Missouri offers a treasure trove of camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking through lush forests, fishing in crystal-clear waters, or simply relaxing by a campfire, these 8 campsites provide some of the best camping in the Show-Me State. Below are the top picks for camping in Missouri, complete with tips on the best time to visit, activities, amenities, and distances from major cities like St. Louis, Kansas City, and Springfield.
Location: Salem, MO
Distance from St. Louis: 2 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 3.5 hours
Distance from Springfield: 2.5 hours
Amenities: Modern campsites, cabins, and RV spots with water and electric hookups.
Recreational Activities: Hiking, canoeing, fishing, wildlife watching, swimming, and picnicking.
Echo Bluff State Park is our family's favorite Missouri getaway for glamping. With scenic views of the Ozark Mountains and the pristine Current River, this park offers both rustic and modern campsites. The park is perfect for outdoor adventures such as hiking the many trails, canoeing, and fishing. If you’re looking for a relaxing camping experience, enjoy a swim or simply sit by the river and watch for wildlife including Wild Horses. This is the newest and most luxurious state park in Missouri with beautiful cabins, tents, and RV spots this is perfect for all ages and abilities.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for mild temperatures and vibrant foliage.
Tips: Make sure to reserve a spot early, as this park is very popular, especially during the summer.
Location: Patterson, MO
Distance from St. Louis: 2 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 3.5 hours
Distance from Springfield: 2.5 hours
Amenities: Tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and a few rustic cabins.
Recreational Activities: Hiking, swimming, fishing, horseback riding, and birdwatching.
Sam Baker State Park offers a beautiful natural setting along the St. Francis River. As the oldest State Park in Missouri, this beautiful campground is a favorite for generations of campers. Our family loved the homemade ice cream, the creek for water play, the cute cabins, and the many trails. Its campgrounds feature a mix of tent and RV sites, some with full hookups, as well as a few rustic cabins. Hiking trails take you through the Ozark foothills, and the river offers opportunities for fishing and swimming. For horseback riding enthusiasts, the park also provides equestrian trails.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall, for the best weather and outdoor activities.
Tips: Consider visiting during the weekdays to avoid the weekend crowd.
Location: Cassville, MO
Distance from St. Louis: 3.5 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 2.5 hours
Distance from Springfield: 1.5 hours
Amenities: Campgrounds with both modern and rustic sites, cabins, and RV spots with hookups.
Recreational Activities: Hiking, fishing, swimming, trout fishing, and wildlife watching.
Roaring River State Park is famous for its spring-fed river, which attracts trout anglers, kayakers, canoers, and swimmers. The campground offers both tent and RV sites, with options for those who prefer rustic camping or need modern amenities. In addition to fishing in the river, the park offers hiking trails that wind through wooded landscapes, ideal for birdwatching and wildlife observation.
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall for cooler weather and excellent trout fishing.
Tips: Be sure to bring fishing gear if you're planning to fish in the river!
Location: Weston, MO
Distance from St. Louis: 4 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 30 minutes
Distance from Springfield: 3 hours
Amenities: Tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and picnic areas.
Recreational Activities: Hiking, biking, birdwatching, photography, and picnicking.
Weston Bend State Park, just north of Kansas City, is one of our top destinations during the spring and fall. It offers stunning views of the Missouri River and is conveniently near the charming town of Weston, making it an ideal campground for families. The campground features tent sites and RV spots, along with several trails providing scenic river views, perfect for hiking or biking. The park is a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers, and visitors can also enjoy a peaceful picnic with a view.
Best Time to Visit: Spring for beautiful blooms, and fall for stunning views of the Missouri River.
Tips: The park is close to the town of Weston, so don’t miss out on exploring the charming town and its local wineries.
Location: Lawson, MO
Distance from St. Louis: 3.5 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 40 minutes
Distance from Springfield: 3 hours
Amenities: Modern campsites, cabins, RV hookups, and picnic shelters.
Recreational Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and historical exploration.
