St. Francois State Park sits at approximately 900 feet above sea level in the eastern Ozark foothills, about 25 minutes from Potosi, Missouri. The area receives 44 inches of rainfall annually, creating seasonal creek flows through numerous campsites. Most camping areas near Potosi remain accessible year-round but winter camping requires additional preparation due to temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Hiking on varied terrain: Berryman Trail & Campgrounds offers access to multiple hiking paths with diverse difficulty levels. "The trailhead to the BerryMan Trail is there. This is a 24 mile trail we backpacked overnight to the Brazil Creek campground and back. Only ones on the trail," noted one visitor who appreciated the solitude.
Cave exploration: The region contains several impressive cave systems worth exploring. At Onondaga Cave State Park, visitors can take guided tours through remarkable underground formations. "No matter how many caves you've seen, you'll remember this one. Elevated walkways, pools, absolutely lovely," reports one camper. The cave tour costs $12 for adults and lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Historical sites: Visit the petroglyphs at Washington State Park to learn about Native American history. "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," writes one reviewer. The park also contains structures built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), providing educational opportunities for visitors interested in Depression-era public works projects.
What campers like
Peaceful water features: Many campsites offer direct access to streams and lakes. At Meramec State Park, sites are positioned near water access. "The State Park has a great canopy of trees located next to a stream as a setting for the campground that bounds with wildlife. We saw deer and raccoons here that entered our campsite."
Well-designed campsites: St. Joe State Park provides thoughtfully constructed camping pads and amenities. According to one camper reviewing Campground #1, "The spot has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars." Campground #2 offers more seclusion but fewer amenities.
Swimming opportunities: Natural water features throughout the area offer swimming spots during warmer months. "Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers several nice walking trails along the river. The sites are a bit more snug together than I would prefer," notes one visitor who enjoys the park despite some crowding issues.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Campgrounds offer vastly different bathroom options. Brazil Creek represents the most primitive end, where "there is only one single vaulted bathroom but that's it! No showers or drinking water if you can't filter the stream water." More developed parks offer full shower houses with regular maintenance.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season (May-September). The walk-in sites at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park fill quickly, with one camper noting, "Every spot was occupied but park was maintained well."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise issues. St. Francois State Park campers should be aware of potential noise from nearby motorsports. "The park is close to some motorsports arena which had loud events (drag racing?) during the entire weekend we were there. If you appreciate peaceful days and nights, check out the racing schedule first."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout provides family-friendly water activities. "The lake has many easy entrances for swimmers near the club house - broad steps or large boulder for the more adventurous. Can be a bit slippery tho so bring your water shoes," advises one visitor. Children can enjoy paddleboats and kayaks at the lake.
Educational programs: Many parks offer ranger-led activities for children. "Lots of ranger led educational programs," reports an Onondaga Cave visitor. Washington State Park also hosts seasonal events for families, with one camper mentioning, "We had a blast. Probably the best short trip you could take on a kayak."
Trail difficulty assessment: When planning hikes with children, consider the varying difficulty levels. "We hiked the 1000 step trail. Most of the campers did fine but those who were not used to hiking did struggle a bit," notes one Washington State Park visitor who brought a Cub Scout group.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Big rig compatibility varies between parks. At Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout, RV sites are "spacious and level" with options for larger vehicles. Be aware that some parks list themselves as big rig friendly but have limited maneuverability.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground. Meramec State Park offers full hookups at many sites. "Most of the sites are flat and paved. The campground is right next to the Meramec River. There is WiFi available but it is not reliable," warns one RVer about connectivity issues.
Cell service limitations: Mobile reception is inconsistent throughout the region. At Brazil Creek, one camper reported, "I have AT&T and I've been getting 1 to 3 bars. But the other person I'm camping with isn't getting anything with their provider." This information is crucial for RVers who need to stay connected.
