One of the most popular ways to see Missouri’s natural beauty and rich history is camping in Missouri. There are many campsites to pick from, including 56 state parks, the Mark Twain National Forest, and numerous private campgrounds. To help you plan your next vacation, we’re going to break down the top spots to go camping in Missouri today!
Summary
| Guide | Camping In Missouri |
|---|---|
| Things to bring | Tent, torch, etc. |
| Campgrounds | Bennette Spring State Park, and more |
| Best places near | Mark Twain National Forest, and more |
| Situated in | U.S. |
Camping In Missouri
1. Bennette Spring State Park
The Bennette Springs State Park is a popular camping spot for anglers of all ages in Missouri. The crystal-clear waterways get trout daily, and the fishing is some of the best in the state. At Bennette Springs, there are five separate campsites to choose from and has their own set of amenities. Tent campsites and RV sites with full hookups are available. Hiking, biking, canoeing, swimming, and other activities are available in the park.
Address: 26250 MO-64A, Lebanon, MO 65536
2. Roaring River State Park
The Roaring River State Park in the Ozark Hills is one of Missouri’s most popular state parks for camping. There are several explanations for its appeal. First and foremost, the river is one of the few in the state that has been stocked with rainbow trout, making it an ideal spot for fishing and camping. Great hiking routes, rustic campsites, and even full RV hookups are all available in the park.
Address: 12716 Farm Rd 2239, Cassville, MO 65625
3. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA
The Route 66 KOA is the place to go if you’re searching for a pleasant family camping vacation that combines the natural calming features of camping with loads of exciting family activities and conveniences. A heated swimming pool, train rides, gem digging, basketball, outdoor movies, hayrides, and other activities are available at this KOA.
Address: 18475 Old Highway 66, Eureka, MO 63069
4. Lazy Day Campgrounds
The Lazy Day Campgrounds is the ideal location for a relaxing camping getaway. A 1/2-acre dog park, a stocked 3-acre pond, a swimming pool, and beautiful camping sites are just a few of the attractions at this campsite. If you’re a museum buff, vineyards, state parks, ziplines, and more alternatives are nearby!
Address: 214 State Hwy J, Danville, MO 6336
5. Graham Cave State Park
Between St. Louis and Columbia, Graham Cave State Park is located just off I-70. This 386-acre park has a unique history that you can trace back to the ancient hunter-gatherers who previously called the region home. The eastern half of the park features a variety of glade species, such as prickly pear cactus, in addition to the artifacts found from the site. During their stay, tourists can pick up 53 different campsites.
Address: 217 State Hwy TT, Danville, MO 63361
6. Campground At The Falls
The Campground at the Falls in Pineville is a great place to go if you have some water fun. Joplin is only a short drive away from this Missouri campsite. Visitors may enjoy a range of water-based activities, such as fishing and swimming, in addition to the falls that give the campsite its name. In addition, there is a tiny lazy river that children will love. A five-mile canoe ride is available at the Campground at the Falls for campers. This float will undoubtedly provide a fantastic opportunity to take in the landscape and fauna that the area has to offer.
Address: 384 Rt, State Hwy K, Pineville, MO 64856
Best Places To Visit Near Missouri
Springfield
Springfield, Missouri’s third-largest city, is known as the “Birthplace of Route 66.” It is located in the southwest of the state and is known as the “Birthplace of Route 66.” You can find numerous attractions associated with the renowned and historic route around town, including themed cafes and hotels, as well as an antique mall and vintage vehicle museum. There are also some fantastic interactive and instructive tourist attractions in the city. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and its outstanding Discovery Center both draw a large number of tourists. Fantastic Caverns, a large tunnel system that tourists may explore on a jeep-drawn tram, is probably the park’s highlight.
Mark Twain National Forest
Mark Twain National Forest is a beautiful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with everything from mountains and forests to springs, streams, and lakes. It comprises several wilderness areas and national scenic rivers spread across a large section of the southeast. Its name comes from Mark Twain, a famous novelist born in Missouri. The magnificent Ozark Trail, which travels for more than 350 kilometers across gorgeous landscapes, connects pockets of virgin woodland and an undisturbed environment. Hiking and cycling in the national forest are popular due to the beautiful landscape; fishing, swimming, and canoeing in its rivers and lakes are enjoyable.
Checklist Before Camping In Missouri
Camping is a great way to start an outdoor trip, but there are many things to remember to bring. Additionally, if you’re camping in a tent, you’ll need to carry even more items. A tent camping checklist will come in helpful in this situation. We’ve concentrated on the necessities in our overviews, such as your campground setup, culinary supplies, and personal hygiene goods.
- Hunting or Fishing permits
- Waterproof matches and/or butane lighter
- Multi-purpose tool or Swiss Army knife
- Flashlight with batteries
- Extra clothing
- Mirror
- Washcloth, towels
- Extra prescription glasses/contacts
FAQ
Do I have to pay for camping in Missouri?
Not every Campground has a fee for you to pay. Some campgrounds are free, but there are, of course, campgrounds that you need to pay some fee for.
Are there any other things one needs to know when camping in Missouri?
You need to choose your clothing delicately for Missouri’s weather because it could be cold in winter or scalding in summer, so choosing the right clothing is essential.
Is Missouri a dangerous state?
Missouri, in general, is a safe state, so you do not have to worry about your safety when camping in a campground.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
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