Ironton, Missouri sits within the St. Francois Mountains, a region with elevations reaching up to 1,772 feet at Taum Sauk Mountain. The area features ancient igneous rock formations dating back over a billion years. Camping options range from basic dispersed sites to developed campgrounds with river access, though dedicated equestrian facilities remain limited in the immediate vicinity.
What to do
**Mountain biking trails: Head to St. Francois State Park where campers appreciate the accessible trail system. "There are plenty of good walking trails along the river. We are looking forward to coming back in the spring to walk these nice wooded trails," notes one visitor.
**River swimming: Access the Black River at Bearcat Getaway for water recreation. "Nice beach, chill atmosphere, great staff. Live music on the weekends," writes a reviewer who enjoyed the river amenities.
**Hiking various terrain: Berryman Trail & Campgrounds offers access to several trail systems including the Ozark Trail. "There was a trail located right by our spot at CG#2, it's a good hike," notes a visitor who appreciated the trail access.
What campers like
Large, private sites: Hazel Creek Campground offers spacious camping areas with natural separation. "The campsites are large. Several back up to the creek, which is shallow and pretty. The rest are scattered through the wooded campground," reports one camper.
Equestrian access: While limited specifically for horses, St. Joe State Park accommodates equestrian needs. "It also offers amenities for those with horses. We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets," explains a camper who stayed at Campground #2.
River proximity: The St. Francois River region provides numerous water-adjacent campsites. "Great river access, nice little store, good price!!" mentions a Sam A. Baker visitor, highlighting the easy water access that makes this area popular.
What you should know
Crowding and noise: Weekends at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park can become extremely busy. "Lots of folks are aware of this once hidden gem so go during the week," advises one camper who found midweek visits more peaceful.
Pet restrictions: Not all trails welcome dogs. "The shut-ins trail DOES NOT allow dogs so that's a bummer. Found some other local hiking trails so overall it wasn't too bad," notes a visitor who had to adjust plans for their pet.
Limited equestrian facilities: Despite some accommodations, dedicated horse corrals are scarce. While St. Joe State Park allows horses, one camper explained, "I stayed at CG#2 about a week ago. Very similar in design to the sites at CG#1, it also offers amenities for those with horses."
Tips for camping with families
Elevated camping platforms: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground offers unique structural advantages. "The walkin sites are on platforms and are spaced for privacy. The setting at this state park is the draw," notes a visitor who appreciated the design.
Recreation programming: Many parks offer scheduled activities for families. "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt," mentions a Johnson's Shut-Ins camper who found the organized events enhanced their stay.
Water features for kids: Shallow river areas provide safe play spaces. "We loved this clean and beautiful campground! We stayed in the fall and the colors were amazing. Our kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins," reports a family who visited in autumn.
Tips for RVers
Hookup locations: Cherokee Landing offers full-service sites but with some considerations. "We had an electric site. The electrical connection was a bit iffy. Again not the nicest for the price. The sites tended to pool water but it was raining when we arrived," notes one RVer.
Site spacing: Some campgrounds position RV sites very close together. "The campground has oddly shaped campsites causing a crowded feel," reports a St. Francois State Park visitor who found the layout challenging.
Weather impacts: Prepare for potential flooding or wet conditions. "It was nice on Sunday morning to just get to enjoy our coffee as we watched hundreds of hungover people in the campground try to take down tents," observes a Huzzah Valley visitor, highlighting how cabin accommodations can provide advantages during inclement weather.
