Vincent S.
Ranger
RangerTurkey Bayou Campground
Free.Toilet. Gravel drive 4 miles but watch for potholes! beautiful scenery. Raccoons!!!
Tent Camping near Cape Girardeau, MO
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Tent camping options near Cape Girardeau, Missouri include several established campgrounds within driving distance of the city. Lake Girardeau Conservation Area offers primitive tent camping with approximately 8 small sites, while Willow Springs Campground provides tent-specific accommodations with drinking water and toilet facilities. Turkey Ridge Campground at Ferne Clyffe State Park, located about an hour east, offers walk-in tent sites in a forested setting with multiple hiking trails.
Most tent campsites in the region are equipped with basic amenities. Lake Girardeau features picnic tables and fire pits at each site, plus vault toilets and a pavilion, but lacks running water. As one visitor noted, "The campground area is very small with no running water and one bathroom." Sites at Turkey Ridge include cooking grates and tend to be well-separated by shade trees. Tent campers should bring their own drinking water for locations without this service. The backpack camping area at Ferne Clyffe State Park offers more secluded tent sites accessible by foot with nearby water sources and pit toilets.
Tent camping experiences vary across the region's campgrounds. The sites at Lake Girardeau Conservation Area provide good access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing on the no-wake lake, though campsites are close together with limited privacy. A camper described it as "secluded and nice to just get away" despite the proximity of sites. The backpack campground at Ferne Clyffe offers more isolation, with a reviewer noting the "walk-up primitive sites are secluded, wooded, and within a pit toilet and water source." Turkey Ridge Campground features numerous hiking trails, including paths to bluffs, caves, and a waterfall. Camping at these locations is generally less crowded on weekdays, with some visitors mentioning peaceful stays when they were the only tent campers present.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Cape Girardeau (17)
1. Willow Springs Campground
"We're honored that Robyn has chosen to list her property on our platform. Come here to find peace and embrace nature. Surrounded by greenery, this is the perfect spot to relax, unwind, and reconnect."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $125 / night
2. Lake Girardeau Conservation Area
"Nice little primitive campground with about 8 small spots. Has a nice sized lake good fishing if you are using a boat, or kayak. Spots have a table and a fire pit."
3. Apple Creek Conservation Area
4. Turkey Ridge Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
"There are a lot of hiking trails and we really enjoyed them all! The tent camping accommodations were less than stellar, simply because of the “outhouses “."
"It was easy to find firewood with out having to go very far, becareful there is a good amount of poison ivy. The only trail I hiked was Happy Hollow."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
5. Whippoorwill Lake Campground Resort
"Small lake. Has tent camping or cabins. All roads are gravel. We have stayed in the cabins. It was a double bed and also had a set of bunks. So plenty of room. Lake has sandy beaches."
6. Mandolin Grove
7. Dutchman Lake Camp
"We pulled in around midnight and left at 8 am."
"It’s off the highway down Amish/Dutch country. It has a maintained gravel road beautiful lake and in June it’s covered with lightening bugs. Lots of wild flowers and the sunset- WOW!"
8. Backpack Campground — Ferne Clyffe State Park
"Not a lot of tent sites, but enough. Nice wooded primitive sites with easy access to water and toilets. Had my pups with, and no problems at all. Nice trails for different hiking skill sets."
"Ferne Clyffe State Park is in the Shawnee National Forrest near Goreville, IL., south of Carbondale."
9. Fishing Pier
"Good primitive"
"Lots to do nearby if you don't like fishing! Ranger came through and was very friendly & helpful."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 18 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 36 min from St. Louis, MO
- 2 hrs 18 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 2 hrs 35 min from Evansville, IN
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cape Girardeau, MO
11 Photos of 17 Cape Girardeau Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Cape Girardeau, MO
446 Reviews of 17 Cape Girardeau Campgrounds
MickandKarla W.
