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Best Campgrounds in Missouri

3,733 Reviews

Missouri's state parks and recreation areas provide a broad spectrum of cabin camping options for visitors seeking shelter beyond traditional tent and RV sites. Meramec State Park near Sullivan offers cabin accommodations with electric hookups, picnic tables, and showers within a year-round facility rated above 4.3 stars by visitors. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in Lesterville similarly features cabin options alongside its popular water features, while Sam A. Baker State Park in Patterson combines cabin lodging with glamping alternatives. Most cabins in Missouri state parks include basic amenities such as electricity, beds, and nearby restroom facilities.

Reservations for Missouri's cabin accommodations are typically required well in advance, especially during summer months and holiday weekends. Many cabins remain open year-round, though amenities and services may be reduced in winter. Water access remains a significant attraction, with many cabins positioned near lakes, rivers or springs. Missouri's varied terrain means cabin locations range from riverside settings to forested hillsides, with some providing easy water access while others offer more secluded experiences. A visitor commented that "Loved the solitude of being by the water. We had another RV next to us for a few days, but with the privacy fence in between you would never know it."

Campers consistently rate cabin accommodations at Bennett Spring State Park and Crystal Springs highly, with multiple reviews mentioning friendly staff and clean facilities. Several visitors highlighted the proximity to water features, with one noting that "There is a little spring onsite and very friendly owners!" Some park cabins provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and nature centers, enhancing the overall experience. Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground receives positive reviews for its combination of water recreation and comfortable accommodations. The cabins at Cuivre River State Park near Troy include options for glamping and yurt stays, offering alternatives to traditional cabin camping. While most Missouri cabins provide basic amenities, visitors should verify specific features when booking as amenities vary significantly between locations.

Campground Showdown in Missouri

Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!

Sinking Creek RanchSinking Creek RanchSinking Creek RanchSinking Creek RanchSinking Creek RanchSinking Creek RanchSinking Creek RanchSinking Creek Ranch
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OR
B Berry Farms & Co.B Berry Farms & Co.B Berry Farms & Co.B Berry Farms & Co.B Berry Farms & Co.B Berry Farms & Co.B Berry Farms & Co.B Berry Farms & Co.
Click to VoteCampground B

Round 1 of 5

Best Camping Sites in Missouri (909)

    1. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground

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

    $15 - $80 / night

    "It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."

    "Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."

    2. Meramec State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Stanton, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-6072

    $15 - $65 / night

    "Miles upon miles of trails. Spacious campground, caves to explore, old time blast furnace to explore, fresh Missouri spring with exceptional fishing. Then theres a general store with a restaurant"

    "Growing up near here, this was the state park that my family always went to. Forty some years later, it is still my favorite park in Missouri. I enjoy camping here with my family and friends."

    3. Table Rock State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Hollister, MO
    Website
    +1 (417) 739-4627

    $16 - $159 / night

    "The campsite was large with an asphalt path and a nice spot for my tent. First weekend in May and the park was pretty much full. My campsite close to the facilities."

    "Nice campground with a paved walking/cycling trail from boat docks to the dam. Nice showers, fairly level campsites. Fishing within walking distance."

    4. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

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

    $15 - $52 / night

    "State Park in Southeast Missouri along Big Creek. Well maintained campsites with electric hook ups. Water and dump stations, but no water hook up sites."

    "The state of missouri does an amazing job providing opportunities for families to enjoy the beauty of nature. Nature programs for kids and parents to learn. Well kept facilities."

    5. Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Kaiser, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 348-2694

    $15 - $55 / night

    "Lake of the Ozarks State Park campground is located in Kaiser Missouri about 5 miles down highway 134 off of highway 42. This campground is about 1.5 hour from Columbia and Springfield Missouri."

    "We stayed close to the river in the primitive area and the deer were all over.  These deer were super friendly and didn't move at all as we walked right past them. "

    6. Blue Springs Lake Campground

    47 Reviews
    Blue Springs, MO
    Website
    +1 (816) 503-4805

    $33 - $48 / night

    "The sites were well situated such that you felt you had plenty of privacy."

    "The original plan was to be in Blue Springs for an outdoor off-road RC event, camping in our pup with a generator at the track."

    7. Roaring River State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    Website
    +1 (417) 847-2539

    $16 - $53 / night

    "Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."

    "Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."

    8. Bennett Spring State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Bennett Springs, MO
    Website
    +1 (417) 532-4338

    $15 - $48 / night

    "This state park is one worth a stop when near Springfield. I drove north toward this park to enjoy something a bit different and found it to be very peaceful during a weekday. "

    "A trout fisher dream, as one of Missouri’s 5 hacherys are here. Fun for this kids to see the amazing amount of fish."

