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Best Campgrounds in Missouri

3,874 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Missouri's state parks and recreation areas provide a broad spectrum of cabin camping options for visitors seeking shelter beyond traditional tent and RV sites. Meramec State Park near Sullivan offers cabin accommodations with electric hookups, picnic tables, and showers within a year-round facility rated above 4.3 stars by visitors. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in Lesterville similarly features cabin options alongside its popular water features, while Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson combines cabin lodging with glamping alternatives. Most cabins in Missouri state parks include basic amenities such as electricity, beds, and nearby restroom facilities.

Reservations for Missouri's cabin accommodations are typically required well in advance, especially during summer months and holiday weekends. Many cabins remain open year-round, though amenities and services may be reduced in winter. Water access remains a significant attraction, with many cabins positioned near lakes, rivers or springs. Missouri's varied terrain means cabin locations range from riverside settings to forested hillsides, with some providing easy water access while others offer more secluded experiences. A visitor commented that "Loved the solitude of being by the water. We had another RV next to us for a few days, but with the privacy fence in between you would never know it."

Campers consistently rate cabin accommodations at Bennett Spring State Park and Crystal Springs highly, with multiple reviews mentioning friendly staff and clean facilities. Several visitors highlighted the proximity to water features, with one noting that "There is a little spring onsite and very friendly owners!" Some park cabins provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and nature centers, enhancing the overall experience. Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground receives positive reviews for its combination of water recreation and comfortable accommodations. The cabins at Cuivre River State Park near Troy include options for glamping and yurt stays, offering alternatives to traditional cabin camping. While most Missouri cabins provide basic amenities, visitors should verify specific features when booking as amenities vary significantly between locations.

Campground Showdown in Missouri

Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!

Branson Stagecoach CampgroundBranson Stagecoach CampgroundBranson Stagecoach CampgroundBranson Stagecoach CampgroundBranson Stagecoach CampgroundBranson Stagecoach CampgroundBranson Stagecoach CampgroundBranson Stagecoach Campground
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Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in Missouri (937)

    1. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Black, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 546-2450

    $15 - $80 / night

    "It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."

    "Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."

    2. Meramec State Park Campground

    59 Reviews
    Stanton, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-6072

    $15 - $65 / night

    "Miles upon miles of trails. Spacious campground, caves to explore, old time blast furnace to explore, fresh Missouri spring with exceptional fishing. Then theres a general store with a restaurant"

    "Growing up near here, this was the state park that my family always went to. Forty some years later, it is still my favorite park in Missouri. I enjoy camping here with my family and friends."

    3. Table Rock State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Hollister, MO
    Website
    +1 (417) 739-4627

    $16 - $159 / night

    "The campsite was large with an asphalt path and a nice spot for my tent. First weekend in May and the park was pretty much full. My campsite close to the facilities."

    "Nice campground with a paved walking/cycling trail from boat docks to the dam. Nice showers, fairly level campsites. Fishing within walking distance."

    4. Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kaiser, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 348-2694

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Lake of the Ozarks State Park campground is located in Kaiser Missouri about 5 miles down highway 134 off of highway 42. This campground is about 1.5 hour from Columbia and Springfield Missouri."

    "We stayed close to the river in the primitive area and the deer were all over.  These deer were super friendly and didn't move at all as we walked right past them. "

    5. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 856-4411

    $15 - $52 / night

    "State Park in Southeast Missouri along Big Creek. Well maintained campsites with electric hook ups. Water and dump stations, but no water hook up sites."

    "The state of missouri does an amazing job providing opportunities for families to enjoy the beauty of nature. Nature programs for kids and parents to learn. Well kept facilities."

    6. Roaring River State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    Website
    +1 (417) 847-2539

    $16 - $53 / night

    "Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."

    "Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."

    7. Blue Springs Lake Campground

    49 Reviews
    Blue Springs, MO
    Website
    +1 (816) 503-4805

    $33 - $48 / night

    "The sites were well situated such that you felt you had plenty of privacy."

    "The original plan was to be in Blue Springs for an outdoor off-road RC event, camping in our pup with a generator at the track."

