Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road because we're diving into the 18 best campgrounds in Missouri. From hidden gems to top-rated spots, we've got your camping adventure right here. Whether you're about lakeside chilling, forest escapes, or epic hikes, this state's got it all. So, let's roll and discover the best place to camp in Missouri for your next outdoorsy getaway!

Best State Park Campgrounds in Missouri

Missouri boasts a diverse and picturesque landscape, and its state park campgrounds offer an exceptional way to experience natural beauty. From the stately pines and sandstone formations of Hawn State Park to the sweeping views of the Missouri River at Weston Bend State Park and from the tranquil waters of Montauk State Park to the lush Salt River Hills of Mark Twain State Park, these campgrounds provide a gateway to some of Missouri's most stunning outdoor destinations. Note: All Missouri state parks have an $8 reservation fee ($6.50 when made online) in addition to the campground fee.

1. Hawn State Park

• Location: New Offenburg, MO
• Popularity: Peak season is April through October.
• Park Info: Accessible, water, frost-free water, restrooms, shower house, laundry, vault toilets, parking, playground, amphitheater, picnic shelter, woodlot, and a dump station.
• Price: $10+/night

Hawn State Park is a 4,956-acre natural wonderland. It features a remarkable landscape with pine and oak-covered hills, sandy-bottom streams, and striking sandstone canyons and cliffs. Hawn State Park is renowned for its extensive trail network, ranging from short walks to an exceptional 10-mile backpacking trail, making it a cherished gem in Missouri's state park system.

Hawn State Park provides a range of camping options, including basic, electric, and backpack campsites. Additionally, there is a designated special-use camping area primarily intended for group camping. This area features amenities like water spigots and fire rings and can accommodate groups of up to 50 people. For hikers seeking an immersive overnight experience, backcountry camping is available along the Whispering Pine Trail within the park.

2. Weston Bend State Park

• Location: Weston, MO
• Popularity: When the weather is warm, this park is at its busiest.
• Park Info: Accessible, water, frost-free water, restrooms, shower house, vaulted toilets, dump station, and a woodlot.
• Price: $15+/night

Just a stone's throw from bustling Kansas City, Weston Bend State Park offers tranquil picnic spots, a campground, and scenic views of the Missouri River from accessible trails and overlooks. Plus, a three-mile paved bike trail meanders through the park's wooded terrain - a bonus!

Weston Bend State Park also provides both basic and electric campsites. For added space and convenience, consider reserving one of the park's family campsites, which come with two camping pads, two tables, grills, and lantern posts.

3. Montauk State Park

• Location: Salem, MO
• Popularity: Trout season/peak season is March through October.
• Park Info: Accessible, water, frost-free water, restrooms, shower house, laundry, dump station, woodlot, parking, playground, vault toilets, and an amphitheater.
• Price: $15+/night

Montauk State Park provides a tranquil natural retreat, offering a range of activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking. Situated at the headwaters of the Current River, the park's springs and Pigeon Creek collectively supply over 40 million gallons of refreshing spring water to the river daily, making it a favored spot for trout fishers. Exploring the park is made easy with three scenic trails for hikers and cyclists, while the historic 1896 gristmill offers insights into the Ozark region's history.

For those planning to stay overnight, Montauk State Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences. These include a modern campground with both basic and electric campsites, as well as the option of spacious family campsites. If you're looking for more choices, the park also provides a range of lodging alternatives, such as single, duplex, and fourplex cabins, along with cabins offering one to three bedrooms, as well as cozy sleeping cabins and motel rooms. The motel features 18 comfortable rooms furnished with two double beds, walk-in showers, and televisions, while the cabins come with diverse amenities like kitchens, fireplaces, and televisions.

4. Mark Twain State Park

• Location: Florida, MO
• Popularity: Little-known park, a hidden gem.
• Park Info: Accessible, water, restrooms, shower house, laundry, dump station, woodlot, parking, playground, vault toilets, boat launch, and an amphitheater.
• Price: $14+/night

Mark Twain State Park in north-central Missouri offers access to Mark Twain Lake and a variety of outdoor activities. The park features beautiful bluffs, diverse woodlands, and abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer and turkeys. Visitors can enjoy numerous picnic spots, two boat ramps, and over six miles of scenic hiking trails with lake views.

