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The best mountainous camping near St James

·
97% (217)

Top-rated campgrounds

Ozark wildflowers

1. Crooked Creek Ranch

99%
(83)
23mi from St James · 1 site · Tent, RV · Salem, MO
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.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$27
 / night
Gasconade River

2. Water Mountain

94%
(57)
27mi from St James · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · Belle, MO
Ive own this land since 2005 and have used it for camping, parties, and venue.Learn more about this land:This is a 180 acres of camping along the Gasconade River. Lots of great spots for camping, hiking, and UTV/ATV riding. 50% forest, 10% trails, 20% along river, 10% bluffs, and 10% flat with grass field.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
Inside the great room looking out.

3. Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

96%
(27)
46mi from St James · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Berger, MO
Sage Mountain is a recreational area located in the heart of Missouri wine country. Located between Hermann and Washington on the south side of the Missouri river. Our 50 acres of virgin forest is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, 3.6 miles of hiking trails, bolted climbing and bouldering routes established, and a large impressive cave. We are located near the Katy trail for more hiking and biking. Access to the Missouri river for boating and fishing. On site we have an abundance of areas for back country camping, or we allow car camping in our open parking lot.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

4. Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

45mi from St James · 4 sites · Lodging · Saint Clair, MO
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night
Big Rock Candy mountain

5. Big Rock Candy mountain

100%
(9)
41mi from St James · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Raymondville, MO
Developed in 2000 and renovated in 2020 you will find this campground to be an unexpected pleasure. Located 1.5 miles from the beautiful Current River and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways come and enjoy the remoteness and amazing scenery of this region.Learn more about this land:Located 1.5 miles from the Current River @ Cedar Grove. We have a Restaurant and bar, tons of trees, pool, large grass event area,hiking, biking, and horse trails, fishing, floating, Bo’s Hallow, Mauntauk State Park, Upper Current River, and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and good vibes.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
waterfall makes bathing easy. it's a little cold rt now....wait till june

6. Hagood Farms and Trails

98%
(92)
38mi from St James · 8 sites · Tents · Sullivan, MO
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

7. Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%
(10)
38mi from St James · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · Sullivan, MO
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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night
97% (217)

Top-rated campgrounds

Ozark wildflowers

1. Crooked Creek Ranch

99%
(83)
23mi from St James · 1 site · Tent, RV · Salem, MO
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.
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$27
 / night
Gasconade River

2. Water Mountain

94%
(57)
27mi from St James · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · Belle, MO
Ive own this land since 2005 and have used it for camping, parties, and venue.Learn more about this land:This is a 180 acres of camping along the Gasconade River. Lots of great spots for camping, hiking, and UTV/ATV riding. 50% forest, 10% trails, 20% along river, 10% bluffs, and 10% flat with grass field.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
Inside the great room looking out.

3. Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

96%
(27)
46mi from St James · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Berger, MO
Sage Mountain is a recreational area located in the heart of Missouri wine country. Located between Hermann and Washington on the south side of the Missouri river. Our 50 acres of virgin forest is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, 3.6 miles of hiking trails, bolted climbing and bouldering routes established, and a large impressive cave. We are located near the Katy trail for more hiking and biking. Access to the Missouri river for boating and fishing. On site we have an abundance of areas for back country camping, or we allow car camping in our open parking lot.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

4. Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

45mi from St James · 4 sites · Lodging · Saint Clair, MO
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night
Big Rock Candy mountain

5. Big Rock Candy mountain

100%
(9)
41mi from St James · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Raymondville, MO
Developed in 2000 and renovated in 2020 you will find this campground to be an unexpected pleasure. Located 1.5 miles from the beautiful Current River and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways come and enjoy the remoteness and amazing scenery of this region.Learn more about this land:Located 1.5 miles from the Current River @ Cedar Grove. We have a Restaurant and bar, tons of trees, pool, large grass event area,hiking, biking, and horse trails, fishing, floating, Bo’s Hallow, Mauntauk State Park, Upper Current River, and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and good vibes.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
waterfall makes bathing easy. it's a little cold rt now....wait till june

6. Hagood Farms and Trails

98%
(92)
38mi from St James · 8 sites · Tents · Sullivan, MO
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

7. Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%
(10)
38mi from St James · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · Sullivan, MO
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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night

Camper favorites near St James

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

  • Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort
  • Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort
  • Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

45mi from St James · 4 sites · Lodging · Saint Clair, MO
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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$125
 / night
  • Big Rock Candy mountain
  • Big Rock Candy mountain
  • Big Rock Candy mountain

Big Rock Candy mountain

100%
(9)
41mi from St James · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Raymondville, MO
Developed in 2000 and renovated in 2020 you will find this campground to be an unexpected pleasure. Located 1.5 miles from the beautiful Current River and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways come and enjoy the remoteness and amazing scenery of this region.Learn more about this land:Located 1.5 miles from the Current River @ Cedar Grove. We have a Restaurant and bar, tons of trees, pool, large grass event area,hiking, biking, and horse trails, fishing, floating, Bo’s Hallow, Mauntauk State Park, Upper Current River, and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and good vibes.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
  • Hagood Farms and Trails
  • Hagood Farms and Trails
  • Hagood Farms and Trails

Hagood Farms and Trails

98%
(92)
38mi from St James · 8 sites · Tents · Sullivan, MO
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$27
 / night
  • Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas
  • Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas
  • Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%
(10)
38mi from St James · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · Sullivan, MO
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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$27
 / night

