Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Zalma, MO has a lot to offer. 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 Zalma, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
People's Creek Recreation Area, located in the southeastern Ozark foothills of Missouri, is a great launchpad for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking or simply exploring the Wappapello Lake area.Completed in 1941, Wappapello Lake provides an estimated $3.9 million in annual flood protection to agricultural lands and developed areas along the St. Francis River. A peaceful cove offers endless recreation opportunities with 57 campsites, a picnic shelter, beach, accessible fishing pier, and Lake View Trail. Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake.
People's Creek is ideally suited for swimming and boating activities. The lake is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish. Hunting, fishing and kayaking are popular activities year-round. Hiking and biking on one of the Lake's 9 trail systems provides opportunities for all ages and abilities. The new accessible Shell Lake Archery Trail is a unique destination for achery enthusiasts.
Wappapello Lake stretches 8,400 acres on 45,000 acres of public land. Lightly wooded shorelines add shade to the scenic landscape.
Between 09/23/2022 and 09/27/2022 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 222-8234 to speak with local staff. From 09/28/2022 to 04/06/2023 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 778-5404 for general information.
Explore the nearby Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or St. Francis River. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 11.5 miles from Peoples Creek Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 18.2 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 33.4 miles away from Peoples Creek Recreation Area.
$50 / night
Redman Creek offers a varirty of recreational opportunities for every visitor! This large park is an ideal place for just a day visit or an extended stay. Redman Creek Campground features 109 full service campsites in the Redman East and West Campground. Each campground loop has a playground and shower house, with some restroom facilites replaced in 2021. Enjoy the scenic view along the new paved Lake View Trail, this multi-use trail is a hiker, biker or walkers dream. Beginning at Redman East Campground, the trail connects the entire Wappapello Dam area featuring multiple trailheads with unique landscapes. A tennis court, basketball court, sand volleyball court and playground are available for use year-round. A family picnic or a day of grilling are easy at one of 17 picnic sites or 4 reservable group shelters. An accessible fishing pier, 4-lane boat ramp with courtesy dock and a seasonal swimming beach provide a multitude of water recreation opportunities. Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake!
Wappapello Lake can be a boater's paradise with a string of secluded coves, islands and wooded shorelines. Hunting, fishing and kayaking are popular activities year-round. Hiking and biking on one of the Lake's 9 trail systems provides opportunities for all ages and abilities. The new accessible Shell Lake Archery Trail is a unique destination for achery enthusiasts.
Wappapello Lake is fed by the St. Francis River and boasts 8,400 acres on a whopping 45,000-acre expanse of public land in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.
Explore the nearby Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or St. Francis River. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 11.6 miles from Redman Creek Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 17 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 34 miles away from Redman Creek Recreation Area.
Between 03/16/2022 and 11/01/2022 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 222-8233 to speak with local staff. From 01/07/2022 to 03/15/2022 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 222-8562 for general information.
$10 / night
Greenville Recreation Area is located on the northen end of Wappapello Lake Project, nestled on the banks of the St. Francis River. The spacious campground is built on the original site of the historical Old Greenville City, visitors have seemingly endless opportunities for fun. The Memory Lane trail winds along the historical foundations and streets offering a glimpse back in time. The Greenville Trail, a three mile hike or bike trail, connects the modern city of Greenville to the campground. The expansive grounds, multiple playgrounds, play courts and large event area provide opportunities for all ages and abilities. Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake!
Greenville boasts a one-mile historical trail to explore. A three-mile hike/bike trail is open year-round and a great choice for families. The lake is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish. Hunting and trapping are popular activities around the lake, boasting 44,000 acres for public use. Special events are put on throughout the year but the annual Black Powder Rendezvous, Old Greenville Days and Halloween Boo Bash events are notable experiences in Greenville.
Wappapello Lake, fed by the St. Francis River, has a seemingly endless string of secluded coves hugged by a winding, wooded shoreline. The public recreation area spans 45,000 acres in the southeastern Ozark foothills. The St. Francis River provides multiple caves, gravel bars, and open stretchs of water surrounded by open woodlands and rocky bluffs.