    8. Bennett Spring State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Bennett Springs, MO
    Website
    +1 (417) 532-4338

    $15 - $48 / night

    "This state park is one worth a stop when near Springfield. I drove north toward this park to enjoy something a bit different and found it to be very peaceful during a weekday. "

    "A trout fisher dream, as one of Missouri’s 5 hacherys are here. Fun for this kids to see the amazing amount of fish."

    9. Cuivre River State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Troy, MO
    Website
    +1 (636) 528-7247

    $15 - $42 / night

    "Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope."

    "It’s close to our house and there’s always something new to do each time. The bathrooms are well maintained and the campsites are fairly large and provide lots of shade."

    10. Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

    40 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 751-5211

    $13 - $34 / night

    "This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete."

    "Echo Bluff State Park is nestled in the heart of Missouri's Ozarks. This natural haven offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers."

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3874 Reviews of 937 Missouri Campgrounds

  • Kimberly P.
    Jul. 21, 2026

    Hamilton City Lake

    Pretty Lake

    This park has two entrances. One leads to to 2 fishing areas, one with a pier and a toilet (we didn't check out). It also leads to a gold course. The other entrance has disc golf scattered throughout and a campsite at the end of the road. It has a gravel pad, trash can, fire pit, and bbq pit. The trash was not full which we did appreciate but the firepit had trash in it and there was a lot of debris on the ground, like broken glass, fishing line/rusty hooks, small litter. Also was a bit busier than we expected, especiallysince it was a Monday evening/night.. We had some disc golf players park near us to do the course, maybe it starts here at the site, idk. One older gentleman stopped by to fish. One truck with a kayak in the back pulled up but then turned around and a couple of cars just turned around at the end of the road. We went fishing for a little bit. My husband caught a couple of small fish and also got some lures untangled from a tree so win!! It says no swimming here, unfortunately, because when we're visiting it's crazy hot. We didn't see any signs about camping at all, but looking it up online, there are apparently 3 camp sites here operated on a first come first serve basis with no formal registration required. So, free is awesome! Lots of trees! No bathroom on this side of the lake as we've seen.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2026

    Downstream RV Park

    Huge facility, well kept & clean.

    Huge facility, well kept and clean.  Affordable spacious sites, with 30/50 amp power with water.  Separate dump station.  A bit noisy with the nearby highway traffic, but our A/C drowned out the noise thru the night.  Will stay again, if we ever come back through the area.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2026

    Danville Conservation Area

    Stayed in wrong place

    We went all the way to the end of the gravel road and found a wide open gravel area. Maybe like a parking lot? Surrounded by a field and with the conservation signs. We slept there. No one else was there. But it didn’t look like these pictures, no trees. Not sure where we were supposed to go. We got there late, cross country drive along I-70

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 19, 2026

    Roaring River State Park Campground

    Very nice

    Large spots in Campground 1 with a lot of shade. Campground 2 and 3 are a little closer together. Very clean and quiet. Showers could use a little up dating. It has hiking trails and roads to bike on. Plus the huge spring that creates the Roaring River and a large fish hatchery. Fish for trout.

  • aspoon77
    Jul. 18, 2026

    Pine Ridge Recreation Area Mark Twain National Forest

    Solid Spot for Overnight

    Stopped on our way out west from SC on June 5th. Apple Maps had us take a gravel/dirt road for a few miles on the way in from the east, but the road outside the site is paved. A little bit of road noise occasionally, but not too bad. Some bugs, nothing too crazy though. A little hot in the afternoon, but cooled down overnight. No wind. Pit toilets were well kept and clean enough. Not much privacy if it was busy, but there were other sites better hidden in the woods. Connection was not great, but consistent at 1-2 bars.

  • D
    Jul. 18, 2026

    Lake Paradise Resort

    Great place

    This is a GREAT RV PARK! The new owners have done GREAT work to bring it back!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2026

    Earth, Wind & Solar Farm

    Love it!

    This is the perfect, little spot to set up. The owners are sweet, and have been helpful with everything we have needed and beyond. We definitely would love to come back.

