Best Campgrounds near Festus, MO
Campgrounds near Festus, Missouri encompass multiple state parks within an hour's drive, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Washington State Park Campground provides riverside camping with electric hookups and showers, while St. Francois State Park and Hawn State Park offer additional established camping options. Several campgrounds feature full amenities including water, electric, and sewer connections, with some also providing cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations without sacrificing the outdoor experience.
Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect comfort and availability. Washington State Park requires reservations for electric sites, especially during summer months when the swimming pool is operational. The campground's proximity to Big River provides fishing and swimming opportunities, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. Most established campgrounds offer 30-amp hookups for RVs, with some locations like Meramec State Park and St. Joe State Park also providing 50-amp service. "Getting here is an adventure but the park is nice. I only had 30 amp electric and no water or sewer hookup. Didn't see any sites with water but there were ample water spigots to fill our tank."
Campers consistently praise the hiking trails and natural features throughout the area's state parks. Washington State Park receives high ratings for its prehistoric petroglyphs, swimming pool, and river access, with multiple visitors noting the helpful campground hosts and well-maintained facilities. The park offers canoe and kayak rentals for river exploration. Several campgrounds provide a balance of wooded privacy and open sites, though some visitors mention the need to carefully select sites away from roads for a quieter experience. One camper noted, "We absolutely love this park. It's just under an hour from St. Louis, with river access, amazing hiking trails & great views. Very clean campsites with lots of shade for tent campers & nice level lots." For those seeking convenience during travel, several overnight parking options exist at businesses in Festus and nearby Herculaneum, though these locations typically offer minimal amenities and experience variable noise levels from nearby highways.
