Best Tent Camping near St. James, MO

Was a great secluded tent camp site. Liked that they had wagons to help haul our gear to the site. Family of 7 so we have plenty of stuff to haul. Was a really fun time. Spent lots of it in the water and got to see some wild horses so that was exciting.

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.

I've seen some reviews say its outdated and I'm not sure where that comes from. On season they offer a variety of float and eat packages that are tasty and nicely priced. Cute little campground with "primitive", electric and full hook ups. All tent camping is still pretty close to the general store that also has coin showers! You have good options for a shady and grassy spot if you're tent camping too. Great folks working there, always very friendly and helpful.

Love tent camping! Secluded and shaded. I want a few years back and it was lovely can’t wait to see if there have been updates!

Stayed here for one night we toured the cave which was great. The park is very well kept and nice clean facilities. We tent camped and every spot had a good place to set up a tent.

This is a really nice spot for tent camping - even though it’s clearly geared towards RV camping. Make sure to book a walk-in campsite if you’re tent camping, otherwise you’ll be in the lot with the RVs (no trees, no privacy etc see first picture). You’ll have to carry your gear to your site, but not too far. Each walk in site is fairly isolated and separate from the other site by trees. Each site has a wood tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring with grate. If you want you could even go to the lodge (walking distance) for a meal and skip the cooking! Book your spot in advance as it seems like they fill up quickly.

Full hookups(electric/water/sewer) for rvs, as well as primitive tent sites. Facilities are bit on the older side, but 2 shower houses are available. River access within walking distance. Canoe and raft rental available.

I stayed in the tent camping area. The host was very helpful with everything. I was right next to the river, and the sounds of the water made everything tranquil. There is a ton of space for tents and RVs, and the road in is well paved. In the morning, a bald eagle flew up the river.

Hermann is an amazing village of old world charm nestled into the Missouri River Valley. Picture book clock towers and church steeples among 19th century era brick cottages adorn the historic German immigrant influenced village with plenty of restaurants, shops and galleries for wandering pleasure. Hermann is right in the heart of Missouri wine country with two stunning wineries within walking distance of the campground; Stone Hill and Hermannhof...these are not to be missed. For cycling enthusiasts...the 240 mile Katy State Park Trail(nation's longest Rails to Trails Project) is just across the river from Hermann and follows the Missouri river through countless little river towns rich in history. A short distance south on highway 19 is the Swiss Meat Company, well worth a visit. The city park has an amazing campground operated by the City of Hermann. They offer full hook up sites(water, electric and sewer), water and electric, electric only, and tent camping. 18 full hook up sites are paved with grass areas and fire rings, 25 full hook up sites are on a paved parking lot(big rig friendly), and 8 electric only sites are on grassy area. A bath house with showers and restrooms are available, along with a dump station.To make a reservation please call the City Office, 573-486-5400, Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Full hookup(water, electric& sewer)…..$30.00 Water and electric…..$25.00 Electric only…..$20.00 Tent camping…..$15.00 This is a great spot for an overnight...but don't cut yourself short...it's absolutely great for an extended stay. http://hermannmo.com/campground/

This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities. Campsites are all well manicured and offer everything from basic sites to full RV hook ups. The only negative is that we have experienced are that you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular. And the only other negative is that all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade. But other than that it’s easy to see why the state park is a perfect representation of how much pride Missouri takes in its conservation and park system.

We camp here every year. My ONLY complaint is that they never seem to cut the grass close to when we come. It's not terrible, just a weedy and a little longer than I'd like it to be for tent camping. We stay at group site three which is HUGE, and nice and level. There's a great big fire ring and lots of wood available for gathering. There's a very short path from the site to the current river, which is beautiful. There is a pretty basic outhouse up a short trail for camper use.

Wonderful state park with paved roads and level concrete pads. We were nestled up against a beautiful creek. Could barely keep the dogs out of it. Nice,clean bathrooms. Nice play area for kids. We hiked one of the many hiking trail available. Tours are offered throughout the day in the two onsite caves. They were amazing. Natalie was our Gide and really knew her stuff! Park also offer kayaking, swimming, rafting and just a whole bunch of fun. There was a large camp of boys scouts and several other tent camping. Would recommend this park everyone. 10 out of 10!