    9. Cuivre River State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Troy, MO
    Website
    +1 (636) 528-7247

    $15 - $42 / night

    "Our site, though, was the smallest in the loop, tucked away in the weeds, and the only area to pitch our tent was on a slight slope."

    "It’s close to our house and there’s always something new to do each time. The bathrooms are well maintained and the campsites are fairly large and provide lots of shade."

    10. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Leasburg, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 245-6576

    $15 - $57 / night

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

    "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."

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3733 Reviews of 909 Missouri Campgrounds

  • Tyler
    May. 1, 2026

    Hide-A-Way Campground & RV Retreat

    Rude, confrontational, overgrown, and trashy

    One of the worst parks in Branson. Area is completely overgrown, none of the sites are anywhere near level, and the facilities are in terrible shape. The manager is extremely rude, confrontational, and is almost never on the property. Our first day there I witnessed her in a yelling match with someone, she flicked them off as they left then proceeded to tell me to call the police if I see them again. She also warned us of a homeless camp only a few hundred feet behind the park, so I wouldn’t leave anything out you don’t want stolen. It’s not close to anything other than the touristy things, and it’s absolutely filled with ticks. The trails behind the park are filled with trash and debris, dog park is the smallest one I’ve ever seen. Work Campers beware. I originally came to the park to work, I received absolutely no training, and was told to come in and“play” with their booking software to learn. The manager spoke to me incredibly rudely and as if she was scolding a child. She was incapable of even giving me a time to come in and show me how the system worked. I was given a written list of job responsibilities, and was immediately bombarded with a plethora of things I have no experience doing that were not listed in the job description. I was subsequently fired before my official start date and the only reason given was I was not a good fit. My partner was also fired as he was there working Maintenence for the same exact reason. By far the most incompetent, rude, and confrontational manager I have ever worked for.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 30, 2026

    Lazy Day Campground

    hidden gem

    We had so much trouble finding a place for the night before St. Louis. The one place we were going to go to was full so we were scrambling. Found this place and were a little uncertain, but we took it. We were pleasantly surprised. They were friendly in the office and escorted us to our site. We got a little worried as the RV next to us had taken the 30 volt and we did not have a converter for the 50. Went up to office- no problem, he lent us a converter. We were surprised at how we lucked out on the site- no one wound up next to us downhill and we had a beautiful view of the hills an valley below us. We sat outside and enjoyed the view for hours. The bathroom was a short walk and was clean. Only disappointment was the lack of privacy to get dressed after the shower. They have a privacy screen but it is short and no privacy for those walking by the shower rooms. To top it off the woman in the bathroom while i was showering left the bathroom door wide open. It leads to the laundry room and the men walk by to get to their bathroom.  They need to do something better. Someone here is very artistic- stumps were carved into delightful animals and the toilet doors were decorated with woman painted on them. It was very quiet at night and no traffic noise at all even though 2 miles from interstate.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 29, 2026

    Robertsville State Park Campground

    Cozy campground in the woods

    Secluded campsites. Even though they are close together, the dense trees isolate them visually from each other. We did have a neighbor with loud dogs that were very annoying

  • Iowan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2026

    Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    Good State Park

    Stayed one Fri night in late April. Got there late, just before 9 when the office closed and left mid morning. My section of the campground was mostly empty. Seemed like a good, well appointed state park. Shower wouldn't get hot.

  • Iowan D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2026

    Poague Campsite #5

    Nice Stop

    Easy access driving from KC to Springfield for a quick overnight boondock. Place was totally empty but I felt secure. Evidence of teenage behavior was apparent so not sure if it is always so quiet. Stayed on a Wed night in April after a thunderstorm. Would stop again.

  • Sherry G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2026

    Cozy Campsite

    Great Location for Horses or Pets that need space

    We spent a week at this location. It has a great level slab to park your camper. They also have a wonderful fenced in area for horses as well as a fenced in area where you park your camper. Let your dogs run free!
    Sarah and Justin were very attentive hosts. They live on the property but are not so close that you know they are there. They also raise chickens and sell their fresh eggs! If you need a secure place for your dogs or horses, this spot is perfect!

  • Bryce N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2026

    Blue Springs Lake Campground

    Small Clean Campground

    Nice level concrete sites. Some well spaced and some more family oriented ones that are nice too. Very close to town and convenient to the zoo and other attractions.

  • Bryce N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 26, 2026

    Blue Springs Lake Campground

    Small clean campground

    Clean concrete sites, family sites that are closer together are nice. Utility hook ups are in great shape.