Between 03/16/2022 and 11/22/2022 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 224-3884 to speak with local staff. From 01/19/2022 to 03/15/2022 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 222-8562 for general information.
Explore one of the 9 trail systems along the Wappapello Lake. The nearby Ozark Trail is the only Horse friendly trail at the Lake. The Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or lower St. Francis River are approximately 22 miles away. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 31 miles from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 21 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 14 miles away from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The nearby 34 Bridge Recreation Area is an ideal place to swim or picnic along its large gravel bars.
$50 / night
$11 - $65 / night
Lake Wappapello State Park is the ideal vacation spot for a day or a week. The park offers a modern campground and cabins plus rustic camper cabins.
Lake Wappapello State Park offers basic and electric campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites.
Holliday Landing is a fun family resort and marina located on sunny Lake Wappapello. Tucked in the Ozarks of southeastern Missouri, we offer everything you need to make your vacation a success! The resort is secluded enough to escape from your everyday life, yet conveniently located and easy to get to. We offer boat launching and camper parking assistance if needed. Whether you are looking for a relaxing, peaceful retreat or a fun, active family vacation, call Holliday Landing Resort& Marina for your next vacation or getaway! The campground offers daily cabins, camping spots, and marina slips. We also offer monthly rates for the campground & the marina.
$30 - $35 / night
Silver Mines Campground is located on the St. Francis River in the Mark Twain National Forest. It offers a variety of recreational opportunities and abundant historic and geological wonders.
Parts of the river are available for swimming, while other portions provide good fishing. Whitewater kayaking is a popular activity during the springtime when water runs high. Depending on water levels, the state holds an annual kayaking competition the third weekend of March. The 2-mile Silver Mines Trail follows both sides of the river, leading to various picnic areas. A 1.2-mile trail spurs to a popular conservation area, where visitors can view spectacular rock formations along the river.
This beautiful area is located along the St. Francis River, the only river in Missouri classified as a whitewater river. It is widely used for kayaking during springtime. The campground is located at a historic mining operation and is known for its Precambrian granite and felsite rocks. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
The Millstream Gardens Conservation Area is located eight miles west of Fredericktown, or four miles west of the campground, on Highway 72. It is home to the scenic Tiemann Shut-ins and other spectacular sights along the riverbed.
$50 / night
Ridge Campground has family sites in addition to electric sites and accessible sites.
Lake Wappapello State Park is the ideal vacation spot for a day or a week. The park offers a modern campground and cabins plus rustic camper cabins.
Lake Wappapello State Park offers basic and electric campsites.
$12 - $25 / night
People's Creek Recreation Area, located in the southeastern Ozark foothills of Missouri, is a great launchpad for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking or simply exploring the Wappapello Lake area.Completed in 1941, Wappapello Lake provides an estimated $3.9 million in annual flood protection to agricultural lands and developed areas along the St. Francis River. A peaceful cove offers endless recreation opportunities with 57 campsites, a picnic shelter, beach, accessible fishing pier, and Lake View Trail. Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake.
People's Creek is ideally suited for swimming and boating activities. The lake is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish. Hunting, fishing and kayaking are popular activities year-round. Hiking and biking on one of the Lake's 9 trail systems provides opportunities for all ages and abilities. The new accessible Shell Lake Archery Trail is a unique destination for achery enthusiasts.
Wappapello Lake stretches 8,400 acres on 45,000 acres of public land. Lightly wooded shorelines add shade to the scenic landscape.
Between 09/23/2022 and 09/27/2022 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 222-8234 to speak with local staff. From 09/28/2022 to 04/06/2023 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 778-5404 for general information.
Explore the nearby Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or St. Francis River. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 11.5 miles from Peoples Creek Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 18.2 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 33.4 miles away from Peoples Creek Recreation Area.
$50 / night
Redman Creek offers a varirty of recreational opportunities for every visitor! This large park is an ideal place for just a day visit or an extended stay. Redman Creek Campground features 109 full service campsites in the Redman East and West Campground. Each campground loop has a playground and shower house, with some restroom facilites replaced in 2021. Enjoy the scenic view along the new paved Lake View Trail, this multi-use trail is a hiker, biker or walkers dream. Beginning at Redman East Campground, the trail connects the entire Wappapello Dam area featuring multiple trailheads with unique landscapes. A tennis court, basketball court, sand volleyball court and playground are available for use year-round. A family picnic or a day of grilling are easy at one of 17 picnic sites or 4 reservable group shelters. An accessible fishing pier, 4-lane boat ramp with courtesy dock and a seasonal swimming beach provide a multitude of water recreation opportunities. Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake!
