The Shawnee National Forest region surrounding Jackson, Missouri sits at elevations ranging from 400 to 700 feet above sea level, with rolling hills giving way to sandstone formations and hardwood forests. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring milder conditions ideal for outdoor recreation. Winter camping remains available at several sites with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°F for extended periods.
What to do
Hiking diverse terrain: Giant City State Park Campground features multiple trail difficulty options suitable for various skill levels. "The Trillium Trail is a little more rugged for those who prefer less crowded, slightly tougher trails," notes Shana D., while another visitor mentions "Lots of amazing, beautiful hikes in this park, especially if you're into bluffs and large boulders."
Horseback riding: The equestrian-friendly campsites at Giant City provide specialized accommodations for those traveling with horses. "There are currently 25 equestrian camp sites in this park in a different area than the normal RV and Tent campground," explains Michael M. "There are fantastic hiking trails and equestrian trails here and you would think you are in the mountains."
Fishing opportunities: Crab Orchard Lake provides excellent angling options with multiple species available. "Fishing was good (especially catfish and crappie)," reports Tracie E. The lake features both shallow coves and deeper sections accessible from numerous lakeside camping spots.
Climbing for experienced adventurers: Several locations offer climbing opportunities for those with proper equipment. Josh M. notes, "For climbers, there is a ton of nearby trad and sport climbing. The main wall stays wet for a while so if it has recently rained you may need to find somewhere else."
What campers like
Shaded sites: Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney gets high marks for its tree cover. "Very well kept and clean campground. Great big trees, very shaded," writes one reviewer. Another adds, "Spots are intermingled in the trees and it is spectacular in the morning."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "The restrooms were clean and they also have some vault toilets in the park for convenience," notes Cody S. about Hawn State Park Campground, while another camper reports, "Bathrooms and shower house were all clean!"
Winter camping options: Unlike some regions, several campgrounds remain accessible year-round. "We stayed here during the winter while visiting my brother who was in college nearby," writes Josh M. "Even in the winter the sites were quite clear and clean and it provided great access to nearby trails and hiking."
Reasonable prices: Camping remains affordable at most locations. "Cheap campground that is clean and quiet. The back in site we had overlooked the lake. For the price, you can't beat the view," notes TJ G. about Crab Orchard Lake.
What you should know
Limited privacy at some sites: Not all campgrounds provide secluded experiences. "This is your run of the mill campground. Lots of RVs, close sites, not much privacy," reports Shelagh R. about Giant City. Another camper notes, "Site 46 was a walk-in site, but did not offer the privacy that is typical for walk-in sites."
Highway noise considerations: Proximity to major roads affects some campgrounds. "It is right off from the interstate, so there is some noise," warns one Perryville visitor, while another mentions, "The highway is also extremely close and can be heard at all times."
First-come, first-served policies: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground and some others don't guarantee availability without reservations. "The biggest thing about this campground is first come first serve..and one loop is closed for renovations," explains one visitor. "Most you can spend here is 14 days, which lots of locals do."
Backcountry camping options: For those seeking more remote glamping near Jackson, Missouri, several parks offer primitive sites. "We stayed in the primitive camp site, while there were others there, everyone was dispersed far enough that it felt private," writes Sunshine Z.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Whippoorwill Lake Campground Resort offers specific amenities for younger visitors. "Small lake. Has tent camping or cabins. All roads are gravel. Lake has sandy beaches. Small playset in the water for kids," notes Brasley C.
Playground alternatives: Some campgrounds offer unique recreational equipment. Jamey W. describes Perryville: "The pool is better than most hotels and the giant trampoline looked like it would be my daughter's favorite thing if she were with us."
Family-oriented sections: Certain glamping facilities near Jackson specifically designate family areas separate from more active sections. "We stayed in the family camping area," mentions one visitor about campsite pricing at Huzzah Valley, which ranges "from $12.79 (for the family camping area) to $16.00 (for the loud area with no quiet hours, nicknamed the Zoo)."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks provide chances to observe native species. "Great for kids. Park is well maintained," reports Kevin B. about Sam A. Baker State Park, adding it has a "Beautiful view" with opportunities to see regional wildlife.
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Many sites cannot accommodate larger RVs. "This is a smallish state park in the eastern part of Missouri," notes Chad K. about Hawn State Park. "The campground is small but well maintained."
Hookup variations: Water and electric availability differs significantly between campgrounds. "Shady and quiet. This is a great state park campground. They have electric sites, and water is available but you need to fill your tank before setting up camp. Sites are flat and most are pull through," advises Joel R.
Site leveling challenges: Shawnee Forest Campground and others require equipment adjustments. "The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook," explains Greg S.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. "Hawn is a smaller state park with a good mix of electric and non-electric sites," reports Cody S., but RVers should note dump station availability varies seasonally at many locations.
