The best campgrounds near Farmington, Missouri with horseback riding

If you were to just look at a map, Farmington might look like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but this small town is actually located within an hour’s drive of some of Missouri’s most interesting state parks. Imagine looking out on the Ozarks hills from Missouri’s highest point at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park or pondering gigantic pink boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park. While these parks do not offer onsite camping for RVs, Taum Sauk offers basic and walk-in tent sites. Many state parks, national forest campgrounds, and private RV parks can be found across the Farmington region offering a variety of amenities, including free wifi and full hookups.

97% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Farmington

If you were to just look at a map, Farmington might look like it’s in the middle of nowhere, but this small town is actually located within an hour’s drive of some of Missouri’s most interesting state parks. Imagine looking out on the Ozarks hills from Missouri’s highest point at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park or pondering gigantic pink boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park. While these parks do not offer onsite camping for RVs, Taum Sauk offers basic and walk-in tent sites. Many state parks, national forest campgrounds, and private RV parks can be found across the Farmington region offering a variety of amenities, including free wifi and full hookups.

97% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Farmington

1. Spring Lake Ranch

93%

(1983)

30mi from Farmington · 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.

2. Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

97%

(45)

16mi from Farmington · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

BaseCamp is s respite nestled into the Arcadia Valley, just miles from Elephant Rocks and Johnsons Shut-Ins State Parks and several conservation areas. With nearly 70 acres surrounded by Mark Twain National Forest, there are many opportunities for hiking, botanical exploration, licensed fishing, mountain biking, equine accessible trails, and much more without ever leaving BaseCamp. There is a small pond on the property with a walking trail and a rock garden that doubles as a small creek when rains are heavy. With camping options ranging from backpacking and tent camping to van dwellers and Tiny House glamping, all are welcome. Adventure begins at Base Camp!

3. Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

97%

(232)

21mi from Farmington · 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. St. Joe State Park

100%

(4)

105 sites · Park Hills, Missouri

Hit the trails on bike, horseback, or ATV in this adventurous Missouri park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. St. Francois State Park

57%

(7)

110 sites · Bonne Terre, Missouri

Explore a surprising mountain getaway south of St. Louis.

6. Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%

(841)

18mi from Farmington · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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!

7. Four Creeks Ranch Campground

97%

(438)

46mi from Farmington · 19 sites · Tents, RVs

Three crystal clear creeks to swim, wade, hunt rocks, or just relax. We have several tent sites right on the creeks and RV sites close for just a short walk for swimming fun. Close to Mark Twain National Forest, for hiking Rocky Creek trail Head, Blue Springs trail to Rocky Falls, Black River and the Current for floating, Kayaking or fishing. Clearwater Lake for boat rentals or Jet skies. Sites to see, Blue Springs, Big Springs Johnson Shut Inns, Elephant Rock, Rocky Falls, and many state parks to explore. We are also only three miles from the town of Ellington, MO for your shopping needs, several restaurants and antiquing.

8. Big River Outdoors Campground

96%

(106)

13mi from Farmington · 99 sites · Tents, RVs

80+ acres with over a mile of river frontage. Walking trails,Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and live music on some weekends. Tent camping or RV/camper . Campers who need electric are allowed to bring a generator. We have limited electric as of now. We are located just 2-3 miles from 3 different gas stations but are also very secluded.

9. Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%

(10)

38mi from Farmington · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

We have owned the property since the early eighties. We have been a working farm for the last 6 years. We have hosted rrail rides and atv rides for several years and are planning on adding Historically correct Old log cabins as well as a wedding venue in the near furture.Learn more about this land:We are locted between two state parks Mermac and Washington state park. There is ATV and off road trails 2 miles down the road. We have trails throught thw property where you can hike, ride horses or take ATVs. There is lots of wildlife as well as farm animals. We have a waterfalls and streams you can walk in or just sit by and enjoy.

10. Mark Twain National Forest

88%

(21)

452 sites · Bunker, Missouri

Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. Randolph County State Recreation Area

38 sites · Chester, Illinois

Gorgeous in winter too, Randolph County SRA horse trails welcome cross-country skiing enthusiasts.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

12. Pine Valley at Dillard Mill

99%

(42)

