Best Tent Camping near Festus, MO

Recent Tent Reviews in Festus

594 Reviews of 12 Festus Campgrounds

• 

  Chelsea G.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 7, 2025

  Courtois Creek Dispersed

  Heavy on the Hills Have Eyes vibes

  First of all this is way down Berryman Rd. Go look up Michael Berryman (RIP) and his movies, then come back to me.

  Got that picture? Ok great.

  First thing you see when you turn off the highway is a tiny Baptist (first red flag) church and graveyard to set the tone.

  If that doesn't put you off, make sure your car can handle terrain and you can handle your car. This is barely a road. It's a trail of moguls for your tires. Fallen trees and branches that narrow the lane and threaten to scrape the sides of your vehicle. One tree overhead barely cleared my car. Puddles that could be who know how deep or what's in them (I may be the red flag here). You can not turn around anywhere on this road; you have to go to the end where there's a loop or worst case scenario reverse out while ideally not in a state of panic.

  I however as a cultist who worships at the altar of my Subaru's cargo hatch forged ahead because gotta get that creekside spot.

  Anyway I got to the site without popping any tires and half set up before going for a walk. There's not a lot of walkable ground out there, really just the flat ground around the campsites and the road. Road was barely even an option. Water-filled pits made the muddy road difficult to traverse and eventually prevented me from going any further. The brush and reedy grass were too thick to walk through safely to get around, and in places the roadside embankments were too steep and loose to climb up and around puddles.

  I did see a big ol mudbug, which was cool, but it was terribly quiet out there during my short walk. I was glad to get back to my car, where up the low cliff on the opposite side of the creek was a nicer-looking house with the sounds of people hanging out on the deck.

  As night fell and the animal sounds picked up, I decided to sleep in my car instead of the tent. If you're ever out and you hear the animals and insects go silent, and then the next thing you hear is dogs barking, you should also probably sleep in your car.

  After a hot and filling foil wrap dinner, I enjoyed some of the good green, because who doesn't like a sleep aid that also activates the amygdala, especially in these particular conditions. I'm soaking up the stars and the moon and the sound of running water, when suddenly I heard a heavy-bodied splash in the creek right by me.

  And when I tell you I bolted to the car so fast leaving behind a tangled trail of chair, blanket, charger cable, etc

  Because the shore on my side of the creek is flat. Waltz right on up from the creek. Nope not here not me.

  Anyway nothing ended up happening, I slept fine, woke up to a bright sun and beautiful view. I did still get out of there pretty fast.

  ⭐5/7 might go spook myself again

• 

  Cody S.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 5, 2025

  Hawn State Park Campground

  Fall Favorite

  Hawn is a one of the best fall campgrounds close to the St. Louis area.  There are a number of hiking options around the campground in the park and nearby nature reserve.  

  It is a smaller campground with a good mix of electric and non-electric sites.  The restrooms were clean and they also have some vault toilets in the park for convenience.

• 

  Cody S.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 5, 2025

  St. Francois State Park Campground

  Loud and Crowded Camping

  The campground has oddly shaped campsites causing a crowded feel.  The campground is also loud on the weekends especially if there are races at the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip.

• 

  Gonzo A.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 3, 2025

  Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground

  Beautiful Views

  Stayed here last fall and really loved the fall colors and views this park has to offer.  I can't say the facilities were great - there were only vault toilets and no showers that I saw.  Relatively small loop for RVs.  Sites weren't exactly great.  I ended up landing one of the paved sites, which had lots of space and I believe may have been handicapped.  The park wasn't busy and I was able to stay a few extra days.  Suggest checking it out in the fall when the leaves are changing as it was absolutely gorgeous.

• 

  Gonzo A.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 3, 2025

  St. Francois State Park Campground

  Nice But A Little Crowded

  St. Francois is a nice park tucked in the forest off of Hwy 67.  It's a quaint park that tends to fill up fast depending on time of year.  The sites are a bit more snug together than I would prefer.  There are some nice hiking options within the park.  It was exceptionally quiet when I stayed both times.

