Located on the banks of the Missouri River, visitors to Hermann, MO. can soak up the gorgeous scenery of small-town Missouri with a Bavarian twist. Established in 1837 by German immigrants, Hermann looks like it was lifted straight out of a picture book. The quaint town is filled with classic 19th-century brick buildings, world-class wineries, boisterous breweries, and hill-high views totally worth the climb.
In addition to its storybook architecture and landscape, Hermann is home to several festivals throughout the season. Oktoberfest lasts the entire month of October, while winery tours, cycling competitions, and historic walks pop up all throughout the year. Plus, the holidays in the snow-coated hills of Hermann are a fairytale come true.
Sleep near the Sleepy Bavarian Town of Hermann, MO
While the city itself is quite small, there are plenty of camping options in and around Herman. Whether you’re in town for a winery wind-down or gearing up for Oktoberfest, you’re sure to be impressed by Hermann’s historic charm. And to make it even easier for you, here’s a quick roundup of the top eight campsites within an hour of downtown Hermann, MO.
1. Hermann City RV Park in Hermann, MO
Image from HermannMO.com
The Hermann City RV Park is probably the closest camping you can get to downtown. It’s less than a mile away and open year-round. The park offers full hookups, water, and electric. Sites cost between $15 and $30 per night depending on its features. But all guests are welcome to the outdoor pool, drinking water, fire pits, showers, and toilets.
The park is great for those looking for an affordable stay and easy access to Hermann’s winery scene and historic walking tours. However, it’s in the middle of town, so nature isn’t exactly at your doorstep.
“This RV park works well if you want to stay cheap and take the trolley to all of the wineries. However, If you are looking for lush green space and lots of trees this isn’t the place for you. Our Spot ended up being located on a parking lot that was turned into RV spots. It has quick access to downtown Hermann and the trolley will pick you up at the park.” —The Dyrt camper Charlotte B.
Camp Here2. The Cottage Tree Houses in Hermann, MO
Image from HermannCottage.com
The Cottage Tree Houses in Hermann are a better option for those who want to stay close to town, but like a little more luxury and a lush landscape with their lodging. Just over a mile from downtown Hermann, the Cottage offers three tree houses and one cabin for a glamorous night’s sleep. The bed and breakfast offers plumbing, hot running water, heat and A/C in each room.
Sleeping above the treetops does come at a price. Each unit costs $250 per night on weeknights and $275 per night on the weekends (for two guests only). However, guests do get $50 off for each additional night they book.
Camp Here3. Daniel Boone Conservation Area in Jonesburg, MO
Image from the Missouri Department of Conservation
Campers can get a bit closer to nature with just a 17-minute drive north of downtown Hermann, MO. The Daniel Boone Conservation area is a bit on the basic side but covers 3,520 acres of protected land. It’s deep valleys, glades, and wooded hills are pretty much paradise to the outdoor enthusiast. The Danielle Boone Conservation Area is fully primitive– there’s no electricity, running water, restrooms, and limited cell service in the area. It’s also open year-round but doesn’t allow fires of any kind, so winter camping isn’t much of an option here.
The conservation area offers 10 primitive camping areas. Nine of them have a parking lot nearby. Campers are welcome to explore the area’s 7-mile multi-use trail by foot or on a bicycle. Along the way, you’re sure to see songbirds, woodpeckers, whitetail deer, and other animals. Plus there are a handful of ponds open for fishing.
Camp Here4. Lazy Day Campground in Danville, MO
Image from The Dyrt camper Ruby R.
Folks willing to travel just a touch farther can find the Lazy Day Campground, just about 30 minutes north of downtown Hermann, MO. Lazy Day welcomes both RV and tent campers. RV owners can find full hookup sites and pull-through sites with just electric and water. Tent campers can find electric sites as well.
Plus, Lazy Day has a general store on site. The store stocks food, RV supplies, flashlights, and fishing worms (and a few other things you may have forgotten). Both pets and fires are allowed here so long as they’re kept under control. And the price per night is $20-$22 for tent campers and $30-$38 for RV campers, depending on what hookups you choose.
