Jackson County, MO Campgrounds

Jackson, MO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Jackson is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Missouri camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Jackson, MO (99)

    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Giant City State Park Campground

    2. Giant City State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    165 Photos
    137 Saves
    Makanda, Illinois
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Bayou Campground

    3. Turkey Bayou Campground

    12 Reviews
    19 Photos
    168 Saves
    Gorham, Illinois

    Turkey Bayou Campground​

    Located in Oakwood Bottoms, Turkey Bayou Campground is a great location outdoor activities including waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, trapping, fishing, nature watching and bird watching. The campground is next to a 20-acre lake on the Big Muddy River with close proximity to the Big Muddy boat launch and the Oakwood Bottoms Greentree Reservoir. There is no charge for camping at Turkey Bayou, but there is a 14-day maximum stay. The campground does not have water or toilets. The site frequently floods during heavy rain periods.

    Our partner, Friends of Turkey Bayou helps maintain Turkey Bayou Campground.

    A favorite with waterfowl hunters, Oakwood Bottoms offers so much more from excellent bird watching to fishing opportunities and primitive camping at Turkey Bayou Campground. Picnic with your family or youth group at Oakwood Bottoms picnic site and take a short walk into the bottoms on the wooden boardwalk trail that loops back to the picnic area. The site also has a large picnic shelter next to a large pond, where you can enjoy watching ducks and other birds visit the pond in search of food.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam A. Baker State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam A. Baker State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam A. Baker State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam A. Baker State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam A. Baker State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sam A. Baker State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground

    5. Shawnee Forest Campground

    32 Reviews
    55 Photos
    192 Saves
    Vienna, Illinois

    Located in the Middle of Southern Illinois just Off I-24 it is a great place to stay while you explore all the the Shawnee Forest. From Giant City to Garden of the Gods. The Tunnel Hill bike trail is a half mile away and Cache River is just down the road. We have 60 Full Hook up sites. Large pull through sites up to 120 feet long. We have Shower Houses and Laundry Facilities. Our Campground is Open Year Round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground

    6. Hawn State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    129 Photos
    166 Saves
    Farmington, Missouri
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney
    Camper-submitted photo from Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney

    7. Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney

    11 Reviews
    9 Photos
    54 Saves
    Perryville, Missouri

    Who says you can’t have fun in a small midwestern town? In Perryville, MO, there’s plenty of history to experience and fun to be had. You can expect no less at Perryville RV Resort by R Journey. Located off Lake Drive on KOA Lane, our resort park is accessible via Interstate 55 to the south and Highway T to the north. Get ready to make memories and reconnect with family and friends with our selection of family-friendly activities and events. If you’ve been pining for a midwestern getaway, look no further than Perryville RV Resort.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • No image available

      8. The Landing Point RV Park

      4 Reviews
      13 Saves
      Cape Girardeau, Missouri

      Our park features paved roads, large concrete pads and patios, picnic tables, large shade trees. We have ice, soda, snacks, firewood with a few selected camping supplies and much more.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from General Watkins Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from General Watkins Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from General Watkins Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from General Watkins Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from General Watkins Conservation Area
      • No image available

        10. Pine Hills

        4 Reviews
        29 Saves
        Alto Pass, Illinois

        Pine Hills campground has level campsites with open grassy areas between campsites. Popular with hunters in the spring and fall, the campground is also ideal for those who like to view nature, go birding, hike or take a scenic drive. Pine Hills Road leads to the top of the bluffs and features panoramic views of the LaRue Swamp and Mississippi River floodplain. Located adjacent to one of the largest natural areas in the state Pine Hills is ideal for nature lovers. In addition the Snake Road, located at the bottom of the bluffs is closed biannually to vehicular traffic, to protect the thousands of the reptiles and amphibians as they migrate between their summer and winter habitats. Pine Hills Campground Map

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • ADA Access
        • RVs
        • Tents

        $10 / night

      Showing results 1-10 of 99 campgrounds

      Pet-friendly camping near Jackson

      Recent Reviews in Jackson

      470 Reviews of 99 Jackson Campgrounds


      • GB N.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from DD Hwy Campground
        Oct. 22, 2024

        DD Hwy Campground

        October tent camping

        Tent camping back away from the RVs & we were the only people. Gorgeous river to view just a few steps away & the night sky view was fantastic. LOVED the bathroom & shower facilities!

      • Tabitha R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Johnson Creek
        Oct. 12, 2024

        Johnson Creek

        Nice!

        This campground provides large spots, drinking water, vault toliets, dumpsters, picnic table, lantern hook, fire ring, and contactless check in. I also appreciate the value of these sites. It really is a reasonable rate for forest camping.

      • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
        Oct. 4, 2024

        Hilltop Campground

        Decent overnight stop

        Hosts were friendly, but didn’t brief us on information such as where is the trash bin, what is the WiFi password. Restroom was old but relatively clean. There’s only one valve in the showers so all you get is lukewarm water. Not good on a cool or cold day. Some of the long term people have too many dogs, one had 6 little yippers, kind of annoying. And I’m not against dogs

      • PThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from General Watkins Conservation Area
        Sep. 11, 2024

        General Watkins Conservation Area

        Maybe not a travel destination, but certainly a good waypoint.

        We opted for this site on our way west as a stopover because it was free and not a parking lot. There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon. A couple of guys fished at night until about nine. There was only one other couple camping. Very quiet and peaceful. There was a portable toilet but we didn't investigate.

        The cool thing was that the loop trail was forested by hundreds of paw paw trees. It must have been just past the season and we saw only a couple of decaying ones, but the entire trail smelled of apple cider vinegar and was quite pleasant.

        If you consider this waypoint, two things:

        1. The last mile is good, but very dusty, gravel road.

        2. No cell coverage in the parking lot for T-Mobile, some coverage on loop trail.

      • Cecilia
        Camper-submitted photo from Pine Hills
        Aug. 15, 2024

        Pine Hills

        Very nice

        Very quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.

      • Joseph A.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sam A. Baker State Park Campground
        Aug. 7, 2024

        Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

        Where the rivers meet

        Sam a Baker is a beautiful destination for any family. There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding. There are multi camp sites that can be easily reserved online. The Saint Francis River and the Big Creek meet in the park. The big creek is spring feed and ice cold. The Saint Francis is wild and is considered white water during the rainy season. There are plenty of amenities in the park for the novice camper. From the camp store to the shower house. SAM A BAKER has you covered

      • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Hilltop Campground
        Jul. 22, 2024

        Hilltop Campground

        Nice stop

        Stopped here for the night driving through the area. Nice campground, clean, safe, and right off the interstate.

      • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Bean Ridge Pond Campground
        Jul. 14, 2024

        Bean Ridge Pond Campground

        Nice private locationl

        There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow. We camped in the lower site and had a difficult time getting everything out of the road.

        On the positive side, the site was clean, there was nobody there over the weekend and there was a humming bird. The pond had lots of frogs and and a few fish.

      • EThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Shawnee Forest Campground
        Jun. 16, 2024

        Shawnee Forest Campground

        Great place to camp!

        We stayed 4 days and had a great time. The camp was clean and well maintained. The staff are very friendly and helpful and was more than happy to offer places to visit in the area, places to eat and provide assistance as needed. The trails are paved so we had a nice area to walk (twice around the lake from our site was 3 miles). :) We plan to visit again!

      • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
        May. 9, 2024

        Crab Orchard Lake Campground

        Probably nice in a big rig, sucks otherwise

        This campground was essentially an RV park. Only big rigs, some sites well spaced physically but no privacy in between so feels like everyone staring at each other. Some of the waterfront sites okay privacy-wise, but not most. Hookups work well, but bathrooms in terrible condition - especially showers.

        The whole place also smells like dead fish. We saw a raccoon go right through our campsite so be careful what you leave out, also tons of geese and saw two baby copperheads.

        The lake is at least really pretty and there’s a small beach area.

      • Dave M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Holliday Landing Campground & Marina
        May. 4, 2024

        Holliday Landing Campground & Marina

        Wide Open Spaces!

        My parents (from Mississippi) and I (from St. Charles, MO) found this place sort of between us and we sure do love it. The owner Kelly and his whole team were nothing but gracious and hospitable to us the entire weekend. You can tell there's some work to be done on this new venture for Kelly but his heart in it and I can't wait to see how he continues to grow the property. Thanks for having us and we can't wait to come back. 

        The bath house was clean. The site was huge. There was plenty of firewood when we needed it. The nature was nature'in and the wild was wild'in. Good times.

      • Steve G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Crab Orchard Lake Campground
        Apr. 24, 2024

        Crab Orchard Lake Campground

        Excellent Lakeside Campgrouind

        Getting there: Easy access off Illinois 13 East of Carbondale 

        Check in and staff: Campground is now under the egis of recreation.gov& reservations through them are a must. This is new& when planning the trip the website said“first come first serve” so we arrived on a Friday evening(4pm) with no reservation. The sign said RV sites all taken. The host was wonderful! He has been here 9 years and steered us to a nice site for the one night we will be here. The online experience with recreation.gov was not pleasant, impossible in fact. So I had to call. This took quite awhile. Once I got a real live person it was great, and we got our site with no problems. 

        Amenities: Bathrooms: clean, paper towels& air dryers. 

        Site: A-35. In the middle of the A loop and therefore not on the water. Still, very nice. After all, beggars can’t be choosers! Sites are somewhat spacious, but not terribly private.