• 

  Gonzo A.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 3, 2025

  Hawn State Park Campground

  One of MIssouri's Many Gems

  Hawn is a lovely park just south of the city a few clicks.  It's tucked away into the trees with ample shade and options for backpacking, backcountry hiking.  The park is nice and sites are spaced out enough.  Not sure about cell service but had a site in the 2nd campground in the middle where there's a break in the trees.  I was able to use Starlink.  People were friendly and overall lovely park and experience.

• J

  James D.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 3, 2024

  Brazil Creek Camping Area

  Great Little Rest Stop

  Very nice free camp ground that is suitable for any type of camping.

  The Ranger, who was very nice, had good service with AT&T, I had TMobile at my campsite with a booster.

  Miles and miles of trails for Mountain Biking, horse riding or just hiking, and you can ride your ATV on the roads but you need an orange triangle.

  Well worth the 20 to 30 minute trip off the highway.

• 

  Angela

  Scout

  

  Nov. 3, 2024

  Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags

  Nice parks

  Had a great fishing trip and swimming trip

• 

  Joel R.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 27, 2024

  Pin Oak RV Park

  Old and shows wear

  This is an older RV park and campground, and the age shows. We spent several nights here due to engine problems with our tow vehicle. The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. (One advantage of being an older park.) But everything is just a little run down. The sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy. They come with water, sewer & electric. There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics. The bathroom and showers were clean, but dated. Not all facilities were in working order. Two of 6 washers were out of service, one bathroom stall was out of order, pot holes in the road. There are also cabins, and RVs available to rent. There is quite a bit of traffic noise from I-44 and there are a lot of excess lights kept on all night long. The staff was friendly and check in was easy. Many of the sites are occupied be semi-permanent residents. They have internet, but it is weak and spotty. Saturday night they had a band making noise for 3 hours!

• K

  Katie H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 17, 2024

  Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

  Clean and quiet park

  We stayed one night on our way through Missouri. It’s only about ten minutes south of I-44. The campground was only about half full, so it was nice and quiet. All sites have a concrete pad for the RV and for the picnic table. Includes water and electric. Playground, laundry room, and dump station. Hiking trails available from the campground and cave tours on weekends. We stayed at site #65 which is close to the entrance/restrooms and has no campsite on either side.

• K

  Kimberly L.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 9, 2024

  St. Francois State Park Campground

  Peaceful

  I stayed from 9/4/24-9/8/24. I stayed in the primitive campground. It was very quiet and peaceful. My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean. There is a handicap shower unit as well that had a bench and hooks and a shelf to keep your things dry. The bathrooms were separate from the showers with 4 locking stalls. These too were kept clean and toilet paper was always full. Four sinks and mirrors and one outlet close to the sinks for hairdryer etc. The grounds were clean and grass was nicely cut. My campsite had a picnic table a campfire with grill grate and a light post to hang a lantern. The camp host were very friendly and drove around often on golf carts to make sure ppl were ok or needed anything. There was a place to fill your bottled water containers. The checkin office sold ice, campfire wood and a variety of ice creams, stickers and t shirts and sweatshirts. The park has trailheads to hike and an equestrian area. River access for swimming and fishing. There is a separate area with electrical sites and also handicap sites in the electrical and primitive campgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and will be returning often.

• 

  Tammie

  Scout

  

  Sep. 6, 2024

  Arapaho Campground, Canoe, Raft Rental

  Labor Day

  Great place for the price. The staff is very helpful and welcoming! We will be visiting again in the future!

• A

  Art Z.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 24, 2024

  Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

  Great campground. Great cave. Fun river. Avoid campsite 65

  We stayed one night in campsite 65. Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened July 4, 2024. The river is still fantastic fun, especially for our grandkids ages 9 and 12.

  Avoid campsite 65 when it rains. We had over an inch of standing water on the concrete pad when we arrived. 18 hours after it stopped raining, we still had some water on the concrete pad.

  Other than the water, Onondaga Cave SP has been one of my favorite places to camp in Missouri for more than 20 years.

• 

  Bj M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 10, 2024

  Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

  My second stay at Berryman

  I like that quite surroundings. But as a July 1 2024 they started cutting the timber. An they are going to a paid camping area. They have fire rings, tables and blacktop parking spots.
  It's a shame it's going to cost to be here.