LegendMarion/Shawnee National Forest KOA Holiday
Different than Most KOA Holidays
We were heading back to our home base and decided to check out this new KOA Holiday and dump our tanks before heading home. The campground (CG) was approximately 10 miles and 20 minutes off I-57 on southern Illinois backcountry roads. Along the way, we encountered a suspiciously low power line that our 13.5'-high rig cleared. Small KOA signs guided us all the way in. We've stayed at many KOAs and particularly enjoyed KOA Holidays for their service and amenities, but this CG was not what we expected. We arrived at a large gravel parking area and found a check-in room at the end of a warehouse, with envelopes on a bulletin board and a phone number to request an escort. Since the RV sites were down a steep hill, we checked our assigned Creek Side site 26 before moving our rig. Sites 23–26 sat in a bowl at the bottom of the CG, with little room to maneuver our 41' fifth wheel and F450. The escort number went to voicemail, but we reached the manager using the CG brochure number. He agreed our rig wouldn't fit and moved us to back-in site 18 on the hill. All RV sites were back-ins. Creek Side sites appeared better suited for smaller RVs, although larger rigs might fit sites 23 and 24. We later discovered the main KOA office near the marina, which handled cabin check-ins, food, and boat rentals. Sites 1–19 were former pull-through motorcoach sites converted to back-ins, with utilities on the opposite side to accommodate other RVs. Our site 18 was exceptionally wide but close to neighboring sites. We positioned our rig toward the right side of the gravel pad (facing the site) to maintain reasonable access to hookups. The electrical pedestal was at the far back, requiring approximately 35' of power cord to accommodate our toy hauler's rear deck. The wide pad provided plenty of parking for a tow vehicle or boat. However, the CG brochure listed a $75 fee for parking boats or trailers at sites, and a marina sign listed a $50 launch fee. We couldn't determine how these fees applied. Water pressure was excellent, so use a regulator. CG Wi-Fi delivered 20.9 Mbps, Verizon had two bars, and T-Mobile had three. Our T-Mobile Home Internet delivered 358 Mbps, allowing us to stream golf and football. With no trees around the RV sites, satellite reception shouldn't be a problem. Some sites had limited lake views, but don't expect panoramic views or direct lake access. The CG had undergone considerable improvements, including attractive cabins, several right on the lake. KOA cabins were mixed with privately owned cabins, while lake access was concentrated near the small marina and swimming area. We expected more direct lake access and walking trails, but neither was available from the RV sites. A standard fenced KOA dog park was available, but longer walks with our pup were limited to a short path around the fishing pond, gravel areas, and CG roads. Considerable work and investment had gone into this CG, but our experience didn't entice us to return.
- MickandKarla W.Legend
Columbus-Belmont State Park
Nice Surprise
Columbus-Belmont State Park is a bit of a drive on country roads, but well worth the effort. We originally reserved site 28, but a large tree and its low-hanging branches presented clearance problems for our 40' fifth wheel. We spoke with the very friendly camp host, who moved us to back-in site 25 with full hookups (50/30/20 AMP). The sites are positioned at 90 degrees to the CG road, but there was enough room to maneuver our big rig into the site with a few adjustments. Our site and several others had some slope and pitch to the pads, so additional leveling blocks may be necessary. The extra effort was well worth the trouble. Water pressure was okay. We had one bar on Verizon and two bars on T-Mobile. The CG did not provide Wi-Fi, but our T-Mobile Home Internet worked exceptionally well, with download speeds of 345 Mbps. There were numerous large, mature trees throughout the CG, so satellite reception, including Starlink, could be challenging depending on the site and whether you can reposition the dish to find a clear view of the sky. We've stayed at hundreds of campgrounds over the years, but until Columbus-Belmont, we'd never used the word"immaculate" to describe one. The CG sits on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, and our site 25 had a beautiful river view from our toy hauler's deck. The park also has plenty of interesting Civil War history to explore. Barge operations along the river below the CG generated some daytime noise, but nothing we found particularly bothersome. Between the immaculate grounds, beautiful setting, and historical significance, Columbus-Belmont was well worth the drive and a place we'd gladly return to.
- DDavid B.
TravelerGeneral Watkins Conservation Area
Nice quiet little spot. 4 spots. Have fire rings and picnic tables.
- MMark V.Traveler
Fern Lake Campground
I’m not sure where the good reviews come from. Ive tried to find another Fern Lake to make sure I was at the correct one. Bath facilities have half doors so you are shitting in public. Your kids get the nice look over by any of the weird full timers living junk squaller. The power poles are only standing by the shear strength of all the cobbled together wires and electric tape. It’s not safe. It’s fucking dangerous. Most the fire “pits” are shitty rings from 60 years ago at least. There is zero maintenance here. It’s very loud next to the freeway. Sites are small and on top of each other. Lots are small. Not level. And little gravel. The cinder blocks keep you from backing in too far. Most of the water posts are “shared” because others don’t work. Picnic tables are a fucking joke. Rotten. Lead paint and worthless. The water retaining POND has a grass path around it so you can admire what recycled concrete can create where there was once no POND. One star is extremely generous. Just like the generous $10 a bundle for wood. Keep on trucking. It’s not far to go to find something worthwhile. This is a 100% pass. Before you think I’m some kind of pre Madonna, I will say we are a minimalist family that camps in unimproved spots and boondocks all the time. This place is gross. And disturbing that anyone reviews it for more than a 1 star. Most of the reviews are flat out lies. One talks about the clean bathrooms, hot showers, and one mentions a fucking pool! Wtf? Shitting in your own fire ring is more private. Pictures sooooo under tell the story of what a shot hole this place is. It’s off the freeway very close. And there is a Mexican restaurant across the street and a Casey’s essentially attached. If that’s what you like. Have fun. But any great reviews are from either someone who came and went in the dark. Or are from the owners.
- LLiz R.
