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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Pilot Knob, MO

838 Reviews

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park and St. Joe State Park campgrounds accommodate pets with designated areas for dogs. Tent, RV, and cabin camping options are available at these pet-friendly parks near Pilot Knob. Most sites require pets to be leashed at all times, with a standard 6-foot leash requirement enforced throughout public areas. St. Joe State Park campground hosts were knowledgeable without being overbearing, making the experience positive for campers with dogs. The sites typically include picnic tables and fire rings, providing comfortable spaces for families with pets. Both parks maintain clean facilities with shower houses and bathrooms that remain accessible for campers who need to return to their pets.

Hiking trails throughout the Ozark region offer excellent opportunities for dog owners, though some areas like the Shut-Ins trail at Johnson's Shut-Ins do not allow dogs. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground provides an alternative with pet-friendly trails and camping options close to several points of interest including Fort Davidson in Pilot Knob and Elephant Rocks. Silver Mines Recreation Area permits pets and offers electrical hookups for campers needing climate control for pets during hot summer months. During winter, Johnson's Shut-Ins offers dog-friendly camper cabins that serve as an excellent base to explore the area when temperatures drop too low for tent camping with pets. Nearby Elephant Rocks State Park allows dogs on trails, making it a good day trip option for campers looking to explore with their pets.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Pilot Knob, Missouri (117)

    1. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    56 Reviews
    Black, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 546-2450

    $11 - $32 / night

    "So in the winter we can't stay away from the state parks and Johnson Shut Ins is a perfect base to explore the area when it is too cold to tent camp with kids."

    "There are many Drive in sites and walk-in sites. Lots of hiking trails along with the actual shut in. Dog friendly."

    2. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Ironton, MO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 546-2450

    "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."

    ". 😊 The sites are all walk in but it’s a short walk from your car to the site. Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent. Pit toilets are located at the entrance to the campground."

    3. Silver Mines

    16 Reviews
    Fredericktown, MO
    12 miles
    Website

    $15 - $100 / night

    "This is a nice little campground located in the Mark Twain National Forest. The St."

    "Our site was right next to the campground hosts who were very nice and very involved (they even found my parents who made the mistake of taking the first Silver Mines exit)."

    4. St. Joe State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Park Hills, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 431-1069

    "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."

    "A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1."

    5. Marble Creek Rec Area

    10 Reviews
    Arcadia, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    $10 - $20 / night

    "There is hiking, it is in a National Forest that allows Dispersed Camping outside designated areas and off roads."

    "We could hear cows and barking dogs from the surrounding homeowners, so bring ear plugs if those kind of sounds bother you."

    6. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    11 Reviews
    Black, MO
    16 miles
    Website

    "The drive to the site from highway 32 is just over 6 miles on a forest service road (2363). There is a beautiful view of the valley to the south west and we were treated to an incredible sunset."

    "If you like beautiful scenery and being away from people while camping this is a perfect spot for you. It’s dispersed so bring your supplies."

    7. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 856-4411

    "Pet friendly."

    "While this location was right next to dumpsters it was also adjacent to a gravel bar access for the entire park.  Our trip was amazing."

    8. Big Creek RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Annapolis, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 598-1064

    "We stay here anytime we want to go to south east Missouri. The owners are absolutely awesome folks the park is immaculately kept the spots are level clean and well kept."

    "A little too close to one another for my liking, but well put together and level. Camp Host very nice and helpful woman and prices were reasonable, especially for firewood and propane."

    9. Bell Mountain Wilderness Area

    6 Reviews
    Black, MO
    13 miles
    Website

    "We chose the trailhead to the north rather than the trailhead off the Ozark Trail."

    "It's about a five hour drive if you don't have to stop, so we got to the trailhead for the Bell mountain loop at around 11pm."

    10. St. Francois State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2173

    "We did have a mole or something burrowing around so you had to watch for loose dirt clods but that was NBD. The site had a picnic table and fire ring. There were pit toilets, no showers."

    "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."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Pilot Knob, MO

105 Photos of 117 Pilot Knob Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Pilot Knob, MO

838 Reviews of 117 Pilot Knob Campgrounds

  • Lisa P.
    Jul. 13, 2018

    Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground

    Rustic but huge sites

    We stayed in the group site. It is very close to several points of interest- Fort Davidson in Pilot Knob, Elephant Rocks & Johnson Shut- ins.

    super price for the group site

  • W
    Aug. 23, 2020

    Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout

    Beautiful place-

    This was our first trip together in our new camper. It was a little rough assessing the place thru the website but the reviews swayed us. 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. We took our 2 dogs and would have loved a little more grass for their paws as the entire camping area is rough gravel. We’re hoping for a dog park in the future....? 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. Kids seemed to have little problem. Saturday night there was live music. Just a single guy with a guitar but great choice of music and great singing voice. Had a great 2 days. We plan to come back.

  • Leah H.
    Sep. 4, 2016

    St. Francois State Park Campground

    St. Francois

    We had a beautiful campsite with soft grassy ground. We did have a mole or something burrowing around so you had to watch for loose dirt clods but that was NBD. The site had a picnic table and fire ring. There were pit toilets, no showers. Spigots throughout the area. Within walking distance of the river and trail access. Beautiful hiking on the bluffs above the river. The hosts were really friendly. There was also a very cute and very friendly kitty running around the area hunting grasshoppers. He hung out for some pets and cuddles then wandered off for some more adventure. I kind of want to be that cat. ^_^

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

    Great campground. Great cave. Fun river. Avoid campsite 65

    We stayed one night in campsite 65. Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened July 4, 2024. The river is still fantastic fun, especially for our grandkids ages 9 and 12.

