40 Best Camping Spots in Missouri

Missouri is most known for the cities of St. Louis and Kansas City which lie near the eastern and western borders of the state. In between, there are a ton of great camping spots. They have a great state park system with options all around the state, and there are plenty of private campgrounds as well.

There are countless options for camping in Missouri with everything from backpacking campsites to huge RV parks, so finding the best options can seem a little bit daunting. We put together a list of what we think are the 40 best camping spots in Missouri to help planning your camping vacation go a little easier.

This list encompasses 40 different camping areas that are located all over the state of Missouri. We did the research and put together this list and the details you need to know before you reserve a camping spot. Let's jump in and take a look at our favorite camping spots in Missouri

1. Cuivre River State Park

Credit: MissouriDNRPhoto / Flickr

Less than an hour from St. Louis, Cuivre River State Park is a perfect escape for nature lovers who want an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Much of northern Missouri is agricultural land. However, this park is a hidden gem where you can find a lake, hiking trails, horse trails, fishing, and more.

Both basics and full-hookup sites are available to reserve up to 12 months in advance. They offer platform tens sites, RV and trailer sites, tent sites as well as equestrian campsites.

Showers, laundry, water, firewood, and an RV dump station are all available onsite. This is an excellent park for families, and there are plenty of things to do.

2. Hawn State Park

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Hawn State Park is a peaceful and scenic park with lots of interesting stuff to do and see for nature and geology lovers. The park has several different types of exposed rock to find.

They have four hiking trails that range from less than a mile to the 9.5-mile Whispering Pine Trail. Birdwatchers love to spend the day searching for some of the many species of birds that can be seen here.

They have backpacking campsites in the backcountry as well as primary or electric sites in their campground. They have water and showers, but they aren't available during winter. There is potable water available from the frost-free spigot during the winter.

Related Read: 65 BEST Things to Do in Missouri

3. Long Branch State Park

Campers who want to spend some time on the lake and enjoy water sports will love Long Branch State Park. The lake has three boat ramps, a swimming beach, day-use areas, hiking trails, and a marina store.

Fishing is very popular in the lake, and the trails will take you through some of the last remaining parts of the savanna and prairie in this area.

The park offers basic and electric campsites. They offer restrooms, but the showers are only available during the warm months. They also offer five boat-in campsites that have a fire ring, lantern, and picnic table.

4. Knob Noster State Park

Credit: David Arbogast / Flickr

Knob Noster State Park offers plenty of outdoor activities for fishermen, mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders.

The river provides excellent fishing, and the calm waters are great for paddle sports like kayaking or paddleboarding. They also offer interpretive programs where kids can learn more about the local nature and geography.

The campsite has basic and electric sites that can accommodate an RV or trailer. The McAdoo Trail has two backpacking sites as well. Restrooms, showers, and water are available during the warm months, and an RV dump station is onsite.

5. Lake Paradise Camping Resort

The Lake Paradise Camping Resort has quite a large campsite that is intertwined among Lake Paradise and several other smaller lakes and creeks that are in the area.

There are tons to do here, like enjoying the lakes, their massive swimming pool, a mini-golf course, a full-service restaurant, an ice cream shop, and more. You can also rent a golf cart to drive around the property.

The campground has 100 campsites plus 500 RV sites. They offer waterfront and pull-through sites as well as tent sites and a few cabins that you can choose from. They offer laundry, restrooms, and shower facilities onsite as well.

6. Meramec Caverns Campground

Meramec Caverns Campground is a great camping spot for families. They offer tours that will take you underground into Meramec Caverns, where you can see centuries of geological history.

You can also ride their zipline, pan for gold, or try to conquer their climbing wall. You can also take an excursion tour or float down the Meramec River. The campground has primitive tent sites and 40 RV sites that have electric hookups.

If you are lucky, you may be able to reserve a beautiful riverfront campsite. They offer showers, restrooms, and a concession stand. Camping is available from April through October.

7. Kozy Kaboose - KOA St. Louis West

Credit: KOA

KOA offers reliable service all over the country, but if you are looking for something unique, then check out the Kozy Caboose at the KOA St. Louis West Campground.

You will stay in a retired caboose that has been completely retrofitted to offer the best comfort while giving you and your kids a unique camping experience.