GuideHinton RV Park
Clean, quiet, easy access to resturants
check-in was nice and smooth. Deep parking pad is very level. The RV park is extremely clean and really nice, we're just staying overnight but good price as well. Lots of places to eat nearby. Can hardly hear the highway noise, It's very quiet as well.
- DDrew B.Guide
Giant City State Park Campground
Good staff & clean facility.
I stayed at a walk-to tent site for which the price was $8 per night. Pretty solid Verizon cell signal. Clean showers and well kept. The place did sound pretty loud as far as older partiers, though around 9pm, it was near silent. I'd definitely stay here again.
- DDrew B.Guide
Lake Boutin Campground — Trail of Tears State Park
Great facilities.
Bathroom and showers are super clean. Some Verizon cell signal. Quiet. You can faintly hear train sounds in the distance. Hosts are extremely welcoming.
Jay L.GuidePine Hills
Great
Great campground, no reservations required and has bathrooms available. Overall good location and an occasional train but overall great spot.
Guide to Cape Girardeau
Tent camping near Cape Girardeau, Missouri provides options within a predominantly oak-hickory forest ecosystem. The region typically experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall ideal for outdoor recreation. Most primitive camping areas in this region sit at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level, with terrain characterized by rolling hills and limestone formations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake of Egypt offers peaceful shoreline fishing access. "Lake Egypt so peaceful and relaxing," notes camper Robbin C. about Buck Ridge - Lake Of Egypt.
Rock climbing: Limestone bluffs in the Shawnee National Forest provide natural climbing routes. Joel R. mentions that Ferne Clyffe State Park has "several limestone bluffs, great for climbing, naturally forested woodlands, cliff caves, and several small waterfalls."
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking difficulty levels accommodate various skill sets. Tye K. reports about Backpack Campground: "Nice trails for different hiking skill sets. Only issue I found at all was firewood is surprisingly difficult to come by."
Water recreation: No-wake lakes allow for peaceful paddling experiences. One camper at Apple Creek Conservation Area explains, "Apple Creek is a very short distance north on the gravel road. The creek is a good place to fish and you can launch a kayak the boat ramp."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Some walk-in tent areas offer more privacy than drive-up locations. Merry L. comments, "the walk up primitive sites are secluded, wooded, and within a pit toilet and water source."
Weekend escapes: Many campgrounds remain uncrowded, especially midweek. "We were the only tent campers, so it was nice and peaceful," says Scott N. about Turkey Ridge Campground.
Lake access: Several camping areas feature direct water access for fishing and paddling. Ralph S. from Apple Creek Conservation Area notes, "It's a level spot with gravel, so it's a 'clean' place in damp weather."
Easy interstate access: Some sites provide convenient overnight stops during longer journeys. Jonathan H. appreciates Dutchman Lake Camp: "Great little spot right off the interstate. Lots of nice scenery and decent fishing."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly across locations. At Turkey Ridge, one camper mentioned, "The tent camping accommodations were less than stellar, simply because of the 'outhouses'."
Limited amenities: Many sites lack common conveniences. Matthew G. describes Lake Girardeau Conservation Area as a "Nice little primitive campground with about 8 small spots. Has a nice sized lake good fishing if you are using a boat, or kayak. Spots have a table and a fire pit."
Cell coverage: Some remote areas maintain surprisingly good connectivity. At Dutchman Lake Camp, J A. reports, "Beautiful little spots as you come in. Quiet and easy to get too. Verizon works well."
Firewood availability: Gathering suitable wood can be challenging in some locations. Tye K. specifically notes that "firewood is surprisingly difficult to come by" at Backpack Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Look for campgrounds with shallow beach areas. Brasley C. mentions Whippoorwill Lake Campground Resort has "sandy beaches. Small playset in the water for kids."
Cabin options: Consider alternative accommodations for younger children. "We have stayed in the cabins. It was a double bed and also had a set of bunks. So plenty of room," notes Brasley C. about Whippoorwill Lake.
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks offer shorter hikes suitable for children. Dani B. recommends, "Our favorite is Hawk's Cave Trail. It's an easy hike and the kids explored the caves for hours!"
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local animals. Gina J. notes, "There was a ton of wildlife though and it was really neat to listen to all the different species throughout the night."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup limitations: Most primitive tent camping areas lack power connections. David H. advises at Fishing Pier: "Water available to fill your holding tank and in couple of locations in campground."
Road conditions: Access roads to many sites are unpaved. Brasley C. notes about Whippoorwill Lake: "All roads are gravel."
Site selection: Some spots offer more privacy or space than others. David H. recommends, "#35 is a nice location. Large yard and not super close to other campers. #53 is smaller but very private."
Weekend planning: Expect more crowds Friday through Sunday. "Camped end of April and park was full," reports David H., suggesting reservations for weekend camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Cape Girardeau, MO?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cape Girardeau, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cape Girardeau, MO is Willow Springs Campground with a 5.0-star rating from 2 reviews.
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tent camping near
Cape Girardeau, MO?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cape Girardeau, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Cape Girardeau, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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