18 Top-Rated Sites & Local Favorites

• Location: New Offenburg, MO
• Popularity: Peak season is April through October.
• Park Info: Accessible, water, frost-free water, restrooms, shower house, laundry, vault toilets, parking, playground, amphitheater, picnic shelter, woodlot, and a dump station.
• Price: $10+/night

Hawn State Park is a 4,956-acre natural wonderland. It features a remarkable landscape with pine and oak-covered hills, sandy-bottom streams, and striking sandstone canyons and cliffs. Hawn State Park is renowned for its extensive trail network, ranging from short walks to an exceptional 10-mile backpacking trail, making it a cherished gem in Missouri’s state park system.

Hawn State Park provides a range of camping options, including basic, electric, and backpack campsites. Additionally, there is a designated special-use camping area primarily intended for group camping. This area features amenities like water spigots and fire rings and can accommodate groups of up to 50 people. For hikers seeking an immersive overnight experience, backcountry camping is available along the Whispering Pine Trail within the park.

• Location: Weston, MO
• Popularity: When the weather is warm, this park is at its busiest.
• Park Info: Accessible, water, frost-free water, restrooms, shower house, vaulted toilets, dump station, and a woodlot.
• Price: $15+/night

Just a stone’s throw from bustling Kansas City, Weston Bend State Park offers tranquil picnic spots, a campground, and scenic views of the Missouri River from accessible trails and overlooks. Plus, a three-mile paved bike trail meanders through the park’s wooded terrain – a bonus!

Weston Bend State Park also provides both basic and electric campsites. For added space and convenience, consider reserving one of the park’s family campsites, which come with two camping pads, two tables, grills, and lantern posts.

• Location: Salem, MO
• Popularity: Trout season/peak season is March through October.
• Park Info: Accessible, water, frost-free water, restrooms, shower house, laundry, dump station, woodlot, parking, playground, vault toilets, and an amphitheater.
• Price: $15+/night

Montauk State Park provides a tranquil natural retreat, offering a range of activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and picnicking. Situated at the headwaters of the Current River, the park’s springs and Pigeon Creek collectively supply over 40 million gallons of refreshing spring water to the river daily, making it a favored spot for trout fishers. Exploring the park is made easy with three scenic trails for hikers and cyclists, while the historic 1896 gristmill offers insights into the Ozark region’s history.

For those planning to stay overnight, Montauk State Park offers a variety of accommodation options to suit different preferences. These include a modern campground with both basic and electric campsites, as well as the option of spacious family campsites. If you’re looking for more choices, the park also provides a range of lodging alternatives, such as single, duplex, and fourplex cabins, along with cabins offering one to three bedrooms, as well as cozy sleeping cabins and motel rooms. The motel features 18 comfortable rooms furnished with two double beds, walk-in showers, and televisions, while the cabins come with diverse amenities like kitchens, fireplaces, and televisions.

• Location: Florida, MO
• Popularity: Little-known park, a hidden gem.
• Park Info: Accessible, water, restrooms, shower house, laundry, dump station, woodlot, parking, playground, vault toilets, boat launch, and an amphitheater.
• Price: $14+/night

Mark Twain State Park in north-central Missouri offers access to Mark Twain Lake and a variety of outdoor activities. The park features beautiful bluffs, diverse woodlands, and abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer and turkeys. Visitors can enjoy numerous picnic spots, two boat ramps, and over six miles of scenic hiking trails with lake views.

Mark Twain State Park offers various camping choices, from basic and electric sites to family campsites in Puma Campground. For a different experience, the park provides six camper cabins in a wooded setting with lake views. These cabins can host up to four adults and two children and have amenities like electricity, heating, and air conditioning. Inside, you’ll find a dining table, ceiling fan, compact refrigerator, and microwave/toaster oven. And outside, you’ll find a porch bench, picnic table, and grills.