Wappapello Lake can be a boater's paradise with a string of secluded coves, islands and wooded shorelines. Hunting, fishing and kayaking are popular activities year-round. Hiking and biking on one of the Lake's 9 trail systems provides opportunities for all ages and abilities. The new accessible Shell Lake Archery Trail is a unique destination for achery enthusiasts.
Wappapello Lake is fed by the St. Francis River and boasts 8,400 acres on a whopping 45,000-acre expanse of public land in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains.
Explore the nearby Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or St. Francis River. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 11.6 miles from Redman Creek Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 17 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 34 miles away from Redman Creek Recreation Area.
Between 03/16/2022 and 11/01/2022 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 222-8233 to speak with local staff. From 01/07/2022 to 03/15/2022 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 222-8562 for general information.
$10 / night
Greenville Recreation Area is located on the northen end of Wappapello Lake Project, nestled on the banks of the St. Francis River. The spacious campground is built on the original site of the historical Old Greenville City, visitors have seemingly endless opportunities for fun. The Memory Lane trail winds along the historical foundations and streets offering a glimpse back in time. The Greenville Trail, a three mile hike or bike trail, connects the modern city of Greenville to the campground. The expansive grounds, multiple playgrounds, play courts and large event area provide opportunities for all ages and abilities. Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake!
Greenville boasts a one-mile historical trail to explore. A three-mile hike/bike trail is open year-round and a great choice for families. The lake is home to some of Missouri's most sought after game fish, including largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish. Hunting and trapping are popular activities around the lake, boasting 44,000 acres for public use. Special events are put on throughout the year but the annual Black Powder Rendezvous, Old Greenville Days and Halloween Boo Bash events are notable experiences in Greenville.
Wappapello Lake, fed by the St. Francis River, has a seemingly endless string of secluded coves hugged by a winding, wooded shoreline. The public recreation area spans 45,000 acres in the southeastern Ozark foothills. The St. Francis River provides multiple caves, gravel bars, and open stretchs of water surrounded by open woodlands and rocky bluffs.
Between 03/16/2022 and 11/22/2022 this location is staffed. Please call (573) 224-3884 to speak with local staff. From 01/19/2022 to 03/15/2022 this location is unstaffed. Please call (573) 222-8562 for general information.
Explore one of the 9 trail systems along the Wappapello Lake. The nearby Ozark Trail is the only Horse friendly trail at the Lake. The Pine Ridge Nature trail, Shell Lake Archery Trail and Wappapllo Wildflower Trail and Greenhouse areas or lower St. Francis River are approximately 22 miles away. The Mingo Wildlife Refuge is approximately 31 miles from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The Lake Wappapello State Park is approximately 21 miles away, and the Sam A. Baker State park is 14 miles away from Old Greenville Recreation Area. The nearby 34 Bridge Recreation Area is an ideal place to swim or picnic along its large gravel bars.
$50 / night
Lake Wappapello State Park is the ideal vacation spot for a day or a week. The park offers a modern campground and cabins plus rustic camper cabins.
Lake Wappapello State Park offers basic and electric campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites.
Scout
Tent camping back away from the RVs & we were the only people. Gorgeous river to view just a few steps away & the night sky view was fantastic. LOVED the bathroom & shower facilities!
Legend
Beautiful small campground with large sites. Restroom was emaculate. Clean park with a boat launch. Electric only spots and dispersed. Water and dump are on site.
Traveler
We opted for this site on our way west as a stopover because it was free and not a parking lot. There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon. A couple of guys fished at night until about nine. There was only one other couple camping. Very quiet and peaceful. There was a portable toilet but we didn't investigate.
The cool thing was that the loop trail was forested by hundreds of paw paw trees. It must have been just past the season and we saw only a couple of decaying ones, but the entire trail smelled of apple cider vinegar and was quite pleasant.
