Best Campgrounds near Hillsboro, MO

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:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campsite. A camper at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground said, "Sites are paved and relatively level."
• Look for full hookups: If you need water and electricity, choose campgrounds that offer these amenities. A reviewer at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground mentioned, "All the sites are paved with long pads sufficient for just about any RV."
• Be prepared for tight spaces: Some campgrounds have close sites. A visitor at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA noted, "The sites were too close together (very small sites) and the park was too noisy for us."

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.