• Location: Warsaw, MO
• Popularity: Peak camping season is April through September.
• Park Info: Water, accessible, parking, amphitheater, restrooms, shower house, laundry, dump station, vault toilets, boat ramp, and a campground beach.
• Price: $12+/night

Harry S. Truman State Park, situated on a scenic peninsula, offers clear waters, dramatic bluffs, and a range of recreational activities. With a marina, excellent fishing and boating options, and inviting swimming spots, it’s a perfect getaway. The park’s oak woodlands house hiking trails, picnic areas, and well-equipped campsites amidst abundant wildlife.

With a choice of six campgrounds, you’ll easily discover your ideal campsite. Family campsites offer extra room for your comfort. Don’t forget to visit the Truman State Park Marina for ice and other essentials during your stay. The marina is well-stocked with park souvenirs, fishing gear, boating necessities, ice, and select grocery items. You can also explore a new mini restaurant offering a range of meals, from shrimp to chicken wings, pizza, and more, all while enjoying your meal on a new lakeside patio.

• Location: Williamsville, MO
• Popularity: Hidden gem.
• Park Info: Water, frost-free water, restrooms, showers, laundry, vault toilets, dump station, woodlot, parking, boat ramp, accessible, and a playground.
• Price: $16+/night

Lake Wappapello State Park is a versatile vacation spot with options for day trips or extended stays. The park has accommodations, including modern campgrounds, cabins, and rustic camper cabins. Nature lovers can explore miles of scenic trails suitable for hikers, backpackers, and horseback riders, while boaters can take advantage of Lake Wappapello’s accessible waters for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The park provides two and three-bedroom housekeeping cabins with well-appointed amenities and four comfortable camper cabins in the Ridge Campground, featuring queen-size beds, full-size futons, and scenic views.

• Location: Macon, MO
• Popularity: Underrated summer destination.
• Park Info: Water, frost-free water, restrooms, showers, vault toilets, dump station, recycling, parking, accessible, and a playground.
• Price: $15+/night

If you’re searching for a water-centric adventure, look no further than Long Branch State Park. The park boasts three convenient boat ramps, granting easy access to the expansive and picturesque Long Branch Lake. Fishing is a popular pastime here, and families love the marina store, swimming beach, and day-use area. If camping is on your agenda, you’ll find a well-equipped modern campground featuring both basic and electric campsites. For those seeking extra room, the park offers family campsites as well.

• Location: Kaiser, MO
• Popularity: Very popular family-friendly spot.
• Park Info: Accessible, amphitheater, dump station, laundry, marina, parking, playground, restroom, shower house, vault toilets, water, and woodlot.
• Price: $15+/night

Discover Lake of the Ozarks State Park, a destination that offers abundant outdoor experiences. This scenic park, located along the shores of Missouri’s expansive Lake of the Ozarks, invites you to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation. Explore woodlands, glades, and trails on foot, bike, or horseback, taking in breathtaking lake views. With two swimming beaches, boat rentals, and convenient camping facilities, the park caters to water lovers and campers alike.

Campers can choose from basic and electric campsites, including family campsites. The Camper Store near the campground entrance provides essential camping supplies. For a unique camping adventure, stay in rustic log cabins at the Outpost, each accommodating up to six people with modern amenities. Alternatively, experience a distinctive yurt camping experience with circular structures featuring comfortable furnishings, skylights, and outdoor amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Enjoy a memorable outdoor escape at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

• Location: Branson West, MO
• Popularity: Popular amongst families.
• Park Info: They offer discounts to our active military, veterans, and emergency workers. They also offer a weekly discount on RV and tent sites.
• Price: $26-$299/night

Discover the enchanting Branson Treehouse Adventures, a unique treehouse resort minutes from Branson’s attractions. These one-of-a-kind treehouses, suitable for families, couples, and adults, offer various features, including swinging bridges to the front doors. All treehouses include cable TV, Wi-Fi, cozy tree-themed interiors, and comfortable sleeping arrangements. Some even feature Jacuzzi tubs and gas fireplaces. You can also choose cabins, RV sites, or tent camping. Beyond your treehouse, enjoy outdoor amenities like a playground, pirate ship, ziplines, rock climbing, a pool, and hiking trails.

