The best campgrounds in Missouri with surfing

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.

97% (50) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Missouri

Johnsons Hobby Farm

1. Johnsons Hobby Farm

96%

(71)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Springfield, MO

We live on a small paradise covering 2 acres. We have plenty of space for 33' foot campers, tents, vans, etc. Our backyard has been designed to accommodate families and the single nomads. We are a small hobby farm with a dog, chickens, a small fruit orchard, vineyard, and garden!! On the north end of the property we created a playground with a jungle gym, swings, trampoline, playhouses, outside polyjohn/toilet, and a 16' pool. This property is pet friendly but be warned we do have a large dog (very friendly)! We have power to support smaller 20amp campers with water and a dump station. An outdoo shower will be available in July 2024.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$18

/ night

Izzos orchard

2. Izzos orchard

1 site · Lodging · Williamsville, MO

Place to set up for a camper up to 40’ water electric and sewer . Kiener springs 1 mile black river less then 1 mile close to two large lakes for fishing boating

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$30

/ night

Thousand Hills State Park

3. Thousand Hills State Park

57 sites · Kirksville, Missouri

Rugged, rolling hills are a surprising find at this northern Missouri park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

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.

97% (50) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Missouri

Johnsons Hobby Farm

1. Johnsons Hobby Farm

96%

(71)

10 sites · Tents, RVs · Springfield, MO

We live on a small paradise covering 2 acres. We have plenty of space for 33' foot campers, tents, vans, etc. Our backyard has been designed to accommodate families and the single nomads. We are a small hobby farm with a dog, chickens, a small fruit orchard, vineyard, and garden!! On the north end of the property we created a playground with a jungle gym, swings, trampoline, playhouses, outside polyjohn/toilet, and a 16' pool. This property is pet friendly but be warned we do have a large dog (very friendly)! We have power to support smaller 20amp campers with water and a dump station. An outdoo shower will be available in July 2024.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

from

$18

/ night

Izzos orchard

2. Izzos orchard

1 site · Lodging · Williamsville, MO

Place to set up for a camper up to 40’ water electric and sewer . Kiener springs 1 mile black river less then 1 mile close to two large lakes for fishing boating

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$30

/ night

Thousand Hills State Park

3. Thousand Hills State Park

57 sites · Kirksville, Missouri

Rugged, rolling hills are a surprising find at this northern Missouri park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

Donna

November 2025

39 ft Class A

12 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

We love staying here. Great location. Friendly host. Great rate.

K

Kristen

October 2025

30 ft Class C

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Johnsons Hobby Farm

Luke was super fast in responding and very friendly when we got there. Be aware that you are in his backyard in town. But he had a tall fence around it and a pretty, central fire area. We would absolutely stay there again!

V

Vincent

October 2025

11 ft campervan

2 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

Great communication from host Luke. Spacious land. Watch for curiously friendly roosters/chickens. ☺️ I was there for just a quick overnight so did not partake in making a fire with complementary wood. Would definitely stay again. Cheers

John

October 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Johnsons Hobby Farm

Very convenient location close to town center. Quiet site on mowed grass with 4 friendly chickens which roost at dusk in a tree near the campfire. Level site with 30 amp power

K

Katie

October 2025

14 ft travel trailer

1 night at Johnsons Hobby Farm

Perfect stopover on a road trip through Missouri.

S

Steven

September 2025

Tent

5 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

Nice camp site. Luke is a great host ……………………………..

S

Steve

September 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

Great place that is quiet and peaceful!! The chickens free ranging are great! The owner Luke was very helpful!

Trista

September 2025

Tent

With kids

7 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

We LOVE it here, very family friendly! Luke is an amazing host, and goes above and beyond to make your stay as comfortable as possible. My son, Aunt, Cousins, and I all love it.

L

Larry

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Johnsons Hobby Farm

For starters the hospitality is amazing, Luke is truly an incredible host. Johnson's Farm is a hidden gem in Springfield. Super quiet and even after the two storms we had his due diligence was uncanning in his efforts to clean up. It's great for just passing through or if you need to stay a little longer. That's the other awesome quality Luke poses he is consistent and true. If you need a spot for a night or two and don't want to pay hotel prices check this hidden 💎 out

L

Larry

July 2025

Tent

3 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

I had the privilege of staying for a couple weeks and Luke was very welcoming. It's clean quiet, it has that country atmosphere inside the city limits. It truly is a hidden gem. It's great for families and singles just passing through. Everything about this place is thumbs up

J

Jamie

July 2025

16 ft car

2 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

Such a cute spot! I came to see my granddaughter be born and wanted somewhere I could park and just chill. The tree on the property is incredible and I love how well Luke takes care of his spot! Can’t wait to come back!

D

Derek

May 2025

14 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at Johnsons Hobby Farm

It was a beautiful space! Two outdoor lounge areas w/ fire pits and tables and comfortable seating and swings. A full kids play area. The friendliest chicken Ive ever met, and the host was extremely helpful and friendly. I absolutely will stay here whenever we're passing through Springfield.

T

Tammy

May 2025

Tent

With pets

9 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

I loved all of it and they were so nice and patient

C

Christopher

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Johnsons Hobby Farm

We weren’t there for long, just to sleep on our journey. Communication was great, bathroom had easy access. Thank you for having us!

T

Tom

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Johnsons Hobby Farm

I loved tent camping at Johnson's Hobby Farm. The campground was furnished with a free fire ready to start and relaxing swings and patio. The location was good access to Springfield and shopping. It was private and nice.n

C

Corey

April 2025

8 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Johnsons Hobby Farm

Luke the Host is a great guy...very accommodating, he comes around to visit and to get to know each visitor. Porta Jon was clean and user friendly for distance to and from camp site locations. Arlo (his dog) is the best greeter. Nice fire pit area. Great privacy fence all the way around the property so it was nice to not have lookie loos. We will be back to visit Luke and his family in the future!

Thomas

April 2025

16 ft car

3 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

It was nice quiet he was a great host would recommend it.

Thomas

April 2025

Tent

3 nights at Johnsons Hobby Farm

It was quiet well maintained I'd stay again and would recommend to anyone

V

Van

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Johnsons Hobby Farm

Easy to get to and set up. Luke is friendly and accommodating, letting me set up a little early to avoid the rain. All the dog is super friendly. Definitely would stay there again.

C

Connie

March 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Johnsons Hobby Farm

Loved all the mini lights everywhere. Very nice and clean place to stay and I felt safe. Would definitely stay again and bathroom was clean! JBell 3/30/25

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping in Missouri with surfing 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.