardeau, MO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 332-8888

    "There was a public paved walking trail along the back of the CG, which was very nice to walk the dogs. There was also a 2 acre fishing pond for CG residents to use."

    4. Bean Ridge Pond Campground

    3 Reviews
    McClure, IL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    "There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow."

    5. The Landing Point RV Park

    1 Review
    Cape Girardeau, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 803-9343

    $45 / night

    6. General Watkins Conservation Area

    6 Reviews
    Oran, MO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5730

    "Sites are only a few miles from our house, we use it to test out new gear (hammocks)

    General Watkins has a good amount of ponds (great fishing) and has a few good walking/ small hiking trails."

    "There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon."

    7. Pine Hills

    4 Reviews
    Alto Pass, IL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    $10 / night

    8. Lake Boutin Campground — Trail of Tears State Park

    1 Review
    McClure, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5284

    $14 - $15 / night

    "There’s a short hiking trail down to the lake, fun walk through nature in the area. Beautiful look out over the Mississippi River."

    9. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Makanda, IL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 457-4836

    "There is currently walk in only unless you are reserving a horse camp. There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains here."

    "The Trillium Trail in the Park has beautiful views and rock formations. Get ice cream and walk the Secret Garden in Makanda. Lake Glendale is close by for swimming and kayak rentals."

    10. Horseshoe Lake Alexander County

    4 Reviews
    Olive Branch, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 776-5689

    "Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty. Showers dated but clean. They are multiple stalls.

    Of note, there is not much around in the way of stores."

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Recent Reviews near Cape Girardeau, MO

463 Reviews of 100 Cape Girardeau Campgrounds



Guide to Cape Girardeau

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

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hawn State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The park was very clean and family-friendly. There are several hiking trails and an overlook."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy the Saint Francis River at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The big creek is spring-fed and ice cold. The Saint Francis is wild and is considered white water during the rainy season."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Trail of Tears State Park Campground have spotted deer and enjoyed the peaceful surroundings. One camper shared, "We even had a deer run through our campsite while we sat fireside!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground said, "The facilities in great shape...good neighbors, nobody too noisy."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful camp hosts. At Shawnee Forest Campground, one reviewer stated, "The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds, like Redbud Campground at Bell Smith Springs, are praised for their peaceful settings. A camper remarked, "It was quiet and peaceful."

What you should know:

  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground mentioned, "Campground was really tight. We had camper 5 feet off back window."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Jackson Falls noted, "The bathroom was stocked with tp but you will want to bring hand sanitizer or water. None available there."
  • Seasonal Closures: Some facilities may be closed during certain seasons. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground mentioned, "The restrooms and showers are still closed for the season, but there are primitive vault toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with shallow water areas. 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."
  • Rentals Available: If you forget gear, some campgrounds offer rentals. A camper at Hawn State Park Campground mentioned, "When you’re absent-minded like me and forget the bikes you can rent them there."
  • Quiet Sites: Choose quieter loops for a more peaceful experience. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground preferred "Campground 2 on the gravel side...because it’s nice and quiet."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Shawnee Forest Campground noted, "Well maintained, big sites for our 40ft fifth wheel."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if needed. A visitor at South Sandusky Campground mentioned, "Water & electric (30 amp) were convenient & functioned perfectly."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds may have limited dump station access. A camper at Turkey Ridge Campground noted, "Dump station backs up on Sunday for close to an hour wait."

Camping near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cape Girardeau, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cape Girardeau, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 100 campgrounds and RV parks near Cape Girardeau, MO and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Cape Girardeau, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cape Girardeau, MO is Trail of Tears State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 20 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cape Girardeau, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Cape Girardeau, MO.

What parks are near Cape Girardeau, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Cape Girardeau, MO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.