The best campgrounds near Bowling Green, Missouri with hiking

Bowling Green delivers for hikers. With over 500 campsites set up for hiking, you’re never far from a trailhead or a patch of woods worth exploring. Average sites run $30 a night, but you can snag a spot for as low as $22. Many sites welcome pets and offer showers and toilets, so you won’t have to rough it too hard after a long day on the trail. Wildlife-watching and fishing are big draws here, too—bring your binoculars and a rod if you’ve got them. For a tried-and-true experience, check out McCully Heritage Project (208 reviews), Sudden Valley Ranch (208 reviews), or PeaceTree Farms (134 reviews). You’ll find campsites tucked in forests and sprawling across open fields—perfect for stretching your legs or getting off the grid for a while.

96% (633)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bowling Green

Bowling Green delivers for hikers. With over 500 campsites set up for hiking, you’re never far from a trailhead or a patch of woods worth exploring. Average sites run $30 a night, but you can snag a spot for as low as $22. Many sites welcome pets and offer showers and toilets, so you won’t have to rough it too hard after a long day on the trail. Wildlife-watching and fishing are big draws here, too—bring your binoculars and a rod if you’ve got them. For a tried-and-true experience, check out McCully Heritage Project (208 reviews), Sudden Valley Ranch (208 reviews), or PeaceTree Farms (134 reviews). You’ll find campsites tucked in forests and sprawling across open fields—perfect for stretching your legs or getting off the grid for a while.

96% (633)

Top-rated campgrounds near Bowling Green

1. PeaceTree Farms

99%

(236)

9.7mi from Bowling Green · 28 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

PeaceTree Farms is a charming Event Venue, Organic Farm and Outdoor Resort. Hosting everything from weddings, fall and holiday festivals to off-grid camping. Our 153 acre farm has been in our family since the 1970's and has been generally preserved as a wildlife and conservation farm. Your hosts, Katie and Steve are excited to share PeaceTree Farms with fellow nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

2. Escape to North River Glamping

100%

(2)

50mi from Bowling Green · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Settle into The Grove at North River Ranch, a lovely glampground on our 2200 acre working regenerative ranch. Look out on the pond, under the shade of oak, maple and honey locusts. Hike a trail through forested paths, around beautiful wide pastures. Look for protected birds on our Audubon Certified property, and observe deer, fox, beavers and other wildlife in their natural, balanced environment. Enjoy quiet, restful sleep in furnished platform tents with quality linens and handcrafted quilts under beautiful, unobstructed starry skies.

3. McCully Heritage Project

98%

(444)

30mi from Bowling Green · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The McCully Heritage Project is a 940- acre environmental center located one mile south of Kampsville, Illinois in beautiful and remote Calhoun County. We are a private non-profit left as the legacy of Howard and Eva McCully.

4. Cuivre River State Park

100%

(5)

110 sites · Troy, Missouri

Explore this natural paradise in northeastern Missouri.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Mark Twain State Park

97 sites · Florida, Missouri

Once home to a famous author, this park helps you write your own adventure tales.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Sudden Valley Ranch

99%

(266)

42mi from Bowling Green · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Our home was built shortly after the couple married in 1904.  We were fortunate enough to begin our adventure here in 1999.  We appreciate all this place has to offer - from the hay fields to the woods and everything in between.  It is a peaceful paradise we enjoy sharing with others.  Please come and relax, read a book, draw a picture, or simply let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep.  We believe you will leave rejuvenated!  

7. Explorer Valley

100%

(17)

36mi from Bowling Green · 2 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land: PLEASE USE THESE COORDINATES **38.86620, -90.94912** NOT THE GOOGLE MAP COORDINATES. Google Maps sends you onto my neighbors property. My concrete pillar mailbox has our address on it, it is lit up at night and very easy to see on the edge of Dietrich Rd. Six level acres in western St. Charles County. Typical evening and night is very quiet. I have approximately 500’ of frontage on Indian Camp Creek with access to a private and secluded gravel bar. Kayaking activities are available without shuttle service. Indian Camp Creek County Park is less than 4 miles away offering mountain biking trails, hiking trails, equestrian trails, picnic pavilions, and Frisbee golf. Incline Village Golf Course is less than 1/2 mile away. Cedar Lake Winery is about a 15 minute drive. I keep a walking path mowed around the perimeter of my property so the weary traveler can stretch their legs after a long day of travel.

