Best Campgrounds near De Soto, MO

Camping options around De Soto, Missouri include a mix of state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Washington State Park Campground, located directly in De Soto, provides year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Nearby St. Francois State Park and St. Joe State Park offer similar amenities with additional recreational opportunities. Most campgrounds in this region feature electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities, with several offering boat access to nearby waterways.

Road conditions throughout the area remain accessible for most vehicles, though some campgrounds have limited big rig access. The camping season extends year-round at most locations, with peak visitation occurring during summer months. According to one visitor, "St. Francois State Park has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars." Reservations are recommended during weekends and holidays, particularly for sites with electrical hookups or premium waterfront locations. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with modern restrooms and showers, though primitive camping areas may have vault toilets only.

The Mark Twain National Forest provides additional camping opportunities with more secluded sites for those seeking a quieter experience. Campers frequently mention the region's proximity to water activities as a significant draw. The Big River at St. Francois State Park and other waterways offer fishing, kayaking, and swimming options. A visitor noted that "Big River is great for many water activities - kayak, float, fish, etc." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area, with campers reporting deer, raccoons, and various bird species. Trail systems connect many campgrounds to scenic overlooks and natural features, making the region popular with hikers and mountain bikers. Most campgrounds maintain moderate spacing between sites, though privacy levels vary considerably between the more developed RV areas and primitive tent camping sections.

Best Camping Sites Near De Soto, Missouri (101)

    1. Washington State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cadet, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 586-5768

    "This park is so rich in Missouri and USA history - from buildings costructed by the African-American CCC stonemasons to Native American petroglyphs, there's some fascinating stuff here."

    "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! We camped in mid-March 2021 for 7 days and thoroughly enjoyed the area. They had just opened a new shower house which was clean and well kept."

    2. St. Francois State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2173

    "Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park."

    "All sites are within reasonable walking distance to the very nice shower house, bathrooms, it even had laundry. All facilities were well maintained and clean. Campground host sells wood and ice."

    3. Meramec State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Sullivan, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-6072

    $12 - $48 / night

    "Miles upon miles of trails. Spacious campground, caves to explore, old time blast furnace to explore, fresh Missouri spring with exceptional fishing. Then theres a general store with a restaurant"

    "Growing up near here, this was the state park that my family always went to. Forty some years later, it is still my favorite park in Missouri. I enjoy camping here with my family and friends."

    4. St. Joe State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Park Hills, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 431-1069

    "A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."

    "There’s a couple nice lakes with big beaches great swimming for the kids and you can rent a canoe or a kayak to paddle around on the lake."

    5. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

    30 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3018

    "Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."

    "This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."

    6. Hawn State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Farmington, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 883-3603

    $12 - $25 / night

    "Hawn State park, located off of highway 32 near St. Genevieve, is a wonderful, must visit in southeast Missouri."

    "There is 3 trails with the longest having two loop options with connectors from the other two trails. There are also walk in sites here and hike in sites. This park will not disappoint."

    7. Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout

    8 Reviews
    Potosi, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 436-3034

    "There are walking paths all around and a beautiful lake /clubhouse area. Super people running the place and of course other campers were so helpful."

    "Many walking/cart paths. Great shop and fishing!"

    8. Cherokee Landing

    3 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2805

    $25 - $36 / night

    "We love the beautiful lake, the swimming area is big and has a nice patio for access. You can rent a cart to go running around the huge campground. Very friendly staff."

    9. Robertsville State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Robertsville, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3788

    "Hiking trails, a stocked pond, meramec river access, 12 basic and 13 electric shaded campsites available, play ground away from the campground and shelters available to rent for a family gathering. 2 trails"

    "The hook up sites are on the inside of the loop and the tent sites are on the outside of the loop. You need to look carefully for a level tent site as some are fairly slopped."

    10. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags

    13 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 938-5925

    "pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"

    "We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"

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Recent Reviews near De Soto, MO

814 Reviews of 101 De Soto Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Great Campground!

    Stopped for one night, but could have stayed more. Great campground with tons of trees and shade. Each site has a table and fire pit. Big, clean bathrooms and showers. Playgrounds for kids. Caves to explore. I’m

  • Chip
    Sep. 2, 2025

    World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    Lot's of full hookups

    This was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees.  Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue.  This is the site of the American Trap Shooters Association "Grand" Event.  During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full.  We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night and they were gone Saturday morning.  There is a shower house I believe but could not access a couple of the doors I tried.  I imagine they had some unlocked but I didn't try all the doors when I was there.

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Purina Farms

    PWD National Specialty

    Stayed the week for the PWD National Specialty trials. Convenient, clean, and solid FHUs.

    "Please note that RV reservations are only accepted for those entered(or those who have dogs/cats entered) in an event that has contracted space, which includes the overnight camping lots."

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Huge park right on the River

    We arrived on a Saturday and the park was packed, but were able to have a spot with electric. Campground probably has well over 200 sites with electric, electric and water, and tent camping. Right on the Merrimack river where one could go hang out in the river or float or tube down the river. Cave that is situated in the park that one can pay for a tour Fisher cave. We actually went to the Meramec Caverns tour about 15 miles away. Road into park is fairly narrow and has a pretty good grade going up and down. Park is actually almost 3 miles from the visitor center. Even though the park was very full when we arrived, it emptied out to almost no one on Sunday afternoon. You are nicely spaced apart from other people for the most part. Showers were adequate.

