Camping

Missouri, like Kansas or Iowa, is largely considered “flyover country.” But don’t let the stereotype fool you — there’s plenty to see and do in Missouri.

Missouri, nicknamed the “Gateway to the West,” is the state where two mighty rivers — the Missouri and the Mississippi – join together. It’s the home of the Great Plains and the foothills of the Ozarks.

It was also the starting point for many travelers who made their way west to California and Oregon in the 1800s.

Here are our favorite camping spots in the Show-Me State.

1. Cuivre River State Park – Troy

Cuivre River State Park is a bit of the Ozarks outside of the Ozarks – a nature lover’s paradise just a short drive from St. Louis that is vibrant with colors three seasons of the year. The park’s renowned trails take visitors through prairies and forests of oaks and hickories.

The park’s three natural areas feature sinkhole ponds and woodlands that would be more at home in southern Missouri. The park has hiking and equestrian trails, modern campsites, group camps, picnic areas, and a lake so everyone can enjoy one of Missouri’s most rugged and beautiful jewels.

2. Paddy Creek Recreation Area – Roby

This recreation area is nestled in a hollow along Paddy Creek, a major tributary to the Big Piney River, 1/2 mile away. It provides a picnic area and 23 campsites.

It is located adjacent to the east boundary of the Paddy Creek Wilderness and is one of the 3 trailheads for the Big Piney Trail. Paddy Creek flows year-round and is a crystal clear wading creek.

3. Berryman Recreation Area – Berryman

This small, remote campground and picnic area located at the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp of 1937 provides a quiet setting for escaping from your normal routine. With just 8 individual campsites and a picnic shelter, it is enjoyed by campers, picnickers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers.

4. Pershing State Park – Laclede

Wander through a slice of pre-settlement landscape at Pershing State Park.

The park includes a boardwalk and hiking trail that winds through a wet prairie near a meandering stream with oxbow sloughs and cutoffs, and into a bottomland forest. The park’s wetlands attract a variety of birds and waterfowl as well as scores of other wildlife species.

Locust Creek and four small lakes give anglers a chance to try their skills and a shady campground with electric and basic campsites makes the park an ideal overnight location.

5. Table Rock State Park – Branson

Nestled in the oak and hickory trees that surround Table Rock Lake, the park offers something for everyone. The park features a modern campground with a full range of campsites and a yurt, a circular structure with a fabric cover much like a tent.

A full-service marina offers easy access to the lake with all types of boats, a well-stocked store, and even SCUBA diving excursions. Trails range from a challenging mountain biking trail to a paved trail along the lake.

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6. North Fork Recreation Area – West Plains

North Fork Recreation Area provides camping, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing access to the beautiful North Fork of the White River, which has a total of nine major springs flowing into it. Two of its largest springs are Big Springs and Blue Spring, which contribute some 18 million gallons of cold, clear water every day.

North Fork Recreation Area serves as trailhead for the 35-mile long Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail and the Blue Spring Trail.

7. Meramec State Park – Sullivan

The Meramec River flows by majestic bluffs, wooded areas, and a dramatic cave entrance. More than 13 miles of hiking trails are available for exploring the park and visitors can swim, fish, raft, and boat in the river.

A modern campground, cabins, and hotel give visitors a choice to stay the night or even longer. Exhibits in the visitor center interpret the natural and cultural features of the park.

No visit to the park would be complete without a tour of Fisher Cave with hand-held lights.

8. Indian Point – Branson

Indian Point is a green and spacious campground on the White River Arm of Table Rock Lake in the mountainous Missouri countryside. A wooded campground with plenty of shade and access to the lake is ideal for visitors looking for the best of both worlds: a scenic outdoors experience as well as close proximity to theme parks, live music, and shopping.

9. Montauk State Park – Salem

Wet a line at one of the Midwest’s premier trout-fishing destinations at Montauk State Park camping. Located an easy ride from St. Louis, the park’s waters are stocked each night from an on-site hatchery.

Want more than a day of fishing? Stay overnight at the park’s motel, campground or cabins.

Want to do something other than fish? Montauk State Park’s hiking trails will take you in and around the scenic park.

Guests can also enjoy a tour of Montauk Mill, which was built in 1896.

10. Silver Mines Recreation Area – Fredericktown

Silver Mines offers a variety of recreational opportunities and is abundant with historical and geological wonders. This beautiful area is located along the St. Francis River, the only river in Missouri classified as “white water,” and is used for kayaking during the spring high waters.

Silver Mines is located at a historic mining operation and is known for its Precambrian granite and felsite rocks.

Check out the Silver Mines Recreation Area in this video from HoldTheCarrots:

Missouri is never short of great outdoor destinations. From hiking trails to water adventures, this state will always have more to offer for campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Choose among these campgrounds, start planning your trip in the Missouri State Parks camping reservations.

Which camping destination in Missouri would you add to your list? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!

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