Missouri is a state that offers a variety of camping experiences for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you are looking for a secluded spot in the wilderness, a family-friendly campground with amenities, or a scenic location near a lake or river, you will find it in Missouri. In this article, we will introduce you to 12 of the best camping places in Missouri that you can visit in 2023.
1. Meramec Caverns Campground in Stanton
Meramec Caverns Campground is a great place to explore the wonders of the underground world. The campground is located near the entrance of Meramec Caverns, one of the largest and most spectacular cave systems in the country. You can take a guided tour of the caverns, which feature stunning formations, colorful lights, and historical artifacts. You can also enjoy other activities such as zip-lining, canoeing, rafting, and fishing on the Meramec River. The campground offers tent sites, RV sites with full hookups, and cabins for rent1.
2. Big Creek RV Park in Annapolis
Big Creek RV Park is a family-owned and operated campground that provides a relaxing and comfortable stay for RVers. The park is situated on the banks of Big Creek, a clear and cool stream that is perfect for swimming, tubing, and fishing. The park also has a heated pool, a playground, a game room, and a pavilion with a fire pit. The RV sites are spacious and level, with full hookups, cable TV, and Wi-Fi1.
3. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park in Middle Brook
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a natural wonder that features a series of pools and waterfalls carved by the Black River. The park is named after the shut-ins, which are narrow gaps in the rocks where the water flows through with great force. You can swim, slide, and splash in the shut-ins, or hike on the trails that offer scenic views of the Ozark Mountains. The park has two campgrounds: one with basic and electric sites for tents and RVs, and another with walk-in sites for tents only1.
4. Cuivre River State Park in Troy
Cuivre River State Park is a park that showcases the diversity of Missouri’s landscapes. The park has more than 6,000 acres of woodlands, prairies, bluffs, and streams to explore. You can hike on the 18 miles of trails, some of which are part of the Cuivre River Trail System that connects to other parks in the region. You can also fish, boat, and swim on Lake Lincoln, or enjoy a picnic at one of the shelters. The park has four campgrounds: one with basic sites, two with electric sites, and one with equestrian sites1.
5. Table Rock State Park in Branson
Table Rock State Park is a park that offers a variety of recreational opportunities on Table Rock Lake, one of the most popular lakes in Missouri. The park has two marinas where you can rent boats, kayaks, paddleboards, and fishing equipment. You can also enjoy swimming, scuba diving, and water skiing on the lake. The park also has hiking and biking trails that wind through the forested hillsides. The park has two campgrounds: one with basic and electric sites for tents and RVs, and another with full hookup sites for RVs only1.
6. Long Branch State Park in Macon
Long Branch State Park is a park that features a 2,430-acre lake that is ideal for fishing and boating. The lake has three boat ramps and two fish cleaning stations for your convenience. You can also swim at the sandy beach or hike on the 3-mile trail that circles the lake. The park has two campgrounds: one with basic sites for tents only, and another with electric sites for tents and RVs1.
7. Roaring River State Park in Cassville
Roaring River State Park is a park that attracts anglers from all over the country who come to fish for rainbow trout in Roaring River Spring Branch. The river is stocked daily by the park’s hatchery, which also offers tours and educational programs. You can fish from sunrise to sunset with a valid permit and trout tag. You can also hike on the 10 miles of trails that lead to scenic overlooks and historic sites. The park has three campgrounds: one with basic sites for tents only, another with electric sites for tents and RVs, and a third with full hookup sites for RVs only1.
8. Montauk State Park in Salem
Montauk State Park is another park that is famous for its trout fishing opportunities. The park is located at the headwaters of the Current River, where cold water gushes from Montauk Spring at a rate of 53 million gallons per day. You can fish for rainbow and brown trout in the spring branch, which is divided into three zones with different regulations. You can also hike on the 3 miles of trails that follow the river and the spring. The park has two campgrounds: one with basic sites for tents only, and another with electric sites for tents and RVs1.
9. Hawn State Park in Ste. Genevieve
Hawn State Park is a park that is known for its beauty and tranquility. The park has some of the best hiking trails in Missouri, which take you through pine and oak forests, sandstone cliffs, and clear streams. You can also enjoy birdwatching, as the park is home to more than 100 species of birds, including the rare red-shouldered hawk. The park has one campground with basic and electric sites for tents and RVs1.
10. Mark Twain National Forest in Rolla
Mark Twain National Forest is a national forest that covers more than 1.5 million acres of land in southern and central Missouri. The forest has a rich history and culture, as it was the setting for many of Mark Twain’s novels and stories. The forest also has a diverse ecology, with more than 350 species of wildlife and 100 species of trees. You can enjoy camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, fishing, and more in the forest. The forest has more than 20 campgrounds, some of which are primitive and some of which have amenities2.
11. Devil’s Backbone Wilderness Campground in Pottersville
Devil’s Backbone Wilderness Campground is a campground that offers a primitive and secluded camping experience in the Ozark Mountains. The campground is located in the Devil’s Backbone Wilderness Area, which has more than 6,000 acres of land to explore. You can hike on the 13 miles of trails that cross creeks, rivers, springs, and forests. You can also fish, swim, and tube on the North Fork of the White River, which runs along the campground. The campground does not have any facilities or hookups, so you will need to bring your own water and supplies3.
12. Bell Mountain Wilderness Camping in Belleview
Bell Mountain Wilderness Camping is another campground that offers a primitive and secluded camping experience in the Ozark Mountains. The campground is located in the Bell Mountain Wilderness Area, which has more than 9,000 acres of land to explore. You can hike on the 12 miles of trails that climb up to Bell Mountain, which has an elevation of 1,702 feet and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. You can also fish, swim, and kayak on the Black River, which flows near the campground. The campground does not have any facilities or hookups, so you will need to bring your own water and supplies3.
FAQs
Is Missouri good for camping?
Yes, Missouri is a great place for camping. The state has a diverse landscape, with everything from mountains to forests to rivers. There are also many state parks and national forests in Missouri that offer camping opportunities.
Do you need a permit to camp in Missouri?
It depends on where you are camping. In some state parks and national forests, you do need a permit to camp. However, there are also many places in Missouri where you can camp without a permit.
How long can you stay at a campground in Missouri?
The length of time you can stay at a campground in Missouri varies depending on the campground. Some campgrounds have a maximum stay of 14 days, while others have no limit.
What is the best location for campsite?
The best location for a campsite in Missouri depends on your personal preferences. If you are looking for a quiet campsite, you might want to camp in a national forest. If you are looking for a campsite with more amenities, you might want to camp in a state park.
Here are some additional FAQs about camping in Missouri:
- What are the best times of year to camp in Missouri?
The best times of year to camp in Missouri are spring and fall. The weather is mild during these seasons, and there are fewer bugs.
- What are the most popular camping activities in Missouri?
Some of the most popular camping activities in Missouri include hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. There are also many opportunities for wildlife viewing in Missouri.
- What are the best places to camp with kids in Missouri?
Some of the best places to camp with kids in Missouri include:
* Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
* Lake of the Ozarks State Park
* Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
* Elephant Rocks State Park
* Castlewood State Park
Conclusion
Missouri is a state that has something for every camper, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or fun. You can choose from a variety of camping places in Missouri that suit your preferences and needs. We hope that this article has helped you find your ideal camping destination in Missouri for 2023