43mi from Farmington · 5 sites · Lodging

Pine Valley is located in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest and sits just a short walk away from historic Dillard Mill. Book the entire Farm or stay in an Airstream or Cottage. Group rentals Welcome! Pine Valley is on 43 acres of beautiful green pasture and woodland. Take a hike on one of the trails around the property or go fishing or wading on the Huzzah Creek. Spend your evening roasting marshmallows around your private campfire. Guests will have access to the 40 acres of land surrounding them. There are two ponds on the premise. Enjoy the quarter-mile walk to the old Dillard Mill Store, displayed in museum fashion at the entrance of Dillard Mill State Historic Site. Tour the old grist mill in working form, fish for sunfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass at the Mill, and take memorable photos. Just across from our main entrance take the half-mile trail through Mark Twain National Forest and skip rocks on the Huzzah Creek! Ask us about access to our private gravel bar on the Huzzah. You will pass it, and the private parking, on Dillard Mill Rd on your drive into Pine Valley We may or may not be on the premise during individual rentals. If there are any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out. Other things to note While this space provides most utilities and amenities you'd find at your home, it is important to note it is still a camping-style getaway. We do our best to treat the area, but you will encounter insects. AT&T has limited cell phone reception in the area, Sprint is very spotty, and Verizon is pretty much unavailable for service. We provide the best free wifi available to help with communication back to the real world, but it is rather slow. The best wifi reception is near the General Store/Courtyard. We try and keep the area well maintained. You may see ATVs/tractors on our property and on the gravel road. Pets are welcome for an extra $50 per stay. Please note our dogs may be on the property. They are friendly and well-behaved, although sometimes curious. Other guests may have no-leash pets as well. Park right next to your glamper. Arrive anytime after 4pm, just give us an eta to know when to expect you. If your glamper is not ready upon your arrival, feel free to explore our farm, visit Dillard Mill or head down to the Huzzah while we make it ready for your stay. Self Check-In is always the norm for added privacy. We won't bother you except to wave or maybe say hello if you're out and about. Please feel free to approach us with questions, niceties, or needs.

13. Hagood Farms and Trails

98%

(92)

39mi from Farmington · 8 sites · Tents

We have 172 acres of trails with scenic waterfalls and trees. A pond for fishing and conveniently located with in 8 miles from sevetal state parks and 2 miles from 300 acers of off road trails. We have owned and lived on tje property since 1999 .Learn more about this land:We are a fully functioning farm with Longhorn cattle, horses, mini donkeys and goats that are very friendly. We have 164 acres that have trails for horseback riding and ATVs. We are located 8 miles from Mermac River and Washington State park where you can rent canoe's and go hiking. We are an hour from St. Louis and Elephant Rock State park as well as Johnston shut ins. We are also with in 8 miles of ROMP dirt bike trail and 1 mile from Moonlight trails and racing that is 400 plus acers of ATV and jeep trails. We have a few waterfalls on the property and lots of areas to hike as well. Several areas of camping to choose from, you can be in the woods or out in the open. Spring and Summer months we offer farm fresh eggs and there is always plenty of firewood. We recently added a pond area as well. We now have Electric and water as well.

14. Shoal Home, an Ozark getaway

100%

(3)

39mi from Farmington · 1 site · Tent, RV

Learn more about this land:Relaxing and private area, close to fishing, floating or hunting. Site has electric and well. No restroom facilities. The site is fairly level and has plenty of room. Land is mostly wooded with small streams. Two miles from the Huzzah Creek for swimming and fishing. Shoal Creek runs along the edge of the property, and lies within the Mark Twain National Forest with thousands of acres of public land available nearby. Campers MUST be respectful of our neighbors, including no loud noise after 10:30pm.

Camper favorites near Farmington

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%

(841)

18mi from Farmington · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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!

Four Creeks Ranch Campground

97%

(438)

46mi from Farmington · 19 sites · Tents, RVs

Three crystal clear creeks to swim, wade, hunt rocks, or just relax. We have several tent sites right on the creeks and RV sites close for just a short walk for swimming fun. Close to Mark Twain National Forest, for hiking Rocky Creek trail Head, Blue Springs trail to Rocky Falls, Black River and the Current for floating, Kayaking or fishing. Clearwater Lake for boat rentals or Jet skies. Sites to see, Blue Springs, Big Springs Johnson Shut Inns, Elephant Rock, Rocky Falls, and many state parks to explore. We are also only three miles from the town of Ellington, MO for your shopping needs, several restaurants and antiquing.

Big River Outdoors Campground

96%

(106)

13mi from Farmington · 99 sites · Tents, RVs

80+ acres with over a mile of river frontage. Walking trails,Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and live music on some weekends. Tent camping or RV/camper . Campers who need electric are allowed to bring a generator. We have limited electric as of now. We are located just 2-3 miles from 3 different gas stations but are also very secluded.

Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%

(10)

38mi from Farmington · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

We have owned the property since the early eighties. We have been a working farm for the last 6 years. We have hosted rrail rides and atv rides for several years and are planning on adding Historically correct Old log cabins as well as a wedding venue in the near furture.Learn more about this land:We are locted between two state parks Mermac and Washington state park. There is ATV and off road trails 2 miles down the road. We have trails throught thw property where you can hike, ride horses or take ATVs. There is lots of wildlife as well as farm animals. We have a waterfalls and streams you can walk in or just sit by and enjoy.

