Trail of Tears State Park Campground offers both primitive camping and sites with hookups. The campground provides a mix of Mississippi River views and wooded seclusion. Several hiking trails wind through the park, ranging from easy paved paths to more challenging routes with elevation changes.
What to do
Hiking trails for all skill levels: Trail of Tears State Park features multiple trails for hikers seeking natural scenery. A visitor notes, "Great for hiking! If you want an easy hike it's available but there are an abundance of intermediate trail and a beautiful quarry! Be sure to pay attention to trails because lack of trail markers."
Fishing opportunities: Lake Boutin Campground within Trail of Tears State Park offers fishing access for campers looking to catch local species. One camper reports: "There's a short hiking trail down to the lake, fun walk through nature in the area. Beautiful look out over the Mississippi River."
Wildlife viewing: At General Watkins Conservation Area, campers can observe local wildlife while exploring the trails. The area contains multiple ponds for fishing and wildlife watching. A reviewer notes: "General Watkins has a good amount of ponds (great fishing) and has a few good walking/small hiking trails."
What campers like
Mississippi River views: Campers appreciate watching river traffic from their sites. One visitor to Trail of Tears State Park commented: "One of the best camping views of the mississippi river! The campsite overlooks the mighty mississippi river and oh what a view it is, watching tugboats move barges up and down."
Secluded spots for tent camping: Pine Hills Campground offers quiet tent sites for those seeking solitude. A camper shared: "Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied." The campground provides a peaceful alternative to busier sites closer to Cape Girardeau.
Level concrete pads for RVs: The Landing Point RV Park receives positive reviews for its well-maintained concrete sites. A visitor noted: "Large sites with level concrete. Staff is helpful and friendly." These flat, stable sites make setup easier for RVs of various sizes.
What you should know
Train noise at riverside sites: Railroad tracks run between the Mississippi River and several campgrounds. A Trail of Tears camper mentioned: "Lots of trains, day and night with train horn blaring due to road crossing at campground Lots of river barge noise."
Limited amenities at conservation areas: Conservation areas offer more primitive camping experiences with fewer services. A Bean Ridge Pond visitor noted: "Small little pond with 2 primitive campsites. It's very quiet and peaceful. Some signs of litter, but mostly clean. No facilities, pack in-pack out."
Seasonal wildlife considerations: Some areas have significant wildlife presence that varies by season. A General Watkins visitor warned: "This conservation area is home to Missouri's largest venomous snake- the timber rattlesnake. This snake is known to reach 5 feet in this area."
Tips for camping with families
Lake swimming options: Families enjoy the swimming areas during summer months. One visitor to Trail of Tears noted: "Also a great sand beach water feature nearby at lake bouton. Some average length trails and a nice short trail for the littles."
Geocaching adventures: Some local parks offer geocaching opportunities that can keep children engaged. A camper at Trail of Tears shared: "We love the hiking trails, and the convenience of the lake. An added bonus...there are some really great geocaches in the park!!"
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Cape Girardeau: Giant City State Park Campground welcomes families with pets. Located about 50 minutes from Cape Girardeau, it offers pet-friendly sites with shade. A visitor commented: "We stayed in the primitive camp site, while there were others there, everyone was dispersed far enough that it felt private. Camp grounds were clean, quiet, and the camp host and park ranger were very kind."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Choose sites carefully based on rig size. A reviewer at The Landing Point observed: "Real nice RV park orientated toward rigs of all sizes. Easy to navigate the roads, with every site level concrete."
Electric hookup locations: At some campgrounds, utilities are positioned unusually. A Trail of Tears camper noted: "Electrical utility connection is on passenger side of the campsite#6. Sewer connection was high above ground so drainage was up hill."
Campgrounds with dedicated pet areas: Pet-friendly RV parks with designated dog areas make traveling with pets easier. A reviewer at The Landing Point mentioned: "They also have a dog park area" which allows dogs to exercise off-leash in a controlled environment.