If you consider this waypoint, two things:
1. The last mile is good, but very dusty, gravel road.
2. No cell coverage in the parking lot for T-Mobile, some coverage on loop trail.
ScoutVery quiet and secluded. Campsites are roomy and some firewood is supplied.
Legend
Large park with not many large RV sites. Lots of tent and dispersed camping. Disappointing store. Equestrian area. Beach and boat launch.
Traveler
Sam a Baker is a beautiful destination for any family. There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding. There are multi camp sites that can be easily reserved online. The Saint Francis River and the Big Creek meet in the park. The big creek is spring feed and ice cold. The Saint Francis is wild and is considered white water during the rainy season. There are plenty of amenities in the park for the novice camper. From the camp store to the shower house. SAM A BAKER has you covered
Guide
We arrived later and the staff was so attentive and kind! They remembered our groups names and were so kind at the shop! We had a large camp ground, two spots fit our group of 8 with room! We also had 5 vehicles. The camp sites in the #70’s are so close to the water and a short walk to the toilet/shower house! The bathrooms could have been cleaner and some of the lights were out but not the worst I have seen! (Your camping anyways) the float shuttle was a bumpy ride but the drivers were nice and the men at the raft pick ups were kind also! I would recommend this lil place! Maybe not In The summer time when the river is busy but to camp anytime!
Scout
Last year my family and I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge as I have done for over 30 years. We decided to go on a float trip at the Rivers Edge Campground which is affiliated with the Wilderness Lodge. When we made the reservation we had to pay for 2/4 people that were going when I made the reservation over the phone. On Sunday when we arrived to the Rivers Edge to go on our float, we were informed that there were severe storms headed in and we could not go on the float. We totally understood and asked if we could just get a rain check. We were able to get a rain check but they said that I would need to pay for the additional two people to get a rain check since there were 4 in our party total. I was told to hold onto my receipt and rain check because without those two items the rain check would not be honored. Fast forward to this week and we decided we would like to go back and use the rain check they had issued to us. When I called I was informed that they would not be honoring ANY rain checks because the property had been sold and the new owners will not honor ANY previously issued rain checks because the new owners were not paid the money for any outstanding rain checks..?? I was told by the lady on the phone that she would try to reach out to the new owner Mike and see what could be done and she would call me back. She did indeed call me back the same night and said she could not get a hold of the owner and then she was silent not offering ANY sort of solutions. I asked her if she could call me the next day and let me know what he said or if I could even speak with him. She never called back… so now I sit with a“RAIN CHECK” that I spent$170 for 4 floaters that clearly has an issue date, an expiration date, my name and address, what it is for, and why it was issued. It is stapled to my original receipt as well but I guess they will not be honoring it. This has to be one of the worst customer service experiences and poor business practices I have encountered in my life. It is apparently OK that I am out$170 for a float that I was told we could not go on that day and that seems to be perfectly OK with these new owners. I am completely disappointed in the lack of follow up and poor customer service. This is definitely not a best practice for a business and I will be letting everyone I know and on every forum I can that you basically stole$170 from my family and while it may seem like not a big deal to you it certainly is to me and my family.
Ranger
There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow. We camped in the lower site and had a difficult time getting everything out of the road.
On the positive side, the site was clean, there was nobody there over the weekend and there was a humming bird. The pond had lots of frogs and and a few fish.
TravelerTent camped here during the week in June and the campground was only about 1/3 full. Quiet and the restrooms and showers were very clean.
Traveler
My parents (from Mississippi) and I (from St. Charles, MO) found this place sort of between us and we sure do love it. The owner Kelly and his whole team were nothing but gracious and hospitable to us the entire weekend. You can tell there's some work to be done on this new venture for Kelly but his heart in it and I can't wait to see how he continues to grow the property. Thanks for having us and we can't wait to come back.
The bath house was clean. The site was huge. There was plenty of firewood when we needed it. The nature was nature'in and the wild was wild'in. Good times.
