Tent Camping in Missouri: 50+ Best Places to Camp (2024)

2,830 Reviews

Looking for the best tent campgrounds in Missouri? Find the best information on tent camping in Missouri, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Camping Sites in Missouri (595)

    1.Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park55 Reviews158 Photos446 SavesBlack, Missouri

    Welcome to Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, nestled near Lesterville, MO. This place is a camper's paradise, offering year-round access and a solid 4.76-star rating from visitors. The campground is known for its spacious and comfortable sites, with some areas providing excellent privacy. Loop 3 and the cabins have open shower houses until April, making late winter camping a breeze.

    The park is big-rig friendly and offers electric and water hookups, making it a great spot for RVs. Pets are welcome, and you can even enjoy a cold one since alcohol is allowed. The general store on-site has all the essentials, and there's firewood available for those cozy campfires.

    One of the standout features here is the proximity to the Shut-Ins, a natural water park of sorts with rock formations and clear, flowing water. You can walk or bike the paved path to get there, or take a short drive. The Scour Trail is another nearby attraction that's worth checking out.

    Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the campground, from the restrooms to the campsites. The river can get busy, especially on weekends, but it's a fantastic spot to cool off. The North Day Use area is a hidden gem for a peaceful picnic by the river.

    Whether you're tent camping, bringing an RV, or staying in a cabin, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park has got you covered. The park's natural beauty, combined with its well-maintained facilities, makes it a top choice for a memorable camping experience.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $11 - $32 / night

    2.Meramec State Park Campground54 Reviews163 Photos249 SavesSullivan, Missouri

    Tree-shaded campgrounds and cabins are what staying at Meramec State Parks is all about. Forty of our most scenic parks offer a wide range of sites, from basic sites to pitch a tent at to full-service sites for your RV. Fourteen favorite state parks offer lodging options ranging from motel rooms and fourplexes to a lake house, yurts and outpost cabins and makes for great camping near Kansas City.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $48 / night

  1. 3.Table Rock State Park Campground51 Reviews92 Photos273 SavesHollister, Missouri

    Table Rock State Park has two campgrounds and offers basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites or a platform tent site for a unique camping experience. Get everything you need for your stay at the park store.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $42 / night

    4.Sam A. Baker State Park Campground47 Reviews134 Photos134 SavesPatterson, Missouri

    Sam A. Baker State Park Campground, nestled near Patterson, MO, is a gem for campers of all stripes. Open year-round, this spot offers a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and even glamping accommodations. The campground is known for its serene environment and well-maintained facilities.

    One of the standout features is the slow, shallow water areas perfect for young kids, while deeper spots provide a refreshing dip for older kids and adults. The on-site store is a hit, offering surprisingly good food—those loaded nachos are a must-try! Plus, if you forget your bikes, no worries—you can rent them right there.

    Campground 2, particularly the gravel side, is a favorite for its quiet ambiance and proximity to the nature center. The park is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.

    Visitors have praised the clean bathrooms and well-marked roads. The park's natural beauty, with its lush greenery and scenic views, adds to the overall charm. Wildlife sightings, like deer wandering through campsites, add a touch of magic to your stay.

    Whether you're here for a quick overnight stop or a longer stay, Sam A. Baker State Park Campground offers a delightful mix of nature, convenience, and family-friendly fun.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    5.Cuivre River State Park Campground39 Reviews76 Photos219 SavesTroy, Missouri

    Cuivre River State Park is one of the state’s largest and most rugged parks! Cuivre River State Park lends a wilder, Ozarkian flavor to the otherwise predominately agricultural landscape of northern Missouri. Although not far from St. Louis, the park is a nature lover’s paradise. It is an outdoor delight to stroll through the park in the spring when flowering dogwood is in bloom or in the fall when the trees are ablaze with autumn colors.

    The park is perfect whether you want to enjoy an afternoon visit or spend a few days. Both primitive and modern campsites are available, and Lake Lincoln offers swimming, boating and fishing. The park’s wild and natural areas provide hiking, backpacking, photography and wildlife observation activities. There is also an equestrian trail with a campground for overnight stays.