Watkins Mill State Park is our family's favorite Missouri site for tent camping. It features paved trails for biking, hiking paths, a swimming beach, and a small lake perfect for kayaking, making it an ideal retreat in Northwestern Missouri. The campground is famous for its historic mill and the nearby Watkins Mill Historic Site. It offers diverse camping options, including modern campsites, cabins, and RV spots. Guests can fish in the park's lake, swim, or visit the historic mill. The park's trails are excellent for hiking and biking, with the added advantage of exploring the park's history.
Best Time to Visit: Summer and fall, especially for those interested in historical exploration.
Tips: Visit the historic mill for a unique educational experience while enjoying nature.
Location: Lebanon, MO
Distance from St. Louis: 2.5 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 2.5 hours
Distance from Springfield: 40 minutes
Amenities: Modern campsites, cabins, RV sites with full hookups.
Recreational Activities: Fishing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, and birdwatching.
Bennett Springs State Park is a haven for trout fishermen, with crystal-clear waters perfect for fishing. The park offers a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. In addition to fishing, visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming in the park’s designated swimming pool, or canoeing down the Spring River. The park is also known for its excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Best Time to Visit: Spring for trout season, and summer for the full experience of hiking and swimming.
Tips: Get an early start if you plan on fishing—the park can get busy, especially during trout season.
Location: St. James, MO
Distance from St. Louis: 1.5 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 3.5 hours
Distance from Springfield: 2.5 hours
Amenities: RV sites with water and electric hookups, tent camping, cabins, and picnic areas.
Recreational Activities: Hiking, fishing, kayaking, cave tours, and swimming.
Maramec Spring Park (not to be confused with Meramec State Park) is one of Missouri's most beautiful destinations and a must-visit for our family whenever we travel to St. Louis. The park features a picturesque setting with a large spring and stunning views of the Meramec River. It offers modern RV sites, tent camping, and cozy cabins, making it a favorite for nature enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking, trout fishing, and kayaking, along with tours of nearby caves. Spanning 1,588 acres, this hidden gem in St. James, MO, boasts the state's fifth largest spring, releasing 100 million gallons of water daily. The 200-acre public-use area is perfect for outdoor adventure and relaxation, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, picnicking, and fishing.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring and fall for the best weather and river activities.
Tips: Don’t miss out on the park’s cave tours and other local attractions.
Location: Lesterville, MO
Distance from St. Louis: 2.5 hours
Distance from Kansas City: 3.5 hours
Distance from Springfield: 2.5 hours
Amenities: Tent camping, RV spots, cabins, and picnic areas.
Recreational Activities: Hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, and exploring the natural water slides.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park often called God's Waterpark, is one of Missouri's most popular summer destinations. Our family enjoyed a summer trip to this natural attraction, experiencing the renowned shut-ins. A "shut-in" is a natural geological feature where water moves through narrow, confined channels between rocks, often forming rapid currents and pools. At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, these shut-ins are shaped by the East Fork of the Black River as it travels through a series of smooth, steep rock formations, creating unique swimming spots and natural water slides. While the shut-ins provide a beautiful and entertaining experience, they can be dangerous. The rocks can be slippery, and the water's flow can be unpredictable, making it easy to slip or get caught in a strong current. Visitors should always be cautious, wear suitable footwear, avoid jumping into the water from high points, and never swim alone. It is crucial to check water levels and conditions, especially after heavy rain, as the river can rise quickly and become hazardous. For campers, the park also has tent and RV campsites, as well as cabins. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming in the park’s natural pools, and exploring the remarkable shut-ins where the water flows through smooth rock formations.
Best Time to Visit: Summer for the best experience of swimming and kayaking in the shut-ins.
Tips: Be sure to wear sturdy footwear to explore the shut-ins safely, as the rocks can be slippery.
Conclusion
Missouri is filled with some of the best camping spots for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, these 10 campgrounds offer incredible experiences that showcase the natural beauty of the Show-Me State. Each park offers something unique, whether it’s hiking, fishing, swimming, or simply relaxing by a river. Plan your next adventure today and explore all that Missouri has to offer!
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Sounds like Missouri is a fun place to explore! From hiking lush forests to fishing in clear waters and cozying up by the campfire, it has something for every outdoor lover. Plus, the pictures you posted really help me get a visual of these amazing places—they make it even more tempting to visit! Definitely adding this to my bucket list.
Thanks for sharing. There are a lot of great options on this list!