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Forests, glades, plains, mountains, and endless waterways make Missouri an ideal camping destination. With the culture and cuisine of two major cities and six National Park Service sites, including the famous Gateway Arch National Park, there are plenty of headline attractions for out-of-state visitors. But those who venture off the main tourist path and into the more rural parts of the state are rewarded with diverse camping and outdoor opportunities, highlighted by the Missouri State Park system.
With 91 parks, historic sites, and an extensive trail system, Missouri state parks are ranked among the best in the country. The park system campgrounds, almost 40 of which can accommodate RVs, are well maintained and live up to the high reputation. Campgrounds offer hookups and standard amenities in spacious, natural settings. Hiking, camping, fishing, and exploring the state’s history are all popular pursuits among campers and day-trippers alike.
Unlike many states, Missouri state parks are free to enter. The parks are primarily funded by a dedicated sales tax that’s placed on the ballot every 10 years for renewal. Two-thirds of Missouri voters approved the tax the past four times it‘s been on the ballot, reaffirming support for the state park system.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb or call 877-422-6766. Reservations are required at most state parks and can be made from 12 months to 1 day in advance of arrival. A minimum stay of 2 nights is required over weekends at most parks.
Campsite sizes
Campsite sizes vary per campground. The reservation system allows searching for campsites by RV type and length. If you have any concerns or questions, contact the specific park for details.
Accessibility
ADA-accessible campsites are reservable only by or for persons with disabilities. Proof of disability is required at check-in. ADA sites are searchable and bookable in the reservation system. Each park’s website includes information on accessibility throughout the park.
Hookups
Electric, electric/water, and electric/water/sewer hookups options are available. Electric sites with 50 amps are considered premium sites and cost slightly more than 30 amp sites.
Connectivity
Some Missouri state park campgrounds offer free WiFi. Service ranges from hot spots in a common area to full coverage. Signs are posted to indicate where internet access is located. If connectivity is a priority, contact the park for more information about WiFi coverage and cell service.
Maximum stay
The maximum stay allowed is 15 days within a 30-day consecutive period at any one park.
Additional facilities
All campsites include a parking pad, table, grill, and lantern post. Some campgrounds have restrooms with showers, potable water, and/or dump stations. A wide variety of park amenities are also available, like visitor centers, nature programs, stores, restaurants, lodges, and activities. Amenity and recreation details are available on each park’s website. Note that water services may be shut off during the offseason (November 1 through March 30). If you’re traveling during this time, contact the campground directly for information on restricted facilities.
Cost
Rates vary by campground, and range from $12 for a basic site during the offseason to $37 for a full hookup site during peak season. Peak season is April 1 through October 31.
Additional Fees:
Nonrefundable reservation fee: $8.50
Change fee: $5.25
Cancellation fee: $8.50
Pet policies
Pets are allowed as long as they’re kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet. No more than two dogs per campsite are recommended. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 6 people and 1 vehicle.
- Check-in time: 3 p.m. Check-out time: 2 p.m.
- Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Prohibited on beaches, in parking areas, and in off-road-vehicle areas in all state parks and historic sites.
- Generator use: Prohibited during quiet hours. Some parks do not allow generator use at any time.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
- Drone use: Regulations vary; check with the specific park before operating a drone.
Featured Campgrounds
Echo Bluff State Park
34489 Echo Bluff Drive, Eminence, MO 65466
Echo Bluff, nicknamed “the Cadillac of state parks,” opened in 2016. And it lives up to the nickname, with a lodge, restaurant, camp store, cabins, and a playground that mimics the surrounding landscape. Hiking trails and easy access to the water allow visitors to explore forests, bluffs, and riverbanks complete with stunning views. This state park is ideal for RV camping, as all sites have large, level concrete pads and partial or full hookups. Plus, brand-new clean restrooms and strong WiFi service make Echo Bluff State Park an ideal base to explore the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. It’s also popular for family gatherings, with a range of accommodations including cabins and contemporary lodge rooms.
Washington State Park
13041 State Highway 104, De Soto, MO 63020
Located about an hour southwest of St. Louis, this sprawling state park features 1,000-year-old petroglyphs, hiking trails, native forest, and scenic overlooks of the Ozarks. Amenities and educational facilities include a historic interpretive center, lodge, store, and an Olympic-size pool. Swimming is also enjoyed on beaches and at swimming holes along the Big River. Hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound. The campground includes spacious standard and electric sites, but no water hookups. This is a classic, peaceful state park highlighting the natural beauty of the area.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook, MO 63656
The geology and wilderness of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, located in the St. Francois Mountains, make it a one-of-a-kind place to visit. A “shut-in” refers to rock formations found in the Ozarks, where streams have carved through a mountain range to create a complex of pools, falls, and rapids. Kids will want to spend all day splashing in the water, scrambling over rocks, and sliding down natural slides. Hiking and biking trails explore the surrounding rugged terrain and forest. Enjoy a campfire and the dark night sky after the day-trippers have left, in spacious sites with some hookups available. Park amenities include a store, laundry facility, dump station, and an excellent visitor center.
Missouri state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Arrow Rock State Historic Site
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
Sam A. Baker State Park
Bennett Spring State Park
Big Lake State Park
Crowder State Park
Cuivre River State Park
Echo Bluff State Park
Finger Lakes State Park
Graham Cave State Park
Hawn State Park
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Knob Noster State Park
Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Lake Wappapello State Park
Lewis and Clark State Park
Long Branch State Park
Meramec State Park
Montauk State Park
Onondaga Cave State Park
Pershing State Park
Pomme de Terre State Park
Roaring River State Park
Robertsville State Park
St. Francois State Park
St. Joe State Park
Stockton State Park
Table Rock State Park
Thousand Hills State Park
Trail of Tears State Park
Harry S Truman State Park
Mark Twain State Park
Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park
Wakonda State Park
Wallace State Park
Washington State Park
Watkins Mill State Park
Weston Bend State ParkFor more information on Missouri state park campgrounds, visit mostateparks.com/activity/camping.