8. Maya Creek

77%

(11)

46mi from Bowling Green · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

310 Acre Oak woodland forest sanctuary. This property is run as a conservancy and land trust with a board of directors. Trish & Cameron are land stewards and caretakers as well as managing the camping. We are Leftie Hippie Punk Burners. We are artists, postal carriers and permaculture farmers and natural builders. We believe in BLM, and are LGBTQIA ourselves as well as allies and support all people and critters and nature and are intolerant of hate and mysogeny. We love providing a safe beautiful place in the woods for anyone who needs it. The woods are beautiful, there's a few spots cleared for camping and there are trails to hike, a composting toilet, and not too far from the highway, but far enough you can't hear it. We have a fire pit, hammock and picnick tables for you to use if you like. We love meeting people and we also respect mutual privacy. We live off grid but have some power enough to charge your phone should you need it. We have WiFi but please bring your own drinking water. We have a small Berkey for drinking water here but its best you bring your own. We are in process of installing some outdoor showers and more tiny houses. We are a place in progress and we live here (so there may be projects in progress) and so does the wildlife and that includes ticks. We have a dog, cat, chickens, and abundant wildlife and please consider this PRIMITIVE CAMPING. We look forward to meeting you and thanks for visiting!

9. Graham Cave State Park

100%

(3)

52 sites · Danville, Missouri

Prehistoric history comes to life at this state park in mid-Missouri.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

10. Siloam Springs State Park

102 sites · Mound Station, Illinois

Discover a well-stocked lake and a well-stocked concession stand with row boat and canoe rentals.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

11. Pere Marquette State Park

100%

(2)

30 sites · Grafton, Illinois

See one of the most beautiful state parks in Illinois.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

12. Wakonda State Park

100%

(2)

81 sites · La Grange, Missouri

A bounty of lakes provide scenery and recreation at this northeastern Missouri park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Bowling Green

100%

(5)

Cuivre Campground

27mi from Bowling Green · 110 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cuivre River State Park

Mark Twain Campground

33mi from Bowling Green · 97 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain State Park

100%

(3)

Graham Cave Campground

36mi from Bowling Green · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · in Graham Cave State Park

Siloam Springs Campground

40mi from Bowling Green · 102 sites · Tents, RVs · in Siloam Springs State Park

100%

(2)

Pere Marquette Campground

42mi from Bowling Green · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · in Pere Marquette State Park

100%

(2)

Wakonda Campground

49mi from Bowling Green · 81 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wakonda State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Christina

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

Always enjoy my time there! Nice and quiet! And the hoot owls love to keep us company!

R

Rhiannon

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

What an amazing place! We enjoyed camping at one of the walk up sites. And we also enjoyed a beautiful hike on the property. The host was super friendly, inviting and informative. It was a peaceful place and very well maintained- from the campsite to the trails to the bathrooms. I highly recommend and plan on coming back sometime soon!

Karin

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

We really love coming here annually to enjoy the fall colors. Beautiful drive up from St Louis too! Firewood available, picnic tables, and cooking grate over fire. Easy to find and quite private. Welcoming of all people too and much appreciated.

D

Dave

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Sudden Valley Ranch

I really enjoyed camping at Sudden Valley. I was looking to get away from everything and a public campground is usually too close to your neighbors. I wanted solitude. The Top of the Ridge site was perfect. The site is tucked back into the woods with was plenty of room to spread out with multiple tent sites in that area to choose from - tucked into the trees or out in the open. It would be great for a family with a couple of tents and still have room for games like corn hole or washers. I’ll probably bring my grandkids next summer. Randy got me set up with firewood and the scoop on the property, then I wasn’t bothered the rest of my trip, well, except for Molly, one of their dogs, that dropped by for a visit each morning for a quick pet.

S

Sarah

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

We had an amazing time, even though there was unexpected rain and a freeze warning…we will definitely be coming back when the weather is warmer!! The campgrounds were very spacious and private. The supplies were well stocked, they think of everything you could need! The horses were so cute, and my kids loved the turkeys. We can’t wait to come back!!

Patty

October 2025

Tent

5 nights at PeaceTree Farms

As always, Katie and her husband are amazing hosts! They had the haunted hayride, and although I didn’t get to go (due to having my 2 dogs while camping), it sounded like it was so much fun from those who did get to go! I left early from my trip due to rain, but love this place and have been many times. Will continue to camp @ PeaceTree. It is so serene and just beautiful!