“It’s quiet and peaceful. You can also fish here and they have lots of movies for rent. The laundry and bathrooms/showers are adorable. The sites are well spaced and nice and level. Nancy and her husband are so very nice!” —The Dyrt camper Darlene T.
Camp Here5. Graham Cave State Park in Montgomery City, MO
Image from The Dyrt camper Curtis M.
Another option about equally as far from Hermann is Graham Cave State Park. Located about 28 minutes northwest of downtown Hermann, the park offers basic and electric campsites as well as RV spots. Guests are welcome to use the park’s water hookups, showers, laundry facilities, and dump station. The park is open year-round, but water is only available during the on-season (between April 1 and October 31). This is also the only time firewood is sold at the park. Reservations can be made during the on-season as well for $8.50. The rest of the year, the campsites are first come, first serve.
Aside from the easy-to-reach amenities that Graham Cave State Park has to offer, there’s also plenty of exploring to take advantage of. As the park’s name implies, Graham Cave is home to a massive cave, which once provided shelter to early hunter-gatherers. Visitors can check out the mouth of the cave, and the park’s interpretive exhibits nearby. Plus, there’s plenty of hiking, boating, and fishing to do in between history lessons.
“One of the things I really liked were the covered picnic tables at most sites (a few sites didn’t have the small pavilions, but more did than didn’t). Sites were level-ish and had good hammock trees. The hike on the Loutre Trail is amazing!” —The Dyrt camper Annie C.
Camp Here6. Pin Oak Creek Campground in Villa Ridge, MO
Image from The Dyrt camper Carrie A.
If you’re looking to stay a little closer to the St. Louis area during your trip, the Pin Oak Creek Campground is your best bet. Located 49 minutes southeast of Hermann, MO, Pin Oak Creek offers RV and tent camping throughout the year. Campers are welcome to use the showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities at the site. Plus, Pin Oak Creek has a well-stocked general store.
Summer guests can enjoy the campground’s swimming pool and catch-release-pond. Plus, it’s close enough to the Meramec River for a daytime float trip. The campground costs between $40 and $50 per night and is ideal for families looking to keep the kids entertained during their trip.
“Stayed there for a week last summer. Sites at the back of the property are large. Sites in the middle seemed more crowded. The facility was clean, owners and staff were friendly. Fishing pond was a blast for the kids!” —The Dyrt camper Chad H.
Camp Here7. Cuivre River State Park in Troy, MO
Image from The Dyrt camper Annie C.
About an hour northeast of Hermann, Cuivre River State Park has just about anything a camper could ask for. Cuivre River has sites for RVs, tents, equestrian campers, and even yurts. Plus, it offers water and electric hookups, an RV dump station, showers, and firewood for sale.
There’s plenty of room to breathe between each campsite. Plus, there’s a lake on the grounds where campers can enjoy a swimming beach and tube rentals. However, ticks can be a bit of a problem in this area during the summertime. Be sure to bring plenty of bug spray for you and all of your gear if you plan on visiting during tick season.
“Great place for a leisurely hike around the lake. They also have reservable spots in their campground, which is a quick drive from the beach area, and you are also able to rent kayaks and canoes! Great secret swimming hole worth the walk down the creek bed!” —The Dyrt camper Hannah S.
Camp Here8. Meramec State Park in Sullivan, MO
Image from The Dyrt camper Annie C.
Meramec State Park is the farthest campground on this list, at an hour and ten minutes south of Hermann, MO. However, it’s also one of the most popular places to stay in the area, and arguably the most fascinating place as well. Campers at Meramec State Park will find a huge selection of camp setups, including more than 50 primitive, walk-in sites, more than 100 electric-only sites, and 20 sites with full electric, water, and sewer hookups. There’s also a dump station and nearby convenience store. Campers are welcome to build fires, so long as they purchase their firewood from the park.
But the amenities are really just the tip of the iceberg. Meramec State Park is a geological wonder. Among 13 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore vast caves and massive rock formations along the Meramec River. Folks can also find cave tours and cultural artifacts at the visitor center.
“This is a really nice campground. The drive into the camping area has beautiful scenery. They offer basic to full hookups. There are locations that you can hang out on the Meramec River during the day or hike and explore caves. Very well kept and friendly staff.” —The Dyrt camper Denver S.
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