Camping spots near Fredericktown, Missouri center around the eastern Ozarks region with elevations ranging from 700-1,600 feet. The area features unique pink granite formations and rhyolite glades rarely found elsewhere in the Midwest. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with nighttime lows around 65-70°F, while spring and fall camping offers more moderate temperatures in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Hike to Missouri's highest point: At Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, the summit reaches 1,772 feet above sea level. "The hike is not a long hike, just a little under 2 miles and rated moderate. Be sure to wear good hiking shoes!" shares Erica P. The park maintains primitive tent camping sites with vault toilets and water.
Explore unique geological features: Hawn State Park offers hiking through diverse landscapes. "Nowhere else in the state of Missouri have I been able to camp and feel like I'm in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. The car camping area is nestled in the middle of a pine filled valley," notes Megan M. The pine forest setting creates a distinctive ecosystem compared to other Missouri parks.
Float the Castor River: Castor River Ranch Campground provides riverside camping and float trips. "The owner guy will also give you a ride up river to float back down to your camp for free just bring your own tube or whatever," explains Chrissy W. The clear water offers excellent visibility for spotting fish and underwater features.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Silver Mines Recreation Area campers appreciate the layout and privacy. "Each campsite is private and has it's own picnic table and fire pit. Trails from the campground lead down to the water," writes Kippy N. The sites provide direct access to the St. Francis River.
Spacious campsites: Marble Creek Recreation Area offers well-spaced camping. "The campground is beautiful and the sites are spaced apart so that you don't feel like you're camping on top of your neighbors. We were able to camp right next to the creek and it was amazing," reports Mara F. Sites cost $10 per night.
Natural water features: Campers enjoy the region's shut-ins, where rivers flow through narrow rock channels. "The park is beautiful and the 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," notes Gonzo A. at Hawn State Park. The narrow water channels create natural water slides and pools.
What you should know
Campground availability varies: Many forest service campgrounds open seasonally from March through October. "We spent a few days here enjoying exploring the area! There has been quite a bit of rain and the water levels were high. Water wasn't on at the campground yet," reported Megan B. at Silver Mines.
Bathroom facilities are basic: Most forest service campgrounds have vault toilets only. "They have vault toilets that are reasonably clean and stocked with toilet paper. No fresh water on site, we had to drive into town on Saturday to buy a few gallons," mentions Mara F. regarding Marble Creek.
Weather impacts water levels: The shut-ins and river features change dramatically with rainfall. "The clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!" mentions Olivia S. about St. Joe State Park, where water levels affect swimming options.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly water access: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers safe areas for children to play. "We loved this clean and beautiful campground! Our kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins. We have already planned to return in the summer to swim!" writes Ashlee B. The natural rock formations create pools of varying depths.
Look for educational programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities. "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt," reports Charlotte B. about Johnson's Shut-Ins. Programs typically run May through September on weekends.
Consider accessibility needs: Some campgrounds offer easier access than others. "The cart provided was great to walk our gear down the trail to our site, and there was a flat deck for us to camp on," explains Shelby B. about the walk-in sites at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. The provided carts make transporting gear easier for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Check campsite size limitations: Sam A. Baker State Park accommodates various RV sizes. "I've camped at both campgrounds offered at St. Joe. In the fall of 2018, we stayed at CG#1, the spot has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars," notes Olivia S. The concrete pads provide stable setup for larger vehicles.
Consider utility needs: Electrical hookups become important during summer humidity. "We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets," explains Olivia S. about Campground #2 at St. Joe State Park. Most campgrounds with hookups offer 30-amp service.
Prepare for seasonal closures: Water systems often shut down in winter months. "The water was turned off at the time of year we were there and the pit toilets were pretty full, but otherwise still clean," shares Mara F. about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park in December. Many park facilities operate with reduced services from November through February.
