The best campgrounds near Steelville, Missouri with climbing

Steelville draws climbers for its rugged bluffs, dense forests, and easy access to classic routes—and with over 340 camping options focused on climbing, you won’t run out of rock or places to crash. Expect average nightly prices around $32, with some sites dipping as low as $20. Most campgrounds keep it simple: campfires are allowed, toilets and showers are available, and you’re never far from a fishing hole or a good spot for wildlife-watching. Local favorites include Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (546 reviews), Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors (444 reviews), and Hawks Bluff Farm Campground (108 reviews). You’ll find campsites tucked under the shade of old oaks, just minutes from the cliffs, with enough space to stretch out after a day on the wall.

97% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Today, whatever is good for your soul, do that.

Steelville draws climbers for its rugged bluffs, dense forests, and easy access to classic routes—and with over 340 camping options focused on climbing, you won’t run out of rock or places to crash. Expect average nightly prices around $32, with some sites dipping as low as $20. Most campgrounds keep it simple: campfires are allowed, toilets and showers are available, and you’re never far from a fishing hole or a good spot for wildlife-watching. Local favorites include Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (546 reviews), Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors (444 reviews), and Hawks Bluff Farm Campground (108 reviews). You’ll find campsites tucked under the shade of old oaks, just minutes from the cliffs, with enough space to stretch out after a day on the wall.

97% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

99%

(600)

30mi from Steelville · 32 sites · Tents, Lodging · Saint Clair, MO

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors is a 501c3 not for profit Farm Animal Sanctuary. You will be able to camp with the horses, goats, potbellied pigs and more. We open up our farm so that people can enjoy the outdoors, animals and nature, and the animals can enjoy people! We are a sanctuary for all creatures on earth, including humans. You can even claim the cost of your stay on your taxes! All proceeds go to the care of the animals. "Today, whatever is good for your soul, do that."

2. Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

97%

(232)

39mi from Steelville · 57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tiff, MO

Escape the city! We have a very special property that nourishes the soul and provides space to roam and breathe fresh air. We have 460 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available. Ask us about our kayaking options!

3. Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%

(841)

46mi from Steelville · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ironton, MO

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. St. Francois State Park

57%

(7)

110 sites · Bonne Terre, Missouri

Explore a surprising mountain getaway south of St. Louis.

5. Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

96%

(27)

45mi from Steelville · 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.

6. Big River Outdoors Campground

96%

(106)

39mi from Steelville · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · Frankclay, MO

80+ acres with over a mile of river frontage. Walking trails,Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and live music on some weekends. Tent camping or RV/camper . Campers who need electric are allowed to bring a generator. We have limited electric as of now. We are located just 2-3 miles from 3 different gas stations but are also very secluded.

7. Water Mountain

94%

(57)

35mi from Steelville · 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.

8. 1855 Campground

100%

(71)

36mi from Steelville · 7 sites · Tents · Black, MO

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.

9. Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%

(10)

26mi from Steelville · 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.

Camper favorites near Steelville

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

96%

(27)

45mi from Steelville · 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.

Big River Outdoors Campground

96%

(106)

39mi from Steelville · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · Frankclay, MO

80+ acres with over a mile of river frontage. Walking trails,Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and live music on some weekends. Tent camping or RV/camper . Campers who need electric are allowed to bring a generator. We have limited electric as of now. We are located just 2-3 miles from 3 different gas stations but are also very secluded.

Water Mountain

94%

(57)

35mi from Steelville · 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.

1855 Campground

100%

(71)

36mi from Steelville · 7 sites · Tents · Black, MO

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.

Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%

(10)

26mi from Steelville · 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.

Public campgrounds near Steelville

57%

(7)

St. Francois State Campground

46mi from Steelville · 110 sites · Tents, RVs · in St. Francois State Park

Stories from the community

B

Brett

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Great spot. Close to the mountain, beautiful site.

Ben

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

Exactly as described. Nice flat spots for tent camping..we really enjoyed the animals and watching the goats and pigs. Host was helpful and very responsive.. Thanks for a great experience!

B

Brett

November 2025

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!!!

J

Justin

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The farm and staff are absolutely fantastic! We had an issue with charges, which they resolved with some investment of time on their part. They all I’ve and beyond in service. Helping us find our site in the dark, making sure we had enough supplies and even throwing a pair of jeans in the dryer for our teenager 😁 Truly kind people!

Zoe

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Always a great time at hawks bluff! This land is truly a blessing and I am grateful Elizabeth shares it with us ! Much comfortability in knowing I’m safe and if I need anything I can always ask :) also, awesome rocks!!

A

Andros

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The owners are amazing, the property is very cool, and close enough to town to get supplies. Breathtaking views and a welcoming community at this location!

B

Brian

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Great place! Tons of stuff to do. Owners are very sweet and hospitable. I plan to go back and would recommend everyone to stay. Camping or RV. I pulled a 35’er and had zero issues.

N

Nathan

November 2025

25 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Secluded location. Several options are available for sites depending on services. Rock hunting is fantastic.

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.

Alan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Stayed here for a second time, so beautiful in the Fall. Highly recommend! Elizabeth is so helpful and accommodating, and answered all my questions very quickly.

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

H

Hope

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Our host was so kind and generous. The land was well-kept and peaceful. Rock hunting as part of the stay was delightful. It was so fun to be around the farm animals and be greeted by the dogs and cats. Definitely a spot worth visiting!!

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!

T

Taylirre

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

This was the most beautiful camp site I have stayed at. I've been an avid user of Hipcamp for a few years and frequented many camp sites but this one surpasses all others. First, the hospitality of the owners, they are super responsive and the kitchen area has everything needed to make it comfortable stay. Our tent site was private and quiet and very beautiful to observe the meteor shower. It's set on the side of a large hill where there is a scenic view and grounds full of crystals that can be collected. It felt safe and we did not observe any wild animals other than the farm animals they have onsite. The host was welcoming and knowledgeable of the land and we will be returning with our whole family next time.

C

Camiel

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

I absolutely love this place!! The property is amazing and the people are great. My site was level and even with heavy rain there was only minimal mud. The farm animals are friendly and if you’re lucky the mule will serenade you while you use the facilities :) I look forward to going back many more times!!

S

Sarah

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Beautiful place to camp. Kids loved all the animals. The rock hunting was so much fun and everyone was so knowledgeable. My husband took the rock cutting class and had good things to say. They had an outdoor kitchen and served meals.

W

Whitney

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

What a great place. Everyone we encountered who lived or worked there was so nice and helpful and we never felt like they were bothered by us. (We had a group of 13, 6 adults and 7 kids ages 8 and younger so we were a lot). We loved getting to visit the farm animals all day. It was nice to just let the kids run around visiting the dogs, cows, goats, the very chatty donkey. We had 3 large tents and easily found space to accommodate them. Elizabeth was kind enough to set our group up next to the pavilion which helped tremendously in the rain! My only big note that I wish someone would have told me prior to going is the creek access is hard to get to. Most people go for rocks so not a big deal but my kiddos love to play in water. We had to drive a couple minutes but then we had to hike down a steep hill to get to the creek. And hike back up. My 5 year old had zero problems with it so no issues for bigger kids and adults. But it took me 25 minutes to get back to my car with my 2 year old and it wasn’t fun for either of us. Great creek area to play! Just wish it was easier to get to. Would definitely recommend to others to stay.

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!