Beach Camping Near St Joseph, Missouri, US: 20 Best Beach Campsites 2026

Located near the four corners where Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri meet, St. Joseph is a small town that once played a big role in history, notable as the departure point for the Pony Express and the Oregon Trail. Today’s visitors come to town to explore this history and the Victorian architecture of bygone eras. Just outside of town, the Department of Natural Resources operates several campgrounds offering dry camping near town, including the Rochester Falls Access and Happy Holler Conservation Area. Private RV parks abound, offering a full slate of amenities in town and beyond.

100% (8) • 5 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near St Joseph

Owl Creek Cabins

1. Owl Creek Cabins

95%

(10)

49mi from St Joseph · 2 sites

Owl Creek is a beautiful secluded wooded valley with a spring fed stream running down the center with a beautiful waterfall, We have a miles worth of walking trails and beautiful bluffs to explore. Pet fee needs to be paid under extras. One dog allowed on a leash on site.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$59

/ night

Weston Bend State Park

2. Weston Bend State Park

94%

(8)

State park 25mi from St Joseph · 36 sites

River views and city access are found at this peaceful park near Kansas City.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Wallace State Park

3. Wallace State Park

100%

(5)

State park 33mi from St Joseph · 81 sites

Find sublime serenity at this northern Missouri park outside of Kansas City.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Watkins Mill State Park

4. Watkins Mill State Park

100%

(8)

State park 39mi from St Joseph · 96 sites

Explore history and scenery just minutes from the heart of Kansas City.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Perry Lake

5. Perry Lake

86%

(7)

Park 52mi from St Joseph · 530 sites

Discover Perry Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Campers Alike.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Located near the four corners where Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri meet, St. Joseph is a small town that once played a big role in history, notable as the departure point for the Pony Express and the Oregon Trail. Today’s visitors come to town to explore this history and the Victorian architecture of bygone eras. Just outside of town, the Department of Natural Resources operates several campgrounds offering dry camping near town, including the Rochester Falls Access and Happy Holler Conservation Area. Private RV parks abound, offering a full slate of amenities in town and beyond.

100% (8) • 5 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near St Joseph

Owl Creek Cabins

1. Owl Creek Cabins

95%

(10)

49mi from St Joseph · 2 sites

Owl Creek is a beautiful secluded wooded valley with a spring fed stream running down the center with a beautiful waterfall, We have a miles worth of walking trails and beautiful bluffs to explore. Pet fee needs to be paid under extras. One dog allowed on a leash on site.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

from

$59

/ night

Weston Bend State Park

2. Weston Bend State Park

94%

(8)

State park 25mi from St Joseph · 36 sites

River views and city access are found at this peaceful park near Kansas City.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Wallace State Park

3. Wallace State Park

100%

(5)

State park 33mi from St Joseph · 81 sites

Find sublime serenity at this northern Missouri park outside of Kansas City.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Watkins Mill State Park

4. Watkins Mill State Park

100%

(8)

State park 39mi from St Joseph · 96 sites

Explore history and scenery just minutes from the heart of Kansas City.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Perry Lake

5. Perry Lake

86%

(7)

Park 52mi from St Joseph · 530 sites

Discover Perry Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Campers Alike.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

S

Shayla

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Owl Creek Cabins

We had a wonderful time the yurt is beautiful, the bed is comfortable. The property is so fun. We had a nice hike and there are a few other fun places he is working on to glamp in the future. The area is private, you can kindof see the other sites but can't hear them. We brought our 8mo old baby set up our travel crib and she had a great time. The area is mostly shaded so it stayed cool while we were there. We stayed 2 nights and wish we could've stayed more. There was a fan in the yurt which was nice because we were debating bringing one, and there were several chairs both by the site and by the camp fire so we didnt even use ours. There is a hammock which was peaceful to lay on. We didn't use the grill but it takes charcoal and tools are provided. The bed is a queen size. You don't have to bring much to be comfortable there. We will definitely go back!

A

Adam

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Owl Creek Cabins

The land was amazing to explore and take in all that surrounds you. Dipping your feet in the creek at night by the suburban listening the the water and reflecting is surreal. Walking the paths is another great experience. Chilling on the porch at the main house with the waterfall is amazing. You can play barred owl sounds loud and they with surrounds you. Best experience to reconnect with nature and get away from the city life. 10 out of 5 stars.

C

Colleen

July 2025

1 night at Owl Creek Cabins

The place is awesome. Great trees, great shade, even a creek that runs through it.

P

Patrik

December 2024

Weekend Trip to Owl Creek Cabins

We stayed in the yurt. It was well furnished with pillows, blankets, and futon. The site had wood for sale to use in the stove. It was enough to keep us warm in 19 degree weather. There was also a charcoal grill on site. It was a great camp!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best beach camping near St Joseph guide

Where to go

Lewis and Clark State Park

The closest state park to St. Joseph is Lewis and Clark State Park, named for the explorers who passed through this spot in 1804 on the Corps of Discovery Expedition. The scenic lake that Lewis and Clark admired is now a popular spot for fishing, boating, and paddling. Basic and electric campsites for both tents and RVs can be found.

Big Lake State Park

Around 45 minutes north of St. Joseph, Big Lake State Park is another option for both recreation and camping. The park's 407-acre oxbow lake was formed by the Missouri River; it provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and paddling. The park offers tent and RV camping, with a mix of basic and electric sites. Some offer water views. Camper cabins and a lodge can also be reserved.

Kansas City

Located less than an hour south of St. Joseph, Kansas City is Missouri’s largest city, which has opportunities to explore art, architecture, history, and family attractions. A number of private RV parks are located around the city, primarily in the ring of suburbs. These parks offer a range of amenities, including full hookup sites, onsite activities, pools, and more. Public campgrounds can be found at Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, Weston Bend State Park, and near Blue Springs, which is home to several lakes.

When to go

Spring is the official start of camping season, though the temperatures may take a few weeks to feel springlike in northern Missouri. The weather warms through summer, which can get hot and humid, with temperatures nearing 100°F. For watersports, however, summer is prime time. Winter is generally quite cold, with freezing temperatures and rounds of precipitation, including snow and ice.