Campground options near Irondale, Missouri include several established state parks within a short driving distance. St. Francois State Park, St. Joe State Park, and Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offer both tent and RV camping with various hookup options. Most developed campgrounds in this area provide amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and shower facilities. Cabin accommodations are available at select locations including St. Joe State Park and Johnson's Shut-Ins, providing alternatives for those without camping equipment. The area features a mix of forested campsites and locations near lakes and rivers, with several parks offering beach access and water recreation opportunities.
Road conditions throughout the region generally allow for standard vehicle access to most campgrounds, though some more remote areas may require higher clearance vehicles. "Other than not having water at my current campsite, this place rocks. Campground number two has very large and relatively private sites. It feels like you're definitely in the woods," noted one visitor about St. Joe State Park. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Cell service can be variable throughout the region, with some areas like Bismark Lake Conservation Area having limited or no connectivity. Temperatures in this part of Missouri typically range from hot, humid summers to mild winters, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions.
The campgrounds in this area frequently receive positive reviews for their cleanliness and spacious sites. Several campers mentioned the excellent shower facilities and well-maintained grounds at St. Joe State Park. Many sites feature concrete or gravel pads suitable for both tents and RVs. Off-road vehicle enthusiasts particularly appreciate St. Joe State Park, which offers extensive trail systems for ATVs and dirt bikes. A visitor noted, "Great place to ride utv's, 4 wheelers, even your jeeps. Holiday weekends are a bit crazy but overall it's a pretty good place to ride." Fishing opportunities exist at several locations, with Big River Outdoors Campground receiving praise specifically for its fishing access. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Bismark Lake Conservation Area provides basic amenities with picnic tables at each site but lacks drinking water, electricity, or modern restroom facilities.
$15 - $27 / night
"Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park."
"All sites are within reasonable walking distance to the very nice shower house, bathrooms, it even had laundry. All facilities were well maintained and clean. Campground host sells wood and ice."
$15 - $52 / night
"A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."
"There’s a couple nice lakes with big beaches great swimming for the kids and you can rent a canoe or a kayak to paddle around on the lake."
$15 - $80 / night
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
$12 - $36 / night
"This park is so rich in Missouri and USA history - from buildings costructed by the African-American CCC stonemasons to Native American petroglyphs, there's some fascinating stuff here."
"Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! We camped in mid-March 2021 for 7 days and thoroughly enjoyed the area. They had just opened a new shower house which was clean and well kept."
"Also worth noting is that there is water faucet an a drinking fountain next to the restroom bldg, so you can get fresh water if needed."
"Great for all kinds of camping with beautiful trails and Missouri’s largest waterfall. It is also Missouri’s highest point."
"There are walking paths all around and a beautiful lake /clubhouse area. Super people running the place and of course other campers were so helpful."
"Many walking/cart paths. Great shop and fishing!"
$15 - $29 / night
"Hawn State park, located off of highway 32 near St. Genevieve, is a wonderful, must visit in southeast Missouri."
"There is 3 trails with the longest having two loop options with connectors from the other two trails. There are also walk in sites here and hike in sites. This park will not disappoint."
"3 camp sites with picnic table and fire pit, vault bathroom within walking distance."
"Peacefull night of sleep near Shepherd Mountain."
$15 - $100 / night
"Pit toilets in pretty bad shape but did we expect any different😂 loved our visit, went down to the lake to swim and found a walking trail by the water just down from our campsite."
"The Council Bluff campground is easy to navigate and has really easy access to trails. There are drop toilets close to the sites, and the beach is a fairly short walk (~1mi) to the farthest campsite."
LegendWe enjoyed the family site with another friend. It was good for a tent and 26 foot rv. Not a good big rig campground. It has tight turning and narrow roads. We took out kayak on the river for a float. Dirty water. Good hiking.
LegendGreat place for exploring the cave on a tour or playing in the water to cool off. Campground is small and reservations are needed. Great hiking.
LegendThe trees changes are amazing in the fall. Lots of great camping spots to select from. Good for any kind of camping and has cabins, store, and restaurant. Great bike trails and plenty of water play in the river.
LegendThis is a park not far from St Louis with camping and hiking. Campground is on the small side.
LegendWe loved renting cabins on New year's Eve here. It is so quiet and peaceful. Cabins are a good size with sleeping for 4. Bathrooms are down a small hill from the cabin. Great hiking all around!
LegendI love this park for the dogwood trees in the spring. Reservations are highly recommend especially if you have a large rig and during summer river floating season. Don't use the back loop with a rig larger than 25 feet. You have to thread the needle between wiggly trees. Great hiking here too and a cave!
