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Best Campgrounds in Missouri

3,408 Reviews

A hefty sum of forty-one state parks with more than 3,600 campsites makes camping in Missouri a breeze to plan and enjoy. Long known as “The Cave State,” Missouri has nearly 6,400 historic caves to offer the archeologists at heart. And with abundant shoreline space, water activities are surprisingly easy to find at Missouri campsites. So round up the crew and grab your gear – it’s time to make memories camping in Missouri!

Thanks to the Lake of the Ozarks, the state has over 1,150 miles of shoreline, making camping in Missouri a must for water lovers. Experience the Ozarks’ breathtaking outdoors in the beautiful Ozark Mountains at one of Elk River’s three campgrounds, which offer rafting, canoeing, camping and angling.

Looking for a little history lesson along with your camping adventure? Look no further than Missouri’s intricate cave scene. Meramec Caverns located in the Ozarks is a 4.5-mile cave system that has existed for the past 400 million years. Meramec Caverns is just one hour from the heart of St. Louis, and offers lodging, camping, and canoeing in addition to guided tours of the cave.

The quaint and historic Graham Cave State Park is just over an hour west of St. Louis, and offers a walk through ancient history along with year-round camping availability, five hiking trails, and over 386 scenic acres to explore. Take a trip down literature lane and visit the famous Mark Twain Cave near Hannibal, MO. Mark Twain, a Hannibal native himself, incorporates the maze-like cave in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Cave-lovers can also descend into the Onondaga Cave State Park to view towering stalagmites, stalactites, and active flowstones.

Get away and explore Missouri’s scenic shoreline spots and cave wonders. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best camping in Missouri along the way.

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Best Camping Sites in Missouri (847)

    1. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

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

    $11 - $32 / 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

    54 Reviews
    Sullivan, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-6072

    $12 - $48 / 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

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

    $12 - $42 / 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. Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground

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

    $13 - $50 / 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. "

    5. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

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

    "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."

    6. Blue Springs Lake Campground

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

    $33 - $48 / night

    "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."

    "*a nice close to home campsite for a quick get away."

    7. Bennett Spring State Park Campground

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

    "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."

    8. Cuivre River State Park Campground

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

    $15 - $38 / 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."

    9. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

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

    $12 - $52 / 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."

    10. Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

    37 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 751-5211

    "This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete."

    "Echo Bluff State Park is nestled in the heart of Missouri's Ozarks. This natural haven offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers."

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Recent Camping Photos in Missouri

892 Photos of 847 Missouri Campgrounds

Recent Reviews in Missouri

3408 Reviews of 847 Missouri Campgrounds

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

What camping is available in Missouri?

According to TheDyrt.com, Missouri offers a wide range of camping options, with 847 campgrounds and RV parks in Missouri and 45 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground in Missouri?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Missouri is Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park with a 5-star rating from 56 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Missouri?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 45 free dispersed camping spots in Missouri.

What are the best parks in Missouri?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 463 parks in Missouri that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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