Butte Lake

I think the most important thing to know about this camp site is that it is not always open. When we went there, it was closed (apparently only open 6/8/18 - 10/23/18, weather permitting per the website).

We were still able to see and explore the camp sites which looked very standard.

The best thing about this site would be its location close to many spectacular trails. The cinder cone is very close to here, and while it is quite a journey to get to the top, it offers spectacular views of the nearby lakes, lava beds, and painted dunes.

Burney Falls

There are many camp sites here, all with a fire pit, small cabinet (think just for storage, no way are they bear proof). Camp firewood is available for purchase on site. I think the best thing about this camp site is that it is located so close to Burney falls as well as many other trails (including the Pacific Crest trail).

Rancheria RV park

Spent a 3 night camping trip staying here. While it is mainly an RV park, it does have some tent camping. There is a central bathroom that is clean. One trouble that we did have one night was the door to the women's bathroom was broken and no one could get in. There is a small lake in the middle of the lot where people can have catch and release fishing. There is a small store and restaurant, but we didn't get anything there. Many of the RVs seem to have been there for some time, every one was very friendly. The camp site had electric and water nearby with a fire grill.

Starved Rock

The campsite is pretty standard, nothing to write too much about, but the trails it is located next to is spectacular. After some rain, the waterfalls will be flowing and the canyons are great to wander through. Should also mention that the nearby Matthiessen State Park also offers some great trails and views, including probably the best waterfall that we saw during the trip. Attached are some videos of us exploring the nearby trails.

First to Review
Brazil Creek Campground

This is a bare bones campground, located in Mark Twain National Forest, it has a place for you to camp and a fire pit, that's it. No facilities, no water, no bathroom, no lights. If that's what you're looking for, then this is the place for you. Just make sure you look at a map before going there as there is absolutely no reception (I checked phones on Verizon and Sprint). It is close to the Ozark trail as well as the the Meramec river where you can go floating down.

Johnsons Shut-Ins

Stayed two nights camping in Loop 1 that provides electric and water, however basic sites were also available. The site was close to the State Park (with a trail connecting to the campground) as well as to a 10 mile loop for hiking (Groggins trail). The bathrooms were good, however the showers were somewhat on the dirty side. There is a fire pit and a grate at each site. Each site could be reserved for a small fee. There is an onsite store to purchase some items (e.g. firewood). On a side note, some of the trails in Johnsons Shut-Ins could use some maintenance. The Groggins trail and Scour trail both had areas where the trail was not clearly marked and disappeared into the brush.