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Best Campgrounds near Cape Girardeau, MO

463 Reviews

The southeastern Missouri town of Cape Girardeau has several camping spots within a short drive. Hawn State Park Campground draws many campers with its clean sites and hiking trails nearby. Baker State Park Campground keeps things simple with basic sites tucked into thick woods for campers who don't need many amenities. Campers with RVs often head to Shawnee Forest Campground where they'll find full hookups and larger sites to set up. Most camping areas around Cape Girardeau have the essentials - bathrooms and drinking water. Trees cover many of the sites, which helps when the summer sun gets strong. Most campers visit during spring and fall when the weather is mild and the leaves put on a show. Winter camping can be tricky as some roads and facilities close when conditions get bad. The summer months bring heat and humidity that can make camping uncomfortable without preparation. Some sites feel more private than others depending on how they're arranged. Making reservations is smart, particularly on weekends and holidays when spots fill quickly. Animals are common in the camping areas, giving you chances to see deer and other wildlife. Cape Girardeau's camping areas work well for both tent and RV campers with different needs.

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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 Camping Photos near Cape Girardeau, MO

91 Photos of 100 Cape Girardeau Campgrounds

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.

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