Best Campgrounds near Louisiana, MO

Free dispersed camping is available at Silo Access Area on the Mississippi River, about 5 miles southeast of Louisiana, Missouri. The region includes primitive riverside campsites, developed RV parks, and established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Dupont Reservation Conservation Area offers basic tent camping with riverside views near Louisiana, while more developed options like Mark Twain Cave & Campground and Cozy C RV Campground provide full hookup sites for recreational vehicles. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodating both tent and RV camping can be found at Two Rivers Marina and Heavenly Hills Resort.

Road conditions and seasonal flooding significantly impact camping availability along the Mississippi River. One camper noted, "This area WILL flood if the river floods; it WILL be buggy in the summer as the campground backs to a large wetlands area." Most dispersed sites lack amenities, with visitors needing to be fully self-contained. Train tracks run parallel to several riverside camping areas, creating periodic noise disruption. Summer months bring increased mosquito activity, particularly at waterfront locations. Cell service varies throughout the region, with limited coverage at conservation areas. Primitive sites typically offer vault toilets but no drinking water, while established campgrounds provide shower facilities and hookups for varying fees.

Riverside camping spots receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic views and water access. Campers at Silo Access Area appreciate watching barge and boat traffic along the Mississippi. "Very impressed with this beautiful location. The site is right on the Mississippi River," reported one visitor. Most tent sites along conservation areas feature basic fire rings but limited picnic tables. Several campgrounds offer boat ramps for direct river access, particularly valuable for fishing enthusiasts. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, especially at wetland-adjacent sites. While primitive campgrounds provide solitude and natural settings, developed RV parks offer amenities like laundry facilities, community pavilions, and mini-golf. Tent and RV sites at established campgrounds typically provide more shade than dispersed options, though tree cover varies by location.

Best Camping Sites Near Louisiana, Missouri (72)

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Recent Reviews near Louisiana, MO

396 Reviews of 72 Louisiana Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mark Twain Cave & Campground

    Great location!

    This campground is located near the Mark Twain caves. There is also a winery located at the entrance to the campground. There is a store on site, and tourist attractions can pick you up at the store. It is a quick 10 minutes ride into town. Sites are level gravel. There is a playground, dog wash station, and 2 large pavilions to rent.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Pere Marquette State Park Campground

    Fun Little Getaway

    Pere Marquette Campground is a little gym, just past Grafton, Missouri. It is located in the Great River Road, and within 10 minutes to restaurants and bars. There is a Lodge located next door which also serves a wonderful breakfast.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Cuivre River State Park Campground

    Quiet and Peaceful

    Cuivre River State Park Campground delivers a lovely, rustic camping experience framed by woods, wildlife, and water. With a variety of site types and decent amenities, it’s ideal for families or solo campers seeking tranquility. Just be selective about your site—some offer better privacy and facilities than others.

  • Serge P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Vandalia Community Lake

    Perfect, quiet, peaceful

    Very nice place, I wouldn’t rely on facilities. Quiet at night and during the day some local fisherman come to fish lots of bugs in the afternoon and at night.

  • Paul M.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Very quiet

    It amazes me that there are only a few campsites full in the middle of summer.

  • R
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Dupont Reservation Conservation Area

    Beautiful view on the river

    The campsites are large and pretty well maintained. Not many tables are available. The one I used was wobbly, but held up. Otherwise, I have only accolades for this primitive campground.

  • D
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area

    Lousy, over-rated

    Yes, the price is right (free), but this was not a great experience. Might be fun if you are into fishing; I am not. I just wanted a quiet place to camp for a night on my route from New Mexico to Chicago. Sites are open and close together. Other campers were loud into the night. There are some large maintenance buildings blocking the view of the lake, so it's not particularly pretty at the campsites. Plus I came away with a ton of bug bites. Happy to get on my way after a not-so-restful night.

  • Pennington R.
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area

    This place never disappoints

    Vault toilets, dump station with potable water, always mowed. Give it a try!

  • Jacob S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Awesome spot to relax

    We stayed here 2 nights in our converted bus. Reserved online and pulled in. This place was QUIET in late July. Nice trails to access the lake by foot or with the dogs. Clean bathhouses and campsites are some of the most well kept I've seen.


