- Cape Girardeau
The best camping near Cape Girardeau with horseback riding
99% (615)
Top-rated campgrounds near Cape Girardeau
99% (615)
Top-rated campgrounds near Cape Girardeau
Public campgrounds near Cape Girardeau
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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James
November 2025
20 ft travel trailer
Great sites and great hosts! John was super helpful and accommodating, taught us how to play bocce ball on the court there, and even helped us with a maintenance issue on my camper. The grainzebo was awesome!!! Can't wait to go back.
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Wilson
November 2025
17 ft travel trailer
With pets
Our experience at Wine Trail Wilderness was great despite plunging temperatures this past weekend. The roomy site allowed for our 2 young dogs to zoom around the field and the pavilion and outhouse were experiences of themselves. Jon was a great host and fun to talk to when he was walking his dog Norton. The location between 2 of our favorite wineries was a bonus. The scenery with the fall colors was beautiful to see. We can’t wait to come back. Becky and Wilson
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Frank
November 2025
Tent
It was fantastic camping on Jon’s land he was the perfect host, very attentive and was willing to work with our schedule. It made for a great weekend of climbing at holy boulders… it’s like 15min from the boulders!
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Kyle
November 2025
19 ft pop-up camper
With pets
This is the third time I've stayed at WTW. It was the first time staying in the far away field and we loved it. Jon checked in and would deliver firewood (if needed). I'm sure we will be back!
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Bryson
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Beautiful campground with an awesome host! Will definitely stay again next time we are out this way!
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Molly
October 2025
Tent
With pets
John and Carla were amazing hosts. They lead us to our site on their 4-wheeler, and even gave us a wine opener to borrow after we forgot to bring one. The campsite had everything we needed and was super clean, level, and open yet wooded. They came by to check on us after the first night. We were able to order firewood and wine from them ahead of time so it was at the site when we got there. This was amazing because we are usually trying to find space in the truck for firewood. They also provide ice water in a 5 gallon jug which saved us some packing space. We came with two dogs so we asked for one of their more private sites and they delivered. Didn’t see any other campers the entire weekend. Location is awesome for a variety of activities. I would love to return with my coworkers and this would be a perfect spot for our yearly camping trip. We also noticed lots of materials staged around the property so it seems like they are planning some improvements to their already amazing place.
This wasn’t a problem for us but I wanted to mention as I know it can be a deal breaker for some. There was not a bathroom with running water, just a private privy in one of those little portable tents. It was cleaned and stocked and very much appreciated.
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Samuel
October 2025
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
The area was very accessible and was set up in a really nice convenient way. Jon met us at the driveway, greeted us with a warm smile and helped us get our water situated. After that he assisted me getting the trailer leveled and ready to go and made sure we had firewood. On Saturday, he came and checked on us and he's an incredible host and this was one of the best trips we had. Being within walking distance of a winery and a very short drive to another one is amazing and it was so quiet. And for the record I've never seen anybody have a better portable toilet outside than at Jon's property (Plus the bocce ball court was amazing and we had a great time playing with some people we met there as well this weekend). Suffice to say, we will definitely come back and visit Jon again and for anybody who may want a really great camping experience there is none better than what Jon provides.
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Travis
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We love WTW! We camp here multiple times a year and it's always well deserving of the best in Illinois title! Everything is taken care of and we just get to setup camp and relax.
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Mimi
October 2025
12 ft campervan
wine Trail wilderness was perfectly situated on Hickory Ridge Road close to two wineries! It was my first time to the wine trail in Shawnee national Forest and certainly there’s a lot to offer! Looking forward to going back!!
Wine Trail wilderness was perfectly situated on Hickory Ridge Road close to two wineries! It was my first time to the wine trail in Shawnee national Forest and certainly there’s a lot to offer! Looking forward to going back JON was extremely accommodating and his land was ideal For hip camp travelers! Thank you WTW !
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Kari
October 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With pets
I enjoyed the evening on Jon's land. He was very helpful amd the site was beautiful! He had a big jug of ice water ready at the site too! There was a ready fire pit, but I chose not to have a fire since I was exhausted and wanted to sleep and get an early start the next day.
