Best Campgrounds near Festus, MO

Camping near Festus, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

• Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds have trails for hiking. At Hawn State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, “Hiking is some of the best in Missouri.” This park is known for its beautiful landscapes and well-maintained trails.
• Caving Adventures: If you’re up for an adventure, check out Onondaga Cave State Park Campground. A reviewer said, “Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened.” The cave tours are a hit for families.
• Fishing and Boating: The Cuivre River State Park Campground offers great fishing spots. One visitor noted, “Close access to the river for fishing and kayaking,” making it a perfect spot for water activities.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. At Meramec State Park Campground, a reviewer said, “This was such a clean campground. From the restrooms to the campsite and the river, everything was amazing.”
• Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A visitor at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park mentioned, “The staff is very friendly and helpful,” which adds to the overall experience.
• Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. At Cuivre River State Park Campground, one camper said, “The full hookup loop has a lot of room,” making it comfortable for RVs and tents alike.

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Meramec State Park Campground noted, “Only negative was there is no wifi and poor cell phone reception.”
• Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground advised, “I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot in the RV section.”
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Meramec State Park Campground mentioned, “Our site had skunks and raccoons each night,” so keep food secured.

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, a reviewer said, “The playground was good for the kiddos,” making it a great spot for families.
• Plan for Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours, especially in family-friendly parks. A camper at St. Francois State Park Campground mentioned, “Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule.”
• Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games for downtime. A visitor at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park suggested, “The shut-ins were right down the road or you could walk or bike the paved path all the way there,” perfect for family outings.

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: Make sure your site is level. A camper at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA noted, “The site was not level front to back and we had to build a sizable pyramid with our blocks to get the rig leveled out.”
• Full Hookups Available: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A reviewer at Cuivre River State Park Campground mentioned, “Great location for a weekend getaway, only 1 hour from the city! Full hookups available.”
• Plan for Dump Station Waits: Be aware of potential waits at dump stations. A camper at St. Francois State Park Campground warned, “Dump station backs up for up to an hour on Sundays.”

Camping near Festus, Missouri, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun.