St. Francois State Park Campground offers primitive and electric camping sites about 40 minutes from Potosi, Missouri. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 800 feet within the St. Francois Mountains, one of North America's oldest mountain ranges. Summer temperatures average 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions with temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to do
River access points: Washington State Park Campground provides multiple access points to Big River for swimming and water activities. "We kayaked here and it was amazing! Probably the best short trip you could take on a kayak. It started pouring halfway thru our ride, but even still we had a blast!"
Hiking trails: Hawn State Park Campground features several miles of trails through pine forests with varied difficulty levels. "The trails are amazing with big boulders and beautiful creeks. If you're car camping take the extra walk to the walk-in camping sites. It's like a micro backpacking trip."
Historical petroglyphs: Take a day trip to view ancient Native American rock carvings preserved at Washington State Park. "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," notes one visitor who spent a week exploring the area in early spring.
What campers like
Clean facilities: St. Francois State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "Bathroom and showers are clean, as is entire park. Playground for grandkids and plenty of shaded campsites," reports a repeat visitor.
Weekend entertainment: Huzzah Valley Resort offers organized activities and amenities for weekend stays. "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."
Crystal clear water: Multiple campgrounds in the area feature streams and creeks with exceptionally clear water. At Brazil Creek Camping Area, one camper noted, "Beautiful country drive from 1-44. Abundant shade. No Verizon service. Aggressive horseflies and mosquitoes. Water source is creek."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds near Potosi have limited or no cellular coverage. At Brazil Creek, a visitor reported, "The Ranger, who was very nice, had good service with AT&T, I had TMobile at my campsite with a booster."
Flash flood risks: Some campgrounds near water are subject to flash floods during heavy rainfall. "There are flood level signs everywhere and you could see where flash floods had happened on the lowest level of camp," notes a visitor to Meramec Caverns Natural Campground.
Campsite terrain varies: Many sites feature gravel or rock surfaces rather than grass, especially following past floods. "The sites are a bit more snug together than I would prefer. There are some nice hiking options within the park."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming safety: Water depth can change suddenly in area creeks. "The Huzzah creek is rocky but beautiful. You have to be careful because there are sudden drop-offs, it can be two feet deep and then you take a few steps and it's seven feet deep."
Quieter camping options: For families seeking peaceful glamping close to Potosi, Missouri, consider camping midweek. "We took a couples float during the week to get away from our busy lives and relax... we practically had the place to ourselves with only one other tent in view!"
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for ticks, mosquitoes, and raccoons. "Lots of ticks, LOTS of brazen raccoons, horseflies galore. No cell service. At all. You come here for the Huzzah Creek, which is a glorious place especially for kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For premium glamping near Potosi, Missouri, reserve end sites when possible. "Great site on the end. Extra space for our two dogs to run around," notes an RVer at Huzzah Valley Resort.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. "The gravel road into the campground was no problem for a pickup with a trailer. It would be fine for a passenger car, too."
Weather preparation: RVers should monitor forecasts carefully during rainy seasons. "Our site was high enough to not need to worry," reported one camper, though they noted flash flood warning signs throughout lower areas of the campground.