Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Missouri

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.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Missouri (669)

    1. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

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

    $11 - $32 / night

    "So in the winter we can't stay away from the state parks and Johnson Shut Ins is a perfect base to explore the area when it is too cold to tent camp with kids."

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

    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. 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. "

    4. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

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

    "Pet friendly."

    "While this location was right next to dumpsters it was also adjacent to a gravel bar access for the entire park.  Our trip was amazing."

    5. Blue Springs Lake Campground

    43 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."

    6. 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."

    "We stayed here to break up our longer trip and were pleasantly surprised by the miles of trails our dogs loved. The pull through site was mostly level and made for quick setup and teardown."

    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. 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."

    9. Hawn State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Farmington, MO
    Website
    +1 (573) 883-3603

    $12 - $25 / night

    "Hawn State park, located off of highway 32 near St. Genevieve, is a wonderful, must visit in southeast Missouri."

    "There is 3 trails with the longest having two loop options with connectors from the other two trails. There are also walk in sites here and hike in sites. This park will not disappoint."

    10. Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

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

    "Came right up to our site - but please do not feed or try to pet. The rangers will have to move them if they get to used to people.

    Also local river rafting companies will pick you up at your site"

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 669 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Missouri

3418 Reviews of 669 Missouri Campgrounds



Guide to Missouri

Missouri offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. From spacious sites to scenic trails, these campgrounds cater to both pets and their owners.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

  • At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, pets are welcome, and the campground features large, well-maintained sites with electric hookups.
  • This park offers a unique swimming experience in the shut-ins, where you can enjoy small waterfalls and pools with your pet by your side.
  • The campground is equipped with amenities like showers, picnic tables, and a market, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Meramec State Park

  • Meramec State Park Campground allows pets and provides access to numerous hiking trails, perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the area.
  • Enjoy fishing or swimming in the river, where your dog can join in on the fun while you relax by the water.
  • The park features a playground and picnic areas, making it a great spot for family outings with your pet.

Pet owners like the amenities at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground

  • Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground is well-reviewed for its spacious RV sites and electric hookups, accommodating both pets and their owners comfortably.
  • The campground is located near beautiful hiking trails and offers easy access to the lake for swimming and fishing, ensuring plenty of outdoor activities for you and your pet.
  • With clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere, this campground is a favorite among pet owners looking for a relaxing getaway.