The best camping in Missouri with horseback riding

·

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.

96% (3.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

B Berry Farms & Co.

1. B Berry Farms & Co.

99%
(215)
16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Elkland, MO
Would you like to try something different than your everyday routine? Well, then come on out to a little place in the country to unplug, unwind, or just enjoy life that's all around you. Our little spot is called B Berry Farms and Co. We are a 40-acre family U-Pick Berry farm and 24-hour Campground with 5 RV spots with 20 amp, 30 amp or 50amp electricity your choice. And we are right in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks with over 4,000 you-pick Berry bushes (and fresh produce in 24' )covering 7 acres, we have something for almost everyone. If you want cleaner, healthier products in your life, we can also help you with that. We are also a natural skin care product manufacturer. Either Bonding by the wood-fired stove in our bunkhouse or cuddling up in the chairs outside, enjoying hot cocoa as it snows. Just looking off into the distance and seeing the sun setting with bursting colors over the rows and rows of berries. Experience a darker night sky than most are used to. Or walk the many acres of colored coated diverse trails, enjoy 2 horseshoe pitching areas, pick delicious berries, throw axes at our log targets, Glow in the dark frisbee, Play 4 holes of frisbee golf, swing on several adult swings, play an intense game of pool on our table, climb a 12-foot high wall, enjoy our 10' bouncing net hanging from the ceiling, play in the many sandboxes, sweat out a game with a 35' professional Volleyball net (ball provided)and badminton(we have rackets and birdies), Play in the new Waterhole WATERPARK play area day or night which sprays water in all directions with water slide, ( Trampoline, 95' kids Zipline, 9'x9' colored swing net, 2 swings, 14' fireman's pole, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, swing bridges amd forts) and so many more things to do. Cold showers, 2 solar-heated shower houses (seasonal frost to frost), 2 restrooms, and several hand-washing stations, or handwash laundry tub. We sell farm fresh eggs, and baked goods(homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins, and many fresh seasonal vegetables as well as picked to order, and handmade natural products.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$6
 / night
Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

2. Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%
(839)
37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Spring Lake Ranch

5. Spring Lake Ranch

93%
(1979)
43 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. **The pool on property is reserved for the lodge guests only, it is not open to the public.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$17
 / night
D'Ranch at Clearwater

8. D'Ranch at Clearwater

100%
(149)
10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stover, MO
D'Ranch at Clearwater is a small, 40 acre hobby farm located on the north side of the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri. What started as a simple love of backyard chickens has now become a dream farm for Tracey Durant and her husband Theodore. Nestled in the valley between two forest covered hillsides, and running adjacent to Clearwater Creek on the east and the lake on the south, D'Ranch could not have been a more perfect location for the Durants to plant their roots and get their feet wet. While they continue their love of backyard chickens with their small egg and hatchery operation know as HeebyJeeby Chickens, they have expanded their interests to an array of friendly farm animals including horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and an occasional turkey or two. 
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
The big oak

9. Selby Farm Horse Retirement

99%
(697)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

10. Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

98%
(30)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · MO
Learn more about this land: You'll have a private place of your own, with access to some of Missouri states most hidden springs, rivers, waterfalls, fishing, hunting, hiking, (some of the best) horseback riding trails, and historic landmarks.  Rather you're after solitude or sport, this area has you covered.  Kayak, canoe, and shuttle rental, service is available at hufstedlers.com and is a short 11.5 mile drive.  Beautiful eleven point river offers blue, red, and white ribbon, spring fed trout/walleye water.  If you're looking to float the river, be sure to research the many springs on the way down your trip and the historic mill communities that once flourished there.  These are perfect opportunities to take a break, eat a meal, and explore the area.  Most also will have public bathrooms.  Unless there are multiple reservations, you will be allowed to hookup/stay at whichever site is the easiest for you to get parked at.  Maps of the area and things to do will continue to be updated as they are developed.  In the mean time, a great resource is MissouriScenicRivers.com. We do not live near this site so this is an exclusively non-hosted listing.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Warriors o' Rainbow Horse Sanctuary

11. Warriors o' Rainbow Horse Sanctuary

91%
(84)
3 sites · Tents, RVs · Reeds, MO
The pasture is quite visible from Old Route 66, nearly adjoining it. Therefore people traveling “the Mother Road” find it convenient to stay with us. Grass is the best forage for horses, especially older ones, so we take care of our pastures, making for beautiful scenery for campers, too. Plus the entire back mile is bordered by old forest. And there is a swimming hole not a half mile away. This is a quiet and private site, bordered by a neighbor's old forest on back, other neighbor's cattle pasture on side, and you're in one of the pastures used by the Horse Sanctuary. (You are camping about 1/4 mile, more or less, from our house.) We regularly see coyote, wild turkeys, deer, fireflies, and the like.   We are just 1/2 mile off Old Route 66, therefore there are quirky little museums and great restaurants (for such a rural area!).   Plus we are only about an hour's drive from Branson. MO. which is a known tourist attraction.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
The Holliday Landing on the Lake