Pine Valley at Dillard Mill

99%

(42)

43mi from Farmington · 5 sites · Lodging

Pine Valley is located in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest and sits just a short walk away from historic Dillard Mill. Book the entire Farm or stay in an Airstream or Cottage. Group rentals Welcome! Pine Valley is on 43 acres of beautiful green pasture and woodland. Take a hike on one of the trails around the property or go fishing or wading on the Huzzah Creek. Spend your evening roasting marshmallows around your private campfire. Guests will have access to the 40 acres of land surrounding them. There are two ponds on the premise. Enjoy the quarter-mile walk to the old Dillard Mill Store, displayed in museum fashion at the entrance of Dillard Mill State Historic Site. Tour the old grist mill in working form, fish for sunfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass at the Mill, and take memorable photos. Just across from our main entrance take the half-mile trail through Mark Twain National Forest and skip rocks on the Huzzah Creek! Ask us about access to our private gravel bar on the Huzzah. You will pass it, and the private parking, on Dillard Mill Rd on your drive into Pine Valley We may or may not be on the premise during individual rentals. If there are any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out. Other things to note While this space provides most utilities and amenities you'd find at your home, it is important to note it is still a camping-style getaway. We do our best to treat the area, but you will encounter insects. AT&T has limited cell phone reception in the area, Sprint is very spotty, and Verizon is pretty much unavailable for service. We provide the best free wifi available to help with communication back to the real world, but it is rather slow. The best wifi reception is near the General Store/Courtyard. We try and keep the area well maintained. You may see ATVs/tractors on our property and on the gravel road. Pets are welcome for an extra $50 per stay. Please note our dogs may be on the property. They are friendly and well-behaved, although sometimes curious. Other guests may have no-leash pets as well. Park right next to your glamper. Arrive anytime after 4pm, just give us an eta to know when to expect you. If your glamper is not ready upon your arrival, feel free to explore our farm, visit Dillard Mill or head down to the Huzzah while we make it ready for your stay. Self Check-In is always the norm for added privacy. We won't bother you except to wave or maybe say hello if you're out and about. Please feel free to approach us with questions, niceties, or needs.

Hagood Farms and Trails

98%

(92)

39mi from Farmington · 8 sites · Tents

We have 172 acres of trails with scenic waterfalls and trees. A pond for fishing and conveniently located with in 8 miles from sevetal state parks and 2 miles from 300 acers of off road trails. We have owned and lived on tje property since 1999 .Learn more about this land:We are a fully functioning farm with Longhorn cattle, horses, mini donkeys and goats that are very friendly. We have 164 acres that have trails for horseback riding and ATVs. We are located 8 miles from Mermac River and Washington State park where you can rent canoe's and go hiking. We are an hour from St. Louis and Elephant Rock State park as well as Johnston shut ins. We are also with in 8 miles of ROMP dirt bike trail and 1 mile from Moonlight trails and racing that is 400 plus acers of ATV and jeep trails. We have a few waterfalls on the property and lots of areas to hike as well. Several areas of camping to choose from, you can be in the woods or out in the open. Spring and Summer months we offer farm fresh eggs and there is always plenty of firewood. We recently added a pond area as well. We now have Electric and water as well.

Shoal Home, an Ozark getaway

100%

(3)

39mi from Farmington · 1 site · Tent, RV

Learn more about this land:Relaxing and private area, close to fishing, floating or hunting. Site has electric and well. No restroom facilities. The site is fairly level and has plenty of room. Land is mostly wooded with small streams. Two miles from the Huzzah Creek for swimming and fishing. Shoal Creek runs along the edge of the property, and lies within the Mark Twain National Forest with thousands of acres of public land available nearby. Campers MUST be respectful of our neighbors, including no loud noise after 10:30pm.

Public campgrounds near Farmington

100%

(4)

St. Joe Campground

4.5mi from Farmington · 105 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Joe State Park

57%

(7)

St. Francois State Campground

14mi from Farmington · 110 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Francois State Park

John J. Audubon Trail

15mi from Farmington · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(2)

Silver Mines Campground

16mi from Farmington · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Karkaghne Section of the Ozark Trail

23mi from Farmington · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

Marble Creek/Crane Lake section of the Ozark Trail

24mi from Farmington · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

Marble Creek Recreation Area

24mi from Farmington · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Rockpile Mountain Wilderness

25mi from Farmington · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

Rockpile Mountain Trail

25mi from Farmington · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(2)

Bell Mountain Wilderness and Trail

27mi from Farmington · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

Council Bluff Recreation Area and Campground

28mi from Farmington · 41 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(5)

Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail

29mi from Farmington · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

B

Brett

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Great spot. Close to the mountain, beautiful site.

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!

