- Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
The best camping in Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, MO
Discover the natural splendor of Mingo National Wildlife Refuge.
Camper favorites near Mingo National Wildlife Refuge
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Stories from the community
N
Nakia
3 weeks ago
Tent
Private and right on River. No host hassling anyone. The river is great and beautiful. Large campsites, small campground non-state or DNR OR CORP OF ENGINNER. Late d back.
See more
R
Robert
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Me & my son spent 2 days tent camping here. It sits right along the creek & very well kept. Harley is a good guy & friendly host.
See more
L
Lauren
November 2025
17 ft travel trailer
We had a great time camping on Teresa's land. It has all the hookups you need and more! Very peaceful remote area, but still close enough to Van Buren that fetching any forgotten supplies is a breeze. She was also very kind, suggesting locations, offering advise, and even getting us some extra fire wood. One thing of note is to not listen to your GPS when arriving and actually read Teresa's email with detailed directions. Lol Otherwise you end up down her neighbor's driveway and look like an idiot. 😂
See more
M
Matthew
November 2025
16 ft car
The site was very quiet and we were the only campers in the area. It was secluded and a great spot for a getaway. The firewood on-site was a big plus for us. We were also grateful for the extremely clean porta potty on site. Hosts were not on site that we could tell, but it was not needed anyway for our stay.
See more
KimberlyandDave
November 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
This full hook-up site was perfect in every way! It is so peaceful and in a pretty setting. We spent a week and enjoyed each day. Teresa is a wonderful host and a very kind person. If we come back to this beautiful area in the future, we will definitely want to stay here again. We highly recommend this campground.
See more
G
Garrett
November 2025
15 ft pop-up camper
it is probably a great site to camp on.
i never got the chance, i called left message that i had broken down along the way and needed to cancel. i think i tried to email them as well, but my cell service was intermittent from where i was at. i requested a refund as i couldn’t make the stay. left my info, and number/site.
never heard back from them. so i ended up wasting $175 (three nights-weekend). i still haven’t heard much from them.
See more
A
Andrea
November 2025
15 ft pop-up camper
The high and dry site was easy to find, felt private, had enough room to spread out and was surrounded by woods. It was conveniently located close to town and to parks and hiking in the area. We didn't see anyone (except two friendly dogs that stopped by one day). There is a nice fire pit at the site and a clean porta potty a quick walk across the bridge. There was a some road noise, but overall a nice little spot and good base camp with so much to explore in this beautiful area.
See more
V
Valerie
October 2025
28 ft travel trailer
With pets
Very well taken care of campground and Misty and her staff were a delight!
There are so many little hidden spots they have setup to just relax in the woods by the creek. The road noise is noticeable, but the area makes up for it for sure!!!
See more
Sam
October 2025
Tent
I thoroughly enjoyed tent camping on Sherri’s land. High and Dry was a spacious spot on the edge of the woods with a great mix of tree coverage and expansive skies (fantastic for stargazing). A great base camp location for anyone wanting to check out the local natural wonders~!
See moreS
Sean
October 2025
Tent
Awesome camping awesome location we'll definitely be coming back
See more
R
Ryan
October 2025
Tent
Base Camp was absolutely amazing. Very pretty views and a great place to relax.
See more
Russell
October 2025
27 ft travel trailer
With pets
Teresa was a great host! She sent me very clear directions to her land before we arrived. When we got there, she welcomed us and told us the best restaurants in the area and sites to see and answered any questions we had. She offered free firewood. Her land was right off the main highway, but had minimal traffic noise. It was just a few miles away from big Spring, a must see!
See more
J
J
October 2025
Tent
Amazing, remote environment, while being a quick drive into town for a resupply. Host was great and very friendly. Will definitely be back again.
See more
Ashley and Dan
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful property right next to castor river shut ins.Host and his dog were awesome.
See more
B
Bryan
October 2025
Tent
Site #3 was an awesome, serene spot. We went in October, so the water is a bit cold. We waded around with the dogs, and THEY had a blast swimming here, but we mostly enjoyed the view. It was extremely secluded and a perfect getaway. We WILL be returning next year during the summer to take advantage of that swimming hole.
See more
V
Vernon
October 2025
30 ft travel trailer
Very nice owner. The spots had plenty of room and were well laid out. I did have to use my mascerator pump to dump the tanks due to the sewer connection being uphill from our tank hook-ups. If your tank hook-ups were at the rear of your RV this would not be an issue but ours are forward of the axles. The park is in a good and quiet location.
See moreG
Greg
October 2025
Tent
With pets
We absolutely loved this spot! We made it back to the camp spot in a two wheel drive highlander but we left a little early due to a storm coming and we were nervous we may not make it back out without 4 wheel drive. We swam and had a great time. It's a beautiful secluded places and that's exactly what we wanted. We will definitely come back.
See more
A
Alyssa
October 2025
Tent
193889/10 awesome experience! Even though the waters were low due to the drought, the swimming holes were still deep and clear enough to do a couple laps. There were also several cool rocks/crystals that I spent my time hoarding 😅 I will most likely be back in the spring to fill another shelf. Michelle was also super sweet, and I could text her no matter what and she was very prompt with answering. She also gave me fresh eggs! Which with current grocery prices came at a perfect time to save my bank account 😂 Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a secluded retreat with nature. The noises from the other campsite didnt bother me, and I could even comfortably stargaze from a hammock i set up in the trees 🙏🏾
See more
J
Jennifer
October 2025
Tent
Tent camping was very peaceful on a fall Sunday night. Right on Castor River with beautiful surroundings. Very convenient spot close to the shut-ins @ Amidon Conservation Area. Although there were no other campers the night I stayed, the other available sites are pretty close together. Could feel a little cramped if they were full, but I had the place to myself so it was great!
See more
Logan
October 2025
Tent
Would definitely return! Creek was low, but everything is right now. Would love to see the campground in the spring when the water's higher. The ice and firewood available on site was clutch!
See moreTop-rated campgrounds
The best camping in Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, MO guide
Overview
About
Embark on an adventure at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, a sanctuary of rich bottomland forests, expansive marshes, and vibrant swamps. Traverse the scenic drives, explore the diverse trails, and immerse yourself in the wilderness. Witness a plethora of wildlife, from migratory birds to majestic deer, as you venture through this Southeast Missouri treasure. While camping is not available, the refuge offers a multitude of activities for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.
When to go
The best times to visit Mingo National Wildlife Refuge are during the spring and fall migrations, when bird activity is at its peak. April and May or September and October offer the most vibrant bird-watching experiences. Winter months bring an increase in eagle numbers, making it another exciting season for visitors.
Know before you go
- Check the refuge's operating hours, which are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
- Be aware of the designated areas for activities; some zones are protected as wildlife sanctuaries.
- Remember to bring essentials like binoculars, water, and insect repellent for a comfortable visit.
- Stay informed about any seasonal closures or activity restrictions by contacting the visitor center.
- Accessibility varies across the refuge, so inquire ahead if you require special accommodations.
Be the first to review
Share your experience here to help other campers.