14. The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%
(65)
44 sites · Tents, RVs · Greenville, MO
Learn more about this land: Holliday Landing Resort & Marina offers a variety of beautiful campsites to meet your camping needs. There are 11 sites with water, electric, and sewer hook-ups, 28 sites with water and electric, there is a secluded mini-loop where tent campers can enjoy the same access and amenities. All water and electric campsites have 30/120 amp electric service and frost-free water. Guests may use the modern restroom facility with showers. A dump station is available for your use. Each non-primitive site has a gravel pad for RV campers and parking, a grassy area for tent camping, visiting, or playing, a picnic table, and a fire ring with grill. Each primitive site has a grassy area, picnic table, and fire ring with no designated parking area. For your convenience, camping guests may use the boat ramp and may rent a boat slip for a $10 nightly fee.  Kids and adults alike can play together at our playground area. Camping guests also have access to an inground swimming pool at no extra charge.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Twisted H Ranch LLC

17. Twisted H Ranch LLC

100%
(7)
5 sites · RVs · Mountain View, MO
Welcome to Twisted H Ranch, a serene 120-acre working cattle farm nestled in the heart of nature's beauty. Our campground offers 8 spacious campsites, each equipped with full-service hook-ups including sewer, water, and electricity. For your convenience, we also provide a laundry and shower house on-site, ensuring a comfortable stay year-round. Located just 2 miles from the Upper Jack's Fork River, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you prefer floating along the clear spring waters of the Current River or exploring scenic hiking trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your bike and tackle our challenging loop trail, or simply unwind and observe the abundant wildlife that calls our campground home. At Twisted H Ranch, our goal is to provide a safe and relaxing retreat where you can connect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit. Sit back, listen to the soothing sounds of the peepers, and marvel at the starry night sky. As we continue to expand our offerings, we look forward to welcoming you to our ranch and creating unforgettable memories together. Join us in 2024 as we complete our two cabins, outdoor riding arena, and horse stalls, adding even more excitement to your stay.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

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.

96% (3.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

B Berry Farms & Co.

1. B Berry Farms & Co.

99%
(215)
16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Elkland, MO
Would you like to try something different than your everyday routine? Well, then come on out to a little place in the country to unplug, unwind, or just enjoy life that's all around you. Our little spot is called B Berry Farms and Co. We are a 40-acre family U-Pick Berry farm and 24-hour Campground with 5 RV spots with 20 amp, 30 amp or 50amp electricity your choice. And we are right in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks with over 4,000 you-pick Berry bushes (and fresh produce in 24' )covering 7 acres, we have something for almost everyone. If you want cleaner, healthier products in your life, we can also help you with that. We are also a natural skin care product manufacturer. Either Bonding by the wood-fired stove in our bunkhouse or cuddling up in the chairs outside, enjoying hot cocoa as it snows. Just looking off into the distance and seeing the sun setting with bursting colors over the rows and rows of berries. Experience a darker night sky than most are used to. Or walk the many acres of colored coated diverse trails, enjoy 2 horseshoe pitching areas, pick delicious berries, throw axes at our log targets, Glow in the dark frisbee, Play 4 holes of frisbee golf, swing on several adult swings, play an intense game of pool on our table, climb a 12-foot high wall, enjoy our 10' bouncing net hanging from the ceiling, play in the many sandboxes, sweat out a game with a 35' professional Volleyball net (ball provided)and badminton(we have rackets and birdies), Play in the new Waterhole WATERPARK play area day or night which sprays water in all directions with water slide, ( Trampoline, 95' kids Zipline, 9'x9' colored swing net, 2 swings, 14' fireman's pole, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, swing bridges amd forts) and so many more things to do. Cold showers, 2 solar-heated shower houses (seasonal frost to frost), 2 restrooms, and several hand-washing stations, or handwash laundry tub. We sell farm fresh eggs, and baked goods(homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins, and many fresh seasonal vegetables as well as picked to order, and handmade natural products.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$6
 / night
Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

2. Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%
(839)
37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Spring Lake Ranch

5. Spring Lake Ranch

93%
(1979)
43 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. **The pool on property is reserved for the lodge guests only, it is not open to the public.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$17
 / night
D'Ranch at Clearwater

