The best camping near St. Francois State Park

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

33% (4 reviews)

Explore a surprising mountain getaway south of St. Louis.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near St. Francois State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in St. Francois State Park

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St. Francois State Campground

110 sites · RVs, Tents In St. Francois State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Francois State Park

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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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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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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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Hawks Bluff Campground

56 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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Big River Outdoors Campground

95 sites · RVs, Tents87 acres · Frankclay, MO

80+ acres with over a mile of river frontage. Also a unique custom off road park on the property. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and live music on 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.

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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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Sugarloaf Creek

1 site · RV7 acres · Dupo, IL

A wooded, country oasis located 20 minutes away from downtown St. Louis. Plenty of city adventures to be had or relax on the peaceful deck overlooking a small creek. Some nearby local hiking spots near the Mississippi River flood plains. Fire pit available for use. Water and 30 AMP electric hookup.

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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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Sycamore Springs Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Fredericktown, MO

The campsite sits alongside the Castor River, offering electric hookups at 5 sites. Enjoy outdoor adventures just minutes away, at the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River, located south of Route J, eight miles east of Fredericktown.

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Cinco de Mayo Campground

16 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · MO

Every morning that I wake up at Cinco I think how fortunate I am to have a place on this earth where I am excited to be. Whether it is sweaty-hot summertime or deep-freeze, snow-covered wintertime I treasure the moments sipping a cup of tea on the riverbank listening to the birds competing over food and mates...or to the ice breaking up with the morning heat. Starting the day this way can sure alleviate a lot of stress! The tenants and guests that have stayed here make my favorite place on earth truly precious. Sharing with others magnifies the experience. Please give yourself the gift of staying here for a weekend.Learn more about this land:Sleep right on the banks of the river or in the clean level yard just a few feet away. Kayak or fish all day then enjoy a nice warm shower in our bathhouse. You can freshen your gear in our new mini-laundromat. Bring quarters or download an Iphone app to start the laundry machines.

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Saco Valley Farm, LLC

4 sites · Tents28 acres · Cherokee Pass, MO

Camp, Swim, BBQ, wade the creek, enjoy the campfire! Primitive Camping. Very Private. Water is cool and clear. Open to the stars. A great place to commune with nature, or enjoy some peace and quiet! 12 mile creek runs directly through our property. Shallow and deep all throughout. Great for wading, swimming, floating, kayaking. Great small mouth fishing! We are approximately one mile by water from the St. Francois River. We have kayaked down the creek to the river for many years. The farm is very rural. We are 16 miles to the closest gas station, and 25 miles to town. There is no internet. Cell phone service is spotty at best. Currently a working farm, we have 2 high tunnels on the property behind the house, and our original market garden. Across the creek we are finishing up our 5 acre agroforestry planting. 3 acres of elderberries and 2 acres of blackberries. 28 acres, 3 on one side, and 25 on the other. The farm is located approximately 2 hours south of St. Louis. Fredericktown is 30 mins away. Food, Drinks, Golf, and Lalo's Mexican Restaurant! There are a ton of local antique shops, and outdoor activities. Local places of interest: Amidon Arcadia Valley Black River Bonne Terre Mine Elephant Rocks Johnson Shut Ins Mill Stream Gardens One Nation Paintball Park Sam A. Baker State Park Saco Valley Farmstand Sherpher Mountain Bike Park Silvermines Taum Sauk Mountain

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Fresh Retro Glamping

1 site · Lodging1 acre · St. Louis, MO

Stay in the heart is St. Louis on The Hill near all of the big attractions! You will have your own private yard space and your 200 sq. ft. cabin has heating and air conditioning . The list of attractions within 1.5 miles of your Fresh Retro Glamping cabin includes: Berra Park, Forest Park, St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Art Museum, The Muny, The Science Center, Missouri Botanical Gardens, The History Museum and Tower Grove Park. Walk the safe vibrant neighborhood to enjoy the parks with playgrounds, many restaurants, delis, Italian groceries, piazza, and coffee shops.

The best camping near St. Francois State Park guide

Overview

About

Less than an hour south of St. Louis is a natural playground of grand proportions, with a rippling river, granite bluffs, massive boulders, and endless views of the rollicking St. Francois Mountains. Unlike the rest of the Ozarks, these jagged hills were formed by volcanic activity. This is the epic backdrop for your adventures, whether you hike through the woodlands, make a cool splash in the river, or paddle below the bluffs. If you have a horse, you can even bring it, too, as several park trails allow riding. Venture through the Coonville Creek Designated Wild Area for more unspoiled beauty.

Notable Camping Spots

Best for a peaceful retreat: St. Francois Campground’s basic sites are roomier than the pull-thru sites.
Best big rigs: St. Francois Campground’s pull-thru electric sites provide easy parking, with electric hookups.
Best for camping with a group: St. Francois Campground’s family site offers a combo site with paired camping pads and some shared amenities.
Best for backpackers: St. Francois Campground offers a backpack camp along the Pike Run Trail.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Unlike most other Missouri state parks, this park is open and reservable throughout the year.
Walk-up reservations are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Advanced reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays.
Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance on the Missouri State Park website or phone line.
Water and showers are available April 1 through October 31. Water is not available in the off season.

When to go

Due to the water activities, summer is a popular time to visit the park, as the river waters are warm enough for comfortable swimming. The weather is generally hot and humid this time of year. Spring and fall are special times to hit the trails, as wildflowers blossom in the spring and as the hills erupt in color on crisp fall days. Though campsites are available in the winter, campers must prepare for the potential for freezing temperatures and precipitation, as well as the lack of water in the campground during the off season.

Know before you go

Check the schedule for the Bonne Terre Drag Strip before camping. Since it’s fewer than two miles from the park, engine noise can be heard during racing season.
This park experiences occasional flash flooding. Campers must have a means to evacuate while staying.
Bring shoes that can get wet and muddy if you plan to wade in the waters or explore trails after a heavy rain.
Boat launches are available for paddlers to access the Big River. Motorized boats are not recommended.
Within a 45-minute drive, you’ll find two of Missouri’s most popular state parks: Elephant Rocks and Johnson’s Shut-Ins, which have fascinating geological features.