Guide to Missouri

Camping in Missouri offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, fun activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for everyone.

What to Do

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds, like Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful campgrounds. Hiking trails. Super showers & toilets. Clean. Friendly staff.”
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, check out Bennett Spring State Park Campground. A reviewer said, “The Niangua River was gorgeous and so fun to swim in (clear all the way to the bottom).”
  • Water Activities: Campgrounds near lakes, like Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina, are perfect for kayaking and swimming. One visitor noted, “You will have water and electric but no sewer and no dump station on site.”

What Campers Like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Maramec Spring Park stated, “Great and clean shower house. Well taken care of.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of campground staff. At B Berry Farms & Co., a camper said, “The whole B Berry family are great people. They helped us get in and told us all the fun & exciting things around the farm to do.”
  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Raccoon Ridge offer stunning views. One camper shared, “Heavy wooded with shared paths to lake or cove. Marina is within 1 mile by water or 15 minutes by car.”

What You Should Know

  • Reservation Policies: Some campgrounds have strict cancellation policies. A visitor at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground expressed frustration, saying, “Their reservation process raised concerns with their non-industry standard policy of requiring a 10-day notice for cancellations.”
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Raccoon Ridge warned, “Keep food and bait inside as raccoons rule at night.”
  • Ticks and Bugs: Some areas have ticks, so bring bug spray. A review for Pine Ridge Recreation Area mentioned, “Only bummer was lots of ticks.”

Tips for Camping with Families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Boiling Springs Campground, a camper noted, “This camp area is very clean and family friendly! The river was pretty!”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A family at Bennett Spring State Park Campground enjoyed cooking fresh food over the fire.
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A reviewer at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground mentioned, “They have both showers and running water restrooms.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground said, “The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent.”
  • Look for Amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina appreciated, “The general store has many options including a wide variety of food and drinks.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Pittsburg Area Campground noted, “Really quiet during the week. However, fishing boat traffic increases through the week.”

Camping in Missouri has its perks and quirks, so be ready for a memorable experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free or low-cost camping options in Missouri state parks?

Missouri's state parks and conservation areas offer several budget-friendly camping options. Indian Hills Conservation Area provides low-cost camping with basic amenities amid beautiful scenery. Similarly, Union Ridge Conservation Area offers primitive camping at minimal or no cost. Missouri Conservation Areas generally have fewer amenities but provide affordable options for those comfortable with basic facilities. State parks like Lake of the Ozarks and Long Branch charge standard Missouri State Park rates, which are relatively affordable compared to private campgrounds. For completely free camping, Mark Twain National Forest allows dispersed camping outside designated areas and away from roads, though you'll need to bring all supplies and follow Leave No Trace principles.

What recreational activities are available at Missouri campgrounds?

Missouri campgrounds offer diverse recreational activities for all interests. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground features cave tours with impressive lighting displays and river activities perfect for families with children. Long Branch State Park Campground provides swimming beaches, boat ramps, and excellent fishing opportunities. Throughout Missouri's campgrounds, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing. Water enthusiasts will find swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing at many locations, particularly at Lake of the Ozarks and along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Several parks also offer interpretive programs, nature centers, and historical sites from Civilian Conservation Corps construction. Mountain biking trails, horseback riding areas, and bird watching opportunities round out the recreational options.

What are the best campgrounds in Missouri for tent camping?

Missouri offers excellent tent camping options across the state. Marble Creek Rec Area in Mark Twain National Forest provides a natural experience shaped around the creek, with sites that lead to water in every direction. The area offers hiking and dispersed camping options for those seeking solitude. Table Rock State Park Campground features spacious tent sites with asphalt paths and close proximity to facilities. For nature enthusiasts, conservation areas like Indian Hills provide lovely scenery with minimal amenities. Other top tent camping destinations include Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park with its natural water features and Meramec State Park, known for its riverside sites and cave tours.

When is the best season for camping in southern Missouri?

The optimal camping season in southern Missouri runs from late spring through early fall, with specific advantages to each period. Table Rock State Park Campground sees high visitation by early May, suggesting spring's popularity. For more solitude, Asher Creek Campground at Lake Wappapello State Park can be nearly empty on weeknights and during off-season periods. Late spring (April-May) offers comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers, while fall (September-October) brings colorful foliage and cooler temperatures. Summer provides the fullest access to water activities, though humidity can be high. Winter camping is possible but requires preparation for potential freezing temperatures. Avoid November during deer hunting season if you're not participating.

Keep Exploring

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