Camping in Missouri: Best Missouri Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
Missouri

94% (5863 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Missouri

Dog-friendly getaways

Top camping destinations

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

660 campgrounds

Finger Lakes State Park

332 campgrounds

Washington State Park

424 campgrounds

Mark Twain National Forest

Available this weekend

98%

(324)

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.

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.

Big River Outdoors Campground

80 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.

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Ironton, MO

A wooded, more private camping experience with unique site designs and natural elements. Wood-burning sauna and hot tub available for guest use. 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. If our "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!

Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

6 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Dixon, MO

Experience the Missouri Ozarks in all it's glory! Our property sits on 7 acres running on both sides of the beautiful, crystal clear Big Piney River. We sit right at the bottom of a beautiful bluff and just about 100 feet from the water! We have a dry cabin, with outdoor water spigot available. Concrete pad with electric and water hookups perfect for a small camper. We also own a large beautiful sand bar on the Big Piney River perfect for setting up your tent or hammock camping (only accessible by swimming or kayak, which we can provide)

12 top campgrounds in Missouri

94%

(1593)

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.

Big River Outdoors Campground

80 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.

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

30 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres · Saint Clair, MO

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors is a not for profit Farm Animal Sanctuary. You will be able to camp with the horses, goats, potbellied pigs and more. We open up our farm so that people can enjoy the outdoors, animals and nature, and the animals can enjoy people! We are a sanctuary for all creatures on earth, including humans. "Today, whatever is good for your soul, do that."

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Ironton, MO

A wooded, more private camping experience with unique site designs and natural elements. Wood-burning sauna and hot tub available for guest use. 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. If our "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!

Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

6 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Dixon, MO

Experience the Missouri Ozarks in all it's glory! Our property sits on 7 acres running on both sides of the beautiful, crystal clear Big Piney River. We sit right at the bottom of a beautiful bluff and just about 100 feet from the water! We have a dry cabin, with outdoor water spigot available. Concrete pad with electric and water hookups perfect for a small camper. We also own a large beautiful sand bar on the Big Piney River perfect for setting up your tent or hammock camping (only accessible by swimming or kayak, which we can provide)

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.

99%

(520)

Selby Farm Horse Retirement

10 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Wooldridge, MO

Summary: Easy access from I-70 Great views. Usually very quiet except for wildlife sounds Portapottie at both camping areas Great star viewing. Excellent conditions for pets Hosts live nearby and are good communicators via text or phone. Hosts can direct you to several local attractions and shopping options. Hosts are happy to take questions before, during, or after your stay. Narrative about Selby Farm: Selbys have lived on this 75 acre farm since 1990. Doug and Brenda are retired from teaching at nearby public schools. Our Farm is now dedicated to boarding retired horses for their owners. Feel free to review the Selby Farm Horse Retirement webpage if you are a horse fan. We encourage you to visit our business website where you will see more farm pictures, videos, and where you will learn more about us. We practice rotational grazing for the health of the horses and the health of our pastures. The horses live in a herd as they would in the wild. Basically, they are hanging out with their friends! They also get regular care and feed and so are VERY happy. You will see and probably interact with the horses if you wish. They are guaranteed to come closer if you have treats like carrots and apples slices. Our quiet county road used to be the main road along the river. A hundred years ago it was called "Shanty Road". The shacks that were along it housed workers that harvested food from farms in the river bottom. The only evidence of those shacks now is perrenial flowers growing in unusual places. The area is inhabited by professionals working in nearby towns and cities. In fact there are only five homes along our 1.5 mile section of Copps Chapel Road. The native Americans who used this area did so because of the great diversity of wildlife and availability of water. Also the view is amazing in all directions. Was using this ridge top encampment for security, or just because the view is so satisfying? The Missouri River is on the far side of the bottoms now, but has been very close historically. There is also a large spring flowing from a cave nearby. Witness the flint chips when you walk through our barn lot. You are likely to see a broken stone tool that was once worked on by a native American. These river hills are composed of soils blown in from the end of the last ice age. Being near the river, erosion has cut down the surrounding area making the scenic topography associated with Missouri River valleys and river hills.

100%

(36)

Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

3 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Eldon, MO

We have a 60 acre property with plenty of space to explore. There are maintained trails throughout and a year-round creek that runs through the valley. Our spring-fed pond is perfect for swimming or paddling around in your canoe. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike along the creek a ways to a beautiful waterfall.

