The best camping near Onondaga Cave State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Onondaga Cave State Park adventure.

100% (4 reviews)
100% (4 reviews)

Find fun adventures above and below the ground at this Missouri park.  

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Community favorites near Onondaga Cave State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Onondaga Cave State Park

93%
(1747)

Spring Lake Ranch

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Potosi, MO
Spring Lake Ranch boasts countless trails and lake activities. Formerly known as Sayersbrook Bison ranch, at one time it was one of the largest Bison ranches in the world. This property is filled with amazing things to see and explore. Nothing like it in Missouri. Lake is 60+ acres and is spring fed. Amazing fishing, swimming and kayaking. We are pet friendly. You will have amazing lake views and will be close to hiking trails, horseback riding, and wine tasting at Edge Cliff Wineries which is next door to us. The beautiful shower house is super clean, has restrooms and hot showers and it is within walking distance. Firewood and ice are available to purchase; kayaks and fishing poles are available for rent. If you forget something at home stop by our little country store, we might have it! :) The sites are about 20 ft from each other - if you are looking for more privacy please check out the secluded site or the peninsula.
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$18.90
 / night
98%
(663)

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · 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!
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$30
 / night
95%
(78)

Hawks Bluff Campground

57 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents460 acres · 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!
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$21.25
 / night
99%
(481)

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

30 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres · Saint Clair, MO
Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors is a 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. "Today, whatever is good for your soul, do that."
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$21.25
 / night
97%
(15)

Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

10 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · 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.
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$25
 / night
100%
(52)

Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

7 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Dixon, MO
Experience the Missouri Ozarks in all it's glory! Our property sits on 7 acres running on both sides of the beautiful, crystal clear Big Piney River. We sit right at the bottom of a beautiful bluff right along the banks of the river! We have a dry cabin, with outdoor water, bathroom and cedar shower house. We have a fully stocked new camper with everything you'll need for up to 6 people, including ice cold A/C! We also own a large beautiful sand bar on the Big Piney River perfect for setting up your tent or hammock camping (only accessible by swimming or kayak, which we can provide for a fee)
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$40
 / night
99%
(225)

Sudden Valley Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents138 acres · Warrenton, MO
Our home was built shortly after the couple married in 1904.  We were fortunate enough to begin our adventure here in 1999.  We appreciate all this place has to offer - from the hay fields to the woods and everything in between.  It is a peaceful paradise we enjoy sharing with others.  Please come and relax, read a book, draw a picture, or simply let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep.  We believe you will leave rejuvenated!  
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$32.30
 / night
99%
(146)

Swim/BBQ/Camp Such and Such Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · De Soto, MO
Learn more about this land: Camp at our beautiful private swimming hole in the middle of a creek. It's fed by a 300,000 gallon/day fresh water spring that runs along the length of the campsite with a community picnic table, two Webber grills, and a huge fire pit. Bring your fishing poles and water shoes! There are fire ring's at each site but be sure to bring your own camp chairs.
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$30
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99%
(55)

Crooked Creek Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent35 acres · Salem, MO
Once a portion of a hunting preserve, Crooked Creek Ranch is located deep in the Missouri Ozarks, within walking distance of Mark Twain National Forest. We've owned and managed Crooked Creek Ranch for many years now, building and maintaining trails, planting trees and working to make the place as beautiful as it can be for all who visit. We hope that you will be as refreshed and revitalized as we are when you set foot into this wonderful forest. It is a lot of very hard work, and totally worth it. If you enjoy it, it will make it that much more worth it! Thanks for reading! Learn more about this land: 100% PRIVACY. 35 private wooded acres all to yourself with a totally private one-mile intermediate level mountain biking-hiking loop trail! Hike peaceful trails, exploring the wooded hills until you find the perfect spot for your tent. If you select a spot near the clearing, you will have access to the picnic table and fire circle. Spend your days mountain biking, hiking, fishing and watching wildlife on a private ranch in the Ozark Mountains, less than a quarter mile from the Mark Twain National Forest. Less than five miles from Indian Trail State Forest (Indian Trail Conservation Area) with beautiful Blackwell Lake. Canoeing and kayaking are less than an hour away (Meramec River, Current River and Jacks Fork River), as well as trout fishing at scenic Meramec Spring Park or Montauk State Park. Peaceful wilderness will inspire artists, writers, musicians. Quiet, secluded, beautiful, and rugged. If you do not want to see anyone, you don't have to. You will have 35 private acres. You will be 100% secluded. If you want amenities, this is not the place. If you want complete privacy, this is the place! Bear and mountain lion have been seen in the area, so please keep this in mind.
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$18.75
 / night
93%
(46)

