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The best camping near Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Taum Sauk Mountain adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

Reach the skies at Missouri’s highest point.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

100%
(42)

Big River Outdoors Campground

59 sites ¡ RVs, Tents87 acres ¡ Frankclay, MO
80+ acres with over a mile of river frontage. Also a unique custom off road park on the property. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and live music on weekends. Tent camping or RV/camper . Campers who need electric are allowed to bring a generator. We have limited electric as of now. We are located just 2-3 miles from 3 different gas stations but are also very secluded.
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$50
 / night
100%
(6)

Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

1 site ¡ Tent68 acres ¡ Arcadia, MO
BaseCamp is respite nestled into the Arcadia Valley just miles from Shepherd Mountain Bike Psrk. With nearly 70 acres surrounded by Mark Twain National Forest, there are many opportunities for hiking, botanical exploration, licensed fishing, mountain biking, equine accessible trails, and much more. There is a small pond on the property with a walking trail and a rock garden that doubles as a small creek when rains are heavy. With camping options ranging from backpacking and tent camping to van dwellers and Tiny House glamping, all are welcome. Adventure begins at Base Camp!
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$18.50
 / night
98%
(299)

Four Creeks Campground

19 sites ¡ RVs, Tents90 acres ¡ Ellington, MO
Three crystal clear creeks to swim, wade, hunt rocks, or just relax. We have several tent sites right on the creeks and RV sites close for just a short walk for swimming fun. Right on miles of ATV, OHV, SxSs or horse trails. Close to the Black River and the Current for floating, Kayaking or fishing. Clearwater Lake for boat rentals or Jet skies. Sites to see, Blue Springs, Big Springs Johnson Shut Inns, Elephant Rock, Rocky Falls, and many state parks to explore. We are also only three miles from the town of Ellington, MO for your shopping needs, several restaurants and antiquing.
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$20
 / night
Booked 4 times

McCrady Acres

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents162 acres ¡ Ironton, MO
Learn more about this land:Primitive camping without electricity or running water. Creeks and streams located on the property. Wildlife is abundant in a peaceful environment. Enjoy.
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$25
 / night
99%
(479)

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

23 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres ¡ Ironton, MO
A wooded, more private camping experience with unique site designs and natural elements. Primitive Camping Van/vehicle Camping Small Trailers Glamping Bike Trails, Hiking, creek sit-in' on site! Best of the midwest biking, hiking, Ozark Trail, rock climbing Elephant Rocks Park, Johnson Shut-ins and more swimming holes nearby! Wood for sale on site, $5 per bundle, Fire starters also available. Ask us about our "Really Good At Camping" merchandise. We have shirts, mugs & wine tumblers! *Cash Only* at this time. We Have free stickers! *For camp site locations please refer to our map in the campsite listing photos. We are located just west of the Ironton Water Works Plant and the Shepherd Mountain Lake dam. Turn right after the dam, drive through Shepherd Mountain Lake Park, open the "campground guests only" gate if it is closed, and please close gate behind you. Thank you! No Hook Ups No swimming in the lake and no outside boats, but we have boats for campers to use free of charge! General Store and restroom facilities/showers coming soon!
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$15
 / night
100%
(39)

