Looking for the best camping in Missouri? We’ve been living in Missouri for years and we’ve compiled the 40 best camping spots in Missouri that we love so you can plan your next trip!
Missouri is a totally underrated state in so many ways, and one of those would be its beautiful nature. Missouri has a pretty diverse landscape including forests, crystal clear lakes, lazy rivers, and over 6,000 caves.
We absolutely love camping, and being that we’re from St. Louis, we’ve been camping all over the state of Missouri. There are some pretty incredible camping spots in Missouri that we want to share with you, so without further ado, here are the 40 best campgrounds in Missouri!
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Best Camping in Missouri: 40 Awesome Camping Spots
Best MO Camping: State Parks
Missouri is home to 92 state parks & historic sites, totaling over 150,000 acres. Missouri’s state parks offer some of the best camping in the entire state. We have camped at quite a few Missouri State Parks, but here are a few of our top favorites.
1. Meramec State Park
Meramec State Park is one of our favorite state parks and one that we’ve camped at often. It’s definitely one of the most beautiful and highly-rated camping state parks in Missouri.
It is located just about 60 miles from the city of St. Louis making it a convenient way to get away from the city. The state park has primitive campsites as well as full hook-up RV sites.
Meramec State Park is situated along the Meramec River making it one of the most perfect and most sought-after float trip destinations. While camping at this park, one of our favorite things to do is go on a Meramec River float trip.
2. St. Francois State Park Campsites
St. Francois State Park, located just north of Bonne Terre, is a notably beautiful park with over 100 campsites that are equipped with electric, water, and sewage hookups. There are also picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and even laundry facilities located at the campground.
St. Francois State Park has the best campgrounds in Missouri for a quick getaway. There are trails to lead to the Coonville Creek Wild Area which gives you access to freshwater springs and swimming holes to enjoy.
3. Hawn State Park Campground
Hawn State Park is a 4,000-acre state park full of incredibly interesting landscapes. There are sandstone canyons and towering cliffs as well as expansive oak and pine forests with tons of hiking trails. That means that Hawn State Park Campground is one of the best campgrounds in MO for hiking!
This state park campground is secluded, small, and super family-friendly too. There is tent camping and backcountry camping available year-round. Most tent sites offer electric hook-ups, and there are special-use camping areas as well.
4. Graham Cave State Park
Graham Cave State Park (located between Columbia and St. Louis) is a 369-acre state park that is known for the iconic Graham Cave. It’s carved into the St. Peter sandstone and goes 100 feet into the hillside.
This state park is a prime destination for hiking, camping, boating, and fishing. It is the perfect place to take in the Graham Cave Glades Natural Area history and cultural significance while also getting some quiet relaxation back at the campsite. There are basic and electric campsites in the wooded area of the park.
5. Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Lake of the Ozarks is a name that you might be familiar with as a popular vacation destination in the heart of Missouri. The Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers an undeveloped cove hidden along the shorelines of one of Missouri’s largest lakes. The park offers both basic and electric campsites.
It’s our favorite place to go since most of Lake of the Ozarks is very built up with vacation homes.
You can enjoy the best of both shore life and lake life with a variety of recreational activities. Swim, fish, boat, hike, and camp all in the same park! You can even step away from the solitude of the park to find shopping, restaurants, and entertainment just minutes away.
6. Montauk State Park
Another one of the state parks in Missouri with camping is Montauk State Park. This park is located at the headwaters of the famed Current River providing the area with cool spring water that is perfect for fishing.
Montauk State Park is also a great place for camping, hiking, and picnicking. There are a variety of overnight camping choices including Montauk’s modern campground, rental cabins, and motel rooms.
There’s also a park store that carries a variety of camping supplies if you forget anything!
7. Wallace State Park
If you are looking for a super family-friendly MO state park camping experience, check out Wallace State Park. This highly-rated park has family-oriented campgrounds with modern restrooms and hot showers.
At just under an hour from Kansas City, Wallace State Park is a serene getaway with a 6-acre lake and 4 scenic trails to hike. This state park offers both basic and electric campsites as well as playground equipment for the kids!
8. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park has some of the best tent camping in Missouri. The park offers pretty much any amenity you could want for camping while still offering one of the most unique geological landscapes to check out.
