Camping near Wappapello Lake

Looking for the best campgrounds near Wappapello Lake, MO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Wappapello Lake, MO. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Wappapello Lake (104)

    1. Meramec State Park Campground

    57 Reviews
    Sullivan, MO
    8 miles
    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."

    2. Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

    20 Reviews
    Stanton, MO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 468-3166

    $23 - $38 / night

    "We had arrived a little too early in the camping season and we happened to pick days where Missouri had a cold front (previous weekend was warm)."

    "Security patrols around the clock and doesn't put up with any ridiculousness.

    Campsites available on pavement, gravel for campers and RVs and grass for tents."

    3. Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Leasburg, MO
    19 miles
    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."

    4. Washington State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cadet, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 586-5768

    "This park is so rich in Missouri and USA history - from buildings costructed by the African-American CCC stonemasons to Native American petroglyphs, there's some fascinating stuff here."

    "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! We camped in mid-March 2021 for 7 days and thoroughly enjoyed the area. They had just opened a new shower house which was clean and well kept."

    5. Pin Oak RV Park

    15 Reviews
    Union, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (406) 962-1501

    "Nice little lake to fish in and areas to walk around in."

    "We were close to the playground though, which had bright lights at night and loud kids - I would avoid that area next time."

    6. Robertsville State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Robertsville, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3788

    "Hiking trails, a stocked pond, meramec river access, 12 basic and 13 electric shaded campsites available, play ground away from the campground and shelters available to rent for a family gathering. 2 trails"

    "The hook up sites are on the inside of the loop and the tent sites are on the outside of the loop. You need to look carefully for a level tent site as some are fairly slopped."

    7. Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort

    21 Reviews
    Leasburg, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 245-6837

    "Positives: quiet time starting at 11:00 pm, we didn’t hear cursing, loud music, or anything else that disturbs little ones once they go to sleep, close to the river, clean restroom and shower house, shaded"

    "They have a family section if you prefer to be away from the louder bunch."

    9. Stanton-Meramec KOA

    6 Reviews
    Stanton, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 927-5215

    "Relaxing to walk around the park."

    "Dinner was delivered with a smile after driving through a spring storm. Pool looked nice. The sites were kind of tight."

    10. RV Self-Park

    8 Reviews
    Sullivan, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 259-6678

    $20 - $39 / night

    "You will hear some highway noise, but honestly, after years in trucking, it just felt like home. No restrooms or extras, but for a quick, no-hassle stop right off I-44, this place nailed it."

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Recent Reviews near Wappapello Lake

768 Reviews of 104 Wappapello Lake Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Great Campground!

    Stopped for one night, but could have stayed more. Great campground with tons of trees and shade. Each site has a table and fire pit. Big, clean bathrooms and showers. Playgrounds for kids. Caves to explore. I’m

  • Eleanor the Airstream R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Purina Farms

    PWD National Specialty

    Stayed the week for the PWD National Specialty trials. Convenient, clean, and solid FHUs.

    "Please note that RV reservations are only accepted for those entered(or those who have dogs/cats entered) in an event that has contracted space, which includes the overnight camping lots."

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Huge park right on the River

    We arrived on a Saturday and the park was packed, but were able to have a spot with electric. Campground probably has well over 200 sites with electric, electric and water, and tent camping. Right on the Merrimack river where one could go hang out in the river or float or tube down the river. Cave that is situated in the park that one can pay for a tour Fisher cave. We actually went to the Meramec Caverns tour about 15 miles away. Road into park is fairly narrow and has a pretty good grade going up and down. Park is actually almost 3 miles from the visitor center. Even though the park was very full when we arrived, it emptied out to almost no one on Sunday afternoon. You are nicely spaced apart from other people for the most part. Showers were adequate.

  • Natasha T.
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Cahokia RV Parque

    Very clean place with reasonable prices. price

    They were so accommodating. Even on the phone I didnt feel like a burden

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Lots of spots, close to highway

    Great park close to hwy 44 (5ish minutes + drive to campground) Lots of spots to choose from even though it was a Saturday in August. All are pretty flat and open with not much privacy. Showed up at 5pm and chose an open spot but had to call to reserve because I had no cell service (phone worked, internet didn’t). Phone reservation was super easy and efficient. Our spot (#86) had a lot of broken glass under the picnic table and the fire out was filthy. Convenient potable water and dump station areas. We just stopped for the night while driving through the area so didn’t use the park which seems to have tons to do.