  • Natasha T.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Very clean place with reasonable prices. price

    They were so accommodating. Even on the phone I didnt feel like a burden

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Lots of spots, close to highway

    Great park close to hwy 44 (5ish minutes + drive to campground) Lots of spots to choose from even though it was a Saturday in August. All are pretty flat and open with not much privacy. Showed up at 5pm and chose an open spot but had to call to reserve because I had no cell service (phone worked, internet didn’t). Phone reservation was super easy and efficient. Our spot (#86) had a lot of broken glass under the picnic table and the fire out was filthy. Convenient potable water and dump station areas. We just stopped for the night while driving through the area so didn’t use the park which seems to have tons to do.

  • Trevor S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Tom Sauk Mountain State Park

    Primitive

    We didn’t camp here but drove up the mountain to check out the look out. Took a trip through the campground, tent camping only and it looked like most sites had platforms and a picnic table. I seen one or two restrooms. Looked nice and wasn’t crowded. Several hiking trails, I think we’ll come back in the future to hike

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Brazil Creek Camping Area

    Small and picturesque

    Stayed one night. Beautiful country drive from 1-44. Abundant shade. No Verizon service. Aggressive horseflies and mosquitoes. Lots of sewer flies in the vault toilet. Water source is creek.

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Not gatekeeping this place.

    I don't live anywhere near here so I'm not going to keep this place a secret. The other reviews make this place seem terrible. I drive a Toyota Highlander and I did the road with no problem. It is not an ATV trail! There was 1 big puddle and 1 sharp rocky turn that I just went slow through. No problem. Probably couldn't do it towing a camper though.

    We were the only people camping there until the next afternoon when a couple families came down with kids to swim and float. The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing.

    Can hear a road and trucks passing fairly nearby. Right across the water on top of a hill is a big house that was chainsawing the next morning but we never saw anyone.

    The dogs got to run and swim.

    Obviously, no bathrooms, electricity or amenities but not far from a town.

    Try it out, it's beautiful.


Guide to De Soto

Camping opportunities near De Soto, Missouri extend throughout the eastern Ozark foothills where elevations range from 500 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Fall camping is particularly popular when the hardwood forests display vibrant colors, typically peaking in mid-October through early November.

What to do

Hiking through pine forests: Hawn State Park Campground offers some of the most unique hiking in the region with trails winding through rare pine forest ecosystems. "Nowhere else in the state of Missouri have I been able to camp and feel like I'm in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. The car camping area is nestled in the middle of a pine filled valley," notes camper Megan M., who appreciates the park's distinctive environment.

Explore prehistoric sites: Washington State Park Campground features ancient Native American petroglyphs dating back thousands of years. Phil W. found these artifacts to be "a must see" during his week-long stay, adding that "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri!" The park provides interpretive displays explaining the historical significance of these carvings.

Boating and water activities: Meramec State Park Campground provides access to the Meramec River with on-site canoe rentals. "Rent canoes (not sure about kayaks) on site," suggests Lynn G., who appreciates the riverside location. The river runs slower in this section, making it accessible for beginners and families with small children.

What campers like

Private tent camping spots: Hike-in tent sites at Robertsville State Park Campground offer more secluded camping experiences. Annie C. observed that "most of the tent sites have nice trees for hammocking and all sites looked clean," though she warns campers to "look carefully for a level tent site as some are fairly slopped."

Fishing opportunities: Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout provides lake fishing with easy access from campsites. Bill L. notes that "the fishing great and the camp sites are spacious and level," making it convenient for anglers to set up near prime fishing spots. The lake is stocked with bass, bluegill, and catfish.

Fall camping weather: Washington State Park becomes especially scenic in autumn. Lindsey R. recommends visiting during "great time of year to visit! Surrounded by trees changing colors the fall is beautiful here. The campground has several hiking trails and also river access to go canoeing."

What you should know

Road noise at some campgrounds: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags is convenient but comes with highway noise. Camper GW C. reports "can hear highway traffic....a lot" and notes that sites have a "fairly steep grade, especially right out our camper door was a big drop off."

Water levels fluctuate seasonally: Cherokee Landing provides access to Big River, but water levels can vary. Barbie B. notes: "I've hear some reviews about how low the water can be but that was not our experience. I've also heard how dirty the river is but it didn't strike me as all that dirty. It's a river. We paddle boarded and swam in the river."

Seasonal crowds: During summer months, especially at popular locations like Meramec State Park, expect more company. Lynn G. warns "There's a conference center so if there's an event everything will be packed." Weekday visits typically see lower attendance at all area campgrounds.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming beaches: St. Joe State Park Campground features designated swimming areas that are kid-friendly. "Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!" reports Olivia S. The beaches include gradually sloping entry points suitable for children.

Family entertainment: Jellystone Park offers structured activities specifically for children. Lindsey R. shares that "they also host daily kids activities and crafts. A very family friendly campground and would highly recommend if camping with kids!" These activities typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Fishing with kids: Robertsville State Park provides shore fishing access suitable for young anglers. Tony S. notes it's "just a place for me to camp 15 minutes from home. I has a nice loop trail behind the camp ground that goes down to the river." The slow-moving river sections are ideal for teaching children fishing basics.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require extra equipment for leveling. At Robertsville State Park, Montt B. advises that "the lots are pretty uneven so make sure you bring plenty of cribbing." This is especially important for larger RVs with slide-outs.

Cell service variations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Meramec State Park, Mats reports that "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short." However, Gonzo A. notes that at Hawn State Park, he "was able to use Starlink" at his campsite.

Winter camping considerations: For cold-weather camping, Washington State Park remains open year-round with electrical hookups that handle heaters reliably. David T. reports, "Easy plug n play electric on a 30 amp box, no issues with blowing fuses like I have at other big state parks," during his December visit. Most park water systems remain operational through winter, though some campgrounds reduce services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near De Soto, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, De Soto, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 101 campgrounds and RV parks near De Soto, MO and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near De Soto, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near De Soto, MO is Washington State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near De Soto, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near De Soto, MO.