1855 Campground

7 sites ¡ Tents45 acres ¡ Black, MO
LATEST NEWS. On April 8th my region will experience a total solar eclipse . This is a very rare lunar event I would not want anybody not to experience this. So check the calendar to see if there is a campsite available. Thank you. We open the 2024 season March 1st with the same wilderness adventure. Campsite 6, Bills Hill, has been improved to give you more choices to pitch you tent. This is a wilderness site, just a fire pit, sits on a ridge top in the forest, check it out. Pictures forthcoming. Hope to see ya here. TIRED OF NOISEY OVER CROWDED CAMP GROUNDS, we’ll give us a try! 1855 Campground is a private natural preserve, dedicated to fostering the natural Ozark experience.   We border the National Forest!! Come enjoy the outdoors at its bests!  This nature space offers seven large campsites generously spaced to provide privacy and the ability to become one with nature. I offer 4 campsites that provides the experience in camping in the woods. Site 1, Little Brushy Creek. Site 3, Bills Hill. Site 6, Hidden Hollow, and site 7, Roberts Mountain. Shuttle service of your camping gear to your campsite is available for free upon request. This land borders the Mark Twain National Forest, so hiking is abundant and encouraged and being far away from the city this area is ideal for star gazing and planet photography. There is on-site fresh spring water flowing all year round.  Enjoy fishing, swimming, or just hanging out at the pond or in the babbling brook that runs alongside the prosperity. There is also an off grid home where I live an I am willing to share my experience with you. Just opened campsite 7! Yes a new wilderness campsite located on top of the highest hill on the prosperity. It’s borders the National Forest an like all other sites it’s very private.Only a fire pit is available. It’s a must see and experience. Those of you who like site 3, the other wilderness site, will like this. This will be a popular site!  1855 Campground is in close proximity to:      Floating activities along the Black River      Johnson Shuts State Park      Bell Mountain Hiking Trails       Elephant Rocks      Counsel Bluffs Lake      Tip Top Park      Taum Sauk State Park      Historic town of Caledonia       Clearwater Lake      Shepard Mountain bike trial  The details:       Campsites are large enough for multiple tents      All sites have fire pits and the first bundle of wood provided is included       All have BBQ grills and tables (except site 3 and 7).  Bring charcoal      Outhouses and outside shower is available      Parking space provided, once check in assistance to campsite is provided       For your peace an quite no vehicles, guns or loud music allowed back in campground      1855 Campground lives by “Leave no trace Principles” take out what you bring  in.      2023 season runs to Oct 2nd      Additional firewood and charcoal can be purchased at office. Campsite fees:  Weekend rate ( Friday and Saturday nights) $30/ per night per site ( 4 campers per site) children under 5 stay free. Weekday special ( Sunday- Thursday night): 40% off! $20/ per night per site.   Note: some campsite can hold more than 4 people, message Bill for more details. Get away from the vibrations of city life and enjoy existence within the arms. Special note to interested campers: The office /house is open 9 to 9 daily through the season. It’s worth noting that the office/ house is “ off grid” that is it is not connected to the National electrical grid for its power. It’s been off grid for over 25 yrs. Bill, the manager, of the campground has been living full time off grid for over 8 yrs and would be willing to field question on the subject during normal business hours.
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$30
 / night
97%
(153)

Cinco de Mayo Campground

16 sites ¡ Tents2 acres ¡ MO
Every morning that I wake up at Cinco I think how fortunate I am to have a place on this earth where I am excited to be. Whether it is sweaty-hot summertime or deep-freeze, snow-covered wintertime I treasure the moments sipping a cup of tea on the riverbank listening to the birds competing over food and mates...or to the ice breaking up with the morning heat. Starting the day this way can sure alleviate a lot of stress!   The tenants and guests that have stayed here make my favorite place on earth truly precious.  Sharing with others magnifies the experience.  Please give yourself the gift of staying here for a weekend.Learn more about this land:Sleep right on the banks of the river or in the clean level yard just a few feet away. Kayak or fish all day then enjoy a nice warm shower in our bathhouse. You can freshen your gear in our new mini-laundromat. Bring quarters or download an Iphone app to start the laundry machines.  
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$45
 / night
94%
(1550)

Spring Lake Ranch

38 sites ¡ RVs, Tents101 acres ¡ Potosi, MO
Spring Lake Ranch boasts countless trails and lake activities. Formerly known as Sayersbrook Bison ranch, at one time it was one of the largest Bison ranches in the world. This property is filled with amazing things to see and explore. Nothing like it in Missouri. Lake is 60+ acres and is spring fed. Amazing fishing, swimming and kayaking. We are pet friendly. You will have amazing lake views and will be close to hiking trails, horseback riding, and wine tasting at Edge Cliff Wineries which is next door to us. The beautiful shower house is super clean, has restrooms and hot showers and it is within walking distance. Firewood and ice are available to purchase; kayaks and fishing poles are available for rent. If you forget something at home stop by our little country store, we might have it! :) The sites are about 20 ft from each other - if you are looking for more privacy please check out the secluded site or the peninsula.
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$15.99
 / night
99%
(118)