Johnson’s Shut-In is best known for being nature’s waterpark. The shut-ins are a geological feature that creates interactive chutes, pools, and waterfalls. This state park is also perfect for hiking, picnicking, exploring, or relaxing while you camp.
We highly recommend reserving your campsite as soon as you can because it’s a very popular place to camp and sites book up well in advance.
9. Table Rock State Park
Table Rock State Park is one of the most popular camping Missouri state park sites because of its proximity to the tourist town of Branson, Missouri. Table Rock is a great getaway from the city where you can camp and explore all of the area’s abundant attractions.
The Table Rock State Park Campground winds along the shoreline of a lake which gives campers access to everything the State Park Marina has to offer. The combination of the beautiful scenery and the access to amenities makes Table Rco*k some of the best tent camping Missouri has to offer.
10. Roaring River State Park
When camping at Missouri state parks, Roaring River State Park is an easy and beautiful option. Roaring River is located in the Ozark Hills and is one of only 3 state parks that is stocked with rainbow trout making it a very popular fishing destination.
The Roaring River State Park Campground has many options for those looking to spend the night. There are campsites that have electric, water, and sewage hook-ups. You could also opt for a cabin if you rather not rough it for the night.
11. Babler State Park Campground
Just minutes from St. Louis, Babler State Park has been a popular getaway for generations of Missourians. Babler State Park is a beautiful park to have a family camping trip or to spend time with friends out in nature.
The park offers both basic and electric campsites as well as an organized group camp and a special-use camping area. There are also modern restrooms and a shower house available for campers.
12. Sam A. Baker State Park
One of the best campgrounds in southern Missouri, Sam A. Baker State Park is also located in the St. Francois Mountains region giving campers access to fishing, canoeing, swimming, camping, trails, and horseback riding.
Sam A. Baker State Park has 2 campgrounds and 1 equestrian campground all with electric options. There are also special-use areas and family campsites available. This camp in Missouri is a must if you’re in the area.
13. Pershing State Park
Pershing State Park is a 5,000-acre public recreation area located in Linn County, Missouri. The park encompasses so many different landscapes like a forest, prairie, marshland, and swamps.
Pershing State Park offers basic and electric campsites and a special-use camping area. There are dump stations (which is awesome!) showers, water, laundry, and reservable sites available.
Best Float Trip Missouri Campgrounds
We are huge fans of float trips and Missouri is the number one best state to go on a epic float trip. Most rivers in Missouri have your pick at campgrounds as camping & floating goes hand and hand around here.
Here are our favorite campgrounds that we’ve found over the years that offer floating and camping all in one.
14. Elk River Floats & Wayside Campground
When we go floating on the Elk River our favorite campground to stay at is Elk River Floats & Wayside Campground. It is totally the best camping in southern Missouri for camping and floating!
The Elk River along with Big Sugar Creek, is one of our favorite areas to canoe.
Wayside Campground offers tent and RV camping sites with access to electricity, water, shower, and trash services. On top of that, Wayside Campground is perfectly situated to start your day with an Elk River float trip and end it back at your comfy campsite.
15. Washington State Park
Washington State Park is a public recreation area that covers over 2,000 acres in central eastern Missouri.
This state park is very well-kept and offers basic campsites, electric campsites, platform tent sites, special-use camping areas, and a family campsite.
Washington State Park and Campground also lines the Big River which is one of the best rivers to float on in Missouri. If you just want to get away from the city, it’s the perfect day float trip since it’s so close to St. Louis.
16. Parks Bluff Campground
Looking to float on the crystal clear rock-bottomed Black River? Parks Bluff Campground offers the perfect Missouri camping spots to do just that and so much more!
Parks Bluff Campground, located only 25 minutes from Mina Sauk Falls Trail, is perfectly situated on the Black River to give you access to a large private beach as well as 100 site options.
Parks Bluff has tent sites and RV sites with electric as well as a 6-mile Black River float trip option.
17. Bennett Spring State Park
Bennett Spring State Park is a beautiful state park that also has public camping. There are 5 different campgrounds with options ranging from tent camping sites to full hook-up RV sites.
This park also gives you prime access to the 125-mile-long Niangua River where you can kayak, float, or fish. A Niangua River float trip is what makes Bennett Spring State Park one of the best places to camp in Missouri!
