7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Several state parks and private campgrounds near Pilot Knob, Missouri provide cabin accommodations for visitors seeking solid shelter in the Ozark region. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers camper cabins with electricity, concrete pads, and front porches with rocking chairs. These cabins provide basic sleeping quarters with access to nearby shower houses and restroom facilities. Sam A. Baker State Park features similar cabin options with electric hookups and picnic tables at each site. A camper wrote that "the cabins are clean and very nice with rockers on the front porch" at Johnson's Shut-Ins.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Twin Rivers Landing and Bearcat Getaway maintain cabin rentals alongside their campground operations, with options ranging from basic shelters to more furnished accommodations. Most cabins allow pets, though specific policies vary by campground. Washington State Park Campground and Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout maintain year-round cabin availability, while others have seasonal closures. According to one visitor, "We got a camper cabin in the first weekend of December and brought our two dogs. The campground is mostly empty this time of year."
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking facilities vary widely—some offer only outdoor fire rings while others provide basic kitchen setups. On-site stores at locations like Johnson's Shut-Ins stock essential supplies, firewood, and sometimes groceries. The store at Johnson's Shut-Ins "has what you forgot, plus fun stuff you didn't know you had to have until you saw it." Visitors staying in cabins at state parks should note that some amenities may be limited during off-season months when certain facilities close.
"The state park has a very interesting, well done visitor center to learn about the surrounding areas geological history."
"General: Very large state park with six separate loops/areas: Loop 1: 10 Equestrian sites with water and electric (50 amp)
• Loop 2: 20 FHU sites (50 amp)
• Loop 3: 21 Sites with electric only"
Available this weekend
from $14 - $75 / night
"We have a pull behind travel trailer and pick up truck. Site 107 is where we stayed. Pull thru site,asphalt paved with gravel set up area, burn pit and picnic table."
"In the fall of 2018, we stayed at CG#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."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $46 / night
"Such a scenic park. Beautiful at every turn. Well kept, lovely staff and has something for everyone. Cabins, camping, hiking, river, floating, horses, you name it. Amazing place! GO!"
"State Park in Southeast Missouri along Big Creek. Well maintained campsites with electric hook ups. Water and dump stations, but no water hook up sites."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $46 / night
"We were hiking the OT from Taum Sauk to Johnson Shut-ins so we opted for a camping cabin to keep it simple. We were delighted to find it had A/C!"
"Large primitive sites with plenty of space and access to community water pump in each area. Full RV hookup sites with room for tent camping friends. Trash pickup."
from $10 - $15 / night
"They have a little store, running water, decent bathrooms with hot showers and a playground. It’s an affordable place and family/pet friendly and the have horse stables there for your use if needed."
"Their Saturday night dinner was on point and I'd recommend it to anyone looking to save yourself the planning, cooler space, and cleanup."
from $12 / night
"We 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!"
"Tent to electric to full hookups available. multiple shower toilet facilities throughout campground. All sites with nice concrete parking pad."
"Really, with campsite prices from $12.79 (for the family camping area) to $16.00 (for the loud area with no quiet hours, nicknamed the Zoo) per person, per night most people not looking for this experience"
"RV sites are clean, mostly level, and well spaced out, with quiet hours rules to accommodate families. "
from $11 - $65 / night
"The new General store is great and very affordable. The showers and bathroom are clean. The fishing great and the camp sites are spacious and level."
"There is still s lot of work going on, a bigger store, pool, more cabins, more rv sites, more meeting places. Despite it being new it was wonderful. So peaceful and relaxing."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $50 - $700 / night
"We absolutely love this park. It’s just under an hour from St. Louis, with river access, amazing hiking trails & great views."
"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."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $32 / night
TravelerIt’s fun to see the animals. I was happy they have an outdoor shower because I needed it when I got here. I’d say the only down side is the animals roam so there is a lot of poop. Wouldn’t want to wander at night.
GuideIt appears to be a typical state park. There are lots of old trees. Sites are pretty close together but it is late October so it is not crowded. Each spot has a level gravel spot, electrical hook up (some are 50 and others 30 and ours had a 110 plug in which is what we needed, as well as a picnic table, and a fire pit. There are both pit toilets and a large building that has flush toilets and showers. Everything is old and would benefit from a refresh but it was all clean enough for camping.
TravelerTent to electric to full hookups available. multiple shower toilet facilities throughout campground. All sites with nice concrete parking pad.
TravelerThe camp sites are full hook up with good size lots. Lots of room for dogs to run. They have hiking trails, lake for paddle boarding or kayaks( free to use on site), mini golf( have to supply own balls they have putters) 9 hole golf course,and Disc golf. The pool and shower house with game rooms are clean and showers open 24/7. Grounds keepers go a fantastic job
GuideThis is definitely more of a “camp” site with bugs and pretty basic needs. When we arrived on Thursday no one was there. Easy to park. When we left Saturday morning of Labor Day, it was a parking lot zoo! Location near caverns is super cool. Bathrooms are sketchy. Super buggy and only a screen door between outside and toilets/showers. It’s a little concerning for a women to shower behind a curtain and only a flimsy screen door to outside. We were backed to river in a 35’ travel trailer no sewer at site and dump station on way out was in passenger side while all dump pipes are on driver side. It worked to go under but interesting to solve.