Mark Twain State Park offers various camping choices, from basic and electric sites to family campsites in Puma Campground. For a different experience, the park provides six camper cabins in a wooded setting with lake views. These cabins can host up to four adults and two children and have amenities like electricity, heating, and air conditioning. Inside, you'll find a dining table, ceiling fan, compact refrigerator, and microwave/toaster oven. And outside, you'll find a porch bench, picnic table, and grills.

Best Beach Camping in Missouri

With serene lakeshores and inviting sandy stretches, beach camping in Missouri is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Four remarkable destinations stand out for their beachside camping experiences: Harry S. Truman State Park, Lake Wappapello State Park, Long Branch State Park, and Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Whether you're looking to swim, fish, lounge in the sun, or simply savor nature, these parks offer the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and waterfront relaxation.

5. Harry S. Truman State Park

• Location: Warsaw, MO
• Popularity: Peak camping season is April through September.
• Park Info: Water, accessible, parking, amphitheater, restrooms, shower house, laundry, dump station, vault toilets, boat ramp, and a campground beach.
• Price: $12+/night

Harry S. Truman State Park, situated on a scenic peninsula, offers clear waters, dramatic bluffs, and a range of recreational activities. With a marina, excellent fishing and boating options, and inviting swimming spots, it's a perfect getaway. The park's oak woodlands house hiking trails, picnic areas, and well-equipped campsites amidst abundant wildlife.

With a choice of six campgrounds, you'll easily discover your ideal campsite. Family campsites offer extra room for your comfort. Don't forget to visit the Truman State Park Marina for ice and other essentials during your stay. The marina is well-stocked with park souvenirs, fishing gear, boating necessities, ice, and select grocery items. You can also explore a new mini restaurant offering a range of meals, from shrimp to chicken wings, pizza, and more, all while enjoying your meal on a new lakeside patio.

6. Lake Wappapello State Park

• Location: Williamsville, MO
• Popularity: Hidden gem.
• Park Info: Water, frost-free water, restrooms, showers, laundry, vault toilets, dump station, woodlot, parking, boat ramp, accessible, and a playground.
• Price: $16+/night

Lake Wappapello State Park is a versatile vacation spot with options for day trips or extended stays. The park has accommodations, including modern campgrounds, cabins, and rustic camper cabins. Nature lovers can explore miles of scenic trails suitable for hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders, while boaters can take advantage of Lake Wappapello's accessible waters for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park provides two and three-bedroom housekeeping cabins with well-appointed amenities and four comfortable camper cabins in the Ridge Campground, featuring queen-size beds, full-size futons, and scenic views.

7. Long Branch State Park

• Location: Macon, MO
• Popularity: Underrated summer destination.
• Park Info: Water, frost-free water, restrooms, showers, vault toilets, dump station, recycling, parking, accessible, and a playground.
• Price: $16+/night

If you're searching for a water-centric adventure, look no further than Long Branch State Park. The park boasts three convenient boat ramps, granting easy access to the expansive and picturesque Long Branch Lake. Fishing is a popular pastime here, and families love the marina store, swimming beach, and day-use area. If camping is on your agenda, you'll find a well-equipped modern campground featuring both basic and electric campsites. For those seeking extra room, the park offers family campsites as well.

8. Lake of the Ozarks State Park

• Location: Brumley, MO
• Popularity: Very popular family-friendly spot.
• Park Info: Accessible, amphitheater, dump station, laundry, marina, parking, playground, restroom, shower house, vault toilets, water, and woodlot.
• Price: $15+/night

Discover Lake of the Ozarks State Park, a destination that offers abundant outdoor experiences. This scenic park, located along the shores of Missouri's expansive Lake of the Ozarks, invites you to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation. Explore woodlands, glades, and trails on foot, bike, or horseback, taking in breathtaking lake views. With two swimming beaches, boat rentals, and convenient camping facilities, the park caters to water lovers and campers alike.