18. Bass River Resort
Bass River Resort is an extremely popular and highly rated campground and float trip destination in Steelville, Missouri.
Steelville was actually the first place that we went after we bought our first camper years ago.
Bass River Resort has primitive campsites next to the crystal clear Courtois River or you can glamp in one of the many cabin options like the Deluxe Cozy Cabins Lodging.
It’s a great spot for float trips because the campground actually has access to 3 different rivers (Courtois River, Huzzah River, and Meramec River) Rafting, canoeing, or kayaking are all great options for any of the rivers. Bass River Resort will even privately shuttle you to the river of your choice.
Best National Park Camping in Missouri
You would probably be surprised to learn that the National Park System manages quite a few sites in Missouri. NPS campgrounds are always super well maintained and are some of the best camping in Missouri.
19. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first time NPS specifically protected a river system. In Missouri, the park protects both the Current River and the Jacks Fork River which are the clearest and most beautiful spring-fed rivers.
The area is perfect for canoeing, swimming, fishing, and boating. We normally go on a Current River float trip.
Since the Ozark National Scenic Riverways covers so much of the surrounding area, there are quite a few MO campsites to choose from in this national park. Alley Spring Campground is one of the best-rated campground Missouri has to offer. It has tent and RV campsites with 28 electric hookups.
20. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is a route that spans across 11 states, including Missouri, that commemorates the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804 to 1806.
Arrow Rock State Historic Site is a part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, located in Missouri, that offers a campground as well as Big Soldier Lake. Arrow Rock’s campground has sites that include electricity, sewer, and water as well as special-use camping areas. You will also want to explore the open-air museum of Arrow Rock which includes a geographic formation and a portion of the historic village.
21. Sainte Geneviève National Historical Park
Sainte Geneviève National Historical Park is a famous historic town that sits along the Mississippi River. This town, established in 1750, was the first permanent European settlement in Missouri and is home to many French colonial homes that you can still tour today. You should definitely check out the Green Tree Tavern, the Jean Baptiste Vallé House, the Bauvais-Amoureux House, and the Jean Baptiste Vallé Gardens.
While there is no camping inside of Sainte Geneviève National Historical Park. But here are a few great camping options close to the national park. Our favorite is Perryville Campground which is where we normally stay. It’s about 19 miles from the park.
Perryville Campground offers both tent and RV camping as well as amenities like a pool and a dog park!
22. George Washington Carver National Monument
The George Washington Carver National Monument is one of the first national monuments created to celebrate the life of an African American and the first national monument to celebrate a non-president.
The national monument preserves the Carver Home, the Carver Cemetery, and the renowned agricultural, educational, and humanitarian accomplishments of George Washington Carver.
There is no camping within the National Monument, but you can find camping nearby in Joplin, Missouri. The best campground that Joplin has to offer is Zan’s Creekside Campground. This campground has both tent and RV sites with some sites being equipped with electricity and water.
23. Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site is named for the 33rd president of the United States. This historic site includes the longtime Truman Home, the Truman Farm House, and additional buildings related to the Truman family.
Again since this is a historic site you can’t actually camp inside the area, but there are plenty of places to camp right outside of Kansas City. We liked Blue Springs Campground which is just 15 minutes from the historic site. Blue Springs has both tent camping and RV camping with some being full hook-up.
Best Backcountry Camping Sites in Missouri
Missouri has some incredible places to get off the beaten track and out in nature. If you’re looking to really get out in nature, look no further than these incredible backcountry camping sites.
24. Devil’s Backbone Wilderness
The Devil’s Backbone Wilderness is located deep in the Mark Twain National Forest. It has over 6,000 acres of forest and waterways to explore. Devil’s Backbone is known for its miles of trails making it a picturesque hiking destination in Missouri.
The Devil’s Backbone Wilderness is also one of the most primitive camping areas in MO. It’s backcountry camping only meaning that there are no electrical or sewage hook-ups or even designated spots. You are required to camp 100 feet from any trail.
We love camping in our camper but the Devil’s Backbone Wilderness area is one of our favorite spots to really get out there and rough it!
25. Bell Mountain Wilderness
The Bell Mountain Wilderness is over 9,000 acres of wilderness that makes up part of the St. Francois Mountains which is one of the oldest landforms in North America. Bell Mountain Wilderness is located near the towns of Belleview and Ironton.