ScoutTicks are soooo bad, def bring bug spray. There's also a DG and a gas station within 5 mins so that's a huge plus
LegendThis is my favorite campground in Missouri. It has the best atmosphere with grand hiking, both day hikes and back country camping. I have stayed all over in this campground. The spring that runs through it is great in the heat of the summer and the huge pine trees provide excellent shade. There is not much cell service down in the valley, but calls will go out if you drive up the hill. The sites book up quickly so make sure to have a reservation before showing up.
TravelerSecluded campsites. Even though they are close together, the dense trees isolate them visually from each other. We did have a neighbor with loud dogs that were very annoying
Camping sites near Irondale, Missouri offer a mix of primitive and developed options for outdoor enthusiasts in the eastern Ozark region. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with numerous camping locations scattered throughout the region's rolling hills and river valleys. Temperatures in the area can reach above 90°F in summer months with humidity often exceeding 70%, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for most campers.
Hiking the highest point: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park provides access to Missouri's highest elevation point with relatively easy hiking access. "The trail to Missouri's highest point is not a long hike, just a little under 2 miles and rated moderate," notes a visitor to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground.
Water activities: Several parks offer swimming areas for summer cooling. "Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!" according to a camper at St. Joe State Park Campground.
Historical exploration: Visitors can combine camping with learning about regional history. "This park is so rich in Missouri and USA history - from buildings constructed by the African-American CCC stonemasons to Native American petroglyphs, there's some fascinating stuff here," says a reviewer about Washington State Park.
Fishing access: Lakes and rivers throughout the area provide fishing opportunities year-round. "Great place to camp out under the stars and enjoy nature at its finest," notes a visitor to Big River Outdoors Campground who specifically mentioned the "fantastic" fishing.
Secluded tent sites: Several parks offer more private tent camping areas away from RVs. "Self-service campsites, the closest you can get to backpacking with access to a toilet! The sites are all secluded from each other by trees and are very beautiful," reports a camper at Taum Sauk Mountain.
Off-road vehicle areas: For motorized recreation enthusiasts, dedicated trails provide extensive options. "Good place to ride your off road vehicles. Lots of trails and plenty of different types of trails to try out. Good clean campground for the whole family to enjoy," states a visitor to St. Joe State Park.
Fall colors: The region's deciduous forests make autumn a particularly attractive time to visit. "Great time of year to visit! Surrounded by trees changing colors the fall is beautiful here. The campground has several hiking trails and also river access to go canoeing," according to a review of Washington State Park Campground.
Pine forest camping: Uncommon for Missouri, some areas feature pine forests creating a mountain-like atmosphere. "Nowhere else in the state of Missouri have I been able to camp and feel like I'm in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. The car camping area is nestled in the middle of a pine filled valley," explains a camper at Hawn State Park Campground.
Seasonal water limitations: Some campgrounds turn off water during colder months. "The water was turned off at the time of year we were there and the pit toilets were pretty full, but otherwise still clean," notes a winter visitor to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Reservation recommendations: The more popular parks require advance planning. "We camped in mid-March 2021 for 7 days and thoroughly enjoyed the area. They had just opened a new shower house which was clean and well kept," says a camper at Washington State Park.
Cell service variability: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. "Nice spot. No Verizon signal at camping area but signal down the road," reports a visitor to Bismark Lake Conservation Area.
Fire restrictions: Rules about campfires vary by location and season. "Pit toilets are located at the entrance to the campground. We didn't see where the water was but it was supposed to be off for the season anyway so we were prepared," notes a November visitor to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Campground programs: Some parks offer organized activities for children. "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt," mentions a visitor at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
Swimming options: Parks with water access provide natural cooling opportunities. "Our kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins. We have already planned to return in the summer to swim!" shares a family who camped at Johnson's Shut-Ins in the fall.
Pack for rocky terrain: The Ozark landscape requires appropriate footwear. "Be sure to wear good hiking shoes!" advises a visitor to Taum Sauk Mountain after experiencing the rocky trails.
Campsite locations: Some campgrounds have better family-friendly sites than others. "Really nice pull through sites and the kids loved the beach," notes a family who stayed at St. Joe State Park.
Site surfaces: Campgrounds vary in pad material and leveling. "The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1," explains an RVer comparing the two campgrounds at St. Joe State Park.
Size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "Well graveled spaces, easy water and electric hook-up with both 30 and 50 amp. Owners met us at the entrance and guided us in which was much appreciated," shares a first-time RVer at Patt's Place, LLC.
Hookup availability: Electric options vary significantly between parks. "We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets," reports a camper who stayed at St. Joe State Park Campground 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Irondale, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Irondale, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 140 campgrounds and RV parks near Irondale, MO and 12 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Irondale, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Irondale, MO is St. Francois State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Irondale, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Irondale, MO.
What parks are near Irondale, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Irondale, MO that allow camping, notably Wappapello Lake and Clearwater Lake.
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