M

Matthew

November 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

The site was very quiet and we were the only campers in the area. It was secluded and a great spot for a getaway. The firewood on-site was a big plus for us. We were also grateful for the extremely clean porta potty on site. Hosts were not on site that we could tell, but it was not needed anyway for our stay.

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!!

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.

C

Chris

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

We love camping @ Heidi's place. They are very friendly and the property is very well taken care of.

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

A

Andrea

November 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

3 nights at Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

The high and dry site was easy to find, felt private, had enough room to spread out and was surrounded by woods. It was conveniently located close to town and to parks and hiking in the area. We didn't see anyone (except two friendly dogs that stopped by one day). There is a nice fire pit at the site and a clean porta potty a quick walk across the bridge. There was a some road noise, but overall a nice little spot and good base camp with so much to explore in this beautiful area.

e

erica

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

I had a fantastic stay! Amazing views, and a great place to explore

J

Javon

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

I loved camping here . Love the amenities but I would have to say the roads and lighting here are a downside. The potholes are crazy and the "solar lights" are so dim it's so hard to see anything

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!!

M

Mike

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

A great place for tent camping in a quiet setting within a short distance of town. Sites are clean and ours was layered with mulch. Will visit again.

V

Victoria

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Arcadia Valley Outdoors was the best camping experience I’ve had! It was so easy to enter the campground and find our site, Old Country. Old Country was secluded from the other sites, which we LOVED! It was good to know we had neighbors nearby, but good we had our own space. Old Country was very clean and it was plenty of space for all our camping needs! It was so perfect :) We will be coming back!

T

Taylirre

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

This was the most beautiful camp site I have stayed at. I've been an avid user of Hipcamp for a few years and frequented many camp sites but this one surpasses all others. First, the hospitality of the owners, they are super responsive and the kitchen area has everything needed to make it comfortable stay. Our tent site was private and quiet and very beautiful to observe the meteor shower. It's set on the side of a large hill where there is a scenic view and grounds full of crystals that can be collected. It felt safe and we did not observe any wild animals other than the farm animals they have onsite. The host was welcoming and knowledgeable of the land and we will be returning with our whole family next time.

Sam

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

I thoroughly enjoyed tent camping on Sherri’s land. High and Dry was a spacious spot on the edge of the woods with a great mix of tree coverage and expansive skies (fantastic for stargazing). A great base camp location for anyone wanting to check out the local natural wonders~!

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Farmington

St. Francois State Park

Bonne Terre, Missouri

88%

(21)

Mark Twain National Forest

Bunker, Missouri

Randolph County State Recreation Area

Chester, Illinois

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Farmington with horseback riding guide

Where to go

St. Joe State Park

Some state parks offer serenity, while others offer a raucous outdoors playground. St. Joe State Park is the latter, thanks to its popularity for off-roading. Only two Missouri state parks allow this activity, and St. Joe is one, with several dedicated trails. The park also features trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Or hit the waters of the four lakes to enjoy paddling, fishing, boating, and swimming. Two campgrounds offer tent and RV sites, some with electric hookups, just 10 minutes away from Farmingthon.

Silver Mines Recreation Area

White-water rafting in Missouri? It’s true. Missouri’s most-action packed waters are found on the St. Francis River near Farmington. The Silver Mines Recreation Area is located along this river and Turkey Creek in the Mark Twain National Forest, around 30 minutes south of Farmington. Campers will find tent and RV sites, some offering electric hookups and water views. Hiking, fishing, and swimming can be enjoyed in the park, as well.

Hawn State Park

Notable for its scenery, Hawn State Park offers views of pine forests, sandstone canyons, rambling streams, and rocky cliffs. Hiking and backpacking trails allow visitors to experience the landscapes, found 20 minutes northeast of Farmington. The park campground features tent and RV sites, some with electric hookups. Backcountry camping is also available along a 10-mile backpacking trail.

St. Francois State Park

St. Francois State Park, located 20 minutes north of Farmington, offers similar scenery to Hawn State Park, with the added amenity of river access. The Big River runs through the park, providing scenic spots for swimming, fishing, and paddling. An onsite campground features basic and electric tent and RV sites.

Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

Located 40 minutes southwest of Farmington, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park has been voted as one of the best state parks in the U.S. for camping and RVing, thanks to the intriguing geology, onsite recreation, and renovated campgrounds. Named for the hard rocks that “shut in” the East Fork Black River, creating chutes, pools, and rapids, this park is a popular spot in the summertime. The campground features basic, electric, and full hookup sites for tents and RVs.

When to go

Summertime is the most popular time to enjoy the region’s rivers and waterways, especially at Johnson’s Shut-Ins. Some areas may be crowded at this time, and the weather is generally hot and humid. Spring offers cooler weather and fresh leaves and wildflowers in the forests. Fall is especially scenic, as the Ozarks hills explode with color. Winter is generally cold and sometimes snowy or icy.