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patrick
October 2025
4 ft pop-up camper
We had a great time camping here. Jon was a great host. Checked on us every day. The campground was private. the other guests were very friendly. The trails nearby were very scenic. Would recommend it to any of my friends. We will camp here again I hope.
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Kate & Austin
October 2025
19 ft pop-up camper
With pets
Excellent communication from the hosts! Very nice and accommodating people!
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Spence
October 2025
33 ft Class C
what you see online is what you get… Absolutely fantastic! John was awesome, the property is awesome. Secluded in a great back to nature. . I will be back with friends.
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Paul
October 2025
21 ft travel trailer
Great spot, great location, wonderful host. What more can I say. We came for Snake Road, Little Grand Canyon, Wine Trail and Vulture Fest. Central location for all of the above!
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Jenny
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Wonderful camping area with extras! The sites are well maintained with cold water waiting, firewood ready upon request, picnic tables and a table and chairs. It’s like an all inclusive resort of primitive camping! My family and I really enjoyed playing bocce ball and were very thankful for the owner of the property to come take the time to teach us how to play. It is also in a great location for visiting hiking trails and climbing areas. Thanks for having us!
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Kate
October 2025
24 ft Class B
Enjoyed my RV stay and our host’s hospitality. Jon was a great host who is working hard to make his property a nice place for guests. Well located to explore the Wine trial or western Shawnee hiking/biking.
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Stephanie
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Jon was a fantastic host and made sure we had everything we needed. The site was spacious and beautiful. Highly recommend!
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David
October 2025
26 ft travel trailer
Jon really went to great lengths to make Wild Trail Wilderness a great camping experience. It's a beautiful property, nestled between 2 wineries, and close to the Little Grand Canyon hiking trail. This was our first time using Hipcamp and Jon set the bar very high for those that will follow. He is now the yardstick by which all others will be measured. We plan on going back.
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Tiffany
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Loved this camp site! Secluded, quiet, and Jon is a great host. It's located near so many hiking opportunities and wineries. We will definitely be back!!! 🦉
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Audrey
October 2025
19 ft campervan
With pets
Jon's Hipcamp is quite simply, fantastic. This is our 4th trip to Wine Trail Wilderness (we go every year), and it's a great time every time. Jon's space is well kept, easy to find, and has just the right amount of amenities to escape into nature. Being walking distance from Hickory Ridge Winery is the icing on the cake! thanks again, Jon!
See moreNearby public parks
Browse national and state parks near Cape Girardeau
The best camping near Cape Girardeau with horseback riding guide
Where to go
Trail of Tears State Park
Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the solemn history of the forced relocation of the Cherokee tribe in the mid-1800s. The visitor center shares details of this piece of the park’s story, as well as the unique geology and geography. Prominent lookouts offer prime views of the Mississippi River. Hike trails through the woodlands and along the waters. Fish, boat, or paddle in “The Big Muddy” or the clearer waters of Lake Boutin. Or, camp alongside the lake or river. Basic, electric, and full hookup sites are available, some with water views.
Shawnee National Forest
West of Cape Girardeau, Shawnee National Forest offers outdoor recreation and camping in Illinois’s only national forest, which offers a 250,000-acre natural playground with woodlands, prairies, waterways, and waterfalls to explore. Nine campgrounds are found across Southern Illinois. Pine Hills Campground is the closest to Cape and has primitive sites for both tents and RVs.
Giant City State Park
Deep in Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park is just under an hour northeast of Cape Girardeau. Named for the massive sandstone bluffs that rise like skyscrapers over the woodlands, this state park is a recreational haven, offering hiking trails, horseback riding, archery, rock climbing, and more. The Giant City Campground has tent and RV sites nestled in the trees, offering partial hookups. Other accommodations include an onsite lodge and cabins, including rustic, historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
When to go
As the spring weather warms, the great outdoors begin to beckon, with peeping leaves and wildflowers, making this a pleasant time for camping in Cape Girardeau. The temperatures reach their peaks, sometimes in the 90s or above, in summer, as humidity seeps into the region. Fall is a scenic time to visit, with colorful leaves and pleasant temperatures. Missouri winters are generally cold, with bursts of freezing temps and snow and ice, meaning campers should be weather aware.