100%

(34)

Sunset Mountain

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Noel, MO

Sunset Mountain is an exclusive adults only nudist campground located on my working cattle farm. Although we cater to adults only this is not a swingers club or sexual campground and we follow TNSF and AANR guidelines for social nude recreation. If you are not familiar with TNSF or AANR you can do a quick internet search and see some basic guidelines for social nude recreation. Sunset Mountain is a nice quiet place to relax and work on your tan. We have RV sites, tent camping areas a bus and camper available. The campground has a bathroom facility with indoor shower and outdoor showers. We have a hot tub guests can use along with hiking trails and a propane grill. Sunset Mountain is near the Elk River in Noel Missouri and close to Northwest Arkansas where there are mountain biking trails, museums and many other activities. Sunset Mountain is listed on the Monarch Butterfly Waystation registry as well. Come stay on the buff bluff! We are located 1.2 miles away from the Noel city park that has free Elk River access, 4 miles to Mt. Shira free Elk River access near Shady Beach and 5.2 miles to the free Elk River access in Pineville, MO near Shady Beach Pineville.

100%

(27)

Hawks Bluff Farm

54 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents460 acres · Tiff, MO

We are located in the town of Tiff comes up as Blackwell too. We have 460 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available.

100%

(8)

Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

30 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Berger, MO

Sage Mountain is a recreational area located in the heart of Missouri wine country. Located between Hermann and Washington on the south side of the Missouri river. Our 50 acres of virgin forest is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, 3.6 miles of hiking trails, bolted climbing and bouldering routes established, and a large impressive cave. We are located near the Katy trail for more hiking and biking. Access to the Missouri river for boating and fishing. On site we have an abundance of areas for back country camping, or we allow car camping in our open parking lot.

95%

(20)

Big River Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents1600 acres · Lexington, MO

At Big River Ranch, you'll always find something to do. From fishing to enjoying the 20 miles of riding trails the Ranch has to offer you'll never get tired of it. - Enjoy views of the Missouri River from the 100 foot elevation of the bluffs. - Over 20 miles of horse riding and UTV trails. - Diverse habitat of deciduous forests, cedars, and pines, wildflowers, ponds, streams, and rolling hills.

Under $50

99%

(396)

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

30 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres · Saint Clair, MO

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors is a not for profit Farm Animal Sanctuary. You will be able to camp with the horses, goats, potbellied pigs and more. We open up our farm so that people can enjoy the outdoors, animals and nature, and the animals can enjoy people! We are a sanctuary for all creatures on earth, including humans. "Today, whatever is good for your soul, do that."

Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

6 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Dixon, MO

Experience the Missouri Ozarks in all it's glory! Our property sits on 7 acres running on both sides of the beautiful, crystal clear Big Piney River. We sit right at the bottom of a beautiful bluff and just about 100 feet from the water! We have a dry cabin, with outdoor water spigot available. Concrete pad with electric and water hookups perfect for a small camper. We also own a large beautiful sand bar on the Big Piney River perfect for setting up your tent or hammock camping (only accessible by swimming or kayak, which we can provide)

Big River Outdoors Campground

80 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.

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.

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Ironton, MO

A wooded, more private camping experience with unique site designs and natural elements. Wood-burning sauna and hot tub available for guest use. 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. If our "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!

Star Hosts in Missouri

99%

(520)

Selby Farm Horse Retirement

10 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Wooldridge, MO

Summary: Easy access from I-70 Great views. Usually very quiet except for wildlife sounds Portapottie at both camping areas Great star viewing. Excellent conditions for pets Hosts live nearby and are good communicators via text or phone. Hosts can direct you to several local attractions and shopping options. Hosts are happy to take questions before, during, or after your stay. Narrative about Selby Farm: Selbys have lived on this 75 acre farm since 1990. Doug and Brenda are retired from teaching at nearby public schools. Our Farm is now dedicated to boarding retired horses for their owners. Feel free to review the Selby Farm Horse Retirement webpage if you are a horse fan. We encourage you to visit our business website where you will see more farm pictures, videos, and where you will learn more about us. We practice rotational grazing for the health of the horses and the health of our pastures. The horses live in a herd as they would in the wild. Basically, they are hanging out with their friends! They also get regular care and feed and so are VERY happy. You will see and probably interact with the horses if you wish. They are guaranteed to come closer if you have treats like carrots and apples slices. Our quiet county road used to be the main road along the river. A hundred years ago it was called "Shanty Road". The shacks that were along it housed workers that harvested food from farms in the river bottom. The only evidence of those shacks now is perrenial flowers growing in unusual places. The area is inhabited by professionals working in nearby towns and cities. In fact there are only five homes along our 1.5 mile section of Copps Chapel Road. The native Americans who used this area did so because of the great diversity of wildlife and availability of water. Also the view is amazing in all directions. Was using this ridge top encampment for security, or just because the view is so satisfying? The Missouri River is on the far side of the bottoms now, but has been very close historically. There is also a large spring flowing from a cave nearby. Witness the flint chips when you walk through our barn lot. You are likely to see a broken stone tool that was once worked on by a native American. These river hills are composed of soils blown in from the end of the last ice age. Being near the river, erosion has cut down the surrounding area making the scenic topography associated with Missouri River valleys and river hills.

