The St. Francois Mountains region surrounding Bonne Terre, Missouri features a variety of camping options within an hour's drive. St. Francois State Park Campground, located directly in Bonne Terre, offers year-round camping with separate areas for tents and RVs along the Big River. Nearby, Cherokee Landing provides boat-in access and cabin rentals, while St. Joe State Park in Park Hills (about 15 minutes south) maintains multiple campground loops with both electric and basic sites. The area's camping landscape extends to more primitive options at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, where Missouri's highest point attracts hikers and wildlife enthusiasts seeking more secluded experiences.
Campground access varies significantly across the region, with some entrances presenting challenges. As one camper noted, "Entering St. Francois State Park can be difficult as you enter on a dangerous highway where you need plenty of room to stop, but there is none." Most state park campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though facilities like showers may close seasonally. Summer weekends bring higher occupancy rates and occasional noise issues, particularly at St. Francois State Park where campers report hearing races from the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (May through September), especially for sites with electrical hookups or those near water access points.
Water features dominate the camping experience in this region of Missouri. The Big River at St. Francois State Park provides swimming and fishing opportunities, though one visitor mentioned "the river is monopolized by one company for rafting/kayaking/canoeing." Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, about 45 minutes southwest, offers unique geological formations where the Black River flows through narrow channels of ancient volcanic rock. Campers consistently praise the area's wildlife viewing opportunities, with reports of deer, raccoons, turtles, and abundant bird species. Site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds, with reviewers noting that "the electric loop sites are close together" at St. Francois, while Taum Sauk Mountain offers "nicely spaced" sites with "a lot of shade" for those seeking more solitude.
$15 - $27 / night
"Saint Francois is a tent and rv campground just 1 hour south of saint louis, MO in Bonne Terre. It also along a river which allows swimming at your own risk because there is no real entrance site."
"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."
$15 - $52 / night
"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."
$15 - $42 / night
"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."
$15 - $29 / 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."
"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!"
$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."
$15 - $80 / night
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
$50 - $700 / night
"Owners met us at the entrance and guided us in which was much appreciated. They were extremely nice and helped us get set up since we knew nothing and had just picked up the camper that morning."
$10 - $20 / night
"Favorite park in Missouri for backpacking."
"It offers a variety of hiking trails, a nice play ground, plentiful picnic tables, and is some of the best scenery in Missouri."
ScoutStaff is very friendly and great at their jobs. Bathroom was clean and nice. Gets a little crowded but it's still fairly small so not too crowded. Can't speak much for RV camping, but tent/car camping was better than some other state park sites.
LegendWe enjoyed the family site with another friend. It was good for a tent and 26 foot rv. Not a good big rig campground. It has tight turning and narrow roads. We took out kayak on the river for a float. Dirty water. Good hiking.
LegendGreat place for exploring the cave on a tour or playing in the water to cool off. Campground is small and reservations are needed. Great hiking.
LegendThe trees changes are amazing in the fall. Lots of great camping spots to select from. Good for any kind of camping and has cabins, store, and restaurant. Great bike trails and plenty of water play in the river.
LegendThis is a park not far from St Louis with camping and hiking. Campground is on the small side.
LegendWe loved renting cabins on New year's Eve here. It is so quiet and peaceful. Cabins are a good size with sleeping for 4. Bathrooms are down a small hill from the cabin. Great hiking all around!
LegendI love this park for the dogwood trees in the spring. Reservations are highly recommend especially if you have a large rig and during summer river floating season. Don't use the back loop with a rig larger than 25 feet. You have to thread the needle between wiggly trees. Great hiking here too and a cave!
ScoutTicks are soooo bad, def bring bug spray. There's also a DG and a gas station within 5 mins so that's a huge plus
LegendThis is my favorite campground in Missouri. It has the best atmosphere with grand hiking, both day hikes and back country camping. I have stayed all over in this campground. The spring that runs through it is great in the heat of the summer and the huge pine trees provide excellent shade. There is not much cell service down in the valley, but calls will go out if you drive up the hill. The sites book up quickly so make sure to have a reservation before showing up.
