The best camping near St. Joe State Park

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

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

Hit the trails on bike, horseback, or ATV in this adventurous Missouri park.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near St. Joe State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Joe State Park

98%
(650)

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
93%
(1732)

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
99%
(478)

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
95%
(77)

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
95%
(38)

Sycamore Springs Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Fredericktown, MO
The campsite sits alongside the Castor River, offering electric hookups at 5 sites for campers. There is day pass availability as well as 5 Tent camping 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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$10
 / night
97%
(358)

Four Creeks Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Ellington, MO
Three crystal clear creeks to swim, wade, hunt rocks, or just relax. We have several tent sites right on the creeks and RV sites close for just a short walk for swimming fun. Right on miles of ATV, OHV, SxSs or hiking trails. Close to the Black River and the Current for floating, Kayaking or fishing. Clearwater Lake for boat rentals or Jet skies. Sites to see, Blue Springs, Big Springs Johnson Shut Inns, Elephant Rock, Rocky Falls, and many state parks to explore. We are also only three miles from the town of Ellington, MO for your shopping needs, several restaurants and antiquing.
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$20
 / night
97%
(177)

Cinco de Mayo Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, 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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$15
 / night
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
99%
(145)

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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95%
(19)

Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

2 sites · Tents68 acres · Arcadia, MO
BaseCamp is respite nestled into the Arcadia Valley just miles from Shepherd Mountain Bike Psrk. With nearly 70 acres surrounded by Mark Twain National Forest, there are many opportunities for hiking, botanical exploration, licensed fishing, mountain biking, equine accessible trails, and much more. There is a small pond on the property with a walking trail and a rock garden that doubles as a small creek when rains are heavy. With camping options ranging from backpacking and tent camping to van dwellers and Tiny House glamping, all are welcome. Adventure begins at Base Camp!
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$19.50
 / night
100%
(8)

R & T Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · IL
Your stay will be on our small 5 acres farm where we raise Cows, Pigs, Chickens and Guineas. We also have dogs and cats. You can experience life on a farm with all the sounds and smells but not all the work! Absolutely breath taking sun sets. The one and only spot we have is very secluded and private. You will have electric and SEWER HOOK UP and can fill your water tank at our house for full service facilities. We are only 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Come and stay with us, you will not be disappointed.
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$25
 / night
97%
(99)

Big River Outdoors Campground

99 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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$50
 / night

The best camping near St. Joe State Park guide

Overview

About

While many state parks offer peaceful retreats, this one comes with the roar of engines. As one of only two Missouri state parks that allow off-road vehicles, St. Joe is a popular location for this energetic activity. ORVers, equestrians, mountain bikers, hikers, and paddlers will all find trails to meet their varied needs and desires, with a backdrop of waters and wooded hills. Four lakes extend the fun to the water, offering fishing, boating, and swimming. Venture to nearby Elephant Rocks and Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Parks to explore the fascinating geological features found in this region of southeastern Missouri.

Notable Camping Spots

  • Best for equestrians: St. Joe Campground 2 allows horses at the campsites.
  • Best for ORV fanatics: St. Joe Campground 1 is the ORV area and offers a rinse station and access to the ORV trail system.
  • Best for off-grid camping: St. Joe Campground also has trailside campsites. Contact the park for more details.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. If you will be bringing horses or off-road vehicles, you must camp in the appropriate campground. If you have neither, you can pick from either.
  2. This is a popular park, so advanced reservations are recommended.
  3. Reservations may be made up to 12 months in advance. Use the Missouri State Parks website or phone number.
  4. Both campgrounds are open and reservable year round.
  5. Water and showers are available April 1 through October 31, with a couple of frost-free spigots available during the off season.
  6. The showerhouse is located in Campground 1.
  7. Basic and electric sites are available, with some pull-thrus and 50-amp hookups found in Campground 1. Campground 2 has basic and electric sites.
  8. Weekend reservations require a two-night stay.

When to go

This park has recreational options year round. The ORV area is even accessible to snowmobiles after heavier snows. Campers need to prepare for freezing temperatures in winter months. During the summer, the park is at its busiest, with full campgrounds and lots of traffic. The swim beaches are also popular. During the spring and fall, activities may settle down, though weekends are busier. The weather is pleasant, with the best scenery in October.

Know before you go

  • You will hear the noise of ORV engines at this park.
  • All vehicles must be parked on asphalt pads.
  • Campground 1 gates close at 10 p.m. After-hours admission may be requested a day in advance by calling the park office.
  • Canoe and kayak rentals are offered onsite, or you may bring your own.
  • Electric trolling motors are allowed on watercraft, but gas-powered engines are not permitted on the lake.
  • Two swimming beaches are provided, and scuba diving is allowed in two of the park’s lakes.

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