  • Tammy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2026

    Ray Behrens

    Decent

    Pretty quiet. Larger site with room. Shade. So many ticks. I know the CG can’t do anything about that. We would come again, but grab another site

Guide to Missouri

Camping in Missouri offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to Do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful campgrounds. Hiking trails. Super showers & toilets. Clean. Friendly staff.”
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, check out Bennett Spring State Park Campground. A reviewer said, “The Niangua River was gorgeous and so fun to swim in (clear all the way to the bottom).”
  • Water Activities: Campgrounds near lakes, like Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina, are perfect for kayaking and swimming. One visitor noted, “You will have water and electric but no sewer and no dump station on site.”

What Campers Like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Maramec Spring Park stated, “Great and clean shower house. Well taken care of.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At B Berry Farms & Co., a camper said, “The whole B Berry family are great people. They helped us get in and told us all the fun & exciting things around the farm to do.”
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Raccoon Ridge offer stunning views. One camper shared, “Heavy wooded with shared paths to lake or cove. Marina is within 1 mile by water or 15 minutes by car.”

What You Should Know

  • Reservation Policies: Some campgrounds have strict cancellation policies. A visitor at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground expressed frustration, saying, “Their reservation process raised concerns with their non-industry standard policy of requiring a 10-day notice for cancellations.”
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Raccoon Ridge warned, “Keep food and bait inside as raccoons rule at night.”
  • Ticks and Bugs: Some areas have ticks, so bring bug spray. A review for Pine Ridge Recreation Area mentioned, “Only bummer was lots of ticks.”

Tips for Camping with Families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Boiling Springs Campground, a camper noted, “This camp area is very clean and family friendly! The river was pretty!”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A family at Bennett Spring State Park Campground enjoyed cooking fresh food over the fire.
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A reviewer at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground mentioned, “They have both showers and running water restrooms.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground said, “The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent.”
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina appreciated, “The general store has many options including a wide variety of food and drinks.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Pittsburg Area Campground noted, “Really quiet during the week. However, fishing boat traffic increases through the week.”

Camping in Missouri has its perks and quirks, so be ready for a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Missouri state parks?

Missouri's state parks and conservation areas offer several budget-friendly camping options. Indian Hills Conservation Area provides low-cost camping with basic amenities amid beautiful scenery. Similarly, Union Ridge Conservation Area offers primitive camping at minimal or no cost. Missouri Conservation Areas generally have fewer amenities but provide affordable options for those comfortable with basic facilities. State parks like Lake of the Ozarks and Long Branch charge standard Missouri State Park rates, which are relatively affordable compared to private campgrounds. For completely free camping, Mark Twain National Forest allows dispersed camping outside designated areas and away from roads, though you'll need to bring all supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles.

What recreational activities are available at Missouri campgrounds?

Missouri campgrounds offer diverse recreational activities for all interests. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground features cave tours with impressive lighting displays and river activities perfect for families with children. Long Branch State Park Campground provides swimming beaches, boat ramps, and excellent fishing opportunities. Throughout Missouri's campgrounds, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing. Water enthusiasts will find swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing at many locations, particularly at Lake of the Ozarks and along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Several parks also offer interpretive programs, nature centers, and historical sites from Civilian Conservation Corps construction. Mountain biking trails, horseback riding areas, and bird watching opportunities round out the recreational options.

What are the best campgrounds in Missouri for tent camping?

Missouri offers excellent tent camping options across the state. Marble Creek Rec Area in Mark Twain National Forest provides a natural experience shaped around the creek, with sites that lead to water in every direction. The area offers hiking and dispersed camping options for those seeking solitude. Table Rock State Park Campground features spacious tent sites with asphalt paths and close proximity to facilities. For nature enthusiasts, conservation areas like Indian Hills provide lovely scenery with minimal amenities. Other top tent camping destinations include Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park with its natural water features and Meramec State Park, known for its riverside sites and cave tours.

When is the best season for camping in southern Missouri?

The optimal camping season in southern Missouri runs from late spring through early fall, with specific advantages to each period. Table Rock State Park Campground sees high visitation by early May, suggesting spring's popularity. For more solitude, Asher Creek Campground at Lake Wappapello State Park can be nearly empty on weeknights and during off-season periods. Late spring (April-May) offers comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while fall (September-October) brings colorful foliage and cooler temperatures. Summer provides the fullest access to water activities, though humidity can be high. Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for potential freezing temperatures. Avoid November during deer hunting season if you're not participating.

Keep Exploring

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