10 Beautiful Camping Spots Within Driving Distance of St. Louis

By Riverfront Times Staff on Fri, Apr 7, 2017 at 10:16 pm

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.

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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 / Jon K.

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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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Springs, caverns and falls await at Dawt Mill, as well as excellent fishing, canoeing and kayaking. You'll easily keep yourself busy all weekend. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Karen Montgomery.

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Table Rock State Park
5272 MO-165
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 334-4704
Estimated drive time: 3 hours, 58 minutes. Directions here.

Table Rock State Park is a go-to for anyone looking for water activities. Here you can choose between basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites, which are found on two different campgrounds. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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You can enjoy all the water sports you can think of on Table Rock Lake. If you ever tire of the sun and water, Branson offers countless shows, museums, restaurants and shops for you to enjoy. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

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Cuivre River State Park
678 State Route 147
Troy, MO 63379
(636) 528-7247
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 13 minutes. Directions here.

Looking for a new kind of camping experience? Cuivre River offers two platform tent sites, which are canvas tents mounted on wooden decks. There are also basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites, an equestrian campground, a special-use camping area and three organized group camps -- perfect for people who love lots of options. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Natures Paparazzi Twitter: @NikonHiker.

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In addition to camping accommodations, Cuivre River offers great hiking. You can also enjoy fishing, swimming and boating at Lake Lincoln. Photo courtesy of Flickr / Natures Paparazzi Twitter: @NikonHiker.

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Klondike Park
4600 S. Missouri 94
Augusta, MO 63332
Estimated drive time: 55 minutes. Directions here.

Cyclists should be sure to check out Klondike Park. Located along the Katy Trail, Klondike Park has adorable cabins for staying the night after a long day of biking. Photo by Kelly Glueck.

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If you'd prefer to camp the old fashioned way, Klondike Park also has basic and primitive campsites. With beautiful scenery and four miles worth of trails, Klondike Park has everything you need for an adventure that isn't very far from home. Photo courtesy of Flickr / George Shao.

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10 Beautiful Camping Spots Within Driving Distance of St. Louis

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