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The best camping near St. Francois State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next St. Francois adventure.

33% (4 reviews)
33% (4 reviews)

Explore a surprising mountain getaway south of St. Louis.  

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Community favorites near St. Francois State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Francois State Park

100%
(42)

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.
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from 
$50
 / night
94%
(1551)

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
100%
(25)

Mint General Store & Campground

54 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents460 acres ¡ Tiff, MO
The town of Tiff 
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from 
$25
 / 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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from 
$30
 / 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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from 
$20
 / night
99%
(368)

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

29 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."
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from 
$25
 / night
100%
(2)

Kevin T.’s Land

1 site ¡ Tent33 acres ¡ Leadwood, MO
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$45
 / night
100%
(4)

Undara Studio

2 sites ¡ Lodging16 acres ¡ Park Hills, MO
We have both led lives that involved traipsing about the globe, bouncing continent to continent, but a few years ago we gave ourselves the opportunity to simplify and settle in (or, for Keith, to return to) the Ozarks. After enjoying non-commercial, owner-hosted properties in a few countries, we decided to open our doors to like/open-minded souls, to offer an escape, a place to ground and recharge. In just a few years, through our three offerings, we've hosted well over 1000 guests, sharing innumerable tales and countless bottles of wine. Hosting is just something we enjoy.
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$143
 / night
97%
(154)

Cinco de Mayo Campground

16 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, 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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from 
$45
 / night
99%
(74)

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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from 
$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
Booked 1 time

Mud Creek RV/Camper Parking

1 site ¡ RV, Tent2 acres ¡ Marissa, IL
Welcome to our tranquil farm oasis, where two shaded RV/Camper spots await for you to park and immerse yourself in nature and the fresh farm air! Each spot features concrete pads and is shaded by majestic trees, providing a comfortable and serene setting for your stay. Please note that spots are available for parking only; camper/RV is not included. Enjoy convenient access to electric hookups, including 50 amp, 30 amp, and 110v options. Additionally, a sewer drop is located within 15 feet of each spot, along with a water hookup for your convenience. Both spots are situated in close proximity to our farm and two other Airbnb homes (please be aware that one home is currently under construction). Just a short 5-minute drive away, you'll find yourself at the Prairie State Power Plant, offering easy access to nearby amenities and attractions. Experience the perfect blend of relaxation and rural charm at our shaded RV/Camper spots, where the beauty of nature meets modern comfort.
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from 
$30
 / night

The best camping near St. Francois State Park guide

Overview

About

Less than an hour south of St. Louis is a natural playground of grand proportions, with a rippling river, granite bluffs, massive boulders, and endless views of the rollicking St. Francois Mountains. Unlike the rest of the Ozarks, these jagged hills were formed by volcanic activity. This is the epic backdrop for your adventures, whether you hike through the woodlands, make a cool splash in the river, or paddle below the bluffs. If you have a horse, you can even bring it, too, as several park trails allow riding. Venture through the Coonville Creek Designated Wild Area for more unspoiled beauty.

Notable Camping Spots

  • Best for a peaceful retreat: St. Francois Campground’s basic sites are roomier than the pull-thru sites. 
  • Best big rigs: St. Francois Campground’s pull-thru electric sites provide easy parking, with electric hookups.
  • Best for camping with a group: St. Francois Campground’s family site offers a combo site with paired camping pads and some shared amenities.
  • Best for backpackers: St. Francois Campground offers a backpack camp along the Pike Run Trail.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Unlike most other Missouri state parks, this park is open and reservable throughout the year.
  2. Walk-up reservations are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
  3. Advanced reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays.
  4. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance on the Missouri State Park website or phone line.
  5. Water and showers are available April 1 through October 31. Water is not available in the off season.

When to go

Due to the water activities, summer is a popular time to visit the park, as the river waters are warm enough for comfortable swimming. The weather is generally hot and humid this time of year. Spring and fall are special times to hit the trails, as wildflowers blossom in the spring and as the hills erupt in color on crisp fall days. Though campsites are available in the winter, campers must prepare for the potential for freezing temperatures and precipitation, as well as the lack of water in the campground during the off season.

Know before you go

  • Check the schedule for the Bonne Terre Drag Strip before camping. Since it’s fewer than two miles from the park, engine noise can be heard during racing season.
  • This park experiences occasional flash flooding. Campers must have a means to evacuate while staying.
  • Bring shoes that can get wet and muddy if you plan to wade in the waters or explore trails after a heavy rain.
  • Boat launches are available for paddlers to access the Big River. Motorized boats are not recommended.
  • Within a 45-minute drive, you’ll find two of Missouri’s most popular state parks: Elephant Rocks and Johnson’s Shut-Ins, which have fascinating geological features.

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