The best family-friendly campgrounds near Defiance, Missouri

At Hipcamp, we offer a variety of camping options near Defiance, Missouri! Whether you're looking for a family-friendly experience, a peaceful retreat, or an adventurous getaway, we have over 316 options to choose from in this area. Prices start as low as $12 per night, with an average price of $25 per night. Some of our top campsites, like Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), and Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews), offer fantastic amenities such as showers, campfires, and toilets. You can also enjoy popular activities like whitewater paddling, visiting historic sites, and climbing. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

97% (2.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Defiance

At Hipcamp, we offer a variety of camping options near Defiance, Missouri! Whether you're looking for a family-friendly experience, a peaceful retreat, or an adventurous getaway, we have over 316 options to choose from in this area. Prices start as low as $12 per night, with an average price of $25 per night. Some of our top campsites, like Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Bear Creek Farm and Ranch (273 reviews), and Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews), offer fantastic amenities such as showers, campfires, and toilets. You can also enjoy popular activities like whitewater paddling, visiting historic sites, and climbing. So pack your gear and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

97% (2.1K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Defiance

1. Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

99%

(600)

26mi from Defiance · 32 sites · Tents, Lodging

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors is a 501c3 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. You can even claim the cost of your stay on your taxes! All proceeds go to the care of the animals. "Today, whatever is good for your soul, do that."

2. Spring Lake Ranch

93%

(1983)

45mi from Defiance · 43 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

3. Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

97%

(232)

42mi from Defiance · 57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Escape the city! We have a very special property that nourishes the soul and provides space to roam and breathe fresh air. We have 460 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available. Ask us about our kayaking options!

4. McCully Heritage Project

98%

(444)

45mi from Defiance · 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.

5. Such and Such Farm Swimming Hole

99%

(162)

43mi from Defiance · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Camp at our beautiful private swimming hole at the edge of Joachim Creek. Our campsite includes a community picnic table, hammocks along the tree line and a huge communal fire pit. We have four individual camp sites in total, each with their own fire ring. Bring your fishing poles, water shoes and camp chairs! We are a working farm that grows produce, raises dairy goats, pasture raised pigs, peacocks, chickens and more! And while you may hear a rooster crow in the morning, you'll be tucked away from the hustle and bustle of farm life. COMING IN SUMMER 2025: Access to our new farm store where you'll be able to purchase firewood, eggs, produce, pork and more to enhance your stay!

6. Sudden Valley Ranch

99%

(266)

19mi from Defiance · 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. R & T Farms

98%

(27)

31mi from Defiance · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Your stay will be on our small 5 acres farm where we raise Cows, Pigs, Chickens and Guineas. We also have dogs and cats. You can experience life on a farm with all the sounds and smells but not all the work! Absolutely breath taking sun sets. The one and only RV spot we have is very secluded and private. You will have electric and SEWER HOOK UP and can fill your water tank at our house for full service facilities. We have one tent site available as well. We are only 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Come and stay with us, you will not be disappointed.

Camper favorites near Defiance

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

McCully Heritage Project

98%

(444)

45mi from Defiance · 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.

Such and Such Farm Swimming Hole

99%

(162)

43mi from Defiance · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Camp at our beautiful private swimming hole at the edge of Joachim Creek. Our campsite includes a community picnic table, hammocks along the tree line and a huge communal fire pit. We have four individual camp sites in total, each with their own fire ring. Bring your fishing poles, water shoes and camp chairs! We are a working farm that grows produce, raises dairy goats, pasture raised pigs, peacocks, chickens and more! And while you may hear a rooster crow in the morning, you'll be tucked away from the hustle and bustle of farm life. COMING IN SUMMER 2025: Access to our new farm store where you'll be able to purchase firewood, eggs, produce, pork and more to enhance your stay!

Sudden Valley Ranch

99%

(266)

19mi from Defiance · 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!  