Water Mountain

30 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · 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.
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$26.25
 / night
97%
(18)

Delightful 1 bedroom peaceful tiny house

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Salem, MO
We bought this property to enjoy our horses and cattle as well as the small animals including our rabbits , chickens , ducks , and more . We turned one of our barns into a place to have music and line dancing, however over time it turned into a perfect place for weddings and gathering events. We enjoy meeting the people who visit our farm . The sunsets behind the barn are therapeutic and soothing to the soul! Our small animals are the heart of the farm. We enjoy them and our guests are welcome to enjoy them as well. Learn more about this land:You won’t forget the peaceful surroundings of this rustic destination. Your stay with us is sure to bring you back to simplicity of life while comfortably cozy and relaxed . While TV and WiFi are available , you will find yourself content with viewing the activities of the surroundings and serene atmosphere. Just minutes away you’ll find exciting selections of activities , excellent dining , and friendly small businesses with a wide selection of interest .Guests are welcome to our venue and we encourage meeting with us to enjoy farm animals and surroundings .This is a working farm. This includes small and large farm animals .
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$71.20
 / night
100%
(197)

Comfy Cabin Camping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Leslie, MO
This property was first built in 1850 and still holds most of it's original historical charm and significance.. There is a floating outfit across the road and lots of fishing and swimming enjoyment on the river. Get to know my rescue animals and hear about the history of Noser Mill and the surrounding areas.Camp in style in these comfortable cabins on the Bourbeuse River. Features 1 bedroom cabins with A/C and heated water. Outdoor showers and outhouses with grill site and fire pit.  All three cabins sleep 4. There is also additional space for tent camping. To find out more about this option please contact me.This is all set on our beautiful farm property with historical structures and rescue animals. Fun for family!
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$30
 / night

The best camping near Onondaga Cave State Park guide

Overview

About

Onondaga Cave earns rave reviews for the grandness and beauty of the underground structures, which include a slow-flowing river running underneath giant stalactites and around massive stalagmites. Seasonal cave tours give you an up-close view. Above ground, the Meramec River runs through the park, providing an abundance of views and recreational opportunities. Hike the trails for expansive views, take a splash in one of the swimming holes, or grab your paddles for a journey down river. St. Louis is just over an hour east of the park, if you’re looking to add some urban adventures to your journeys.

Notable Camping Spots

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends when the weather is warm. Holidays may fill months in advance.
  2. Reservations may be booked up to 12 months in advance on the website or by calling Missouri State Parks.
  3. The campground is open year round for walk-ups, and reservations are offered April 1 through October 31.
  4. During the off season, water is not available at campsites and showerhouses close. Several frost-free spigots provide potable water.
  5. Unlike many Missouri state parks, electric/water sites are available here, though sewer hookups are not.

When to go

If you mainly want to tour the cave, visiting between April 1 and October 31 is required since daily tours are offered. Plus, this is when you’ll find the best weather above ground. Spring can be chilly, with the warmest temperatures found in late summer. Fall is particularly scenic, as colors generally peak in October. Visiting during the off season is more serene; however, you may encounter freezing temperatures and limited services.

Know before you go

  • Park gates may close at 11pm between April 1 through October 31. 
  • Onondaga Cave tours are offered daily April 1 through October 31 and may be booked online. The Cathedral Cave also has tours available on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Outfitters also offer float trips on the Meramec River seasonally.
  • The Meramec River features several swimming holes but no swimming beach.
  • Though watercraft rentals are not available in the park, commercial rentals can be found outside of the park. 
  • In addition to the river, a small pond also has fishing access.

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