Bell Mountain Wilderness camping offers some of the most unique tent camping in Missouri as well as backcountry camping. The camping at Bell Mountain Wilderness is definitely remote camping with no electric or water hook-ups, but it’s still an amazing area of Missouri to experience!
Best Missouri Campsites in General
Besides state parks, float trip campgrounds, backcountry camping, and NPS campgrounds, there are quite a few other campgrounds in Missouri that are totally worth checking out.
Here are a few of the best in the entire state that are worth putting on your radar:
26. Berryman Recreation Area Campground
Berryman Recreation Area Campground is a small, remote campground located in the Mark Twain National Forest. This primitive campground sits at the trailhead to the Berryman Trail with 24 miles of Ozark woods where you can bike, hike, horseback ride, swim, fish, or boat.
The Berryman Campground offers tent camping and RV camping at any of the 8 available sites. They are primitive sites so there is no electricity or water. This is however a bathroom on site.
27. Hazel Creek Campground
Hazel Creek Campground is located in the Mark Twain National Forest. We love the crystal-clear creek and beautiful views. This campground serves as a trailhead on the Ozark Trail making it a popular destination to hike, bike, or horseback ride.
The Hazel Creek Campground has tent sites, RV sites, group sites, and equestrian sites. The campsites are primitive, but there are picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern posts (which are always nice to have) at the campgrounds.
28. Whispering Pines Campground & Horse Park
Whispering Pines Campground is a small campground in southern Missouri situated near the Current River. This campground offers several electric and water hook-up sites as well as plenty of primitive camping options. There is even a quaint restaurant/bar located on the campgrounds.
At Whispering Pines Campground & Horse Park, you can take advantage of the National Ozark Scenic River Trails, the Current River, and the Ozarks. It is the perfect southern Missouri camping for hiking, fishing, and floating!
29. Bliss Spring Campground
Bliss Spring Campground is an old favorite of MO campgrounds. The campground is located in the Irish Wilderness of the Ozark Mountains. It’s our favorite spot to enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge Trail.
At Bliss Spring Campground you can choose to either drive into your campsite or hike to a secluded location. This campground does not offer electrical or sewage hook-ups, but it does offer the convenience of being located near Mammoth Spring State Park.
30. Watkins Mill State Park
Watkins Mill State Park, home to the Watkins Woolen Mill Historic Site, is a historic landmark of Missouri. There are 19th-century buildings, bike paths, hiking trails, and a 100-acre lake in the park.
This makes Watkins Mill State Park one of the best places to camp in Missouri for families looking for a historic getaway. There are over 96 campsites with most offering electrical hook-ups, and the park even has family campsites for extra space!
31. Meramec Caverns Natural Campgrounds
Meramec Caverns, located in Stanton, is the largest commercial cave in Missouri and is known as Missouri’s Buried Treasure.
It is a 4.6-mile cavern system that was formed from the erosion of large limestone deposits. Apart from the geology of the cave, Meramec Caverns has a rich history and legend has it that it was even used by Jesse James as a hideout.
If you’re wanting to check out Meramec Caverns then the Meramec Caverns Natural Campgrounds is the best place to set up camp.
They have shaded riverfront campsites with electric hook-ups. But apart from just camping, they also have a variety of activities like zip lining, cave tours, aerial courses, and much more!
Best Tent Camping in MO
There are so many different ways to camp, you can go in an RV, a van, car camp, but the most classic is of course tent camping. Some campgrounds don’t accommodate big RVs, so your only choice would be tent camping. Check out some of our favorite tent camping spots below.
32. North Fork Recreation Area Campground
North Fork Recreation Area is yet another amazing campground located in the beautifully diverse Mark Twain National Forest. This recreation area and campground are situated at the North Fork of the White River making it a very popular fishing and canoeing location.
The North Fork Recreation Area Campground offers tent camping and RV camping, but be mindful that only 1 site has electricity. There are no sites with water or sewage hookups.
Best RV Camping in Missouri
33. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday
St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday is a family-friendly campground that is located right off Route 66. This campground is a great getaway from the city at just 30 minutes from St. Louis. It is also just 5 minutes from Six Flags St. Louis!
The St. Louis West KOA Holiday has everything from tent sites to deluxe cabins. There’s almost every amenity you could think of making it a super comfortable tent camping experience.