Campers can choose from basic and electric campsites, including family campsites. The Camper Store near the campground entrance provides essential camping supplies. For a unique camping adventure, stay in rustic log cabins at the Outpost, each accommodating up to six people with modern amenities. Alternatively, experience a distinctive yurt camping experience with circular structures featuring comfortable furnishings, skylights, and outdoor amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Enjoy a memorable outdoor escape at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

Top Glamping in Missouri

Experience the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and luxury with the top glamping destinations in Missouri. From enchanting treehouse retreats like Branson Treehouse Adventures to secluded and nature-immersed Wilderland Glamping Cabins, Missouri offers unique glamping experiences for every traveler. Pomme de Terre State Park's yurts provide an alternative camping experience, and Table Rock State Park's premium yurt combines the best of both worlds, offering accessibility, comfort, and stunning lake views. Whether you're seeking a digital detox or a relaxing getaway, these glamping options in Missouri promise a memorable and one-of-a-kind escape.

9. Branson Treehouse Adventures

• Location: Branson West, MO
• Popularity: Popular amongst families.
• Park Info: They offer discounts to our active military, veterans, and emergency workers. They also offer a weekly discount on RV and tent sites.
• Price: $30-$269/night

Discover the enchanting Branson Treehouse Adventures, a unique treehouse resort minutes from Branson's attractions. These one-of-a-kind treehouses, suitable for families, couples, and adults, offer various features, including swinging bridges to the front doors. All treehouses include cable TV, Wi-Fi, cozy tree-themed interiors, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. Some even feature Jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces. You can also choose cabins, RV sites, or tent camping. Beyond your treehouse, enjoy outdoor amenities like a playground, pirate ship, ziplines, rock climbing, a pool, and hiking trails.

10. The Wilderness Connection

• Location: Arcadia, MO
• Popularity: Popular retreat for couples or solo adventures.
• Park Info: Kitchenette, private bathroom, bathroom essentials, luxury bedding, hybrid queen mattress, private outdoor area, gas BBQ grill, fire ring, general store, air conditioning, heating, Bluetooth speaker, and more.
• Price: Price based on the event

Experience The Wilderness Connection in Arcadia Valley, Missouri, exclusively for adults. Rejuvenating events like Forest Bathing Walks and Women's Day Retreats allow you to connect with nature. And 24 Hours of YOU Time is a wonderful glamping experience where you can relax, recharge, and enjoy the tranquility of nature by staying in one of their cozy glamping cabins. Each cabin accommodates one to two guests, offering a serene experience in a tranquil natural setting. No matter your choice of cabin, expect a luxurious stay with amenities like a rainfall shower, high-quality sheets, and a well-equipped kitchenette. Stay comfortable year-round with air conditioning for summer and heating in winter. Enjoy a private campfire space with essential amenities, including a fire ring, chairs, tables, firewood, a picnic table, and a propane BBQ grill.

11. Pomme de Terre State Park

• Location: Pittsburg, MO
• Popularity: Particularly popular in the summer months.
• Park Info: Guests have access to the campground shower house, which is open seasonally from April through October. A vault toilet is available all year.
• Price: $85 / night weekdays | $89 / night weekends

Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming at two beaches, and hiking on two scenic trails at Pomme de Terre State Park. The park provides various accommodation options, including 240 campsites, three yurts, four camper cabins, a marina cabin, and a lake house, making it suitable for camping trips.

For a unique camping experience, the park offers circular yurts as an alternative to traditional tents. These yurts feature wooden frames, locking doors, large windows, and a dome skylight. Inside, you'll find amenities like a futon, bunk bed, refrigerator, coffee table, heating, and air conditioning, accommodating up to five people. While the yurts lack running water, they provide a comfortable camping experience year-round. Each yurt is equipped with outdoor amenities, including a picnic table, fire ring, and grill for barbecues or campfires.