    Avoid campsite 65 when it rains. We had over an inch of standing water on the concrete pad when we arrived. 18 hours after it stopped raining, we still had some water on the concrete pad.

    Other than the water, Onondaga Cave SP has been one of my favorite places to camp in Missouri for more than 20 years.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Memories of Days Gone By

    The people of Missouri gave a wonderful gift to the people of the United States.  A gift I did not know about or had never heard of till we made the decision to camp in Missouri.

    Big Springs was Missouri's first state park.  The CCC did a lot of construction on the park and so much of the buildings are still there.  In much need of repair and I do hope the federal government will restore.  Big Spring is off of Missouri Highway 160.  Turn onto State Route 103 to Big Spring.  The spring has a wheelchair accessible pathway that will lead right to the spring.

    The campground is large and open.  Tent sites along with with RV sites but the RV sites are small and very close together.  Some RV sites had electric but no water or sewer.  There is a dump site.  During the summer I think I would get a reservation for the RV sites if you need electric.  If you have the ability to generate your own electric stay in the open tent site area.  The tent site area is large and open to the sun.  Big Springs has flush toilets and hot showers.

    There are picnic areas with tables and grills scattered throughout the park along with two group shelters.

    The Ranger programs are well worth checking out.  Take advantage.

    The Current River makes a wonderful backdrop for nature lovers.  You have the options of hiking, biking, fishing, camping, floating, kayaking, and all sorts of boating with a ramp in the park.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It

  • Kerri L.
    Jun. 16, 2020

    Council Bluff Recreation Area

    Basic but beautiful

    The campground and lake are both beautiful. It has basic camping utilities. We ourselves like to rough it but unfortunately no fires were allowed...that kinda sucked. People traveling with pets won't be able to stay due to no pets allowed...but other than those down sides it was nice

  • Leslie G.
    Jul. 14, 2022

    Blue Spring Ranch

    Annual Retreat for the Family

    We have stayed at Blue Springs for three consecutive years in a row. We have children in tow, and love all of the amenities. We park close to the creek, we drive to the Meramec River and sometimes enjoy petting a horse or goat. Last year we zip lined. It’s close to the caverns and other awesome sites. Clean shower houses and a pool cap off the nice experience

  • Anne H.
    May. 30, 2019

    Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    Perfect for family camping

    We love it here. Sites that can accommodate tents and/or RVs. Its clean and well maintained. Multiple access points to the water. Educational programs and entertainment of some sort most every weekend. Pet friendly.

  • Morgan S.
    Sep. 8, 2021

    Washington State Park Campground

    The perfect park

    We absolutely love this park. It’s just under an hour from St. Louis, with river access, amazing hiking trails & great views. Very clean campsites with lots of shade for tent campers & nice level lots. There is even a swimming pool if the river isn’t your thing & a couple playgrounds too. There is a dollar general right outside the park entrance which is super convenient if you forget something or your lighter runs out of fluid like us lol. They have cabins to rents as well as Camper spots and basic lots. Pet friendly! Highly recommend this park. The whole family enjoyed staying here.

Guide to Pilot Knob

The Ozark Mountains near Pilot Knob, Missouri sit at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,700 feet, creating diverse terrain for camping experiences. The area receives approximately 44 inches of annual rainfall, concentrated mostly in spring months, which feeds the region's unique shut-ins and clear-flowing streams. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing, making seasonal camping considerations important.

What to do

Explore backcountry trails: Bell Mountain Wilderness Area offers a 10-mile lollipop-style trail with primitive camping at the summit. "The trail is well traveled and easy to follow. It is easy to find a spot with a great view over the bluff," notes Kelsie L., who could see "the edge of Taum Sauk reservoir" from her campsite.

Wade in clear creeks: Marble Creek Rec Area provides access to shallow waterways for cooling off. "A few of the sights are right on the water which is a nice perk. You can spend the day floating in the river or swimming near the little shut-ins watering hole," explains Shannon B., who appreciates the "quiet, low key atmosphere."

Rock hop through granite formations: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground offers hiking to Missouri's highest point and unique rock formations. "Mina Sauk Falls trail is a little under 4 miles and rated moderate. Best to hike after a heavy rainfall to see the waterfall but don't let that stop you if it hasn't rained in awhile," advises Erica P., who recommends "wear[ing] good hiking shoes!"

Watch for wildlife: FS-2363 Dispersed Camping at Murphy Overlook provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Saw an adult black bear when we left, only about 0.5 a mile from camp. Ran across the road in front of us," reports Sean A., who also mentions hearing "coyotes and lots of birds."

What campers like

Secluded tent platforms: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers walk-in camping sites that provide privacy. "Beautiful site, each walk-in was spread apart from each other. We loved it and cannot wait to go back," writes Elizabeth W., while Chad K. notes "The walkin sites are on platforms and are spaced for privacy."

Riverfront camping spots: Silver Mines Recreation Area features campsites along the St. Francis River. "Each campsite is private and has its own picnic table and fire pit. Trails from the campground lead down to the water," explains Kippy N., adding that "depending on the water levels there are usually people kayaking through the white water."

Stargazing opportunities: Murphy Overlook provides excellent dark sky viewing. "Being that far from civilization, there was no light pollution so seeing the stars and getting some night photos is possible," Brian writes, noting it had "one of the best sunsets I'd seen in awhile."

Easy access to multiple attractions: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground serves as a central location for regional exploration. "The park itself offers a lot to explore—quite a few trails to choose from, and the river made for nice wading in the afternoon heat," shares Madelyn H., who spotted "a baby eastern spiny softshell turtle while crossing Big Creek!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Pilot Knob, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Pilot Knob, MO is Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 56 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Pilot Knob, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 117 dog-friendly camping locations near Pilot Knob, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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