Scout
This is… not a campground…
Guide
We had so much fun playing in the creek learning about as Aztec and their gardening methods. Very adorable , baby goats and baby chicks that were just all over and loving living. ❤️ My family and friends found out that I was going there and she was more than happy to help us be accommodated for so many people. I kept adding and she was like no problem. Thank you so much for making it easy and affordable. We will definitely be back to visit. I feel that we have actually found some true lifelong friends. Thank you Ivy
Guide
Way to crowded tiny sites
Traveler
We stopped here chasing the 2024 eclipse. Easy to find. No cost. About 20 parking spaces, a vault toilet, and a boat launch. Open for solar panels, but tree cover around the lot. Only about 5 parking spaces are not on a slant. Places in the trees for tents. Absolutely beautiful views up and down the river. A single fire pit on the river’s edge. No road noise to speak of because it is way in the distance and rare at night. Fireflies and owls into the night. Mist on the water in the morning: just beautiful. T mobile service has 3 of 4 bars. There is no apparent Verizon service.
Traveler
Surprised to find nice porta potty at our site that was remote from others. Potable water and camper registration (but had a boil water warning but that was not normal). 30 min into Cape Girardeau and 15 min to Anna. Nice picnic table and raised fire ring/ grill.
Scout
This area is beautiful and overall I recommend it but we did have trouble finding a flat spot. I think they're only five or six decent spots total. We met a local who warned us of wild pigs that will charge you and a lot of ticks in the forest.
Scout
We found this Rv campground while cruising through MO on to FL. We enjoyed this place! Beautiful, and quiet. New sites, tables, and a beautiful creek. A couple of pony’s too. We will definitely be stopping in again!
Legend
We camped at site 39 over the weekend. The park was very clean and family friendly. There are several hiking trails and an overlook. The restrooms and showers are still closed for the season, but there are primitive vault toilets. The sites are very close together, so there is not much privacy. Also, some have electricity and some not. The firewood was wet und would not burn. The landscape around the park was very nice. We camped here to visit the Gateway National Park and Mastodon Natural Site.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
TravelerThere is not much here other than a place to camp for free. There is one two-path logging road suitable for hiking and mountain biking back into the woods. It leads to a T where additional two-path logging road.
Guide
Road can be a little rough in spots after it rains. 1/2 bars with Verizon. Limited spots to set up tent. Only flaw is the sound of traffic.
Guide
Very nice secluded camping. Only a handful of other campers at the site. Nice fire pits and picnic tables with access to small pit bathrooms. Easy access to the mountain overlook and trailheads. Parking at the sites is about 50-100ft away from the table and fire pit. Wish we could’ve gotten our van closer.
Traveler
Went to stay in a cabin for one night, then extended our stay. The place was to nice to leave. The lake and St. Francis river are crystal clear. Watched the baby deer, and listen to thw owls at night. The cabin had all the amenities included, towels, coffee, soaps, dinnerware and cookware. check-in was easy. Front deck included a B-B-Q grill, and hot tub that over looked the lake and camp fire. Our family will be back. Thank you!
TravelerThe sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during Holiday weekends. Aside from that, the park is peaceful, very clean, and full of surprises.
GuideCampground was nice and quiet, spots were all maintained. only a few spots farthest away from lake had sewer, the others have water and electric. none of the spots are very far from the lake however. No wi-fi. showers were out of order half of the time. No store as it states on site, only and office but mostly no one there but it was holiday weekend. broken down marina sitting in ruins and what was left of dock didn’t seem too sturdy. Remnants of old gas pump but no marina gas. terrible fishing off of dock, you have to go out on lake. Several high speed boats passing by. Fairly far from any decent sized town but that is not bothersome as that is the point of camping. we enjoyed our stay but we’re disappointed about the showers, restrooms out of repair. Overall a decent campground just dated. grass and sites were kept up well. picnic table and fire pit at all sites.
Scout
Place was very clean. The people very nice. Close to the house for the RVs first voyage
Camping near Zalma, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are great campgrounds to explore.
Camping near Zalma, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Zalma, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Zalma, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Zalma, MO and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Zalma, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Zalma, MO is Sam A. Baker State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 48 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Zalma, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Zalma, MO.
What parks are near Zalma, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Zalma, MO that allow camping, notably Clearwater Lake and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