GuideI stayed the weekend at Patt’s place and absolutely loved it the atmosphere accommodations the owner she was more than helpful. I’m a solo camper female in my stay there was awesome.
ScoutIn the past my cousins and I would camp here every year at least once with Grandparents and my aunt and uncle. Always had a great time swimming, fishing and hiking. The park is beautiful and the camp sites are very nice. It does get pretty packed at times. Everyone seems to get along and its always nice to meet people from other cities or even some locals. I'm planning on setting at least two dates per year to take my kids and grandkids camping here so they can have the great experiences I had as a kid. Alot of spots to chose from if available.
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
ScoutThis campground is very well maintained right off of Current River, with all the basic amenities like restrooms and showers. There are non-electric sites that are cheaper or electrical sites that cost a little more. I really enjoyed my visit!
Cabin accommodations near Pilot Knob, Missouri are available throughout the year in the Mark Twain National Forest region. Situated at 1,500 feet elevation in the St. Francois Mountains, the area experiences distinct seasons with colorful fall foliage and mild winter temperatures rarely dropping below 20°F. The surrounding Ozark highlands feature exposed granite formations and clear, spring-fed streams creating natural water features across several campgrounds.
Trail exploration: 11-mile paved path at St. Joe State Park Campground offers accessible hiking with mild elevation changes. "There's even a nice 11 mile long paved trail that has some hills but will work for kids/strollers/etc," notes one visitor who appreciates the family-friendly design.
Paddling: Clear water access on the Black River provides ideal kayaking conditions. According to a visitor at Twin Rivers Landing, "The float trips on the black river are amazing! It's a good place to go with a large group." Water clarity is exceptional, with another camper noting "Waters were super clear" during their visit.
Petroglyph viewing: Historical sites showcase Native American rock carvings. "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," reports a camper who spent a week exploring the area's historical features.
Swimming: Multiple beach areas provide safe water access. "Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!" explains a St. Joe State Park visitor describing the recreational options beyond cabin camping.
Spacious cabin layouts: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground offers cabins with room to spread out. "Beautiful camp sites and a beautiful river to paddle around on. This park usually isn't very crowded which is really nice. It is very tranquil and perfect for a weekend get away," notes a visitor who appreciates the peaceful setting.
Lake access: Multiple water features beyond rivers. At Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout, "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."
Fall colors: Seasonal beauty enhances cabin stays. "We stayed in the fall and the colors were amazing. Our kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins. We have already planned to return in the summer to swim!" writes a Johnson's Shut-Ins visitor describing the multi-season appeal.
Live entertainment: Weekend activities extend beyond daytime recreation. A Twin Eagle Lake visitor mentions "Saturday night there was live music. Just a single guy with a guitar but great choice of music and great singing voice."
Booking requirements: Reservations recommended, especially for summer weekends. "We stayed on a Monday-Wednesday in a walk-in spot in loop 5. Every spot was occupied but park was maintained well and good time," notes a Johnson's Shut-Ins camper describing mid-week popularity.
Trail regulations: Pet policies vary on different paths. At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, "We didn't check the nearby trails to the shut-ins before coming. The shut-ins trail DOES NOT allow dogs so that's a bummer. Found some other local hiking trails so overall it wasn't too bad."
Noise levels: Weekend activity can increase campground volume. At Bearcat Getaway, "They have live music and food every weekend, sometimes it can get a little loud so if quiet camping is what you prefer, some sites may not be for you."
Site preparation: Terrain varies across campgrounds. "The cart provided was great to walk our gear down the trail to our site, and there was a flat deck for us to camp on (which was great on our rainy weekend)," explains a Johnson's Shut-Ins visitor who appreciated the raised platforms during wet weather.
Pack water shoes: Rocky river bottoms require foot protection. A Twin Eagle Lake visitor advises "bring your water shoes" for swimming areas where submerged rocks can be slippery, especially for children.
Consider weekday stays: Lower crowds during non-peak times. A Bearcat Getaway visitor suggests "I bet weekdays are a lot more serene" for families seeking quieter experiences away from weekend parties.
Look for organized activities: Campground-led programs enhance family visits. "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt," describes a Johnson's Shut-Ins visitor who enjoyed the structured recreation options.
Choose proximity to shower facilities: Location matters with children. At St. Joe State Park, a visitor who stayed at Campground #1 appreciated the "nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars... a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom."
Site selection considerations: Accessibility varies between loops. A St. Joe visitor comparing campgrounds notes "CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2... If you want more seclusion and don't really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2."
Level pad advantages: Concrete pads prevent settling issues. At Black River Hideaway Campground, "Every spot is very level. It's also cheaper than most other private places who charge the 'per person, per night' bullcrap on top of the site rental."
Hookup specifications: Electrical options differ by campground. A visitor at Patt's Place notes "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."
Proximity to attractions: Consider drive time to destinations. A Washington State Park visitor mentions it's "a nice campground if you're looking for an easy place to get to from St Louis. The campsites are nice and shaded," highlighting the convenience for urban day trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Pilot Knob, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Pilot Knob, MO is Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 57 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Pilot Knob, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 cabin camping locations near Pilot Knob, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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