Best Campgrounds near Ellington, MO

Camping near Ellington, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Hawn State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The park was very clean and family-friendly. There are several hiking trails and an overlook."
• Fishing: Head to Montauk State Park Campground for some of the best trout fishing in the state. A visitor shared, "Best trout fishing in the state."
• Caving: Visit Onondaga Cave State Park Campground for a unique experience. One reviewer said, "Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Sam A. Baker State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms were clean, roads were well maintained, and the signs were very clear."
• Friendly staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground hosts. At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, a camper said, "The camp host was nice and the river was also very nice."
• Scenic views: Campers love the natural beauty surrounding the campgrounds. A review for Echo Bluff State Park highlighted, "The park boasts a stunning blend of scenic beauty, recreational activities, and comfortable amenities."

What you should know:

• Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Montauk State Park Campground mentioned, "No connection for any data at our campsite."
• Crowded on weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during holidays. A review for Hawn State Park Campground warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during holiday weekends."
• Reservations recommended: It’s a good idea to book your spot in advance, especially on weekends. A camper at Alley Spring Campground said, "Reservations recommended, especially on weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for children. One family at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground enjoyed, "The water is slow and shallow enough in tons of places for littles."
• Plan for meals: Bring food that’s easy to cook. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground shared, "We didn’t eat at the lodge. It looked decent, but my favorite part of camping is cooking and eating at the site."
• Explore nature: Encourage kids to enjoy the outdoors. A visitor at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park mentioned, "The shut-ins were right down the road or you could walk or bike the paved path all the way there."

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A review for Big Spring Campground noted, "Nice paved site a bit on the small side."
• Electric hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A camper at Washington State Park Campground said, "Easy plug n play electric on a 30 amp box, no issues with blowing fuses."
• Dump station availability: Be aware of dump station locations and hours. A visitor at Montauk State Park Campground mentioned, "Dump station backs up for up to an hour on Sundays."

Camping near Ellington, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!