Best Campgrounds near St. James, MO

First of all this is way down Berryman Rd. Go look up Michael Berryman (RIP) and his movies, then come back to me.

Got that picture? Ok great.

First thing you see when you turn off the highway is a tiny Baptist (first red flag) church and graveyard to set the tone.

If that doesn't put you off, make sure your car can handle terrain and you can handle your car. This is barely a road. It's a trail of moguls for your tires. Fallen trees and branches that narrow the lane and threaten to scrape the sides of your vehicle. One tree overhead barely cleared my car. Puddles that could be who know how deep or what's in them (I may be the red flag here). You can not turn around anywhere on this road; you have to go to the end where there's a loop or worst case scenario reverse out while ideally not in a state of panic.

I however as a cultist who worships at the altar of my Subaru's cargo hatch forged ahead because gotta get that creekside spot.

Anyway I got to the site without popping any tires and half set up before going for a walk. There's not a lot of walkable ground out there, really just the flat ground around the campsites and the road. Road was barely even an option. Water-filled pits made the muddy road difficult to traverse and eventually prevented me from going any further. The brush and reedy grass were too thick to walk through safely to get around, and in places the roadside embankments were too steep and loose to climb up and around puddles.

I did see a big ol mudbug, which was cool, but it was terribly quiet out there during my short walk. I was glad to get back to my car, where up the low cliff on the opposite side of the creek was a nicer-looking house with the sounds of people hanging out on the deck.

As night fell and the animal sounds picked up, I decided to sleep in my car instead of the tent. If you're ever out and you hear the animals and insects go silent, and then the next thing you hear is dogs barking, you should also probably sleep in your car.

After a hot and filling foil wrap dinner, I enjoyed some of the good green, because who doesn't like a sleep aid that also activates the amygdala, especially in these particular conditions. I'm soaking up the stars and the moon and the sound of running water, when suddenly I heard a heavy-bodied splash in the creek right by me.

And when I tell you I bolted to the car so fast leaving behind a tangled trail of chair, blanket, charger cable, etc

Because the shore on my side of the creek is flat. Waltz right on up from the creek. Nope not here not me.

Anyway nothing ended up happening, I slept fine, woke up to a bright sun and beautiful view. I did still get out of there pretty fast.

⭐5/7 might go spook myself again

lots of disrepair, expensive for what you actually get, fast moving golf carts and side X sides, Kids driving golf carts, rude employees, filthy, gross bath/locker rooms in the Lodge, derelict campers onsite near the entrance, overflowing, smelly garbage dumpsters near the gate (Like 10 of them), terrible gravel roads with huge potholes and uneven RV sites. Our hookups worked but they were in need of updating, poor wifi signal, and just kind of needs to invest in its infrastructure and appearance. The miniature golf was tore up from neglect and although they have a teen center it was not open which left a lot of teenagers just slumming around out of boredom. Camp sites all had firepits that were decent and the fishing lake was beautiful. Could be a really nice park if the investment was made.

We found this place after hours and Shirley still answered the phone and had a spot for us. Both Shirley and Kevin were super nice. The campground is unique and adorable. Very cute and clean bathrooms, plenty of toilets and shower space. It seems like they are doing some updating of things so that's why the 4 stars, once they finish their updates I'm positive it will be 5 star worthy.

We stayed one night on our way through Missouri. It’s only about ten minutes south of I-44. The campground was only about half full, so it was nice and quiet. All sites have a concrete pad for the RV and for the picnic table. Includes water and electric. Playground, laundry room, and dump station. Hiking trails available from the campground and cave tours on weekends. We stayed at site #65 which is close to the entrance/restrooms and has no campsite on either side.

I’ve been coming to the Current River area for over 60 years, before the National Scenic Riverways, when Round Springs, Alley Springs, Big Springs, and Montauk were all state parks. They were great places for camping, swimming in the Current River, and canoeing. This new State Park at Echo Bluff is everything I would eliminate from a campground. Sites are packed close together, everything is concrete. No privacy, no shade , no natural beauty. A big modern lodge, cabins and townhouses. I made reservations for two weeks expecting a state park experience. Sorely disappointed! We left early. The staff mostly didn’t bother us. But we watched the cop that sat along the road partway down a steep hill almost every day and gave out tickets for exceeding the 20 mph limit. Showers/bathrooms were new, but not centrally located. Probably would not go back.

Great place for the price. The staff is very helpful and welcoming! We will be visiting again in the future!

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.

I like that quite surroundings. But as a July 1 2024 they started cutting the timber. An they are going to a paid camping area. They have fire rings, tables and blacktop parking spots.
It's a shame it's going to cost to be here.

Super beautiful and very quiet, no traffic comes through at all. Lots of animal noises around but all together super peaceful

We typically prefer more dispersed-style camping, but this has actually become one of our favorite established sites in the Ozarks. It's VERY family-oriented (probably not for you if you want to party), with tons of games like volleyball and horseshoes, plus onsite programs and activities including scavenger hunts, movie nights, pancake breakfasts, etc. 

A little of everything when it comes to sites - there are pull-thru sites, full hookups, basic tent sites, you name it. We tent camped in sites 61-64 (now one huge site, but at one time they were three individual), which directly overlooks the river and sits on a very private corner. The sites on this end are a bit of a walk to the bathrooms/showers and camp store, but also extremely spacious and private. 

Great camp store and a large sandy beach with natural swimming holes, plus a seasonal pool. There's even so-so wifi at the store.

Float trips are a big deal here, and Indian Springs offers both boat rentals and shuttle services. We used their shuttling one day, then the second day, I drove my husband up to the put-in (less than 10 mins) and he floated back and took out here. The owners are really friendly and accommodating. Our top choice for float/camp trips, especially when we have our kiddos.

Nice rv park. Lots to do. The golf carts are genius. We used all weekend and had a great time. Played in the waterhole, played on the lake w/paddleboats and kayaks. Nice campsites and showerhouse. The bar and store were beautiful. Arcade, pool,games for kids and adults. Loved it

Nice road and very isolated camp sites. I only found two camping spots. Both are very small where only expert drivers can turn around a trailer. We were here two days and did not see or hear anyone.

Enjoyed the peaceful stay with nature. Enjoyed listening to the wind in the pine trees. It was a relaxing week. Will do again.

Campground was nice, pretty buggy, but bathrooms were in shambles, showers were full of mud and dirt