Guide to Louisiana

Dispersed camping opportunities dot the landscape around Louisiana, Missouri, particularly along the Mississippi River corridor. Located in Pike County where the terrain transitions from prairie to river bluffs, this area experiences significant seasonal water level fluctuations that affect campsite accessibility. Train tracks parallel many camping locations, creating a distinctive camping environment where natural isolation is punctuated by periodic rail traffic.

What to do

Boat watching at O'Neil Creek: Silo Access Area (locally known as O'Neil Creek) provides prime Mississippi River viewing. One camper noted, "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by. You sit and watch the barges and various things float by." Approximately 5 miles southeast of Louisiana, the site offers excellent opportunities to observe river traffic.

Cave exploration: Mark Twain Cave & Campground features historic cave systems with guided tours. "The cave is fantastic with history galore and a reasonable price. The gift shop is also very very nice," explains one visitor. Located just outside Hannibal, about 20 miles north of Louisiana, this attraction combines camping with educational exploration.

Fishing access: Multiple boat ramps provide direct river entry for anglers. At Dupont Reservation Conservation Area, campers enjoy "large and pretty well maintained" sites with river access. The conservation area features a boat ramp at the end of the campground loop, though one camper warns it "was a bit of a mess with logs and sandbars" during their visit.

What campers like

River views: The Mississippi River frontage creates memorable camping experiences. At Ted Shanks Conservation Area (part of Dupont Reservation), campers enjoy "all sites fronting the river, shaded by trees." This area attracts "a mix of campers, fishermen and hunters" according to visitors.

Wildlife observation: Wetland areas adjacent to campsites support diverse animal populations. Cuivre River State Park Campground provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with one camper reporting, "When we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus! No electricity but water was conveniently located right across from our site."

Affordability: Multiple free or low-cost camping options exist throughout the region. Pittsfield City Lake charges minimal fees, with one visitor noting, "Only $5 to tent camp here! Great view of the lake and easy to hike trails." Located about 30 miles east in Illinois, this municipal campground offers excellent value.

What you should know

Flood risk: River levels directly impact campsite availability and conditions. At Dupont Reservation, campers should understand "this area WILL flood if the river floods." Sites closest to the river may become inaccessible during high water periods.

Insect activity: Mississippi River and wetland proximity creates significant insect pressure during warm months. Silo Access Area visitors should prepare for "mosquitoes are prevalent" according to campers who have stayed at the riverside location.

Limited amenities: Most dispersed sites require self-sufficiency. Campers at Dupont Reservation report "most sites have some sort of fire ring and a gravel spot to pull a vehicle in. I only saw two picnic tables in the whole campground." Visitors should bring their own water, waste disposal containers, and camping supplies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping amenities are typically available at Louisiana campgrounds?

Louisiana campgrounds typically offer a range of amenities based on their classification. At developed sites like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, you'll find electrical hookups, potable water, clean shower facilities, and lakeside recreation opportunities. Many campgrounds provide fire pits and picnic tables at each site. More premium locations like Yogi Bears Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes include family-friendly activities, lake inflatables, and organized entertainment. RV-friendly sites often feature electric hookups, water access, and dump stations. Bathhouses vary in quality but are generally available at established campgrounds. Some sites offer boat rentals and fishing access, while primitive campgrounds may provide only basic vault toilets and designated camping areas.

What are the best campgrounds in Louisiana for weekend getaways?

Louisiana offers excellent weekend camping options with varied experiences. Dupont Reservation Conservation Area near Louisiana provides both boat-in and drive-in access, making it perfect for water enthusiasts looking for a quick escape. For families seeking more amenities, Great River Road Campground offers waterfront sites and big-rig friendly spaces. These campgrounds provide the perfect blend of accessibility and natural beauty for weekend getaways. Look for sites that offer water access, clean facilities, and proximity to hiking trails or other outdoor activities to maximize your weekend adventure. The best time for Louisiana weekend camping is spring and fall when temperatures are most comfortable.

Are there any free camping options in Louisiana state parks?

While most Louisiana state parks charge camping fees, there are free primitive camping options in conservation areas and wildlife management areas. William R. Logan Conservation Area offers free primitive camping with basic sites arranged in an open circle configuration. These sites provide no-frills camping near a lake, though facilities are minimal with typically just vault toilets. Similarly, Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area provides free camping with basic amenities and even offers rowboats and canoes for recreation (bring your own life jacket). These free sites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis and don't accept reservations. Be prepared for truly primitive conditions with no electricity, running water, or modern facilities.