First, the park hosts were so friendly, helpful and hard working. They kept everything spotless! Bathrooms and showers were a 10. Grounds were a 10. Location and surroundings were gorgeous. Sites were spacious and there’s not a “bad” site in the whole park. It was Peaceful and quiet at night. We walked through the walk in tent camping area and it was amazing. Sites were big, private and spread out through the woods with wooden platforms. Path through the area was gravel and very well maintained. The Betty Lea Lodge was close and had an awesome store and gift shop. We will definitely be back!

Most people who are camping and visiting this part of the Ozark's are here to enjoy the river, but don't forget to checkout the caves. I spoke to the campground host and his wife and they told me that the Onondaga caves are the third most visited in North America. The staff at the visitors center was also friendly.

The campground was very clean and well maintained. There isn't a lot of tent camping, most people are visiting with RV's and camper trailers. There are a lot of folks with canoes and inner-tubes in the campground.

Checkout my one minute video with Mike, the campground host, talking about Onondaga Cave State Park.

I took my daughter and a friend on their first camping trip here. We stayed the last weekend of the season (10/29-31). It was quiet with only two RVs on one end. We picked a tent site at the other end, right on the river. The girls ran all over the camp ground. The ranger was super friendly and shared information about the area. Since it was the end of the season, the coyotes were coming back closer to the area and serenaded us all night. We can't wait to go again next year

We stayed here with a large group of family members for a floating weekend. The sites were close together and there wasn’t much privacy. They have tent sites, and RV sites with 50 amp hookups, water, and sewer. Some sites have river access and some river views. There wasn’t much grass, and few trees for shade. There is a swimming pool, playground and store/gift shop. They have pay showers. Onondaga Cave State Park is right across the river. This is primarily a campground for people floating the Meramec River and other area streams. They provide canoe rental, and transport to the put-in points. On summer weekends it is crowded and noisy.

We booked our campsite very last minute and the staff was extremely helpful and kind! The only down fall to this reservation was we booked an electric tent site and the site the put us in and the ones around it had no electricity. The electric boxes were filled with wasps and spider webs... so if you book there be sure to make sure your reservations are correct! Other then that the camp ground was VERY homey and cute little place the shower houses were clean and they even had a little cafe and other entertainment things such as pizza and a little amphitheater! I feel like this is a local hidden gem! Will be returning here (hopefully on an electric lot lol)

This is the newest state park in MO. The campground is located at the bottom of a steep grade hill in an open area. New trees have been planted throughout the campground with established mature trees surrounding the outer boundaries. Basic and premium sites are available for RV’s and trailers along with a separate area for tent camping only. Pull type wagons are provided for tent campers to haul their belongings to their campsites. Restrooms and showers are conveniently located within the campground. A Clearwater creek is a short walk from the campground where swimming and floating may be enjoyed. The “Current River” is also less than a mile away and canoe rentals offer free pickup at the campground. One of the most unique aspects of the campground is the periodic presence of wild horses who roam freely throughout the campground and park. There are several well established hiking and biking trails.

We requested a handicapped tent site near the restroom. Large site but not marked and the other campers kept walking through our site to use the wheelchair ramp for the restrooms The toilets were basically not handicapped accessible but the showers were not at all. I have 1 arm and 1 leg there were no shower seats. No place for a family member to assist me.

Gift shop was averagely priced but we found the food a tad expensive and bland.

The people were friendly but could not help much (staff) with directions to handicapped accessible fishing areas.

We enjoyed our trip but did not catch anything.

Also the daily fishing passes were a bit pricy but ok. No choice but to purchase them because you can't fish without one.

Tent camped here in September. Only one river had floats on it due to low water that time of year. Beautiful area, clear water.  If you go in the early or later seasons be prepared to pull your raft a number of times. 

The campgrounds were well maintained. One we used, and many other we saw, had small trees outlining the edges of the sites. 

We had a group of people next to use who were very loud on Friday evening until past midnight . Saturday everybody was exhausted and slept. 

As this place is near STL I imagine it's popular. I'm hesitant to return during busy season. Although there would be more float options, I imagine it would be very loud at night with lots of young drunk people. Not my ideal camping situation. 

Also, the trip was expensive. Between the campground site and floating I think it was over $200 for the weekend.