• 

  Nathaniel B.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 8, 2024

  St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

  Best campsite we've found to explore STL

  Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation. It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. I'll

• 

  Joseph A.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 7, 2024

  Huzzah Valley Resort

  Camping at the zoo

  If it's your birthday or a bachelor/Bachelorette party, this is your place. They have a family side and a party side (the zoo). Don't expect to get much rest in the zoo. There are plenty of campsites to enjoy. Reserve yours early they fill up fast in the summer. Huzzah Valley is the know party camp ground if you live in the Saint Louis metropolitan area

• 

  Allie A.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 29, 2024

  Huzzah Valley Resort

  Weekend away

  We took a couples float during the week to get away from our busy lives and relax. The huzzah resort is always top notch. Very clean(except the port-potties), great amenities and if you forget something you can always get it at the shop! The river was perfect and we practically had the place to ourselves with only one other tent in view! Not to bad for a Week day camp trip!

• l

  lori W.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 16, 2024

  Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout

  Lots of fun close to home

  Nice rv park. Lots to do. The golf carts are genius. We used all weekend and had a great time. Played in the waterhole, played on the lake w/paddleboats and kayaks. Nice campsites and showerhouse. The bar and store were beautiful. Arcade, pool,games for kids and adults. Loved it

• A

  Art Z.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 8, 2024

  Hazel Creek Campground

  Spacious and Beautiful

  We spent a one night get-away at Hazel Creek with our 30 foot travel trailer. The gravel road into the campground was no problem for a pickup with a trailer. It would be fine for a passenger car, too.

  The campsites are large. Several back up to the creek, which is shallow and pretty. The rest are scattered through the wooded campground. Come for the scenery and the hiking. You won't be disappointed.

  There are no amenities other than fire rings, picnic tables, and food posts. There is no cell phone coverage. Follow the USFS directions, not Google Maps. That will put you on good paved roads.

• 

  Helge Vandel J.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 6, 2024

  Horseshoe Lake State Park Campground

  Nice spot and great value

  Great spot in a beautiful area close to St. Louis. No power but access to drinking water and waste water dump for just 8$.

• R

  Rick I.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 30, 2024

  Cherokee Lakes Campground

  Secluded and spacious tent camping sites

  I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive.

• 

  Bj M.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 21, 2024

  Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

  Peaceful stay

  Enjoyed the peaceful stay with nature. Enjoyed listening to the wind in the pine trees. It was a relaxing week. Will do again.

• E

  Erica E.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 16, 2024

  St. Francois State Park Campground

  RV campsites

  Awesome place to camp. Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups. Staff is super kind. Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule but that’s unfortunate for those of us who still want to listen to music and sit by the fire. Overall great camping spot!

• 

  Gage D.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 16, 2024

  Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

  Cool campground, terrible bathrooms

  Campground was nice, pretty buggy, but bathrooms were in shambles, showers were full of mud and dirt

• 

  Allie A.

  Guide

  

  May. 28, 2024

  Huzzah Valley Resort

  Memorial Day -Camping Trip

  Such a pretty camping sesh. Love this campground and its aminities it’s always cleaner and organized.

• 

  Gwenn W.

  Guide

  

  May. 26, 2024

  Red Bluff Campground

  Not What it Was

  If you’ve been coming to this campground for decades as my family has, prepare yourself. They’ve taken this hidden gem abounding with rustic, quiet character and turned it into a busy RV park. Most spots are not ideal for tent camping. The beaches are too small to accommodate the number of people now coming in. It’s just heartbreaking. It’s our ancestral home and we just don’t know if we can handle going back. The whole vibe is drastically different. It’s looks like every other RV park out there. It used to be a short walk to get to the water. Not anymore. They also got rid of the picnic area close to the water. It was extremely inconvenient getting my elderly mother down to the water (and then finding a beach spot on our side of the creek was impossible).

• S

  Sara J.

  Scout

  

  May. 17, 2024

  St. Francois State Park Campground

  Nice & Clean

  Very clean and well kept!