Best Campgrounds near Chaffee, MO
The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Chaffee. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Chaffee. Discover great camping spots near Chaffee, reviewed by campers like you.
Best Camping Sites Near Chaffee, Missouri (94)
1. General Watkins Conservation Area
6 ReviewsOran, MO8 milesWebsite+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."
2. Trail of Tears State Park Campground
20 ReviewsMcClure, MO21 milesWebsite+1 (573) 290-5268"Due to the pandemic, only one host has volunteered for Trail of Tears."
"PRO
Senior discount saving $6
Able to reserve on-line 365 days prior to arriving
Very friendly and helpful camp host
Unobstructed view of the Mississippi River
Great dark sky viewing
No highway"
3. The Landing Point RV Park
4 ReviewsCape Girardeau, MO13 milesWebsite+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."
4. Cape Camping & RV Park
3 ReviewsCape Girardeau, MO12 milesWebsite+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."
5. Hinton RV Park
9 ReviewsBenton, MO21 milesWebsite+1 (573) 471-1457"Our only hiccup was we passed it first time driving by so look closely for the entrance. Veterans discount. We would 100% stay again if we needed to."
"This little RV Park is not far off the highway and it was easy to find. Staff was nice and friendly. Each space has full hookups and its own picnic table."
6. Lake Girardeau Conservation Area
2 ReviewsWhitewater, MO12 milesWebsite+1 (573) 290-5730"Has a nice sized lake good fishing if you are using a boat, or kayak. Spots have a table and a fire pit. Vault toilets, and a pavilion on site."
7. Bean Ridge Pond Campground
3 ReviewsMcClure, IL16 milesWebsite+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."
9. Horseshoe Lake Alexander County
4 ReviewsOlive Branch, IL19 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Chaffee, MO
75 Photos of 94 Chaffee Campgrounds
MickandKarla W.
Little Ole Opry Campground
Tod S.
Horseshoe Lake Alexander County
Kelsie L.
Trail of Tears State Park Campground
Makayla C.
Lake Boutin Campground — Trail of Tears State Park
Willow Springs Campground
Willow Springs Campground
Bill C.
Trail of Tears State Forest
Chad H.
Castor River Campground
Elisha S.
Turkey Bayou Campground
Harley M.
Sycamore Springs Campground
John W.
Redman Creek Recreation Area
hannah O.
Riverview Campground
Rachel C.
Giant City State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Chaffee, MO
432 Reviews of 94 Chaffee Campgrounds
Tom B.
GuideColumbus-Belmont State Park
Nice, clean campground, back sites have sewer, be prepared to level out.
Stayed here for 2 nights at site 25 on the back side of the campground. The back sites have sewer. These sites were paved, but not level, so be prepared to level. TIP: If using those yellow camco "lego" block to level, be sure to put a canvas tarp or rubber mat between the blocks and the pavement, otherwise they will slide when you try to roll on top of them. My daughter used the bathhouse, and she said it was not good. Leaky, standing water. The park was awesome, which made the bathhouse an oddity. The little snack shack over by the chain was a nice evening diversion of ice cream and funnel fries. The camp host couple was wonderful. The park is clean and well maintained.
Kayla M.
ScoutRidge Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park
Great campground
Love it here, it’s got tons of campsites to choose from. Fees are very reasonable, and 30A & 50A options available. Fishing & boating close by. Laundry at restrooms.
Scott B.
LegendShawnee Forest Campground
Great stop for the night.
We were driving south on I24 towards Nashville and needed a spot to stop for the night. We booked online and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The campground is really nice and had a great paved walking trail to stretch our legs and walk the dog. Would definitely recommend if in the area.
- eevanGuide
Blue Heron Campground & Marina
50% off with america the beautiful pass
Nice spot on the lake. Nice staff. Lots of Geese. 1 washer washer and dryer, need $4 dollar in quarters to do full cycle.
Jess H.ScoutMagnolia Campground & Country Store
Highlights
🌳 Highlights
Welcome & Hospitality Newly opened in October 2020 and family-run by Rick & Glenda Wilson, guests often highlight their warm, friendly service . One reviewer said:
> “Owners and staff all super friendly, engaging and kind.”
Campground Quality Features include full hookups (30/50 amp, water, sewer), gravel pull-through sites for big rigs (up to ~43 ft), free WiFi, dump station, propane fill, fire pits, picnic tables, laundry, and a shower house .
On‑site Country Store & Deli A notable perk is the store with fresh deli items and daily lunch specials—particularly Friday catfish dinners—plus occasional breakfast on Saturdays .
⭐ Guest Reviews Snapshot
Mick & Karla (30 Mar 2025)
Booked same-day, chose pull-through site, enjoyed 40 psi water, decent WiFi/cell service.