Swim/BBQ/Camp Such and Such Farm

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents120 acres ¡ De Soto, MO
***We are on winter break and will begin accepting bookings for 2024 on March 1st*** Learn more about this land: Camp at our beautiful private swimming hole in the middle of a creek. It's fed by a 300,000 gallon/day fresh water spring that runs along the length of the campsite with a community picnic table, two Webber grills, and a huge fire pit. Bring your fishing poles and water shoes! There are fire ring's at each site but be sure to bring your own camp chairs. Folding tables available per site at your request!  Take a stroll around the pond and visit our goats, pigs and piglets, market garden, barn and working farm by adding a farm tour.  Don't worry about packing food in the cooler! As a working farm, we have fresh eggs, pork products and produce available that are all grown and harvested here. Be sure to add those items on at checkout!
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$30
 / night
Saved 11 times

Riverside RV & Storage

17 sites ¡ RVs10 acres ¡ Piedmont, MO
Beautiful, private 10 acre campground with creek access at ALL sites. If you enjoy hunting, hiking, and ATVing, Riverside RV is neighboring 300+ acres of beautiful Missouri Conservation Land to explore. We are also located 2-3 miles from a gorgeous part of Black River (aka Riverside) which is perfect for fishing, boating, floating, and swimming. Our campground is at the center of all things outdoors. You can spend the day at Clearwater Lake, Sam A Baker, Johnson Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks, Echo Bluff, etc! Email us today! riversiderental.cc@gmail.com
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$35
 / night
99%
(73)

Monarch Hill Vineyard

17 sites ¡ RVs, Tents80 acres ¡ Ste. Genevieve, MO
Welcome to Monarch Hill! Tucked away in the hills of Ste. Genevieve County, we enjoy watching the sun rise and set over our secluded pastures and vineyards.  Our hilltop sites offer an open area with fire rings and picnic tables, great for groups or social butterflies. These offer well water at the nearby barn for drinking and showering.  The Seclusion sites are private escapes for those who want to immerse themselves in the sounds of nature. Take in the chirps of frogs, birds and crickets at these isolated sites.  We offer a complimentary wood basket with every booking, and have additional fire-building supplies available. Be sure to check out our experiences to make the most of your stay, and don't forget to reserve a s'more kit! *** April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse *** We are excited to be located in the best viewing path for this year's total eclipse! We will be preparing additional sites as needed for this weekend, so if we are fully booked check back soon or message us to reserve a spot. More information to come as we approach the date.
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$50
 / night
Booked 5 times

Ozark Highlands Forest Ridge

8 sites ¡ RVs, Tents59 acres ¡ Glen Allen, MO
Learn more about this land:We have five camp sites in the 30+ acres of forest surrounding our working Sheep and Cattle farm.  The farm has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly).  If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around!This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands. The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers! We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis. 
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$30
 / night

The best camping near Taum Sauk Mountain State Park guide

Overview

About

Mountains in Missouri?! While Missouri’s mountains might not rival the peaks to the west, the state has some surprisingly high points, with Taum Sauk Mountain reaching a height over 1,700 feet. Unlike the rest of the surrounding Ozarks Mountains, the St. Francois Mountains were formed by volcanic activity, creating a rollicking landscape. Taum Sauk State Park provides epic overlooks and truly adventurous trails. Take a short walk to reach the official high point plaque, or set out on the Ozark Trail, which runs through the park, connecting to 400 miles of trails crossing southeastern Missouri.

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Campsites are all first-come-first-serve, with no reservations needed.
  2. The campground is open year round.
  3. Sites are only suitable for tents since they are walk-in only. 
  4. Facilities appropriate for RVs and car camping can be found at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, in Mark Twain National Forest, and at private RV parks across the region.
  5. Water is available April 1 through October 31.

When to go

Adventurous hikers can enjoy the trails at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park year round. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, with scenic landscapes as the wildflowers bloom and the leaves change to autumnal colors. Summer can be hot and humid in this region, and winter brings occasional freezing temperatures. If you want to see the waters flowing at Mina Sauk waterfall, visit the park after heavy rains—just be prepared for wet and muddy trail conditions.

Know before you go

  • Services are limited with no showerhouse or dump station onsite.
  • Potable water spigots and vault toilets are located near the camping area entrance.
  • The 2.9-mile Mina Sauk Trail takes hikers past the highest waterfall in Missouri (which flows only after good rains). This is a challenging trail, with rugged terrain and some water crossings. A short section of the trail is wheelchair-accessible and takes visitors to the highest point in Missouri.
  • The 400-mile long Ozark Trail runs through the park. A popular 14.5-mile section connects Taum Sauk Mountain State Park with Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, passing through some of the trail’s most scenic spots. 

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