8. D'Ranch at Clearwater

100%
(149)
10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stover, MO
D'Ranch at Clearwater is a small, 40 acre hobby farm located on the north side of the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri. What started as a simple love of backyard chickens has now become a dream farm for Tracey Durant and her husband Theodore. Nestled in the valley between two forest covered hillsides, and running adjacent to Clearwater Creek on the east and the lake on the south, D'Ranch could not have been a more perfect location for the Durants to plant their roots and get their feet wet. While they continue their love of backyard chickens with their small egg and hatchery operation know as HeebyJeeby Chickens, they have expanded their interests to an array of friendly farm animals including horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and an occasional turkey or two. 
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night
The big oak

9. Selby Farm Horse Retirement

99%
(697)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

10. Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

98%
(30)
10 sites · Tents, RVs · MO
Learn more about this land: You'll have a private place of your own, with access to some of Missouri states most hidden springs, rivers, waterfalls, fishing, hunting, hiking, (some of the best) horseback riding trails, and historic landmarks.  Rather you're after solitude or sport, this area has you covered.  Kayak, canoe, and shuttle rental, service is available at hufstedlers.com and is a short 11.5 mile drive.  Beautiful eleven point river offers blue, red, and white ribbon, spring fed trout/walleye water.  If you're looking to float the river, be sure to research the many springs on the way down your trip and the historic mill communities that once flourished there.  These are perfect opportunities to take a break, eat a meal, and explore the area.  Most also will have public bathrooms.  Unless there are multiple reservations, you will be allowed to hookup/stay at whichever site is the easiest for you to get parked at.  Maps of the area and things to do will continue to be updated as they are developed.  In the mean time, a great resource is MissouriScenicRivers.com. We do not live near this site so this is an exclusively non-hosted listing.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Warriors o' Rainbow Horse Sanctuary

11. Warriors o' Rainbow Horse Sanctuary

91%
(84)
3 sites · Tents, RVs · Reeds, MO
The pasture is quite visible from Old Route 66, nearly adjoining it. Therefore people traveling “the Mother Road” find it convenient to stay with us. Grass is the best forage for horses, especially older ones, so we take care of our pastures, making for beautiful scenery for campers, too. Plus the entire back mile is bordered by old forest. And there is a swimming hole not a half mile away. This is a quiet and private site, bordered by a neighbor's old forest on back, other neighbor's cattle pasture on side, and you're in one of the pastures used by the Horse Sanctuary. (You are camping about 1/4 mile, more or less, from our house.) We regularly see coyote, wild turkeys, deer, fireflies, and the like.   We are just 1/2 mile off Old Route 66, therefore there are quirky little museums and great restaurants (for such a rural area!).   Plus we are only about an hour's drive from Branson. MO. which is a known tourist attraction.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
The Holliday Landing on the Lake

14. The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%
(65)
44 sites · Tents, RVs · Greenville, MO
Learn more about this land: Holliday Landing Resort & Marina offers a variety of beautiful campsites to meet your camping needs. There are 11 sites with water, electric, and sewer hook-ups, 28 sites with water and electric, there is a secluded mini-loop where tent campers can enjoy the same access and amenities. All water and electric campsites have 30/120 amp electric service and frost-free water. Guests may use the modern restroom facility with showers. A dump station is available for your use. Each non-primitive site has a gravel pad for RV campers and parking, a grassy area for tent camping, visiting, or playing, a picnic table, and a fire ring with grill. Each primitive site has a grassy area, picnic table, and fire ring with no designated parking area. For your convenience, camping guests may use the boat ramp and may rent a boat slip for a $10 nightly fee.  Kids and adults alike can play together at our playground area. Camping guests also have access to an inground swimming pool at no extra charge.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Twisted H Ranch LLC

17. Twisted H Ranch LLC

100%
(7)
5 sites · RVs · Mountain View, MO
Welcome to Twisted H Ranch, a serene 120-acre working cattle farm nestled in the heart of nature's beauty. Our campground offers 8 spacious campsites, each equipped with full-service hook-ups including sewer, water, and electricity. For your convenience, we also provide a laundry and shower house on-site, ensuring a comfortable stay year-round. Located just 2 miles from the Upper Jack's Fork River, outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you prefer floating along the clear spring waters of the Current River or exploring scenic hiking trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your bike and tackle our challenging loop trail, or simply unwind and observe the abundant wildlife that calls our campground home. At Twisted H Ranch, our goal is to provide a safe and relaxing retreat where you can connect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit. Sit back, listen to the soothing sounds of the peepers, and marvel at the starry night sky. As we continue to expand our offerings, we look forward to welcoming you to our ranch and creating unforgettable memories together. Join us in 2024 as we complete our two cabins, outdoor riding arena, and horse stalls, adding even more excitement to your stay.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

Camper favorites in Missouri

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Missouri

Stories from the community

Other options in Missouri

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping in Missouri with horseback riding guide

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.