98% (250)
Top-rated campgrounds
98% (250)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
C
Christina
3 weeks ago
Tent
Always enjoy my time there! Nice and quiet! And the hoot owls love to keep us company!
See moreR
Rhiannon
November 2025
Tent
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!
See more
Karin
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
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.
See more
C
Cindie
October 2025
16 ft campervan
Since it was dusk when we arrived, we didn't fully appreciate the beauty and serenity of our camping spot until the next morning. How awesome to wake up to the birds singing and the reflection of the fall tree on the pond as the sun was rising. After breakfast we took a walk about the property. The "Guess what tree" display by the bathrooms was quite challenging and fun! Although we did not use them, we peeked into the bathrooms - well maintained and roomy with a toilet, sink and shower. After checking out all of the campsites (we were the only ones there) and the pavilion area, we hiked around the northern section of the property (since the 800+ acres of land to the south were closed) and enjoyed every minute.
If you are looking for a space to camp in the area for a night or several, this should be your choice.
See more
Andrew
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Second visit. Great spot even in a thunderstorm. Would return again.
See more
K
Kayelyn
October 2025
Tent
This tent site always comes in handy for last minute camping. Very comfortable, secluded spot during the week. Showers are super clean. This is our second time coming here. Very dusty this time as they added sand to probably fill in holes. Bees can be an issue during the day so it is recommended to eat in the car. Potentially a lack of wildflowers causes the bees to be extra hungry. S’mores are probably safe when roasted at night.
Despite these small issues, still a five. We believe the people who run this project are very passionate about wildlife, preserving this area, and giving campers a wonderful experience.
See moreD
Dan
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We visited during a weekend when it was unusually busy due to a local festival in Kampsville. And that really wasn't a problem. Our site #2 was roomy and somewhat private. Lovely place and clean good facilities a short walk away. Super dark sky for stargazing if you walk out towards the shelter house.
See more
C
Christina
October 2025
Tent
With kids
My granddaughters absolutely loved it there! We had such a good time this weekend! They said maw maw do we have to leave can’t we stay lol! Thank u so much for your hospitality as always and we will definitely be back in the spring!
See moreD
Devin
October 2025
Tent
I've been going here for years. I trained for the AT here. I hope to bring my kids here some day!
See more
Donna
September 2025
With pets
We had a great time staying at Watkin's Place. The home and location were exactly what we were looking for. The home is isolated and feels remote even though it is only a short drive to Hardin. Plenty of hot water and full kitchen made our stay comfortable and a step up from tent camping but we still had the "out in nature" experience. Our dogs loved it as well. Hiking took us through open fields and forest sheltered paths. Watkins Place was clean and stocked with the necessities, including linens and basic cooking supplies. If you are looking for a cross between roughing it and glamping, Watkins Place is exactly the right fit.
See moreM
Marlene
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Beautiful location. Well maintained
Wish more of the trails were more mowed to lessen risk of ticks
See more
S
Stephanie
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Hidden Ridge - at Otter Lake
My husband and I have stayed here twice, and everything has been perfect both times. The property is beautiful and private, and the host provides so many thoughtful elements. It’s a perfect way to get out in nature without having to deal with all of the packing and preparation required for a typical camping trip.
See more
C
Christina
July 2025
Tent
Very nice place to camp lots of privacy and beautiful scenery!
See more
K
Kevin
July 2025
With kids
Had a great time. Excellent communication, spacious tent, plenty of wood and everything we needed. Close to 2 small towns for food and ice cream. Fire pit was ready when we got there, all we had to do was toss in a match and start cooking!
See more
R
Ren
July 2025
5 nights at The Magic Land Homestead
What a wonderful homebase for a beautiful retreat away from the hussle and bussle of city life! I went in most excited for the indoor swing, which was as spectacular as expected, but everything else on the site was so comforting and it was so easy to feel at home. Hearing the roosters every morning was such a fun way to feel connected to nature as soon as the sun came up. If you're looking for true rest and relaxation, while being in the middle of tons of trails, river spots, and natural oasis' - this is your place! Laura was so helpful and accommodating of our needs, and easy to contact even with the low cell service (which was a wonderful way to 100% disconnect from it all). We can't wait to come back again someday, any spot on the Magic Land seems to be recipe for a great time. :)
See moreK
Kathy
June 2025
Tent
With pets
The area, and all surrounding areas, were clean, private and peaceful. I appreciated the bathrooms and the toilet tissue paoer was hilarious! :)
See moreA
Andrew
June 2025
Weekend Trip to Hidden Ridge - at Otter Lake
My wife and I made our second trip to Hidden Ridge to celebrate our 10th anniversary. The last time we stayed it was cold and raining the entire time and we still had such a great time that we knew we needed to come back. This place is genuinely a great find! We are normally tent campers so this setup almost feels like cheating and we compare it to renting out a cabin for the weekend. Probably the best part though is the responsiveness of the hosts. We did have a few hiccups with the water system while we were there but were always able to get ahold of the hosts and they got us back up and running quickly. It really does come across that they want you to enjoy your time at this location.
See more
Jordan
May 2025
4 nights at The Magic Land Homestead
It had all the sights and sounds of a homestead. Roosters, chickens, ducks and dogs greeted us in the mornings. The A-Frame was very comfortable, cozy, and eclectic. We had everything we needed for a long weekend.
Laura Lynne is a very thoughtful host, and everything we could have needed was present, clearly labeled, and had instructions on how to use it in case you're unfamiliar.
Though we did not need any of these items, the A-Frame had a good first aid kit, supplies in case of a power outage, and a box full of commonly forgotten item. As someone who does education on substance abuse, I want to give Laura Lynne two big thumbs up on including Narcan with the first aid kit.
Stocked shelves of books and games were an unexpected and fun bonus!
You can do as much or as little as you want to here. While we heard other people, the sight lines from the A-Frame were very carefully guarded and we were able to feel like we were alone on our little bit of creation. It was very restful. Make sure you walk down and check out the beautiful creek.
See moreZ
Zachary
May 2025
Tent
Beautiful campground, will definitely be back make a point to camp here again!
See moreM
Michael
May 2025
Tent
With pets
We loved tent camping. We may choose a different spot a little more secluded next time. But overall it’s a nice area!
See more
