The best mountainous campgrounds near Farmington, Missouri

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.

98% (828)

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.

98% (828)

Top-rated campgrounds near Farmington

1. 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!

2. Crooked Creek Ranch

99%

(83)

48mi from Farmington · 1 site · Tent, RV

Once a portion of a hunting preserve, Crooked Creek Ranch is located deep in the Missouri Ozarks, within walking distance of Mark Twain National Forest. We've owned and managed Crooked Creek Ranch for many years now, building and maintaining trails, planting trees and working to make the place as beautiful as it can be for all who visit. We hope that you will be as refreshed and revitalized as we are when you set foot into this wonderful forest. It is a lot of very hard work, and totally worth it. If you enjoy it, it will make it that much more worth it! Thanks for reading! Learn more about this land: 100% PRIVACY. 35 private wooded acres all to yourself with a totally private one-mile intermediate level mountain biking-hiking loop trail! Hike peaceful trails, exploring the wooded hills until you find the perfect spot for your tent. If you select a spot near the clearing, you will have access to the picnic table and fire circle. Spend your days mountain biking, hiking, fishing and watching wildlife on a private ranch in the Ozark Mountains, less than a quarter mile from the Mark Twain National Forest. Less than five miles from Indian Trail State Forest (Indian Trail Conservation Area) with beautiful Blackwell Lake. Canoeing and kayaking are less than an hour away (Meramec River, Current River and Jacks Fork River), as well as trout fishing at scenic Meramec Spring Park or Montauk State Park. Peaceful wilderness will inspire artists, writers, musicians. Quiet, secluded, beautiful, and rugged. If you do not want to see anyone, you don't have to. You will have 35 private acres. You will be 100% secluded. If you want amenities, this is not the place. If you want complete privacy, this is the place! Bear and mountain lion have been seen in the area, so please keep this in mind.

3. 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!

4. Lake Life

14mi from Farmington · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Lakefront property with gravel road entrance. Trail down to dock at waterline. Fishing from dock or anywhere at lake. Community beach. 120v Electricity on site with extension chords. 3 Community shower houses around lake are full bathroom. (Shutdown in freezing temperature months)

5. 1855 Campground

100%

(71)

33mi from Farmington · 7 sites · Tents

Hosts News: Hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas. We will be opening the season mid April. TIRED OF NOISEY OVERCROWDED CAMP GROUNDS, give us a try! 1855 Campground is 45 acres of private property, dedicated to the natural Ozark experience. We border the Mark Twain National Forest, enjoy the outdoors at its best. Our space offers 7 large campsites to provide privacy & serenity. Site 1, Little Brushy Creek with parking. Site 2, Nancy’s Landing, smaller site close to the creek with parking. Site 3 Bills Hill, located high up in the woods. Sites 4 & 5 Walnut Grove, large flat grassy sites in a meadow with wildflowers. Site 6 Hidden Hollow, located in a private cove. Site 7 Roberts Mountain located high up in the woods. Sites 3-4-5-6-7 are remote wooded campsites. Accessible by foot only & upon request a free shuttle of your camping gear. MUST arrive before 8pm when booking these remote sites. Bordering the National Forest, so hiking is abundant & encouraged. Far from the city is ideal for star gazing & amazing photo ops. There is a year round freshwater spring flowing nearby.  Enjoy fishing, swimming in the pond or babbling brook that runs alongside the property. Close by attractions: Floating along the Black River Johnson Shut Ins State Park Bell Mountain Hiking Trails  Elephant Rocks State Park Counsel Bluffs Lake Tip Top Park Taum Sauk State Park Historic town of Caledonia  Clearwater Lake Shepard Mountain bike trail Campsites can accommodate multiple tents. All sites have fire pits, first bundle of wood provided, & BBQ grills and tables (except sites 3 & 7).  Bring charcoal. Outhouses & outside shower are available. Parking lot provided, after check in & assistance to campsite.  NO vehicles, guns or loud music allowed in campground   “ Leave No Trace Principles apply, take out what you bring  in. The office is open 9 to 9 daily through the season. It’s worth noting that the office/ house is “off grid”. Bill, the manager of the campground has been living full time off grid for over 8 yrs & loves to share his experiences & encourages others to ask questions on the subject during normal business hours.

