Best place to Camp in Missouri (around St. Louis)?

Question

I like to take the kids camping this summer. I'd like to stay no more than 2 hours awy from St. Louis or 3 hours awy from Troy, MO. The camp site must be Family friendly with super clean bathrooms & showers. We'd also like to be close to a lazy river so the kids could swim.

We will be staying in a tent but if there somewhere with a cabin the kids would Enjoy I won't object as long as the price is right. Anything else close by for them to have fun with is a bonus.
Anyone have any ideas? Please let me know when the last time you were at the place and what you like the most about it. Thanks for the help!

Answer 1

I may be a little biased, but I really have to suggest the Johnson Shut-ins area. It's closed until Memorial day, but it's a fantastic place to camp. You have Elephant Rock park, Fort Davidson Battlefield, Taum Sauk Mountain all nearby, along with several other great places to visit. Lake Wappapello State park has nice facilities, Sam A. Baker State park is a nice place. Big Spring park in Van Buren within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a beautiful place to camp, canoe, etc.



I have to say the area around Johnson shut-ins is my favorite area. Beautiful scenery, several quaint small towns with great food, shops, and bed & breakfasts.



The Van Buren area would be my 2nd favorite area. Again beautiful scenery, Nice small town atmosphere, good restaraunts, some with nightly entertainment.



I had a little trouble finding information about some of these places on the net, but ask anyone that has been to these places, and I'm sure they'll confirm what I say.



Good luck and have a blast.

Answer 2

This is the best I can do for you. South of St. Louis on I-44 there is Meramac Caverns. There is a river near Meramac that has a lot of camping and parties most holiday weekends. It might be a little cold for a lot of women in bikini's which is what I would be looking for at spring break, but I am pretty sure you can find a place for free to camp.

Answer 3

We enjoyed camping around Mark Twain lake. Inexpensive and many activities at your disposal. Nature (free) being one of them! Johnson Shut-Ins won't be open for a long time due to the dam failure late last year.

Answer 4

Steelville, MO - Bass River Resorts. Off the beaten path and an absolute delight. I went canoeing there and loved it.

Answer 5

I enjoyed camping in the "Montauk" area. I don't remember there being a river for swimming, but it is GREAT for fishing! Have fun!

Answer 6

Carlyle Lake in Illinois. has a beach and sand. shower rooms. playgrounds. there is a campground area. Here's a site. http://www.carlylelake.com/

Answer 7

KOA CHECK THE SITE SEVERAL ALONG THE MISSIPP AND IN TOWARD THE CENTER OF THE STATE I USE KOA THERE