Big River Outdoors Campground

80 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.

Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

3 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Eldon, MO

We have a 60 acre property with plenty of space to explore. There are maintained trails throughout and a year-round creek that runs through the valley. Our spring-fed pond is perfect for swimming or paddling around in your canoe. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike along the creek a ways to a beautiful waterfall.

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

30 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres · Saint Clair, MO

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors is a not for profit Farm Animal Sanctuary. You will be able to camp with the horses, goats, potbellied pigs and more. We open up our farm so that people can enjoy the outdoors, animals and nature, and the animals can enjoy people! We are a sanctuary for all creatures on earth, including humans. "Today, whatever is good for your soul, do that."

Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

6 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Dixon, MO

Experience the Missouri Ozarks in all it's glory! Our property sits on 7 acres running on both sides of the beautiful, crystal clear Big Piney River. We sit right at the bottom of a beautiful bluff and just about 100 feet from the water! We have a dry cabin, with outdoor water spigot available. Concrete pad with electric and water hookups perfect for a small camper. We also own a large beautiful sand bar on the Big Piney River perfect for setting up your tent or hammock camping (only accessible by swimming or kayak, which we can provide)

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

89%

(19)

Mark Twain National Forest

Bunker, Missouri

100%

(8)

Finger Lakes State Park

Miramiguoa Park, Missouri

Washington State Park

De Soto, Missouri

100%

(8)

Watkins Mill State Park

Excelsior Estates, Missouri

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

100%

(4)

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

Wildwood, Missouri

100%

(4)

Cuivre River State Park

Troy, Missouri

100%

(4)

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Osage Beach, Missouri

Camping in Missouri guide

Overview

Whether road-tripping along part of the historic Route 66, vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks, or following in the footsteps of homegrown hero Mark Twain—Missouri is made for traveling. From Kansas City to St Louis, you’re never far from a state park—there are 38 to choose from—while the vast Mark Twain National Forest encompasses 1.5-million acres spread across seven different wilderness areas. Plan your camping trip from May through October to make the most of the forests, lakes, and wilderness areas, or cozy up in an RV through the snowy winter months.

Where to go

North Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri’s largest city, is best known for its jazz scene and BBQ restaurants, but there are also plenty of natural attractions to explore in the north. Head to nearby Weston Bend State Park to camp along the Missouri River, or go biking and horseback riding along the multi-use trails of Crowder State Park. Over on the eastern state border, Wakonda State Park has six lakes to choose from, while the Mark Twain State Park has family campgrounds in the Salt River Hills.

Central Missouri

State capital Jefferson City lies at the heart of Missouri, and just to the north, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park provides tranquil camping amid a backdrop of natural caves, streams, and woodlands. Summer campers flock to the Lake of the Ozarks region, where the huge reservoir is fringed with sandy beaches, golf courses, and restaurants. If you tire of the Ozarks camping resorts, Bennett Spring State Park makes a worthy alternative, renowned for its trout fishing.

St Louis and Southeast Missouri

At the meeting point of the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers, St Louis is home to one of Missouri’s most visited attractions, the Gateway Arch National Park. Nearby, hikers can enjoy full-amenity camping at Meramec River State Park, while Castlewood State Park is renowned for its mountain biking trails, and Sam A Baker State Park is one of the region’s most visited. Alternatively, escape to the wilderness of the Mark Twain National Forest, where you can choose between tent/RV sites, cabins, or dispersed camping in the woods.

Southwest Missouri

Bordered by Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, the southwest is Missouri’s wild frontier. Venture into the Mark Twain National Forest to enjoy backcountry camping in the wilderness, rev up your OHV and tackle the off-road trails of St Joe State Park, or fish for rainbow trout in the stocked waters of Roaring River State Park. Finally, don’t miss the hike to Grand Falls. The 163-foot wide waterfall is Missouri’s largest, and lies just outside of Joplin.