Most people naturally associate camping with summertime. After all, the warmer temperatures, the golden sunshine, and the longer days just pair so perfectly with pitching a tent and falling asleep under the stars. However, these Missouri state parks welcome campers all-year around, so you can experience an old-fashioned camping adventure even during the quietest days of winter.

Please note that while many of Missouri’s state parks welcome campers, specifically those in RVs, all-year around, modern restrooms and showers are usually only available from April 1 through October 31 annually (there are some exceptions.) However, when they're not available, you will be able to access water from potable water stations.

Be sure to make a reservation, which you can do up one year in advance, if you plan to camp between April 1 and October 31.

1. Sam A. Baker State Park – Patterson

Go camping any time of the year at Sam A. Baker State Park. It features one seasonal campground, one year-round campground, and an equestrian campground, the latter of which is generally open from March through November. The beautiful state park offers a full list of activities – hiking, biking, horseback riding, and swimming during the summer. Read more about the trail that leads to a Missouri swimming hole at Sam A. Baker State Park in our previous article.

2. Echo Bluff State Park – Eminence

You couldn't talk about Missouri state park camping without mentioning the splendor of Echo Bluff State Park that you can enjoy all year around by staying at its campground or booking a room in its lodge. Unlike some state parks, the restrooms and shower house remain open all year around. Read all about one of Missouri’s newest state parks in a previous article.

3. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park – Middle Brook

All four of the campsites at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park are open all-year around. However, only one – Loop 3 – has a shower house and restrooms that remain open all year. Pitch a tent or park your RV. This spot is definitely RV camping in Missouri at its best! The loop 1 campground is an equestrian campground if you decide to bring your horse along. Read more about this popular Missouri state park in our previous article.

4. Roaring River State Park – Cassville

Roaring River State Park offers three campgrounds – two are generally open from February through October annually while the third, the family campground, is open all year. Both the accessible restroom and shower house are open all year at the family campground. No matter what time of the year you visit, bring your hiking boots. The best way to explore this popular Missouri state park is on its seven hiking trails. Find out why Roaring River State Park is the perfect place to watch bald eagles in Missouri.

5. Wakonda State Park – La Grange

Boasting a 20,000-square foot sandy beach, Wakonda State Park is a popular destination all year around. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit during the off-season. Its two campgrounds – Boulder Lake Campground and Wakonda Lake Campground – are open all year around. Get a glimpse at why Wakonda State Park is an unforgettable Missouri destination.

Have you ever been to any of these awesome places? If so, which were your favorites? What are your favorite Missouri state parks in which to camp year-round? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Ready to explore some amazing Missouri destinations? Add these natural wonders in Missouri to your bucket list.

If you’re still in the mood for more Missouri adventures, take a look at this video: