Top Tent Camping near Festus, MO
Looking for the best Festus tent camping? Finding a place to camp in Missouri with your tent has never been easier. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Festus campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Festus, MO (12)
1. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
22 Reviews•108 Photos•158 SavesTaum Sauk Mountain State Park offers basic, walk-in campsites and two special-use camping areas. The campsites allow for tent camping only. Pop-up or other trailers are not allowed. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no showerhouse or dump station. Water and a vault toilet are available in the camping area.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. St. Charles County Klondike Park
4 Reviews•9 Photos•33 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
3. Brazil Creek
5 Reviews•21 Photos•29 SavesThe Brazil Creek Recreation Area serves as a trail camp for the 24-mile Berryman Trail and the 40 mile Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail. The Berryman Trail traverses 24 miles of scenic Ozark countryside starting at the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp of 1937 and winding through timbered stands and fields. This section of the Ozark Trail is part of the over 200 mile through-trail. For more information about these sections of trail, visit www.ozarktrail.com . Camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding here offer the recreationist a pleasant measure of solitude and quiet.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
5. Bismark Lake Conservation Area
1 Review•8 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Alcohol
6. Courtois Creek Dispersed
2 Reviews•4 Photos•110 SavesThis section is the gateway to the Ozarks--starting at Onondaga Cave State Park and winding through the Huzzah State Forest/Conservation Area, opening into the lead district of Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest, view variegated wildlife, flora, and scenery and end up at Hazel Creek on the south. This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead. It is part of the over 220 mile continuous through-trail. Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous. This section of trail includes springs, creeks and other water locations, as well as some popular places for trailside camping. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you! Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered. Pack out all of your garbage.
- Tents
- Dispersed
7. Panther Branch Primitive Campground
2 Reviews•7 Photos•8 SavesBackcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out.
- Pets
- Tents
8. Hagood Farm and Trails
Be the first to review!•3 Photos•7 SavesWe are a working Longhorn farm with goats, horses donkeys and more. We have over 6 miles of trails and creek to explore. We also have a pond for fishing . We have mountains and valleys with backpack sites as well as site you can drive up to.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
$27 - $35 / night
9. Sandstone Spring & Camp
Be the first to review!•7 SavesTent only camping. Deep in 300 million years old Carboniverous sandstone spring bed valley with fossils. Place to relax & take in the nature of this hidden gem in the city of Belleville, IL. No restrooms. No showers. Swimming in areas of spring is limited to shallow pools. But it is enough to cool you off.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
$28 - $38 / night
10. Ottery Creek Primitive Campground
1 Review•10 Photos•15 SavesBackcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring
- Pets
- Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Festus
557 Reviews of 12 Festus Campgrounds
- J
James D.
Scout
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.
Joel R.
Legend
Pin Oak Creek 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!
- KKatie H.Scout
Onondaga Cave State Park
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.
- KKimberly L.Scout
St. Francois State Park
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.
TammieScout
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!
- AArt Z.
GuideOnondaga Cave State Park
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
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
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
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.GuideHuzzah 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!
- llori W.Traveler
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
- AArt Z.Guide
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.Scout
Horseshoe Lake State Park Recreation Area
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$.
- RRick I.Traveler
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
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.
- EErica E.Traveler
St. Francois State Park
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
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
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
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).
- SSara J.Scout
St. Francois State Park
Nice & Clean
Very clean and well kept!
Denni G.Traveler
Washington State Park
Washington state park
Very secluded!!! Hiking was great!
- AAnna L.Traveler
Onondaga Cave State Park
Great place
Very beautiful and relaxing. Would recommend to anyone. Clean and accommodating, this is one of the best campgrounds I've been to. I ❤️ it and will Def be going back!
Joshua W.ScoutBig River Outdoors Campground
Perfect place to enjoy nature . The fishing is fantastic and plenty to do.
Great place to camp out under the stars and enjoy nature at its finest
- Gwenn W.Guide
Meramec State Park
Fun with the Cub Scouts
We stayed two nights Group Site A. It’s far removed from the other campsites…and the bathroom. It looks like there used to be a trail back to the bathroom but it’s overgrown now. The water spigot was out of order but as we already had to drive up to the bathrooms, we just took the water cooler. The water is strongly chlorinated. That being said, the staff is very friendly and helpful. The Cub Scouts loved the site, the Natural Wonders Trail, and the visitors’ center. We will definitely go again but only if we get the site closer to the bathrooms.
- RRobert N.Traveler
Council Bluff Recreation Area
No hook ups
Great "out in the woods" campground.
dana D.ScoutArapaho Campground, Canoe, Raft Rental
Would love a brochure with price and map
My email is Ddavis91165@gmail.com
- SSuzie S.Traveler
St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
Good now, and will be really nice when the trees get bigger
Stayed here most of the several weeks we needed to be in St. Louis for family matters. Definitely our favorite place in the area. The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees. The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake. The staff are kind and helpful. Water and electric worked fine. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Trash and recycling receptacles are huge and convenient. My only complaint is the poorly thought out sink situation in the bathrooms which make it impossible to wash in a sanitary way as you must hold the tap to keep the water flowing and there are no paper towels to that with, only hand dryers. There is boating and archery on site, a dog run, and a small playground.
Guide to Festus
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Festus, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Festus, MO is Taum Sauk Mountain State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Festus, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Festus, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.