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12. Table Rock State Park

• Location: Branson, MO
• Popularity: Popular amongst families and large groups.
• Park Info: Designated parking for two vehicles and linens are provided.
• Price: $159/night

Check out an exceptional lodging experience at Table Rock State Park with their year-round accessible premium yurt. This circular structure features two bedrooms, air conditioning, a full bathroom, a well-equipped kitchen, and a spacious living room with a television. Enjoy the wooden deck, lake views, and outdoor amenities such as a picnic table, cooking grill, fire ring, and lantern post during your stay. This unique yurt offers comfort and convenience in a distinctive setting.

Best RV Camping Sites in Missouri

Experience the best RV camping in Missouri at Coconuts RV Resort, Big Creek RV Park, and Huzzah Valley Resort. Coconuts offers a paradise with a private pool and fitness center. Big Creek provides a natural escape with a swimming pool, petting zoo, and proximity to attractions. Huzzah Valley Resort offers both quiet family areas and lively sections with activities like hiking and river floats. Whether you're a proud owner of an RV or prefer to rent one from a reputable service like RVShare, enjoy an unforgettable RV camping adventure in Missouri at these top-notch campgrounds.

13. Coconuts RV Resort

• Location: Gravois Mills, MO
• Popularity: Popular place for family vacations.
• Park Info: Adult pool, family pool, full hookups, dog park, concrete pad, private gated community, 24-hour surveillance, Wi-Fi, daily maintenance and management, fitness center, public restrooms, convenience store, playground, and a shower house.
• Price: $99+/night

At this upscale RV resort, you'll find a wealth of amenities, including a modern fitness center, outdoor movie screenings, family game nights, communal bonfires, a laundry facility, an arcade, a spacious 16-stall shower house, and, not to forget, an exclusive adult and family pools featuring a swim-up bar for your enjoyment. Whether you're there to enjoy water sports like boating and jet skiing or unwind while soaking in the breathtaking lake vistas by a cozy campfire, Coconuts RV Resort is the place to be!

14. Big Creek RV Park

• Location: Annapolis, MO
• Popularity: Family-friendly favorite RV park.
• Park Info: Full hook-up sites, pull-thru sites, cable TV, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, picnic tables, fire pits, private shower suites, 24-hour coin laundry, petting zoo, playground, walking trails, gem mining sluice, horseshoe pits, wiffle ball field, volleyball, games, camp store, firewood, ice, planned events, and activities.
• Price: $45+/night

Welcome to Big Creek RV Park in the picturesque Arcadia Meadow. The campground is dedicated to providing an exceptional camping experience amid Southeastern Missouri's woodlands, offering serene trails along Big Creek and starry nights far from city lights. With 63 spacious sites, full hookups, a swimming pool, walking trails, a petting zoo, and proximity to Missouri attractions, Big Creek prioritizes the guests' experience. Clean, private restrooms, lots of activities, and friendly staff ensure your stay is memorable. Enjoy Arcadia Meadow in all its seasonal glory at Big Creek RV Park.

15. Huzzah Valley Resort

• Location: Steelville, MO
• Popularity: Affordable family-friendly spot with lots of outdoor activities.
• Park Info: Onsite canoes, rafts, kayaks, and inner-tubes rentals.
• Price: $8.50-$20/night

Planning a vacation? Think outside the box! Enjoy a classic camping trip with friends and family. Huzzah Valley Resort's spacious campsites along the Huzzah River can accommodate around 10 people, and sites include picnic tables and fire rings with BBQ grills. The campground also offers RV sites with 30 or 50 amp service, suitable for year-round camping. Enjoy the great outdoors with nearby beaches, swimming areas, and playgrounds. Sparkling restrooms and coin-operated showers add convenience to your camping experience.

At Huzzah Valley Resort, you have the choice of staying in either the quiet family area or the livelier "zoo" area. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a playground, games like cornhole and volleyball, and hiking trails. Additionally, you can explore river floats and horseback riding for added adventure.

