The best camping near Hawn State Park

Hawn State Park is considered one of Missouri’s prettiest parks, with diverse woodlands and sandstone bluffs towering above the scenic Pickle Creek. Located less than 30 minutes southwest of Ste. Genevieve, the park is a good basecamp for exploring this charming, historic city, which celebrates a French Canadian heritage. Or, take a 45-minute drive to Elephant Rocks State Park to check out the geological wonders found there. Within Hawn State Park, hiking and relaxing are the prime activities. Bird watchers and rockhounds are also sure to be entertained.

• Best for adventure seekers: Ten backcountry camping sites are located along the Whispering Pines hiking trail.
• Best for big rigs: Hawn Campground’s 50-amp sites have long concrete pads.
• Best for tent campers: Hawn Campground offers several wooded walk-in tent sites, which are more accessible than the backcountry sites, while still being separated from the RV-friendly areas.

1. Reservations open 12 months in advance.
2. Use the Missouri State Parks website and or call the phone line to book a site. 
3. Reservations are offered April 1 through November 30, but the campground is open year round. 
4. Water and showers are available April 1 through October 31, with one frost-free spigot accessible in the off-season.
5. Several sites are listed as “basic,” which means they do not offer electric hookups. 
6. Electric sites have 30-amp hookups, with 50-amp only available at specified locations (sites 1-9). 

Hawn State Park offers varied experiences throughout the year. The mix of hardwoods and pines means winter has some color to the forests, though you need to be prepared for camping in cold temperatures, with occasional winter precipitation. In spring, the wildflowers bloom and trees begin to bud. Summer brings full foliage to the forest, though heat and humidity can damper outdoor adventures. Hikers have noted the prevalence of chiggers in late summer. Fall brings changing colors to the Ozarks hills.

• Several campsites back up to Pickle Creek.
• Cell service is spotty in this area of Missouri, and you may not have service at your site.
• This park locks the gates each evening at 10pm on Sunday through Thursdays nights and at 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. You must arrive before the gates lock to be admitted.
• A special-use camping area is offered for large groups.
• Hiking is a popular way to experience the park’s varied landscapes, along four available trails ranging from a tenth of a mile to 9.5 miles in length.