Top Tent Camping near Hillsboro, MO

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Hillsboro? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Missouri tent camping excursion.

Best Tent Sites Near Hillsboro, MO (16)

    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

    1. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

    22 Reviews
    108 Photos
    158 Saves

    Taum 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)
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park

    2. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    33 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek

    3. Brazil Creek

    5 Reviews
    21 Photos
    29 Saves

    The 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove

    4. Old Cove

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    8 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $50 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    5. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    10 Reviews
    29 Photos
    260 Saves

    Many people enjoy the solitude and peaceful experience of camping away from large groups of people. 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! Picking a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped, pick a site that's been used before. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines: Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Camp 100 feet away from any water source - plants near water and water sources are fragile. Camp 100 feet away from any administrative site (Trails, Recreational Areas and/or Building). Campfires Many wildfires are caused by human activity, including escaped fires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect-know before you go! Use camp stoves when possible Use existing fire rings if they exist; NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED. When ashes are COLD and DEAD OUT, scatter outside of the campsite before you leave. If you don't bring wood, collect only dead/downed wood. Please never cut any live trees.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek  Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek  Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek  Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek  Dispersed

    6. Courtois Creek Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    110 Saves

    This 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
    • No image available

      7. Bismark Lake Conservation Area

      1 Review
      8 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • ADA Access
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Alcohol
      Camper-submitted photo from Hagood Farm and Trails
      Camper-submitted photo from Hagood Farm and Trails
      Camper-submitted photo from Hagood Farm and Trails

      8. Hagood Farm and Trails

      Be the first to review!
      3 Photos
      7 Saves

      We 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

      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground

      9. Panther Branch Primitive Campground

      2 Reviews
      7 Photos
      8 Saves

      Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out.

      • Pets
      • Tents
      Camper-submitted photo from Ottery Creek Primitive Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Ottery Creek Primitive Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Ottery Creek Primitive Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Ottery Creek Primitive Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Ottery Creek Primitive Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Ottery Creek Primitive Campground

      10. Ottery Creek Primitive Campground

      1 Review
      10 Photos
      15 Saves

      Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring

      • Pets
      • Tents
    Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In Hillsboro

    566 Reviews of 16 Hillsboro Campgrounds


    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek Camping Area
      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.

    • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pin Oak Creek RV Park
      Sep. 27, 2024

      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!

    • Justine S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Candy Cane RV Park & Campground
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Candy Cane RV Park & Campground

      Adorable campground

      We found this place after hours and Shirley still answered the phone and had a spot for us. Both Shirley and Kevin were super nice. The campground is unique and adorable. Very cute and clean bathrooms, plenty of toilets and shower space. It seems like they are doing some updating of things so that's why the 4 stars, once they finish their updates I'm positive it will be 5 star worthy.

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Onondaga Cave State Park
      Sep. 17, 2024

      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.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Francois State Park
      Sep. 9, 2024

      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.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Onondaga Cave State Park
      Aug. 24, 2024

      Onondaga 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.

    • Nathaniel B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
      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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Huzzah Valley Resort
      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.
      Camper-submitted photo from Huzzah Valley Resort
      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!

    • lThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout
      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

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hazel Creek Campground
      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.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Lakes Campground
      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.

    • E
      Camper-submitted photo from St. Francois State Park
      Jun. 16, 2024

      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!

    • Allie A.
      Camper-submitted photo from Huzzah Valley Resort
      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.
      Camper-submitted photo from Red Bluff Campground
      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).

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Onondaga Cave State Park
      May. 6, 2024

      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!

    • Gwenn W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Meramec State Park
      Apr. 29, 2024

      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.



    Guide to Hillsboro

    Camping near Hillsboro, Missouri, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

    What to do:

    • Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, have beautiful hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, "The Scour Trail was also close and really neat to see."
    • Enjoy the river: At Meramec State Park Campground, you can fish or swim in the river. A camper shared, "There was access to the river, although not much bank."
    • Visit local attractions: Check out nearby historic sites or parks. One reviewer noted, "We camped here to visit the Gateway National Park and Mastodon Natural Site."

    What campers like:

    • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A visitor at Cuivre River State Park Campground said, "The park was clean, and very pretty."
    • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground mentioned, "The host was very nice and was available at the check-in booth."
    • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One camper at Hawn State Park Campground remarked, "The sites are very close together, so there is not much privacy."

    What you should know:

    • Cell service can be spotty: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for limited reception. A visitor at Meramec State Park Campground noted, "Only negative was there is no wifi and poor cell phone reception."
    • Reservations are recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground said, "I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot in the RV section."
    • Wildlife encounters: Be aware of local wildlife. One camper at Meramec State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site had skunks and raccoons each night."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park said, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
    • Plan for quiet hours: Respect quiet time rules to keep the peace. One camper at St. Francois State Park Campground noted, "Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule."
    • Pack outdoor games: Bring along games for family fun. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s great hiking in the area and you can get right up on Pickle Creek near the walk-in sites."

    Tips from RVers:

    Camping near Hillsboro, Missouri, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hillsboro, MO?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hillsboro, 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 Hillsboro, MO?

      TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Hillsboro, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.