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Missouri

Discover the best primitive tent camping in Missouri at Piney Creek Wilderness, Paddy Creek Wilderness, and Bell Mountain Wilderness. Piney Creek offers a serene retreat nestled near Table Rock Lake, complete with diverse plant and animal life. Paddy Creek features perennial streams and a mix of oak-hickory forests and pine groves. Bell Mountain Wilderness boasts breathtaking views from the Bell and Lindsey Mountains alongside rugged terrains and old-growth forest species. These pristine wilderness areas invite adventurers to connect with nature in its purest form while enjoying rustic Missouri camping experiences.

16. Piney Creek Wilderness

• Location: Cape Fair, MO
• Popularity: Light usage.
• Park Info: Tent and camping trailer permitted. There are toilets and parking at the trailhead.
• Price: Free.

Piney Creek Wilderness, spanning 8,178 acres, earned its congressional designation in 1980. Located west of Table Rock Lake, it features rugged terrain with ridges towering 400 feet above winding hollows and streams. Piney Creek, the primary watercourse, flows entirely within the wilderness, eventually emptying into scenic Table Rock Lake. The landscape is dominated by shortleaf pine, oak, and hickory on the ridges, while the valleys are adorned with hardwoods like sycamore, ash, elm, buckeye, and walnut.

Campers and backpackers seeking a place to set up their tents have the freedom to choose within Piney Creek Wilderness, as dispersed camping is permitted. Hikers can relish exploring the wilderness, but it's essential to carry a map and compass since trail signage is limited in this area.

17. Paddy Creek Wilderness

• Location: Plato, MO
• Popularity: Beautiful and quiet.
• Park Info: Adequate preparation and water purification are essential, as water sources may not be safe to drink. Bring a map, compass, and first aid kit.
• Price: Free.

The Paddy Creek Wilderness, spanning 7,035 acres in northwestern Texas County, is characterized by the dramatic features of Big Paddy and Little Paddy Creeks. The wilderness boasts steep cliffs and rocky outcrops along these waterways, which typically flow year-round. Forested landscapes dominate the area, with oak varieties, hickories, and shortleaf pine.

Dispersed camping, allowed outside designated campgrounds, lacks amenities like toilets, structures, and trash cans. Wilderness recreation emphasizes preserving the land's natural state, often requiring special skills like no-trace camping. In these areas, expect minimal signage and developed amenities.

18. Bell Mountain Wilderness

• Location: Belleview, MO
• Popularity: Light usage.
• Park Info: Stay at least 100 feet away from trails, streams, and restricted areas. Fires should not be started near trails, and group sizes should not exceed 10 people. Always adhere to posted rules regarding bicycles, vehicles, and horse usage. When using horses, follow provided guidelines, avoiding tethering near water or trails. Do not store equipment within the wilderness area, and ensure proper disposal of waste and garbage to protect the environment.
• Price: Free.

Explore the 9,143-acre Bell Mountain Wilderness in the ancient St. Francois Mountains, featuring diverse elevations, rock formations, and stunning vistas from Bell Mountain and Lindsey Mountain. Wander alongside perennial streams like Shut-in Creek and Joe's Creek, with 11.9 miles of maintained hiking trails, including a part of the Ozark Trail. This wilderness boasts a unique habitat with oak-hickory forests, pine areas, and scattered glades, supporting various plant and animal species uncommon in the Missouri Ozarks. Encounter mature forest species and game animals like deer, turkeys, and squirrels in this exceptional environment. Dispersed camping is also allowed in Bell Mountain Wilderness. You won't find amenities like restrooms, structures, trash cans, treated water, or fire grates - and remember to leave no trace!

Are any of these campgrounds in Missouri your favorite camping spots? Let us know - we'd love to hear all about your camping adventures!

Do you go camping a lot? Are you taking a camping trip and are looking for a campground with pull-through sites and electrical hookups? Or maybe a remote campground close to waterfalls and trails perfect for bird-watching? Then check out this hub of the best places to camp in Missouri.