- Frankclay
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Big River Outdoors Campground
Hosted by Joshua · Frankclay, Missouri
99 sites · RV, Tent · 87 acres
Best in Missouri: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Joshua is a Star Host
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RV/tent sites (dispersed)
99 sites
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
96%
(113)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Reviews
96% Recommend113 ratings · 72 reviews
Big River Outdoors offers a camping experience that feels both secluded and connected to nature, with campers praising its peaceful spots by the river and the ability to choose their own campsite. Joshua, the host, is frequently mentioned for his hospitality and willingness to assist, enhancing the overall experience. While most reviews are positive, some campers noted challenges with communication and site accessibility, especially for those without more rugged vehicles. Despite these minor issues, the location's charm and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and enjoying live music make it a favorite for many.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· October 2026
Relaxing, primitive, and safe!
Tent · With pets ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
This is a great spot, I would love to be able to return!
We did primitive camping, with a dog, in a tent, along the creek. We found the fire ring (you can see it posted in other review pictures). This area is along a dirt trail that extends further back along the creek, a parallel trail takes you upward to the open field. While the bathrooms are visible from this area, it is a short walk to the road, then across the bridge, and finally up a hill. Headlights from the road are visible from the spot we chose and you can hear their engines but we set up facing away from the road and felt we had complete privacy. We were the only individuals camping during the weekend, we did meet individuals who were kayaking and canoeing the river for fishing. Other individuals stopped briefly to enjoy fishing off the bridge. The water was crystal clear, you can see a fish and dip your pole in right next to him! The leaves were just beginning to change and it was chilly at night! Deer moved through the property without a hurry and we could hear many different types of birds singing and a very excited squirrel. In the distance we could hear dogs barking and the occasional gun shots. Joshua was very nice and accommodating, we spoke briefly when we arrived and were set on our own for the weekend.
I would recommend tarps and plastic rugs if you are along the creek to reduce tracking sand into your tent. Definitely don’t forget your pole at home! We felt safe the entire time. Bathroom was clean!
Recommends
· July 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
Couldn’t recommend this spot enough! It was secluded and right on the river. Joshua was extremely helpful and helped us to our spot. Fishing was great and the river was an awesome spot to cool off in the heat, 10/10 would recommend to anyone!
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent · Group trip ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
I went camping on spring break with 6 of my friends, it was some of our first times camping and we loved it! The owner was very nice and communicative, the showers weren’t working while we stayed but that wasn’t a huge deal to us and he notified us in advance. Very secluded and peaceful! We absolutely loved it and will definitely be back.
Good fishing and friendly owner. We went right after a biblical flood so mud was everywhere. We intend to go again to really experience the camp ground properly.
Recommends
· August 2025
Highly recommend this spot!
10 ft pop-up camper · With kids ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
Big River Outdoors was such a blast! Our host was amazing with great communication, which made everything super easy. The campsite was private and peaceful with direct access to the water, perfect for kayaking and fishing. We traded the muddy Mississippi for some beautiful scenery and it did not disappoint. Can’t wait to come back next time we’re staying longer because it’s way too hard to leave! 😅🎣🚣♀️
We were excited to camp here because according to the pictures and reviews it looked like it was the best of both worlds being on the river but also close to bathrooms and showers and it's seemed like there was music and just a lot going on. When we got there there was no one there. Completely empty and hard to understand directions. We couldn't figure out where to go and the owner wasn't there ( yes I'd texted earlier to let him know we were coming). He did answer a few of my texts and helped us find a couple of spots. Unfortunately because we didn't have a 4wd vehicle there was really only a couple of spots available to us and they weren't ideal imo. The river was lovely and peaceful however we realized that in order to get to the bathrooms we'd have to load up and take our vehicle a couple of miles each time. Maybe ok for some but not ideal for really young kids. Also we weren't told until we got there and we asked that the showers were broken. Again maybe ok for a night but we'd booked 3 nights so wouldn't work for us. I understand this is somewhat primitive camping however it was heavily advertised as having bathrooms and showers nearby. I wouldn't have booked had I known that wasn't the case. We ended up having to make a quick decision as nighttime was approaching to leave and try and find a place that would work better. So we did not end up staying here. I think this place would be great if you know exactly what is available but it might not work for families with kids
We got in very late. The camp host was kind enough to drive over and help us locate the site in the dark. It was a beautiful very private spot on the river. We swam and kayaked and had a great time despite June heat.
Close enough to Johnson's shut-in and elephant rocks but far enough away that we didn't have to deal with crowds.
Mixed feelings
· June 2025
Tent · With kids ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
The river is great but there is very little direction in terms of where to set up or where the designated camping sites are. I sent a message through the app and never received a response. Aside from that we just assumed we were okay to set up where we did. The toilet was great vs the normal alternative when camping. Overall a great area to swim and do some fishing but a little more guidance would have been ideal.
Recommends
· June 2025
Great host, great land, great time.