6. Saco Valley Farm, LLC

98%

(26)

29mi from Farmington · 4 sites · Tents

Camp, Swim, BBQ, wade the creek, enjoy the campfire! Primitive Camping. Very Private. Water is cool and clear. Open to the stars. A great place to commune with nature, or enjoy some peace and quiet! 12 mile creek runs directly through our property. Shallow and deep all throughout. Great for wading, swimming, floating, kayaking. Great small mouth fishing! We are approximately one mile by water from the St. Francois River. We have kayaked down the creek to the river for many years. The farm is very rural. We are 16 miles to the closest gas station, and 25 miles to town. There is no internet. Cell phone service is spotty at best. Currently a working farm, we have 2 high tunnels on the property behind the house, and our original market garden. Across the creek we are finishing up our 5 acre agroforestry planting. 3 acres of elderberries and 2 acres of blackberries. 28 acres, 3 on one side, and 25 on the other. The farm is located approximately 2 hours south of St. Louis. Fredericktown is 30 mins away. Food, Drinks, Golf, and Lalo's Mexican Restaurant! There are a ton of local antique shops, and outdoor activities. Local places of interest: Amidon Arcadia Valley Black River Bonne Terre Mine Elephant Rocks Johnson Shut Ins Mill Stream Gardens One Nation Paintball Park Sam A. Baker State Park Saco Valley Farmstand Sherpher Mountain Bike Park Silvermines Taum Sauk Mountain

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

47mi from Farmington · 4 sites · Lodging

Lost Hill Lake is the perfect place for a glamping getaway. Surround yourself with the great outdoors but spend the night with all the comforts of home. We feature 6 unique glamping accommodations all around a private lake. We can't wait to see you out at the resort!

Camper favorites near Farmington

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Lake Life

14mi from Farmington · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Lakefront property with gravel road entrance. Trail down to dock at waterline. Fishing from dock or anywhere at lake. Community beach. 120v Electricity on site with extension chords. 3 Community shower houses around lake are full bathroom. (Shutdown in freezing temperature months)

1855 Campground

100%

(71)

33mi from Farmington · 7 sites · Tents

Hosts News: Hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas. We will be opening the season mid April. TIRED OF NOISEY OVERCROWDED CAMP GROUNDS, give us a try! 1855 Campground is 45 acres of private property, dedicated to the natural Ozark experience. We border the Mark Twain National Forest, enjoy the outdoors at its best. Our space offers 7 large campsites to provide privacy & serenity. Site 1, Little Brushy Creek with parking. Site 2, Nancy’s Landing, smaller site close to the creek with parking. Site 3 Bills Hill, located high up in the woods. Sites 4 & 5 Walnut Grove, large flat grassy sites in a meadow with wildflowers. Site 6 Hidden Hollow, located in a private cove. Site 7 Roberts Mountain located high up in the woods. Sites 3-4-5-6-7 are remote wooded campsites. Accessible by foot only & upon request a free shuttle of your camping gear. MUST arrive before 8pm when booking these remote sites. Bordering the National Forest, so hiking is abundant & encouraged. Far from the city is ideal for star gazing & amazing photo ops. There is a year round freshwater spring flowing nearby.  Enjoy fishing, swimming in the pond or babbling brook that runs alongside the property. Close by attractions: Floating along the Black River Johnson Shut Ins State Park Bell Mountain Hiking Trails  Elephant Rocks State Park Counsel Bluffs Lake Tip Top Park Taum Sauk State Park Historic town of Caledonia  Clearwater Lake Shepard Mountain bike trail Campsites can accommodate multiple tents. All sites have fire pits, first bundle of wood provided, & BBQ grills and tables (except sites 3 & 7).  Bring charcoal. Outhouses & outside shower are available. Parking lot provided, after check in & assistance to campsite.  NO vehicles, guns or loud music allowed in campground   “ Leave No Trace Principles apply, take out what you bring  in. The office is open 9 to 9 daily through the season. It’s worth noting that the office/ house is “off grid”. Bill, the manager of the campground has been living full time off grid for over 8 yrs & loves to share his experiences & encourages others to ask questions on the subject during normal business hours.