    Cuivre River State Park offers reservable basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites, an equestrian campground, three organized group camps and a special-use camping area. Try one of the park's family campsites for a little extra space or a platform tent site for a unique camping experience.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $38 / night

  2. 6.Bennett Spring State Park Campground38 Reviews95 Photos149 SavesWindyville, Missouri

    The valley that cradles Bennett Spring has created a place of peace and recreation that has welcomed generations of enthusiastic anglers. Bennett Spring camping is one of Missouri’s earliest state parks and continues today to attract fishermen and nature lovers seeking to make new memories.

    More than 100 million gallons of clear, cool water gush from Bennett Spring each day and form a spring branch stocked daily with rainbow trout waiting for lucky fishermen. Fishing may be the main draw but the park also offers many other amenities such as a dining lodge, campgrounds, cabins and hiking trails. Whether you are a traditional fishing enthusiast or someone seeking a place to relax and refresh, Bennett Spring State Park has what you need to make every trip one to remember.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    7.Blue Springs Lake Campground39 Reviews38 Photos168 SavesBlue Springs, Missouri

    Blue Springs Campground features modern facilities and is located only 5 minutes from Blue Springs Lake. Some of the amenities include:

    AttendantFire GrillFirewood - $7/bucket (outside firewood is not permitted)LaundryPicnic TablePlaygroundRestroomsShowersPremiere - Full Hookup with Concrete Pad: 29 sitesFull Hookup: 16 sitesElectric: 23 sitesElectric and Water: 13 sitesTotal: 81 sites
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $33 - $48 / night

    8.Onondaga Cave State Park Campground37 Reviews100 Photos204 SavesLeasburg, Missouri

    Onondaga Cave State Park Campground, nestled near Leasburg, MO, is a gem for anyone looking to unwind in nature. This place is open year-round and offers a mix of tent and RV accommodations. The sites are well-maintained, with paved pads and 50-amp service in some sections, making it a breeze for big rigs.

    One of the standout features here is the access to the river. While the bank is narrow, it's perfect for a quick dip or a peaceful float. If you're into hiking, there are trails nearby, though some can be a bit rocky. The Oak Ridge Trail, for instance, is quite rugged, but the Deer Ridge Trail offers a more pleasant walk.

    The campground is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along. And if you're into caving, you're in for a treat. The guided tours through the enormous caves are a must-see. The welcome center is packed with information, and the cave itself is nothing short of spectacular.

    Amenities include clean bathrooms, showers, and even a market for those last-minute essentials. Campers have praised the cleanliness and the accommodating nature of the staff. The camp hosts are exceptional, always ready to lend a hand.

    For those who enjoy a bit of solitude, the basic sites near the river are peaceful and offer great access to outfitters for river floats. Just be aware that cell service can be spotty, especially if you're on Verizon or T-Mobile.

    In short, Onondaga Cave State Park Campground is a fantastic spot for a relaxing getaway, whether you're there for the caves, the river, or just some quiet time in nature.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $52 / night

    9.Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park36 Reviews128 Photos176 SavesEminence, Missouri

    The park features a primitive group/special-use camping area with a fire ring and restroom facilities. Call the park for information on how to reserve this area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    10.Watkins Mill State Park Campground35 Reviews58 Photos200 SavesExcelsior Springs, Missouri

    Welcome to Watkins Mill State Park Campground, nestled near Lawson, Missouri. This spot is a gem for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy some peace and quiet. The campground is open all year and offers a range of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, and even glamping options.

    One of the standout features here is the spaciousness of the sites. You won't feel like you're on top of your neighbors, which is a big plus. Each site comes equipped with a fire pit and picnic table, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the great outdoors. The roads throughout the park are newly paved, perfect for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

    For those who need a bit more comfort, the campground offers electric hookups, clean showers, and bathrooms. There's also a sanitary dump and water hookups available. Pets are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

    If you're into fishing or kayaking, the park's lake is a great spot to spend your day. And don't miss out on the biscuits and gravy at "The General Store" just down the road—it's a local favorite.

    Visitors have praised the helpful and friendly staff, who go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, Watkins Mill State Park Campground offers a serene and accommodating environment.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $42 / night

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Tent Camping in Missouri: 50+ Best Places to Camp (2024)

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