The caboose has two single beds and a queen bed, a full bath with tub and shower, a mini-fridge, A/C and Heat, a TV with more than 20 channels, and more. It is located right near the pool and has a fire ring to enjoy a campfire outside.

From the outside, it looks like a regular caboose, but inside is a totally modernized interior that will be both comfortable and fun for the whole family.

Related Read: 30 Best St. Louis Hikes

8. Silver Dollar City's Wilderness Campground

The Silver Dollar City's Wilderness Campground is a family favorite for many reasons. They have a pool, a game room with a pool table and board games, and a general store and cafe on site.

One of the biggest attractions is the free shuttle to the Silver Dollar City theme park or the White Water water park.

The campsite has RV and tent sites as well as fully-equipped cabins. They offer full hookup pull-through or primary areas with both 30 and 50-amp options. They also have primary RV sites with 30-amp electric hookups but no sewer or water connections.

Most of the log cabins have a kitchenette; the ones without a kitchenette at least have a microwave and a mini-fridge. There are plenty of camping options to choose from, so you can find exactly what you are looking for.

9. Magic Tipi Retreat

Credit: VRBO

This TeePee is located in the middle of the woods, just a little bit south of St. Louis, and will give you a unique camping experience that is perfect for romantic getaways.

The hosts live on the property, but you will be in a secluded area without noise. The property has walking trails, picnic areas, swings, a little library, and more.

The teepee has two queen beds and two twin cots. The hosts provide all of the linens and towels that you will need, fresh teas and coffees, a gas grill, a hammock, a propane fireplace, and more.

Nearby is a bathhouse with a mini-kitchenette. The hosts are also nearby to help with any other needs that may come up.

Related Read: 15 Best Romantic Getaways in Missouri

10. Big Creek RV Park

Big Creek RV Park is an excellent getaway for RV campers. The park is just 5 miles from Annapolis, MO, and has 65 RV sites. All sites have 30 or 50-amp hookups with water, sewer, and cable TV. The entire park also has free WiFi.

They have showers, laundry facilities, a game room, a swimming pool, a propane fill station, and a camp store.

The creek is excellent for fishing and floating and provides the peaceful sounds of running water to enjoy during your stay at the park. The park regularly offers events and activities to entertain kids of all ages.

11. Table Rock State Park

Credit: Jerry Spain / Flickr

Table Rock State Park is a beautiful getaway that will keep you fully immersed in nature while still being close enough to enjoy everything that the city of Branson has to offer.

The park has hiking and biking trails, boating, swimming, scuba diving, and more. The marina on the lake has rentals for ski boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and more.

The two camping areas have primary sites, electric sites, and full hookup sites that go around the shore of the lake.

They also have a yurt available for those who don't want to stay in a tent or RV. They also have restrooms, laundry, an RV dumpsite, and seasonal showers.

12. Roaring River State Park

Credit: mostateparks / Flickr

Roaring River State Park is a fisherman's dream. This is one of the most popular state parks in Missouri, and fishermen flock to the stocked waters here year-round to fish for trout. There is also a nature center, hiking trails, and a playground.

The campground offers basic and electric tent sites, full-hookup RV sites, cabins, and more. They have three different camping areas to choose from.

You will find water, laundry, restrooms, showers, and an RV dumpsite. The camping options have a little bit of everything so that everyone will find their perfect match.

13. Montauk State Park

Credit: CMFrango / Flickr

This is another haven for fishermen who are chasing rainbow trout in the Current River. The park is located in the Pigeon Creek Basin and has some of the best trout fishing in the Midwest. Montauk State Park offers a nature center, great fishing, hiking and biking trails, a store, and more.

The campsite has four loops with primary sites or electric RV hookups. The campground offers seasonal showers, water, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, firewood, and an RV dump station.

14. Van Meter State Park

Credit: National Park Service

Van Meter State Park is perfect for anyone who is interested in Native American history. The park has ruins of the Missouri Indian Village that you can explore and an accompanying American Indian Culture Center.

Here is where you can learn more about the people who once lived here. The park also has an 18-acre fishing lake and hiking trails.

The year-round campground has both basic and electric sites for your RV or tent. You can buy firewood and ice onsite, but there is no RV dump station. They do offer seasonal showers, restrooms, vault toilets, and drinking water.

15. Sam A Baker State Park

Credit: NatureLover18 / Flickr

This state park is nestled in the ancient St. Francois Mountains near the St. Francis River and Big Creek. The landscape and cool creek waters provide a beautiful backdrop for fishermen, paddlers, and swimmers.