R & T Farms

98%

(27)

31mi from Defiance · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Your stay will be on our small 5 acres farm where we raise Cows, Pigs, Chickens and Guineas. We also have dogs and cats. You can experience life on a farm with all the sounds and smells but not all the work! Absolutely breath taking sun sets. The one and only RV spot we have is very secluded and private. You will have electric and SEWER HOOK UP and can fill your water tank at our house for full service facilities. We have one tent site available as well. We are only 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Come and stay with us, you will not be disappointed.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

S

Sarah

2 weeks ago

30 ft travel trailer

4 nights at R & T Farms

We had a lovely 3 night stay on Ryan and Tanya’s beautiful property. The site was large, level and easy to maneuver around with a west facing view. Every sunset was stunning. It was very private with 30amp and sewer. We filled our fresh water tank when we arrived. There are hoses long enough to reach the site if you need to refill. The hosts were easy to communicate with and quick to respond to any questions. St Louis is an easy 30 minute drive if you want to explore. There are also a couple small towns that are closer with provisions, restaurants, coffee shops, etc. Ryan and Tanya were wonderful, kind hosts. We will definitely stay again next time we’re in the area.

K.A.

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

My second time visiting this camp site. I’m a novice at camping. Each time that I visited, I was impressed: friendly staff, helpful fellow campers, and aesthetically pleasing environment, e.g, lakefront view, farm animals, swimming pool, hot tubs available in select rentals and renovated bath houses. Very safe setting for solo campers, couples and families.

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!

This is a closer view of the actual spot where you will park your camper.

V

Vicki

November 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

5 nights at R & T Farms

Ryan was an excellent host! He was flexible with our arrival, kind and helpful during the entire stay. It is unusual to find electric and sewer hookups. It was quiet and peaceful, just what we were needing.

Ben

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

Exactly as described. Nice flat spots for tent camping..we really enjoyed the animals and watching the goats and pigs. Host was helpful and very responsive.. Thanks for a great experience!

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.

Courtney

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Such a great spot for a getaway! The campground was peaceful, well-kept, and had everything we could’ve needed for a perfect tent camping weekend. The lake views were absolutely stunning—especially with all the fall colors reflecting on the water. The bathhouse felt luxurious for camping! We loved every minute of our stay and can’t wait to come back next time to stay in one of the cabins!

Courtney

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

We absolutely loved our stay here! The campground was beautiful—tucked right by a gorgeous lake surrounded by stunning fall colors. It felt like an adult summer camp in the best way possible! Everything we needed was right on site, from fire pits to picnic areas. The bath and shower house was impressively clean, warm, and one of the nicest we’ve seen at a campground. You can tell the owners put a lot of care into maintaining the place. We had such a peaceful, cozy stay and can’t wait to come back again next season!

J

Justin

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The farm and staff are absolutely fantastic! We had an issue with charges, which they resolved with some investment of time on their part. They all I’ve and beyond in service. Helping us find our site in the dark, making sure we had enough supplies and even throwing a pair of jeans in the dryer for our teenager 😁 Truly kind people!

Zoe

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Always a great time at hawks bluff! This land is truly a blessing and I am grateful Elizabeth shares it with us ! Much comfortability in knowing I’m safe and if I need anything I can always ask :) also, awesome rocks!!

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.

A

Andros

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The owners are amazing, the property is very cool, and close enough to town to get supplies. Breathtaking views and a welcoming community at this location!

B

Brian

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Great place! Tons of stuff to do. Owners are very sweet and hospitable. I plan to go back and would recommend everyone to stay. Camping or RV. I pulled a 35’er and had zero issues.

N

Nathan

November 2025

25 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Secluded location. Several options are available for sites depending on services. Rock hunting is fantastic.

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!!

Alan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Stayed here for a second time, so beautiful in the Fall. Highly recommend! Elizabeth is so helpful and accommodating, and answered all my questions very quickly.

A

Alyson

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

I’ve stayed at this site twice now and will continue to return. This is a great place to visit in the fall, the trees look beautiful. The cleanliness of the bathrooms is a great feature. The trails are also nice but the red trail needs to be marked better, it’s easy to get lost in that area. Overall a fun time. My one complaint - people need to STOP LITTERING!!! The amount of litter on the red trail is in my opinion unacceptable. If you are visiting/enjoying nature..why are you littering!?? Be better people and stop littering

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

H

Hope

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Our host was so kind and generous. The land was well-kept and peaceful. Rock hunting as part of the stay was delightful. It was so fun to be around the farm animals and be greeted by the dogs and cats. Definitely a spot worth visiting!!