34. Silver Dollar City Campground
Aptly named, Silver Dollar City Campground is conveniently located near Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake, and many of the other top attractions in Branson, Missouri. The campground even has a free shuttle to the Silver Dollar City park!
Silver Dollar City Campground offers a glamping experience with an abundance of amenities including free wifi. There are tent camping sites, RV sites, and cabins. Each site offers electric, water, and sewage hook-ups along with clean on-site bathroom facilities.
35. Cottonwoods RV Park
Voted one of the best RV parks and campgrounds, Cottonwoods RV Park is a beautifully well-kept family and pet-friendly place to camp. This park is located in Columbia, Missouri, making it just minutes away from attractions like Warm Springs Ranch.
Cottonwoods RV Park features sites equipped with full hookups as well as a patio and picnic table. The park also offers a variety of amenities such as laundry, showers, restrooms, free wifi, and so many recreation areas.
Best Camping in Missouri Ozarks
36. Lake of the Ozarks/Linn Creek KOA Holiday
The Lake of the Ozarks/Linn Creek KOA Holiday is situated conveniently between Osage Beach and Camdenton. This campground is only minutes from all that the Lake of the Ozarks has to offer!
The campground has over 85 sites on 39 acres where you can camp at either RV sites, primitive tent sites, cabins, or group tent sites. Camping here will also get you access to many of the unique activities that the campground offers like gem mining or a game of gigantic chess or checkers.
37. Osage Beach RV Park & Campground
A family-friendly and family-owned RV park, Osage Beach RV Park & Campground is a quiet and secure place to camp all while being centrally located to the Lake of the Ozarks’ best attractions.
Osage Beach RV Park & Campground is a full-service park with a total of 90 sites for either RV camping or tent camping. Amenities at this park include restrooms, laundry, free wifi, a swimming pool, and so much more!
38. Cross Creek RV Park and Campground
Cross Creek RV Park and Campground is the most unique campground in the Missouri Ozarks. This campground is located on 70 acres with its own private 10-acre lake and private island.
This campground has RV camping, tent camping, and cabins, some of which have amazing lakefront views. There is also an abundance of amenities like family-friendly activities, recreation areas, showers, laundry, and much more!
39. Ozarks Landing RV Resort
Located between the hills along Osage River, Ozarks Landing RV Resort is a quiet and peaceful camp MO. This resort gives campers access to spacious sites, a private fishing pond, riverbank access, and more.
There are both RV sites and tent sites at Ozarks Landing RV Resort. The RV sites are equipped with 30-amp and 50-amp hook-ups. Apart from camping, you can participate in all of the Missouri Ozarks activities as well as enjoy the various dining options in the area.
49. Majestic Oaks Campground
Situated on over 40 acres of oak forests, Majestic Oaks Campground is a beautiful and shady camping option in the Missouri Ozarks. The campground is also only 5 miles from the Historic Bagnell Dam and Lake Ozark Strip.
Majestic Oaks Campground offers RV sites, cabins, tent camping, and even glamping tent options. There are showers, restrooms, and laundry available on-site in addition to a variety of activities to do around the campgrounds.
Best Camping in Missouri FAQs
Is Missouri good for camping?
Missouri is good for camping. We would even say it’s one of the best states to go camping in!
The state of Missouri has 56 state parks, the Mark Twain National Forest, and the perfect float trip rivers. There are campsites that meet any preference and so many activities to do while camping in Missouri.
Can you camp anywhere in Missouri?
You can not camp anywhere in Missouri. There is a new law as of 2023 that makes camping in Missouri limited to designated areas and campsites. This law doesn’t necessarily limit you from camping though due to the large number of campgrounds and parks that offer camping all over Missouri.
What is the best time to go camping in Missouri?
The best time to go camping in Missouri is during the fall. You can go camping year round at most campgrounds, but not all of the amenities will be available. Spring is also a good time to camp, but there is a greater possibility of being rained out. Summer is the peak season for camping and Missouri temperatures can get pretty hot in June and July.
Wrap-Up: The Best Camping in Missouri
It can be hard to say where exactly the best camping in Missouri is since there are so many great options.
We hope that this list of our favorite 40 places that we’ve camped around our home state will help you decide where you’re going to go for your next camping adventure in Missouri!