Tent · Group trip ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
Joshua was super nice and welcoming. He lead us straight to our spot and even came back to help when we had a small mishap with our equipment. He’s quick to respond to text and is a very responsible camp owner. The land was great! Plenty of room between sites, direct access to the river, lots of wildlife. Some of the driving paths could be hard in lower vehicles so make sure you bring a vehicle that can take some bumps. There is a dollar general about 5 minutes away and a Walmart about 15 minutes away if you forget anything. Cell service was fine too.
Overall a wonderful experience. I was sad to leave and will be rebooking very soon!
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
We came in after a big storm when most people would not be out camping and were very happy with the site options. The place is HUGE and the owner was great suggesting local places to visit while we were in the area.
We had such an amazing weekend here! Quick drive from STL. The rain made things a bit messy but the campsite was perfect, plenty of level areas to set up our tent and canopy. We quickly set up camp at a secluded site near the water when we arrived and weren’t bothered by anyone.
The land is incredible and the river access is stunning! We will absolutely be back soon and have our eye on a couple other campsites that looked great!
Great communication and accommodation even on short notice. Josh is a rockstar!
Absolutely loved our stay here!!! We were super close to the river. Our dogs were able to run around. Other campers were close but we weren’t right on top of each other. Joshua came around periodically to check on us and see if there was anything we needed. We will definitely be back.
10/10 stay. This place is beautiful! If you are looking for a good family friendly place this is it. Joshua was super accommodating and helped us find the perfect spot. The campground is secluded and private. The nights were so calm and the star gazing was awesome! We camped right on the river and our kids had a blast all day playing while we relaxed in the water. We will be returning!!!
I had an awesome time at this Big River Outdoor Campgrounds. I had a great place to set up on a gravel beach next to the river. The site was clean, peaceful, and not overcrowded. I’ll absolutely be back to this campground!
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent · With pets ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
We had an amazing time! Josh, the host, met us at the shop when we got there. He was very nice and showed us around and allowed us to pick our sight. The entire place was very clean, quiet, and peaceful. We loved hanging out on the river bank and kayaking around. It was slower weekend which was perfect for what we wanted, but we will definitely be back for a live music weekend. Can’t wait till next time!!
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent · With pets ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
Amazing… the whole experience…. Highly recommend to others… Awesome swimming holes…. Good fishing with lots of fish to catch… Off-road trails are impeccable…. The mud was so much fun…. Pet friendly… The host Josh was very nice… Helpful… 10 out of 10 for family fun
Really good site. Josh was a bit uncommunicative at first and I had a hard time knowing what to expect or understanding the check in process because of it, but once we were there he was really nice and helpful and took good care of us. Really nice spot, not crowded even during Memorial Day weekend, and we had a good time.
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
Absolutely amazing spot to watch the eclipse! Joshua was very kind and invitng. Would definitely stay out there next time I'm on Missouri!
What a beautiful piece of property. Host Joshua was very friendly & helpful. Being able to pick your own spot was appealing. We stayed over the Eclipse weekend. The community at the Campground was easy-going & neighborly. Primative camping with a shower Definitely worth a visit!
Mixed feelings
· April 2024
22 ft travel trailer ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
We had a great time and the people there were great; friendly, accommodating and always around if you needed assistance.
Lots of room, but quite primitive in terms of site development.
Recommends
· April 2024
10 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
Very helpful staff, lots of space, awesome location.
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
This is a cool spot to camp. There were a bunch of people for the 2024 total eclipse. He had live music and you could set up where you wanted. Super easy check in as well.
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · With pets ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
🌞🙏👍👍👍 🌚 🌝 🌞 🫣
Eclipse camping + BRO= FUN
Recommends
· April 2024
16 ft travel trailer ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
Joshua is an excellent host. Very easy going and helpful with his local knowledge. We had a blast at this campground!
Recommends
· April 2024
Great place for eclipse watching
28 ft travel trailer ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
Came to see the eclipse. Everything was great. We chose a fairly remote spot near the river. It was quiet and peaceful. Clean porta potty nearby. Trash cans conveniently located. Josh was friendly and accommodating. I'd come back - often.
Awesome spots along the clear river, spacious showers, easy water spigot to pull water, and well organized music shows for the eclipse.
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
I had the most beautiful river spot on the property! Joshua was very friendly when I was checking in. Although it was busy, because of the Eclipse, I never felt like you were on top of others. I would definitely stay again!
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
Place was awesome very chill area owner was super nice and very helpful with any questions and concerns not to mention the beautiful secenery
Recommends
· April 2024
Tent ·
BigRiverOutdoors Campground
We went tent camping for the eclipse, this campground was in a great location and he offered live music and food trucks. I would say that this campground is set up for people who have an rv or small camper. While there were picnic tables, water, and portable toilets it was not really set up for tent camping, as most of these items are not located for easy access. Overall I enjoyed my stay but would probably not camp here again for more than a day. There was an area that was right next to the river but by the time we arrived all spots were taken so if you want a quiet place to do floating or water activities this wouldn’t be a bad place to stay.
Location
Frankclay, Washington, Missouri, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Joshua W.
Joined in February 2023Things to do nearby
Similar campgrounds nearby
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