This is the view from Hideaway Ridge! Come and enjoy.

Daniel

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

Excellent signage and information for all the campsites. Location is quiet but easy to access. Campsite was clean and organized. Lots of additional items provided you wouldn't normally expect. Plenty of firewood. I would recommend to anyone

M

Mason

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to PeaceTree Farms

Katie was a remarkable host with plenty to offer at Peacetree Farms!

C

Cindie

October 2025

16 ft campervan

1 night at McCully Heritage Project

Since it was dusk when we arrived, we didn't fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of our camping spot until the next morning. How awesome to wake up to the birds singing and the reflection of the fall tree on the pond as the sun was rising. After breakfast we took a walk about the property. The "Guess what tree" display by the bathrooms was quite challenging and fun! Although we did not use them, we peeked into the bathrooms - well maintained and roomy with a toilet, sink and shower. After checking out all of the campsites (we were the only ones there) and the pavilion area, we hiked around the northern section of the property (since the 800+ acres of land to the south were closed) and enjoyed every minute. If you are looking for a space to camp in the area for a night or several, this should be your choice.

J

Jennifer

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to PeaceTree Farms

This place is absolutely beautiful, and Katie went above and beyond to make me feel welcome. If seclusion and peace is what your looking for, this is definitely the place to stay!!! I highly recommend and can’t wait to go back!!!

Andrew

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

Second visit. Great spot even in a thunderstorm. Would return again.

K

Kayelyn

October 2025

Tent

1 night at McCully Heritage Project

This tent site always comes in handy for last minute camping. Very comfortable, secluded spot during the week. Showers are super clean. This is our second time coming here. Very dusty this time as they added sand to probably fill in holes. Bees can be an issue during the day so it is recommended to eat in the car. Potentially a lack of wildflowers causes the bees to be extra hungry. S’mores are probably safe when roasted at night. Despite these small issues, still a five. We believe the people who run this project are very passionate about wildlife, preserving this area, and giving campers a wonderful experience.

J

Jeremy

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

We enjoyed our stay at The Top of the Ridge campsite! It was very quiet and peaceful, and Randy made sure we had everything we needed. There was plenty of firewood at the campsite and we utilized the Weber charcoal grill as well.

This spacious site is at the far edge of one of our hayfields/horse pastures. You can see the outhouse is a comfortable distance from the main area.

L

Lauren

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

Sudden Valley Ranch is a gorgeous retreat from the norm. Our stay was wonderful and the ranch is a beautiful place to unwind and recharge. I am so grateful to the hosts for sharing their little slice of heaven with us. I will definitely be back.

D

Dan

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

We visited during a weekend when it was unusually busy due to a local festival in Kampsville. And that really wasn't a problem. Our site #2 was roomy and somewhat private. Lovely place and clean good facilities a short walk away. Super dark sky for stargazing if you walk out towards the shelter house.

C

Christina

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

My granddaughters absolutely loved it there! We had such a good time this weekend! They said maw maw do we have to leave can’t we stay lol! Thank u so much for your hospitality as always and we will definitely be back in the spring!

L

Lee Ann

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Sudden Valley Ranch

I found the site On Top of the Ridge to be a wonderful place to tent camp. There was a table, plenty of firewood, a cabinet with camping supplies and an awesome private outhouse just for this campsite. It was a short walk to visit the horses. The whole farm with multiple barns, fields, trails and really beautiful horses was well maintained. The owner was so gracious and welcoming. It was an easy drive from the interstate on my way from Nashville to Denver.

J

John

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to PeaceTree Farms

Sarah was great, the campsite was very nice and our group agreed one of our favorite locations we’ve camped. We will be back!

D

Devin

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to McCully Heritage Project

I've been going here for years. I trained for the AT here. I hope to bring my kids here some day!

Donna

September 2025

With pets

6 nights at McCully Heritage Project

We had a great time staying at Watkin's Place. The home and location were exactly what we were looking for. The home is isolated and feels remote even though it is only a short drive to Hardin. Plenty of hot water and full kitchen made our stay comfortable and a step up from tent camping but we still had the "out in nature" experience. Our dogs loved it as well. Hiking took us through open fields and forest sheltered paths. Watkins Place was clean and stocked with the necessities, including linens and basic cooking supplies. If you are looking for a cross between roughing it and glamping, Watkins Place is exactly the right fit.