Stories from the community

Water Mountain
B
Brett
3 weeks ago
Tent
Weekend Trip to Water Mountain
I went looking for remote, and remote is what I got. This places was absolutely fantastic! I stayed down by the river and had an amazing time. The road down can be a bit rocky but easily doable in just about any vehicle. Lance was a great host and shared a lot of knowledge about the property and surrounding area. I'll definitely be back!!!
See more
Camping Area in clearing
Avatar
Dylan
3 weeks ago
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!!
See more
Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas
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.
See more
Crooked Creek Ranch
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.
See more
Water Mountain
M
Megan
October 2025
Tent
1 night at Water Mountain
We loved tent camping out here on Lance's land, it was beautiful, the woods are lovely and secluded which is exactly what we were looking for. Lance is a wonderful host and very accommodating. We will definitely be back in the future for a longer stay, 5/5 stars!
See more
Spring is in bloom
C
Christy
October 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails
2nd time camping! Always hospitable, and a great place to peacefully relax.
See more
Gasconade River
K
Kylie Jane
October 2025
16 ft campervan
With pets
Weekend Trip to Water Mountain
Hosts were so wonderful! Such a great place to get away from the crowds. Beautiful property, perfect for us and our 3 dogs.
See more
This is what it’s all about
A
Amie
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Water Mountain
I live in a rural area and this is VERY RURAL, and that’s just fine. The hosts are very nice and accommodating. We could have stayed up top but wanted a view of the river so we braved the rustic trail to the secluded river spot. We both had AWD and were glad we did because it was a bumpy ride. However, totally worth it. The site faced west over the river and we got to see deer run across the low river and heard owls and coyotes. It was 100% primitive camping down there but we had brought water and a portable toilet so we were prepared. If you have a vehicle that can make the trek down and you don’t mind primitive and secluded, then this is a spot for you.
See more
Camping Area in clearing
K
Kelli
October 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch
Loved the privacy and star gazing! Definitely going back!
See more
Inside the great room looking out.
L
Lawson
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO
Beautiful spot. Very private with tons of space. Arthur communicated well too.
See more
Spring is in bloom
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.
See more
Hagood Farms and Trails
N
Nick
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails
As always it was peaceful and relaxing time. Great hosts.
See more
Cave opening!
J
J Michael
September 2025
8 ft pop-up camper
Weekend Trip to Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO
Such an interesting place, walking trails everywhere, stone tabletops in the lower area by the cave, so cool.
See more
Camping Area in clearing
A
Asher
September 2025
Tent
With kids
Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch
Wonderful spot. Really enjoyed it. Easy to find. Very well maintained.
See more
Big Rock Candy mountain
H
Holly
September 2025
35 ft travel trailer
With pets
Weekend Trip to Big Rock Candy mountain
Where to begin!!??? We absolutely loved our stay at BRCM!... we stayed in our camper on an electric site and it was fantastic from start to finish. Roger and Lela are just incredible people who have created a very special place. Between the swimming pool, bar and grill, playground, dogs, and general vibe, this place is a one of a kind getaway- more of an experience really. We loved it. And it's minutes away from the Current river where we set up for a few hours to have some river fun. It's truly a family place- we met other campers/lodgers who had already been there several times, which i absolutely understand! This is a place you keep coming back to because Roger and Lela make it feel like home. We can't wait to come back!!!!
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Camping Area in clearing
J
Justina
August 2025
Tent
Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch
A wonderful experience camping under the stars! Definitely loved the seclusion and being able to enjoy the great outdoors like we are supposed too! Super grateful for the experience and being able to explore the trail, but might’ve destroyed some spider homes along the way. Thank you Ross for keeping the land beautiful and having a perfect clearing to spend the night under the stars. Perfect for hammocking if you prefer to sleep outside!
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Spring is in bloom
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!
See more
Big Rock Candy mountain
E
Eric
July 2025
20 ft campervan
3 nights at Big Rock Candy mountain
The Big Rock Candy Mountain was a great spot for a long weekend with our RV, motorcycles and a float trip on the Current. We absolutly enjoyed the pool, the bar and grill for both a dinner and a breakfast, and some fantastic live music on the deck Saturday night! Great spot, we'll be back!
See more
Loading up Kayaks
M
Mark
July 2025
16 ft travel trailer
3 nights at Water Mountain
Awesome property. Loved the freedom to enjoy the land. Road a little rough to the river but that’s what makes it fun. Atv heaven. A little shooting if you like. Lance and Patricia some cool cats. Anyways we roamed into to the town of Linn. Nice place called Ozark View. Golf course swimming pool bar eats and other things. Also went to the town of Belle shot some pool at the local pub good eats. Float was awesome Lance took us up river about 5 miles. Fun getting out at his place a little creek off the river. Love adventures. Welp a must hang out. Plenty of wood to burn.
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Gasconade River
Avatar
Ben
July 2025
Tent
With pets
3 nights at Water Mountain
Lance is a super cool guy. Lots of land to explore.
See more
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular St James trips

All
Cabins
River, stream, or creek camping
Dog-friendly camping
Camping with wifi provided
Forest camping
Camping with swimming
Camping with horseback riding

Top parks near St James

Carlyle Lake
Pere Marquette State Park
Buffalo National River
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Pea Ridge National Military Park
Chickasaw State Park
Arkansas River - David D. Terry Lock and Dam
Fort Pillow State Park

Top cities near St James

St Louis
Springfield
Quincy
Cape Girardeau
Kansas City
Tulsa
Fayetteville
Olathe

Best camping near me

Best tent camping near me
Best RV camping near me
Best glamping near me