You can enjoy several hiking, biking, and equestrian trails as you explore this natural landscape. The campground has 19 rustic cabins, two general campgrounds, and an equestrian campground to enjoy.

They offer basic or electric RV hookups across their camping areas. They offer drinking water, restrooms, showers, an RV dump station, and laundry services.

16. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Credit: rdm725 / Flickr

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is a great destination for a family getaway. The park has hiking trails, swimming areas, picnic sites, and tons of natural beauty.

The Shut-Ins, which are known as "Nature's Water Park," provides a fun way to enjoy the flowing waters of the river. The campground has five loops, one of which is reserved for equestrian camping and another for walk-in tent camping.

The others have either basic, electric/water, or full hookups for RV campers. You can find showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, drinking water, and more.

17. Pomme de Terre State Park

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Located on the Pomme de Terre Lake, the Pomme de Terre State Park offers a great combination of nature, fishing, swimming, and hiking. There is a marina with boat ramps for those who want to launch a boat. There are two swimming beaches and plenty of trails to explore.

The camping is spread across two areas within the park. Both areas offer basic or electric hookups, and the Pittsburgh area has electric/water RV hookups. Both sites have showers, restrooms, RV dump sites, drinking water, and more.

18. Prairie State Park

Credit: Dustin Holmes / Flickr

Today, there is less than 1% of the tallgrass prairies that once covered over one-third of Missouri. Much of that remaining 1% is being preserved in Prairie State Park.

The park has panoramic views of wildflowers among the swaying prairie tallgrass. A herd of bison also calls this park home; you may see them if you are lucky. The nature center offers interpretive programs that will help educate visitors about this interesting park.

The camping area has four basic campsites and one backpacking camping area that is off Coyote Trail. The campsites are all basic, so there are no hookups. The park also does not have showers or running water, but there are vault toilets available for use.

19. Echo Bluff State Park

Credit: Tim VandenHoek / Flickr

This park was originally a youth summer camp that has now become a Missouri State Park. Echo Bluff State Park has stunning natural landscapes and various things to explore.

It is popular for hiking and swimming, floating, or fishing in the river. The park has lots of modern amenities that make it easier for those with less outdoor experience to get their feet wet.

The camping area has basic walk-in sites, electric/water sites, and full RV hookup sites. The showers and restrooms are open year-round, and there are water spigots where you can get drinkable water. The park also has cabins and a lodge if that is more your speed.

20. Trail of Tears State Park

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Trail of Tears State Park provides visitors with a look back and a better understanding of what the Cherokee Indian Groups went through on their path while being relocated to Oklahoma.

This park is the site where 9 of the 13 groups crossed the Mississippi River during this period. The park has fishing, hiking, picnicking, horse trails, and a visitor center where you can learn more about the suffering that the Cherokee endured during the Trail of Tears.

The campground has basic, electric, and full hookups available with showers, restrooms, vault toilets, water, a boat ramp, and an RV dump station.

21. Lake Wappapello State Park

Credit: MissouriDNRPhoto / Flickr

Lake Wappapello State Park has lots to do for everyone. There are miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. Also, Lake Wappapello is excellent for fishing and watersports of all kinds, and the natural beauty will keep every nature lover content.

The camping area has basic or electric sites with showers, laundry facilities, restrooms, vault toilets, and a boat ramp. There are two campgrounds to choose from; Asher Creek is available from April through October, while the Ridge campground is open year-round.

22. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

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If you want to feel like you are on top of the world, or at least on top of Missouri, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offers the ability to climb to the highest peak in the state.

The 7,500 acres of this park provide wooded areas and rocky glades that allow hikers and backpackers to experience beautiful solitude.

The campground offers 12 basic campsites and two special-use group camping areas. The camping here is only for tents, so you won't be able to bring a trailer or RV. They have drinking water and vault toilets available for use.

23. Onondaga Cave State Park

Credit: Shannon Coatney / Flickr

Cave and geology lovers will love Onondaga Cave, State Park. The cave is a National Natural Landmark and provides a great look at the underground world that is very common in the state.

You can take guided tours of the cave to see the stalagmites, stalactites, flowstones, and other structures that are in the cave.

You will find basic and electric/water hookups at the campsite. They have seasonal showers, laundry facilities, restrooms, vault toilets, an RV dump station, and more.

They also have an amphitheater where they present nature programs during the warm months.

24. Bennett Spring State Park

Credit: Al Davis / Flickr

Bennett Spring State Park is comfortably nestled in a valley that creates a peaceful atmosphere to cast a line and try to catch rainbow trout. The fishing here is great, with the 100 million gallons of water flowing from Bennett Spring every day.

Fishing is definitely the most popular activity here, but it is a great place to relax even if you aren't fishing.

They have five campgrounds with options for basic, electric, and full hookup sites. The campgrounds have restrooms, seasonal showers, drinking water, laundry services, and an RV dumpsite. The park also has a camp store and a full-service restaurant that is perfect for a rustic family meal.

25. Campground At The Falls

A perfect choice for the family getaway, Campground At The Falls has everything that you need for a successful camping trip.

You can go fishing, swim in one of the swimming holes or the kiddie area, float down the river, hike, play volleyball, and more. They have a camp store in case you need to restock anything on your trip.

They have tent, RV, or cabin camping options. You can get a full hookup for your RV or grab a primary site. They have restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and fire pits. The nearby waterfalls provide relaxing river sounds and provide entertainment as well.

26. America's Best Campground

If you are after more of a glamping experience, you should check out America's Best Campground. While you can enjoy the outdoors here, this is an excellent spot for families to enjoy a top-end camping trip.

They have free WiFi, a pool, a spa, playgrounds, a gift shop, grills, picnic tables, playgrounds, and more. They have basic sites as well as full hookups. It is a good idea to reserve a spot in advance as they can be booked months in advance.

27. Alley Spring Campground

Credit: National Park Service

Alley Spring Campground is surrounded by caves, rivers, springs, sinkholes, and more, making it a truly immersive natural experience. The crystal clear water in the area is perfect for floating, paddle sports, fishing, and swimming.

The campsite has 162 sites, 28 of which have full hookups. There are showers, restrooms, drinking water, an RV dump station, and a camp store here. You won't have cell signals or WiFi, so be prepared to really connect with nature.

28. Mark Twain State Park

Credit: Yi-Liang (Lucas) Liu / Flickr

Mark Twain State Park has access to Mark Twain Lake, six miles of hiking trails, boat ramps, lots of nature, and picnic areas to enjoy. Bird watchers will enjoy the variety of species that call this area home, and you may see some local turkey or deer.

They have basic and electric sites but no full hookups in their three campgrounds. You can find showers, restrooms, vault toilets, drinking water, an RV dumpsite, and laundry facilities in some of the campgrounds.

29. Harry S Truman State Park

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Truman Lake draws lots of visitors looking to enjoy watersports, fishing, hiking, and nature to Harry S Truman State Park. The park sits on a peninsula on Truman Lake and has a marina with a boat ramp.

They have five campgrounds of basic and electric sites but no full hookups. They offer showers, water, restrooms, laundry facilities, an RV dumpsite, and vault toilets.

Each campground offers different amenities, so check them out to find which one will be the best for you.

30. Lake Of The Ozarks State Park

Credit: Dustin Holmes / Flickr

This park is a perfect vacation destination for families. The lake is one of the biggest in the state and offers plenty of swimming, fishing, and boating.

The park is nestled in an undeveloped cove on the shore of the lake, so it is very quiet and peaceful. There is a boat ramp, or you can rent kayaks and paddleboards.

The camping options are either basic or electric campsites. You can use the restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, RV dump stations, marina, and more in the campgrounds.

31. Stockton State Park

Credit: mostateparks / Flickr

Stockton State Park boasts a fantastic lake where you can enjoy water sports, paddle sports, scuba diving, swimming, fishing, or sailing. The marina has a nationally recognized sailing school.

It is a great place to take advantage of the steady southwest breeze. On land, there is plenty of hiking, picnicking, and wildlife to enjoy.

Campers can stay at walk-in tent sites, basic, or electric sites. They also have cabins that are available to rent. The facilities include showers, restrooms, drinking water, vault toilets, and an RV dump station.

32. Robertsville State Park

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Robertsville State Park is bordered by Calvey Creek and the Meramec River, which makes it an excellent place for fishing and boating.

The park was once a working farm and the clearings from that period are now beautiful areas where you might see some wildlife. There are several waterfowl species that can be seen around the water as well.

