Best Campgrounds near Cape Girardeau, MO

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!