• Location: Arcadia, MO
• Popularity: Popular amongst couples.
• Park Info: Kitchenette, private bathroom, bathroom essentials, luxury bedding, hybrid queen mattress, private outdoor area, gas BBQ grill, fire ring, general store, air conditioning, heating, bluetooth speaker, and more.
• Price: $169/night

Experience the secluded Wilderland Glamping Cabins in Arcadia Valley, Missouri, exclusively for adults. Each cabin accommodates one to two guests, offering a serene experience in a tranquil natural setting. No matter your choice of cabin, expect a luxurious stay with amenities like a rainfall shower, high-quality sheets, and a well-equipped kitchenette. Stay comfortable year-round with air conditioning for summer and heating in winter. Enjoy a private campfire space with essential amenities, including a fire ring, chairs, tables, firewood, a picnic table, and a propane BBQ grill.

• Location: Pittsburg, MO
• Popularity: Particularly popular in the summer months.
• Park Info: Guests have access to the campground shower house, which is open seasonally from April through October. A vault toilet is available all year.
• Price: $85+/night

Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming at two beaches, and hiking on two scenic trails at Pomme de Terre State Park. The park provides various accommodation options, including 240 campsites, three yurts, four camper cabins, a marina cabin, and a lake house, making it suitable for camping trips.

For a unique camping experience, the park offers circular yurts as an alternative to traditional tents. These yurts feature wooden frames, locking doors, large windows, and a dome skylight. Inside, you’ll find amenities like a futon, bunk bed, refrigerator, coffee table, heating, and air conditioning, accommodating up to five people. While the yurts lack running water, they provide a comfortable camping experience year-round. Each yurt is equipped with outdoor amenities, including a picnic table, fire ring, and grill for barbecues or campfires. ​

• Location: Branson, MO
• Popularity: Popular amongst families and large groups.
• Park Info: Designated parking for two vehicles and linens are provided.
• Price: $159/night

Check out an exceptional lodging experience at Table Rock State Park with their year-round accessible premium yurt. This circular structure features two bedrooms, air conditioning, a full bathroom, a well-equipped kitchen, and a spacious living room with a television. Enjoy the wooden deck, lake views, and outdoor amenities such as a picnic table, cooking grill, fire ring, and lantern post during your stay. This unique yurt offers comfort and convenience in a distinctive setting.

• Location: Gravois Mills, MO
• Popularity: Popular place for family vacations.
• Park Info: Adult pool, family pool, full hookups, dog park, concrete pad, private gated community, 24-hour surveillance, Wi-Fi, daily maintenance and management, fitness center, public restrooms, convenience store, playground, and a shower house.
• Price: $99+/night

At this upscale RV resort, you’ll find a wealth of amenities, including a modern fitness center, outdoor movie screenings, family game nights, communal bonfires, a laundry facility, an arcade, a spacious 16-stall shower house, and, not to forget, an exclusive adult and family pools featuring a swim-up bar for your enjoyment. Whether you’re there to enjoy water sports like boating and jet skiing or unwind while soaking in the breathtaking lake vistas by a cozy campfire, Coconuts RV Resort is the place to be!

• Location: Annapolis, MO
• Popularity: Family-friendly favorite RV park.
• Park Info: Full hook-up sites, pull-thru sites, cable TV, Wi-Fi, swimming pool, picnic tables, fire pits, private shower suites, 24-hour coin laundry, petting zoo, playground, walking trails, gem mining sluice, horseshoe pits, wiffle ball field, volleyball, games, camp store, firewood, ice, planned events, and activities.
• Price: $40+/night

Welcome to Big Creek RV Park in the picturesque Arcadia Meadow. The campground is dedicated to providing an exceptional camping experience amid Southeastern Missouri’s woodlands, offering serene trails along Big Creek and starry nights far from city lights. With 63 spacious sites, full hookups, a swimming pool, walking trails, a petting zoo, and proximity to Missouri attractions, Big Creek prioritizes the guests’ experience. Clean, private restrooms, lots of activities, and friendly staff ensure your stay is memorable. Enjoy Arcadia Meadow in all its seasonal glory at Big Creek RV Park.