The campground has 13 electric sites and 12 basic sites, three of which have a wooden platform to help keep your tent out of the dirt. They have showers, restrooms, drinking water, laundry facilities, and an RV dump station on site.

33. Arrow Rock State Historic Site

Credit: Jerrye & Roy Klotz MD / Wikipedia

History lovers will surely love the village of Arrow Rock, which was once a bustling river town. This pre-civil war town has plenty of history to explore, including J. Huston Tavern, which is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi.

There is tons of history to learn about while taking a walk through history in Arrow Rock. Many campers enjoy passing the time by fishing in the nearby river.

You will find basic and electric campsites and one entire hookup site. Campers can use their restrooms, showers, drinking water, vault toilets, and RV dump station.

34. Finger Lakes State Park

Finger Lakes State Park is home to two ATV/dirt bike parks in a change of pace from most of the quiet state parks. They also have a 2.75-mile mountain bike trail and a 4.5-mile water trail to enjoy.

Paddlers love to enjoy the calm waters of the park, and you might even have success with a fishing pole. Keep in mind you will need to purchase an off-road vehicle permit.

The campground has 36 sites in total that are either basic or electric sites. They have showers, restrooms, vault toilets, drinking water, an RV dump station, and more. Off-road vehicles must stay on paved surfaces, so they are not allowed to be ridden in the campground.

35. St. Joe State Park

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Another great option for those who want to do some ATV or dirtbike riding is St. Joe State Park. The park has four lakes, two swimming beaches, a water trail, a hiking/biking trail, and equestrian trails. Again, you will need to purchase a permit to use the ORV areas.

Campers with off-road vehicles must camp in Campground 1; those with horses must use Campground 2. If you have neither, then you are free to camp in either one. They have basic and electric hookups, showers, restrooms, drinking water, laundry facilities, and an RV dump station.

36. Thousand Hills State Park

Credit: Beth Carmichael / Flickr

Thousand Hills State Park offers a step back in time to a period when this part of the state was far less developed. There are great hiking and biking trails and a lake for fishing, boating, and swimming.

There is also an interpretive shelter that will help decipher the petroglyphs that were left by those who lived here more than 1,500 years ago.

The camping area has 58 electric and essential sites across two campgrounds. They have showers, restrooms, drinking water, and RV dump stations for campers to enjoy.

37. Lazy Day Campground

Lazy Day Campground is an excellent spot for families who want to camp somewhere with a great community atmosphere. The campground can accommodate tents to 45-foot motor homes.

They have a swimming pool, dog park, fishing pond, lake, and hiking trails, and they show a movie every Saturday night. They have everything from basic or electric sites to full hookups.

The campground has a community fire pit, picnic tables, horseshoe pit, and restrooms. Showers, free WiFi, and some limited groceries and RV supplies are also available.

38. Huzzah Valley Resort

Credit: Huzzah Valley Resort

Another great potion for families, Huzzah Valley Resort, is sure to deliver a great time for everyone. They have horseback riding, a restaurant that provides right to your campsite, hiking trails, swimming, fishing, floating, paddle sports, a beach, playground, and more.

The campground has secluded wooded tent sites and back-in or pull-through RV sites with full hookups. Each campsite will have a picnic table and fire ring. You can grab one of their A-frame tents or a cabin if you want more comfort. This is a great family vacation destination.

39. Wallace State Park

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You can find Wallace State Park less than an hour from Kansas City. The park has a 6-acre fishing lake, four scenic hiking trails, picnic sites, and more.

The campground features 88 campsites that range from walk-in to basic or electric. They have showers, restrooms, drinking water, and an RV dump station.

The camping area is a peaceful camping area that is family-oriented. Those who want more seclusion can opt for a walk-in tent site.

40. Wakonda State Park

Credit: MissouriDNRPhoto / Flickr

The six crystal clear lakes in Wakonda State Park draw thousands of waterfowl yearly during their migrations, so this place is excellent for bird watchers.

The lakes are perfect for fishing and will have largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Two of the lakes have a boat ramp, and there is a swimming beach that is perfect for swimming or relaxing.

They have 96 total campsites in their two campgrounds. You can find walk-in tent sites, primary, electric, or full hookup RV sites.

Campers can use the restrooms, showers, laundry facility, drinking water, RV dump station, and more.