Is Campground (Sites 1-63) first-come first-served or reservation?

Campground (Sites 1-63) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Campground (Sites 1-63) before I book?

Yes! Campground (Sites 1-63) has 20 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Campground (Sites 1-63)?

Campground (Sites 1-63) is open System on-season generally Apr 1–Oct 31; off-season Nov 1–Mar 31. Exceptions: Roaring River, Bennett Spring and Montauk on-season begins Feb. 25; some northern parks begin on-season Apr 15; Table Rock on-season runs March through November.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Campground (Sites 1-63)?

Yes, Campground (Sites 1-63) has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Campground (Sites 1-63) have?

Campground (Sites 1-63) has 63 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Campground (Sites 1-63)?

Pets are not allowed at Campground (Sites 1-63). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Campground (Sites 1-63)?

Campground (Sites 1-63) offers: Restrooms, Showers, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Campground (Sites 1-63)?

Popular activities at Campground (Sites 1-63) include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Campground (Sites 1-63)

4.41

55 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

System on-season gen...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

System on-season gen...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Campground (Sites 1-63)

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Nightly camping rates vary by campground and are based on available utilities and amperage for electric sites. Reservation fees (nonrefundable) apply...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Missouri State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Campground (Sites 1-63)

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Campground Map

Campground (Sites 1-63)

No map location available

Weather at Campground (Sites 1-63)

Best Time to Camp at Campground (Sites 1-63)

Spring delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs often reach the 60s and 70s, with cool mornings in the 40s and 50s. Bluebells peak in waves along the river, and migratory birds return as woodland wildflowers carpet the trails. Water levels are typically good for fishing and paddling, and crowds stay moderate compared to summer. Full campground services run April through October. Fall brings classic Ozark color with maples and oaks blazing, while November through March offers quieter camping with basic amenities for those who prefer solitude.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: System on-season generally Apr 1–Oct 31; off-season Nov 1–Mar 31. Exceptions: Roaring River, Bennett Spring and Montauk on-season begins Feb. 25; some northern parks begin on-season Apr 15; Table Rock on-season runs March through November.

About Campground (Sites 1-63)

This 63-site campground sits along the Big River in Missouri's St. Francois Mountains, where ancient rhyolite ridges drop down to the water and trails lead from your site into forested hollows. Concrete pads with covered picnic tables and fire rings are standard, along with hot showers and flush toilets. Spring bluebells turn the forest floor purple-blue, and reviewers consistently praise the clean facilities and easy river access.

A mix of tent and RV sites with concrete pads; some loops lack electrical service while others provide electric hookups.

Historical Significance

The park lies within the St. Francois Mountains, where volcanic rhyolite formations date back roughly 1.5 billion years. These are among the oldest exposed rocks in North America.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs often reach the 60s and 70s, with cool mornings in the 40s and 50s. Bluebells peak in waves along the river, and migratory birds return as woodland wildflowers carpet the trails. Water levels are typically good for fishing and paddling, and crowds stay moderate compared to summer. Full campground services run April through October. Fall brings classic Ozark color with maples and oaks blazing, while November through March offers quieter camping with basic amenities for those who prefer solitude.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Big River curves through forested ridges and hollows that shelter rare fen wetlands and spring wildflower shows. Ancient sycamores lean over the banks, their white bark catching sunlight on the water. Above camp, a canopy of maples and oaks gives way to open meadows where prairie grasses sway. The park's three trails climb through varied terrain with overlooks, rocky sections, and elevation changes. White-tailed deer, wild turkey, and songbirds like scarlet tanager and Acadian flycatcher move through the woods. The landscape shifts from deep forest shade along Mooner's Hollow Creek to sun-streaked glades and quiet river pools.

Geological RegionSt. Francois Mountains (ancient rhyolite formations)

Scenic ViewsHiking trails and overlooks provide views of hills, valleys and forested ridges with changes in elevation and river vistas along the Big River.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservation (web) and call center. Missouri State Parks reservation system (typically UseDirect-based).

Cancellation PolicyReservation fee is nonrefundable. Canceling a reservation incurs a $10 cancellation fee in addition to forfeiture of the original reservation fee.

Total Campsites63 campsites

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Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Campground features restroom and shower facilities, concrete site pads with covered picnic tables and fire pits, plus playgrounds and nearby river access.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

On-site activities include camping, hiking, bicycling, swimming, fishing and boating (canoeing/floating) on the Big River, plus wildlife viewing and park programs.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTrail hazards reported include fallen trees blocking trails, rocky and uneven terrain, and occasional washouts after heavy rain. River conditions can change—shallow areas are typical but water levels and current can vary; nearby noise sources (e.g., road or event noise) have been reported in some visits.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

55 reviews

Recommended

Campground (Sites 1-63) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall reviewer sentiment is positive: visitors praise cleanliness, friendly staff, hot showers and river access. Common negatives include noise from nearby motors/boats and occasional disruptive campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and hot showers; concrete pads with covered picnic tables and sturdy fire pits; good access to the Big River for swimming, floating and fishing; family-friendly with playgrounds and...

Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Expect concrete pads that may need minor leveling; some loops lack electric service so check site details when reserving; bring leveling blocks for RVs/tents if needed. When reserving, note Missouri...

Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Awesome hot showers with lots of water!!”; “Great small park, well kept.”; “The roar of engines from Bonne Terre Drag Strip continued until well past 10 pm ... that just ruins the experience.”

Based on 55 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Families after easy river swimming and concrete-pad comfort will do well here. The walk to the Big River beach is short, hot showers are reliably praised, and spring wildflower season along Mooner's Hollow makes the hiking worth the trip.

Skip if

Noise is the real issue: boat traffic on the river and a nearby drag strip reach camp on busy weekends. Tent campers also report some sites feel tight and crowded, especially in summer.

Campgrounds

St. Francois State Park

Campground (Sites 1-63)

About Swanson Reservoir (Trenton Dam)

Context for the broader area surrounding Campground (Sites 1-63), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Swanson Reservoir, <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=Frenchman-Cambridge+Division+Project">Frenchman Cambridge Division, P-SMBP</a>, was formed by the construction in 1953 of <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Trenton+Dam">Trenton Dam</a> on the Republican River 2.5 miles west of Trenton, Nebraska. Reservoir open 24 hours. Good access roads. Fishing season is year-round. Available species include walleye, crappie, white bass, black bass, northern pike, channel catfish, and wipers. Irrigation supply reservoir experiencing minor fluctuations. The reservoir peaks has 4,974 water surface acres, 5,253 land acres and 30 miles of shoreline. Numerous tracts at each reservoir and impoundment provide food and cover for pheasant, quail, small fur-bearing animals, and mule and white-tail deer. There are 3,000 acres of public hunting land. <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/gp-bin/arcweb_trne.pl">Current reservoir levels</a>

Directions

Site is 3 miles southwest of Trenton. Nearest highway U.S. 34.