  • Trevor S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Tom Sauk Mountain State Park

    Primitive

    We didn’t camp here but drove up the mountain to check out the look out. Took a trip through the campground, tent camping only and it looked like most sites had platforms and a picnic table. I seen one or two restrooms. Looked nice and wasn’t crowded. Several hiking trails, I think we’ll come back in the future to hike

  • Linda C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Brazil Creek Camping Area

    Small and picturesque

    Stayed one night. Beautiful country drive from 1-44. Abundant shade. No Verizon service. Aggressive horseflies and mosquitoes. Lots of sewer flies in the vault toilet. Water source is creek.

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Courtois Creek Dispersed

    Not gatekeeping this place.

    I don't live anywhere near here so I'm not going to keep this place a secret. The other reviews make this place seem terrible. I drive a Toyota Highlander and I did the road with no problem. It is not an ATV trail! There was 1 big puddle and 1 sharp rocky turn that I just went slow through. No problem. Probably couldn't do it towing a camper though.

    We were the only people camping there until the next afternoon when a couple families came down with kids to swim and float. The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing.

    Can hear a road and trucks passing fairly nearby. Right across the water on top of a hill is a big house that was chainsawing the next morning but we never saw anyone.

    The dogs got to run and swim.

    Obviously, no bathrooms, electricity or amenities but not far from a town.

    Try it out, it's beautiful.

  • Sam B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Klondike Park

    Love it

    Second time camping here. Much better spot this time, since I could pull right up to the spot, site 26. Last time we were in spot 22. 22 is a long ways from the bathroom and parking lot. The trails are great, the shower house is really nice, lake is beautiful. Will definitely be back.


Guide to Wappapello Lake

Camping near Wappapello Lake, Missouri, offers a mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Meramec State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The Cub Scouts loved the site, the Natural Wonders Trail, and the visitors’ center." This park has beautiful scenery and plenty of paths to wander.
  • Fishing: Head to St. Francois State Park Campground for some fishing. A visitor shared, "The campground has many access points to its anchor, the Big River, picnic areas, and multiple pavilions." It’s a great spot to cast a line and enjoy the water.
  • Caving: Check out Onondaga Cave State Park Campground for a unique experience. One reviewer said, "Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened." The cave tours are a must-see for adventurers.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Washington State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Very clean campsites with lots of shade for tent campers & nice level lots." Clean restrooms and showers make for a comfortable stay.
  • Friendly staff: Many campers rave about the helpful staff at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The host was very nice and was available at the check-in booth to receive guests." Friendly faces can make a big difference in your camping experience.
  • Secluded spots: Campers enjoy the privacy at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites themselves are very clean and well kept. Our site, 32, was huge and grassy!" Spacious sites allow for a more relaxed atmosphere.

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: If you rely on your phone, be prepared for spotty reception at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground. One camper warned, "No cell service from Verizon or T-Mobile." It’s a good idea to plan ahead and download maps or information before you arrive.
  • Tight campsites: Some campgrounds, like Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort, have sites that are close together. A visitor commented, "Everything is like sitting on top of your neighbor." If you prefer more space, consider booking a site further away from the main areas.
  • Weather considerations: Be mindful of the weather, especially at Meramec Caverns. One camper noted, "We happened to pick days where Missouri had a cold front." Always check the forecast before your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA has a pool and activities for kids. A camper said, "The campsite was very nice with lots of trees. It had a pool for the kids." It’s a great way to keep the little ones entertained.
  • Plan for quiet hours: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours, which can be a plus for families. At St. Francois State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule." This helps ensure a peaceful night’s sleep.
  • Pack games and activities: Bring along games or outdoor activities to keep everyone engaged. Campers at Berryman Trail & Campgrounds enjoyed the peaceful surroundings, making it a perfect spot for family bonding.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site levels: Some sites may not be level, so it’s good to check before setting up. A camper at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground noted, "Some sites were not as level as others." Bring leveling blocks just in case.
  • Look for full hookups: If you want all the comforts of home, choose campgrounds with full hookups. Meramec State Park Campground offers these amenities, making it easier for RVers to enjoy their stay.
  • Plan for dump stations: Make sure to know where the nearest dump station is located. Campers at Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort mentioned the convenience of having facilities nearby, which can save time during your trip.

Camping near Wappapello Lake, Missouri, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or family fun, the campgrounds in this area provide a great experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Wappapello Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, Wappapello Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near Wappapello Lake and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Wappapello Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wappapello Lake is Meramec State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 57 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wappapello Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Wappapello Lake.