The area surrounding Bonne Terre offers varied camping experiences across elevations ranging from 700 to 1,500 feet in the ancient St. Francois Mountains. Camping spots near Bonne Terre, Missouri provide access to unique geological features including granite formations, mountain peaks, and river-cut valleys. Many campgrounds remain accessible in cooler months with reduced crowds, creating more peaceful overnight conditions.
Explore off-road trails: St. Joe State Park Campground in Park Hills features extensive off-road vehicle trails across former mining land. "Good place to ride your off-road vehicles. Lots of trails and plenty of different types of trails to try out," writes J.T. The park offers designated areas for motorized recreation separate from hiking trails.
Visit historic petroglyphs: Washington State Park Campground preserves Native American rock carvings accessible via short trails. "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," notes Phil W. The park's interpretive displays explain the significance of these ancient carvings created by indigenous peoples.
Cool off in natural waterways: During summer months, Johnson's Shut-Ins offers a natural water playground where the Black River flows through narrow volcanic rock channels. "The kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins. We have already planned to return in the summer to swim!" says Ashlee B. Water temperatures remain cool even during hot summer days.
Privacy between sites: Hawn State Park Campground offers well-spaced camping areas, particularly in the walk-in section. "Small park as far as the amount of campsites, but this makes it peaceful and secluded. Great restrooms/showers," notes Jenny H. Sites are situated among pine trees that create natural separation.
Hiking through diverse ecosystems: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park provides access to Missouri's highest point with camping directly on the mountain. "The hike to Mina Sauk falls and Devil's Toll is always worth it," says Mara F. The park's trails traverse through deciduous forests with oak and hickory trees, leading to rocky outcroppings with valley views.
Dedicated camping platforms: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park features raised wooden platforms for tent camping in the walk-in area. "The walkin sites are on platforms and are spaced for privacy," reports Chad K. These platforms provide flat sleeping surfaces on otherwise rocky terrain and help minimize environmental impact.
Weekend noise variations: St. Francois State Park experiences noise from the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip during race weekends. "The campground is also loud on the weekends especially if there are races at the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip," reports Cody S. Race schedules can be checked in advance for quieter camping periods.
Site terrain considerations: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground has rocky ground that requires careful tent placement. "Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent," advises Amanda C. Some sites feature natural moss covering that can provide cushioning between rocks.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the region fill quickly during summer months. "We stayed on a Monday-Wednesday in a walk-in spot in loop 5. Every spot was occupied but park was maintained well," notes Becky T. about Johnson's Shut-Ins. Weekday stays often require advance booking during peak season.
Beginner-friendly water activities: Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout offers calm lake swimming with easy access points. "The lake has many easy entrances for swimmers near the club house - broad steps or large boulder for the more adventurous. Can be a bit slippery tho so bring your water shoes," advises Wendy P. Children can safely wade into shallow areas.
Short hiking options: Washington State Park features trails suitable for various ability levels. "We hiked the 1000 step trail. Most of the campers did fine but those who were not use to hiking did struggle a bit," says Scott M. Younger children may prefer the shorter, flatter trails near the visitor center.
Dedicated recreational facilities: St. Joe State Park maintains two swimming beaches with designated swimming areas. "Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!" reports Olivia S. The shallow beach areas provide safer swimming opportunities for children.
Limited RV access at some locations: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park does not accommodate RVs due to site limitations. "TENT CAMPING ONLY!!! My friend had been turned away on a previous trip!" warns Lynn G. RV campers should focus on St. Joe or St. Francois State Parks instead.
Site leveling requirements: St. Joe State Park Campground provides concrete pads at some sites to assist with leveling. "We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1," explains Olivia S. when comparing campground sections. RVers should bring leveling blocks for gravel sites.
Campground layout variations: St. Francois State Park has different camping loops with varying degrees of privacy. "The electric loop sites are close together," mentions Cody S. RVers looking for more space might prefer Campground #2 at St. Joe State Park where sites are more generously sized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bonne Terre, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bonne Terre, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Bonne Terre, MO and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bonne Terre, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bonne Terre, MO is St. Francois State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bonne Terre, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Bonne Terre, MO.
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