Washington State Park sits in Missouri's eastern Ozarks at an elevation of 1,020 feet, surrounded by oak-hickory forests and granite outcroppings. The Big River winds through the park's wooded terrain, creating diverse habitats for wildlife viewing. Temperatures typically range from 30-90°F throughout the year, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Hiking ancient trails: Washington State Park features unique prehistoric sites with 1,000+ year-old petroglyphs carved by indigenous peoples. A camper noted, "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see" at Washington State Park Campground. The 1000 Steps Trail provides a moderately challenging hike with scenic overlooks.
Paddle the river: Kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound on the Big River near De Soto. "My husband and i kayaked here and it was amazing! probably the best short trip you could take on a kayak," shared one visitor about their experience at Washington State Park. Rentals are available on-site during summer months.
Visit historic structures: African-American CCC stonemasons constructed several buildings at Hawn State Park Campground, just 35 minutes east of De Soto. "Hawn is a smallish state park in the eastern part of Missouri. The hiking in this state park is fantastic," noted one camper. These Depression-era structures showcase unique architectural features.
What campers like
Pine forest camping: Unlike typical Missouri deciduous forests, several parks near De Soto offer rare pine-dominated ecosystems. A camper at Hawn State Park shared, "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."
Rock formations: The area's unique geology creates dramatic landscapes for exploration. At St. Francois State Park Campground, "Hiking is beautiful especially if you go the first few weeks in april and the wild flowers of the bluebells are in bloom. beautiful!" according to one reviewer who appreciated the park's natural features.
Lake-based glamping: For luxury outdoor experiences near De Soto, Missouri, Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout offers upscale accommodations with water activities. "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," mentioned a recent visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal crowd patterns: Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day see heaviest use at most campgrounds near De Soto. "It's a smaller campground with a good mix of electric and non-electric sites," noted one camper about Hawn State Park, adding it's "one of the best fall campgrounds close to the St. Louis area."
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds have a mix of exposed and secluded sites. At Meramec Caverns Natural Campground, "My advice is to try and get a spot all the way to the left of the entrance. These sites seem quieter and more spread out," according to one reviewer.
Water levels change rapidly: The Meramec River and Big River can flood after heavy rains. "The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is because sometimes the park closes or they have to evacuate due to the quick rise of the river. Easy fix though, just call ahead to see if they're open," advised a Meramec Caverns camper.
Tips for camping with families
Cave explorations: The region's limestone geology creates numerous cave systems ideal for family adventures. "The cave tour is really cool although a little pricey," reported a camper at Meramec Caverns. Tours run hourly between 9am-4pm with children's tickets around $12.
Accessible trails: Several parks offer shorter, kid-friendly hiking options. "There is a nice 3-mile hike that begins at the campground," noted a camper at St. Francois State Park, where "hiking trails are a few of my favorites in MO."
Entertainment options: Glamping near De Soto provides easy access to Six Flags. At St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, one reviewer shared it's "Close to Six Flags. Well taken care of. People are friendly, has a nice and clean pool. Little shop with all sorts of stuff."
Tips from RVers
Varied hookup options: Most parks offer electric sites, but full hookups are limited. At Twin Eagle Lake Estates, "They have a general store with just about anything you could need. The pizza from the restaurant is very good as well. We spent a week here in July and we enjoyed every minute of our stay."
Site selection strategy: Choose your site based on shade needs and seasonal temperatures. "Most sites are shaded but they sit on the hills of a beautiful Missouri pineforest," noted a Washington State Park camper, while another mentioned "The electrics sites are closer to the river, the tent sites are more private in trees in a separate area."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging for larger rigs. "Decent tent sites, standard ones are definitely more private than those with electric and water," observed a Route 66 KOA visitor, while noting it was an "Easy off highway stop" for most vehicles.