Friendly staff and solid amenities, though gravel/dirt sites got dusty or muddy depending on weather.
Road noise from nearby I‑57 noted. Felt $40/night was a bit high.
CatTrailzz (24 Jul 2024)
Quiet despite being near the freeway. Loves the deli (noting salads and pulled pork).
Clean facilities, new shower room.
Plans to stay again.
QueenMartell (16 Mar 2024)
Friendly check-in, excellent service.
Accommodated a 43 ft fifth wheel with ease.
Highly recommends, loves the Friday catfish.
Other reviewers (Kitty, Kyla D, Tergeo)
Consistently mention friendly owners, clean/gravel sites, good common areas, and a strong likelihood to return .
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros 👎 Cons
Warm, personal service Sites are gravel/dirt—can be dusty or muddy Full hookups and big‑rig friendly Road noise from I‑57 On-site deli with fresh food & catfish dinners Wi-Fi and cell coverage are serviceable but not exceptional Clean shower/laundry facilities Price (~$39–40/night) might be a bit high for basic amenities
Summary
Magnolia Campground is a great overnight or short-term stop if you’re looking for friendly hospitality, solid basic RV hookups, and the novelty of a country store with good food in southeast Missouri. It’s particularly suited for large RVs, travelers who enjoy a welcoming vibe, and those who appreciate a Friday catfish dinner. It’s not a destination resort, so if you're seeking plush amenities or a quiet nature getaway, plan accordingly.
Bottom Line
If you're rolling through with an RV and want a hassle-free, friendly, quick stay with full hookups and good food, Magnolia is a solid choice. For longer stays, be prepared for gravel underfoot and some road noise—but clean facilities and warm hosts might still make it worth it.
If you'd like help booking, directions, or comparisons to nearby campgrounds, just let me know!
- RRicky L.
TravelerHinton RV Park
Loved it!
My husband and I loved this place. It was easy to find just off the interstate. Nice level sites, friendly staff. We had some issues and needed an extra day last minute and we're able to stay on until things got fixed. Plenty of things close in the area.
Greg S.LegendShawnee Forest Campground
4.5 stars
Unique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths! The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud. There is no playground or pool. The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook. No biggie. It's a pleasant place overall. The camp host is a sweet older woman.
- EEthan B.Guide
Turkey Bayou Campground
Great place near water (I wouldn't swim in it lol)
There seems to be someone living there, and some fishermen were abit loud .. overall we loved it though.
- Mark C.Scout
Lake Murphysboro State Park Campground
State park with beautiful view
We stayed in rv campground. The spot we chose had a beautiful view! The layout is a bit strange as some firepits are next to power source. Some sights are on top of one another. The
Guide to Chaffee
Camping near Chaffee, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic rivers to well-maintained campgrounds, there's something for everyone looking to escape into nature.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the beautiful 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."
- Fishing: The Saint Francis River near Sam A. Baker State Park Campground is perfect for fishing. A reviewer noted, "This campground doesn't have a lot of amenities, but makes up for it in beauty all around the campground."
- Kayaking: If you're into water sports, the Saint Francis River is great for kayaking. One camper shared, "Whitewater kayaking on the Saint Francis River anytime the paddle gauge on the old bridge is greater than 0."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground said, "The facilities in great shape...good neighbors, nobody too noisy."
- Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A review for Silver Mines stated, "The campground was spacious and quiet. Just a short walk to the river and stunning views."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the camp hosts. One camper at Trail of Tears State Park Campground noted, "Very friendly and helpful camp host."
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 extensive facilities. A reviewer for Jackson Falls pointed out, "The bathroom was stocked with TP but you will want to bring hand sanitizer or water. None available there."
- Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Silver Mines is open from early March to mid-October.
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hawn State Park Campground, which has activities for all ages. A family camper said, "There is something for everyone here!"
- Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or rent them at the campground. One visitor at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground mentioned, "When you’re absent-minded like me and forget the bikes, you can rent them there."
- Pack Snacks: Having food on hand is a must. A camper at Hawn State Park Campground raved about the "food is surprisingly really good."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Giant City State Park Campground noted, "Nice big spaces for RV or tents."
- Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Turkey Ridge Campground mentioned, "Narrow roads with tight curves made for a bit of a challenge."
- Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds have limited stores, it's wise to stock up before arriving. A camper at Trail of Tears State Park Campground advised, "Disappointing store."
Camping near Chaffee, Missouri, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there's plenty to explore and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Chaffee, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chaffee, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 94 campgrounds and RV parks near Chaffee, MO and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chaffee, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chaffee, MO is General Watkins Conservation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chaffee, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Chaffee, MO.
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