      • Bonnie M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm
        Apr. 15, 2024

        Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm

        So happy we found them such a fun place

        We had so much fun playing in the creek learning about as Aztec and their gardening methods. Very adorable , baby goats and baby chicks that were just all over and loving living. ❤️ My family and friends found out that I was going there and she was more than happy to help us be accommodated for so many people. I kept adding and she was like no problem. Thank you so much for making it easy and affordable. We will definitely be back to visit. I feel that we have actually found some true lifelong friends. Thank you Ivy

      • FThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sulphur Springs Dispersed
        Apr. 8, 2024

        Sulphur Springs Dispersed

        Beautiful River site for parking or dispersed

        We stopped here chasing the 2024 eclipse. Easy to find. No cost. About 20 parking spaces, a vault toilet, and a boat launch. Open for solar panels, but tree cover around the lot. Only about 5 parking spaces are not on a slant. Places in the trees for tents. Absolutely beautiful views up and down the river. A single fire pit on the river’s edge. No road noise to speak of because it is way in the distance and rare at night. Fireflies and owls into the night. Mist on the water in the morning: just beautiful. T mobile service has 3 of 4 bars. There is no apparent Verizon service.

      • BThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Trail of Tears State Forest
        Apr. 6, 2024

        Trail of Tears State Forest

        Not free but worth the $8/night

        Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others. Potable water and camper registration (but had a boil water warning but that was not normal). 30 min into Cape Girardeau and 15 min to Anna. Nice picnic table and raised fire ring/ grill.

      • V
        Camper-submitted photo from Saline Creek RV Park and Campground
        Apr. 6, 2024

        Saline Creek RV Park and Campground

        Sweet RV campground! Very clean, quiet, and beautiful.

        We found this Rv campground while cruising through MO on to FL. We enjoyed this place! Beautiful, and quiet. New sites, tables, and a beautiful creek. A couple of pony’s too. We will definitely be stopping in again!

      • Michelle K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sharp Rock Falls Recreation
        Apr. 4, 2024

        Sharp Rock Falls Recreation

        Longbranch Shooting House And Saloon

        You're welcome to at longbranch! Please make your reservations.
        Only 16 spots left!

        Ava Illinois +1 618-318-6734 Text your name and number of people on your campsite to reserve your spot.

        The Solar Eclipse Event "PARK @ THE MOON"

        Extended or early arrivals welcome. Just simply request more information in the text. We will get ahold of asap with a more information and a confirmation number.

        #ShareThisPost #solareclipse2024



      Guide to Jackson

      Camping near Jackson, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene spots by rivers to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

      What to do:

      • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Hawn State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "The park was very clean and family-friendly. There are several hiking trails and an overlook."
      • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and fishing at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The water is slow and shallow enough in tons of places for littles and deep and cold enough for the older kids and adults to cool off too."
      • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for deer and other wildlife at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground. One camper shared, "We even had a deer run through our campsite while we sat fireside!"

      What campers like:

      • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground noted, "The facilities in great shape...good neighbors, nobody too noisy and folks generally kind and friendly."
      • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful surroundings. A review for Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground stated, "Campsite is well taken care of despite being pretty remote and there was only one other person staying there."
      • Family-Friendly: Campgrounds like Sam A. Baker State Park Campground are great for families. One reviewer said, "There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding."

      What you should know:

      • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have close sites. A camper at Hawn State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during Holiday weekends."
      • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Trail of Tears State Park Campground pointed out, "Only one single unisex pit toilet in campground."
      • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a highlight, be prepared for encounters. A camper at Jackson Falls warned, "If you’re terrified of wildlife this is not the place for you."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Sam A. Baker State Park Campground. A family shared, "The store is adorable, the food is surprisingly really good."
      • Plan Activities: Bring bikes or rent them at campgrounds. One camper mentioned, "When you’re absent-minded like me and forget the bikes you can rent them there."
      • Pack for Comfort: Make sure to bring extra blankets and games for downtime. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground said, "We like Campground 2 on the gravel side because it’s nice and quiet."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Size: Ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Gun Creek noted, "Not all spots are level. Electric on most but not all have water."
      • Be Prepared for Tight Turns: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A camper at Giant City State Park Campground mentioned, "Narrow roads with tight curves made for a bit of a challenge."
      • Use Online Reservations: Many campgrounds allow online bookings. A visitor at St. Joe State Park Campground said, "Able to reserve online 365 days prior to arriving."

      Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family adventure, the jackson county, MO campgrounds have something to offer everyone.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • What camping is available near Jackson, MO?

        According to TheDyrt.com, Jackson, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 99 campgrounds and RV parks near Jackson, MO and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

      • Which is the most popular campground near Jackson, MO?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jackson, MO is Trail of Tears State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 19 reviews.

      • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jackson, MO?

        According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Jackson, MO.

      • What parks are near Jackson, MO?

        According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Jackson, MO that allow camping, notably Shawnee National Forest and Rend Lake.