Saco Valley Farm, LLC

98%

(26)

29mi from Farmington · 4 sites · Tents

Camp, Swim, BBQ, wade the creek, enjoy the campfire! Primitive Camping. Very Private. Water is cool and clear. Open to the stars. A great place to commune with nature, or enjoy some peace and quiet! 12 mile creek runs directly through our property. Shallow and deep all throughout. Great for wading, swimming, floating, kayaking. Great small mouth fishing! We are approximately one mile by water from the St. Francois River. We have kayaked down the creek to the river for many years. The farm is very rural. We are 16 miles to the closest gas station, and 25 miles to town. There is no internet. Cell phone service is spotty at best. Currently a working farm, we have 2 high tunnels on the property behind the house, and our original market garden. Across the creek we are finishing up our 5 acre agroforestry planting. 3 acres of elderberries and 2 acres of blackberries. 28 acres, 3 on one side, and 25 on the other. The farm is located approximately 2 hours south of St. Louis. Fredericktown is 30 mins away. Food, Drinks, Golf, and Lalo's Mexican Restaurant! There are a ton of local antique shops, and outdoor activities. Local places of interest: Amidon Arcadia Valley Black River Bonne Terre Mine Elephant Rocks Johnson Shut Ins Mill Stream Gardens One Nation Paintball Park Sam A. Baker State Park Saco Valley Farmstand Sherpher Mountain Bike Park Silvermines Taum Sauk Mountain

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.

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.

Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

47mi from Farmington · 4 sites · Lodging

Lost Hill Lake is the perfect place for a glamping getaway. Surround yourself with the great outdoors but spend the night with all the comforts of home. We feature 6 unique glamping accommodations all around a private lake. We can't wait to see you out at the resort!

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.

Dylan

November 2025

20 ft campervan

3 nights at Crooked Creek Ranch

we love this place!! what crooked creek lacks in amenities it makes up for in peace, solitude and outdoor fun!! my pack of dogs love the freedom to be wild while their parents sit by the fire. the trail around the property is lovely too. thank you to ross for sharing this slice of heaven!!

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.

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.

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.

D

Dena

November 2025

24 ft Class B

3 nights at Crooked Creek Ranch

This was our second time back and it was just as wonderful as the first. Ross's place is so peaceful and secluded, you will not be disappointed. Ross is a wonderful host and great at communication. We will be coming back again and again.

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

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!

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~!

S

Sean

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

Awesome camping awesome location we'll definitely be coming back

R

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

Base Camp was absolutely amazing. Very pretty views and a great place to relax.

Chelsie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Awesome as always. I've loved seeing this place evolve over the last few years, with extra amenities and many thoughtful touches that add to the experience. We'll be back!

M

Madison

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Me and my girlfriends had an amazing trip at Arcadia Vally! We were worried about the campsites being too close but we were not interrupted by any of the other noise. To anyone staying, I highly recommend this campsite over the others in the area! Lots of room for a big tent and even trees very suitable for a hammock. One thing I would like to mention, the road is gravel on the way to the campsite. Be aware if your vehicle is not suitable on rougher terrain.

C

Christy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

2nd time camping! Always hospitable, and a great place to peacefully relax.

B

Bryan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Saco Valley Farm, LLC

Site #3 was an awesome, serene spot. We went in October, so the water is a bit cold. We waded around with the dogs, and THEY had a blast swimming here, but we mostly enjoyed the view. It was extremely secluded and a perfect getaway. We WILL be returning next year during the summer to take advantage of that swimming hole.

K

Kelli

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch

Loved the privacy and star gazing! Definitely going back!

F

Francesca

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Great tent camping spot! Being able to take the kayaks out was a fun addition and convenient proximity to lots of hiking trails. We’ll be back.

G

Greg

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Saco Valley Farm, LLC

We absolutely loved this spot! We made it back to the camp spot in a two wheel drive highlander but we left a little early due to a storm coming and we were nervous we may not make it back out without 4 wheel drive. We swam and had a great time. It's a beautiful secluded places and that's exactly what we wanted. We will definitely come back.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best mountainous camping near Farmington 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.