The best cave campgrounds near Salem, Missouri

In Salem, cave camping draws explorers underground and into forested hollows. With over 420 campsites that offer cave access, you get options starting at $30 a night, right at the heart of Missouri’s karst country. Expect sites that welcome campfires, pets, and provide toilets—a relief after a day spent swimming, fishing, or spotting deer along creek beds. Locals swear by Hagood Farms and Trails (66 reviews) for easy cave walks and access to spring-fed swimming holes. Bring a headlamp, sturdy boots, and a sense of adventure. The caves get cool fast, even in summer.

99% (70)

Top-rated campgrounds near Salem

In Salem, cave camping draws explorers underground and into forested hollows. With over 420 campsites that offer cave access, you get options starting at $30 a night, right at the heart of Missouri’s karst country. Expect sites that welcome campfires, pets, and provide toilets—a relief after a day spent swimming, fishing, or spotting deer along creek beds. Locals swear by Hagood Farms and Trails (66 reviews) for easy cave walks and access to spring-fed swimming holes. Bring a headlamp, sturdy boots, and a sense of adventure. The caves get cool fast, even in summer.

99% (70)

Top-rated campgrounds near Salem

1. Hagood Farms and Trails

98%

(92)

49mi from Salem · 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.

2. Story's Creek RV And Horse Campground

26mi from Salem · 11 sites

Story's RV & Horse Campground stands out as a hidden gem in the Ozarks, offering a serene escape along the picturesque banks of the spring-fed Story’s Creek. This newer campground is ideally situated at the entrance of the Alley Springs Trail Head and Docs Mountain Trail, making it a perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts. With nearly 300 miles of trails meandering through lush forests and crossing sparkling creeks and rivers, visitors have endless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or horseback riding, the diverse terrain caters to all adventure seekers. In addition to its stunning surroundings, Story's RV & Horse Campground provides a peaceful atmosphere, ensuring privacy and relaxation for all guests. Nearby attractions include swimming holes and local shops, enhancing your stay with delightful experiences. Come discover the unique charm of Story's RV & Horse Campground, where adventure and tranquility await!

3. 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

4. Onondaga Cave State Park

100%

(4)

66 sites · Leasburg, Missouri

Find fun adventures above and below the ground at this Missouri park.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Meramec State Park

100%

(8)

179 sites · Miramiguoa Park, Missouri

Camping, caving, and canoeing along the Meramec River.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Salem

Lane Spring Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(1)

Lane Spring Recreation Area and Campground

20mi from Salem · 1 site · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(2)

Loggers Lake Recreation Area

23mi from Salem · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(1)

Red Bluff Campground

24mi from Salem · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Kaintuck Hollow Trail

27mi from Salem · 2 sites · in Mark Twain National Forest

Big Piney Trail Camp

28mi from Salem · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Paddy Creek Recreation Area

28mi from Salem · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Big Piney Trail

30mi from Salem · 1 site · in Mark Twain National Forest

Paddy Creek Wilderness

31mi from Salem · 2 sites · in Mark Twain National Forest

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area and Campground

31mi from Salem · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Hazel Creek Campground

31mi from Salem · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Courtois Creek Section of the Ozark Trail

100%

(1)

Courtois Creek Section of the Ozark Trail

32mi from Salem · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(1)

Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail

32mi from Salem · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

Brianna

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

Aaron and Heidi were incredibly accommodating and kind. We felt safe, and had a wonderful time. There is tons to do on the property, and in the area, as well. They have adorable farm animals, and a beautiful piece of land.

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

As always it was peaceful and relaxing time. Great hosts.

M

Metehan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

We had such a wonderful experience at this campsite! The location is peaceful and tucked away, making it feel private and cozy. At night we were able to enjoy a campfire, and the hosts went above and beyond by providing us with fresh eggs (including duck eggs) and firewood. They were incredibly kind, welcoming, and full of helpful suggestions about the area. We also enjoyed fishing in the small pond on the property and taking walks around the grounds. Our dog had the best time running free and exploring the nature around us. Everything about this place made us feel relaxed and connected to the outdoors. We absolutely loved our stay and will definitely be coming back!

K

Kylee

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

Awesome experience! The sites are kept up with and spaced out around the pond (that we caught a whole bunch of fishy’s out of ;)). The owners were also so so nice and told us about different things around the area and offered to show us their animals. 10/10 time

E

Emily

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

We had a wonderful time camping here! The hosts were so friendly and welcoming to us! We loved fishing at the pond and hearing the bull frogs at night. Our two dogs came with us and they enjoyed the spot too!

C

Christy

November 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

Communication was great. Hospitality was wonderful! Location was convenient for our needs. We will definitely be back again!