Sure, we love the city — but sometimes you need to leave the concrete jungle and get away from it all for a day or two. Lucky for us, you don’t have to drive far from the city for an outdoors escape. We’ve rounded up ten of our favorite camping spots around St. Louis. Whether […]
Sure, we love the city — but sometimes you need to leave the concrete jungle and get away from it all for a day or two. Lucky for us, you don’t have to drive far from the city for an outdoors escape. We’ve rounded up ten of our favorite camping spots around St. Louis. Whether you like to hide away in an RV or cabin, or you prefer to go old-school tent camping, these options provide something for everyone.
Sure, we love the city — but sometimes you need to leave the concrete jungle and get away from it all for a day or two. Lucky for us, you don’t have to drive far from the city for an outdoors escape. We’ve rounded up ten of our favorite camping spots around St. Louis. Whether you like to hide away in an RV or cabin, or you prefer to go old-school tent camping, these options provide something for everyone.
Garden of the Gods
Shawnee National Forest, Observation Trail
Herod, IL 62947
Estimated drive time: 2 hours, 41 minutes.
Directions here.
This campground fills up quickly, with good reason. The south-side basic campsites offer a stunning view. Sites are first come first served, so your best bet is to arrive on a weekday and stay through the weekend. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Asif A. Ali.
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Located in Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods is home to amazing rock formations. Some have even acquired fun names, such as Camel Rock, Mushroom Rock and Anvil Rock. It’s heaven for hikers. Photo courtesy of Flickr /
Michael.
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Echo Bluff State Park
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
34489 Echo Bluff Drive
Eminence, MO 65466
(844) 322-3246
Estimated drive time: 3 hours, 6 minutes.
Directions here.
One of Missouri’s newer state parks, Echo Bluff State Park is gorgeous. Offering opportunities for floating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and mountain biking, Echo Bluff is fitting for families and experienced adventurers alike. Photo courtesy of Instagram / chris.atterberry.
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For those intent on not roughing it, Echo Bluff State Park has a lodge offering campers a more luxurious option. And for those bent on tent or RV camping, the Timbuktu Campground at Echo Bluff State Park will more than suit your needs. Photo courtesy of Instagram /
mollyritz88.
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Bell Mountain Wilderness
Mark Twain National Forest
Belleview, MO 63623
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 50 minutes.
Directions here.
Looking for a great backpacking site? Check out Bell Mountain, second highest, but prettiest, peak in Missouri. You’ll walk away from this beautiful trek in the St. Francois Mountains with plenty of Instagram-worthy photos. Photo by Corey Woodruff.
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The 13-mile loop at Bell Mountain is perfect for first-timers or a weekend backpacking trip. Hike about five miles around the south part of the loop, then set up camp when you find the bluffs. Photo courtesy of Instagram /
magickmonk.
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Hawn State Park
12096 Park Dr.
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
(573) 883-3603
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 8 minutes.
Directions here.
With a handful of the best trails in Missouri, Hawn State Park is an ideal destination for hikers and lovers of wildflowers and trickling water. We’re talking clear streams, wild orchids and gorgeous views. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Missouri Division of Tourism.
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Bird watchers and geology lovers are fans of Hawn State Park, and we can personally vouch for the Whispering Pines Trail for the experienced hikers out there. Basic, electric and walk-in campsites are available when you just can’t squeeze it all into a single day. Photo courtesy of Instagram /
kelseylynnw1.
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Johnson Shut-Ins State Park
148 Taum Sauk Trail
Middle Brook, MO 63656
(573) 546-2450
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 47 minutes.
Directions here.
Not only is Johnson Shut-Ins a grade-A campground for any kind of camper, but it’s also a hop, skip and jump away from several destinations. You’ll have an educational museum and family-friendly landmarks such as Elephant Rocks State Park and Johnson Shut-Ins natural water park all at your fingertips. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Brad Kebodeaux.
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Johnson Shut-Ins State Park has a variety of camping accommodations, including walk-in, basic, electric, sewer/electric/water and equestrian electric/water campsites. Forgot something? A store right in the middle of the campground stocks your camping necessities. Photo by Kelly Glueck.
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Pere Marquette
13112 Visitor Center Ln.
Grafton, IL 62037
(618) 786-3323
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 4 minutes.
Directions here.
Pere Marquette is an adorable getaway for you and your beau. Not only is the drive itself stunning, but downtown Grafton and Alton offer some cute and kitschy shops and eats. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Eric Bueneman.
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Pere Marquette State Park has many wonderful short trails and scenic drives as well as basic campsites, cabins and a lodge. The lodge is a popular destination for weddings and features several food and wine events throughout the year. Photo courtesy of Flickr /
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Dawt Mill
8 Dawt Mill Dr.
Tecumseh, MO 65760
(417) 284-3540
Estimated drive time: 3 hours, 51 minutes. Directions here .
Some waterways can get congested during peak season, but not Dawt Mill. Here you’ll find camping, cabins and lodging on a relatively untouched river. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Nigel Holderby.
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