• Location: Steelville, MO
• Popularity: Affordable family-friendly spot with lots of outdoor activities.
• Park Info: Onsite canoes, rafts, kayaks, and inner-tubes rentals.
• Price: $8.50-$20/night

Planning a vacation? Think outside the box! Enjoy a classic camping trip with friends and family. Huzzah Valley Resort’s spacious campsites along the Huzzah River can accommodate around 10 people, and sites include picnic tables and fire rings with BBQ grills. The campground also offers RV sites with 30 or 50 amp service, suitable for year-round camping. Enjoy the great outdoors with nearby beaches, swimming areas, and playgrounds. Sparkling restrooms and coin-operated showers add convenience to your camping experience.

At Huzzah Valley Resort, you have the choice of staying in either the quiet family area or the livelier “zoo” area. The resort offers a variety of amenities, including a playground, games like cornhole and volleyball, and hiking trails. Additionally, you can explore river floats and horseback riding for added adventure.

• Location: Shell Knob, MO
• Popularity: Light usage.
• Park Info: Tent and camping trailer permitted. There are toilets and parking at the trailhead.
• Price: Free.

Piney Creek Wilderness, spanning 8,178 acres, earned its congressional designation in 1980. Located west of Table Rock Lake, it features rugged terrain with ridges towering 400 feet above winding hollows and streams. Piney Creek, the primary watercourse, flows entirely within the wilderness, eventually emptying into scenic Table Rock Lake. The landscape is dominated by shortleaf pine, oak, and hickory on the ridges, while the valleys are adorned with hardwoods like sycamore, ash, elm, buckeye, and walnut.

Campers and backpackers seeking a place to set up their tents have the freedom to choose within Piney Creek Wilderness, as dispersed camping is permitted. Hikers can relish exploring the wilderness, but it’s essential to carry a map and compass since trail signage is limited in this area.

• Location: Plato, MO
• Popularity: Beautiful and quiet.
• Park Info: Adequate preparation and water purification are essential, as water sources may not be safe to drink. Bring a map, compass, and first aid kit.
• Price: Free.

The Paddy Creek Wilderness, spanning 7,035 acres in northwestern Texas County, is characterized by the dramatic features of Big Paddy and Little Paddy Creeks. The wilderness boasts steep cliffs and rocky outcrops along these waterways, which typically flow year-round. Forested landscapes dominate the area, with oak varieties, hickories, and shortleaf pine.

Dispersed camping, allowed outside designated campgrounds, lacks amenities like toilets, structures, and trash cans. Wilderness recreation emphasizes preserving the land’s natural state, often requiring special skills like no-trace camping. In these areas, expect minimal signage and developed amenities.

• Location: Belleview, MO
• Popularity: Light usage.
• Park Info: Stay at least 100 feet away from trails, streams, and restricted areas. Fires should not be started near trails, and group sizes should not exceed 10 people. Always adhere to posted rules regarding bicycles, vehicles, and horse usage. When using horses, follow provided guidelines, avoiding tethering near water or trails. Do not store equipment within the wilderness area, and ensure proper disposal of waste and garbage to protect the environment.
• Price: Free.

Explore the 9,143-acre Bell Mountain Wilderness in the ancient St. Francois Mountains, featuring diverse elevations, rock formations, and stunning vistas from Bell Mountain and Lindsey Mountain. Wander alongside perennial streams like Shut-in Creek and Joe’s Creek, with 11.9 miles of maintained hiking trails, including a part of the Ozark Trail. This wilderness boasts a unique habitat with oak-hickory forests, pine areas, and scattered glades, supporting various plant and animal species uncommon in the Missouri Ozarks. Encounter mature forest species and game animals like deer, turkeys, and squirrels in this exceptional environment. Dispersed camping is also allowed in Bell Mountain Wilderness. You won’t find amenities like restrooms, structures, trash cans, treated water, or fire grates – and remember to leave no trace!