Is Washington State Park Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Washington State Park Campground 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.

What is the best time to visit Washington State Park Campground?

Washington State Park Campground is open On-season (facility services like water and showers usually available) is typically Apr 1–Oct 31; Off-season is Nov 1–Mar 31. Exceptions exist for some parks (for example, Roaring River, Bennett Spring and Montauk begin on-season Feb 25; some northern parks begin Apr 15; Table Rock on-season Mar–Nov).. 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 Washington State Park Campground?

Yes, Washington State Park Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Washington State Park Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Washington State Park Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Washington State Park Campground?

Washington State Park Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Washington State Park Campground?

Popular activities at Washington State Park Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Washington State Park Campground

0 review

13041 State Highway 104, De Soto, MO 63020-7000, United States

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

892 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

On-season (facility ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

892 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

On-season (facility ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowers

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Washington State Park Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Nightly camping rates vary by campground and by site amenities (electric, water, sewer, amperage). On-season/off-season rate schedules apply and vary...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Missouri State Parks

Provider

636-586-5768

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

13041 State Highway 104, De Soto, MO 63020-7000, United States

Washington State Park Campground

13041 State Highway 104, De Soto, MO 63020-7000, United States

Weather at Washington State Park Campground

Best Time to Camp at Washington State Park Campground

Late spring and early summer after Memorial Day offer good weather with smaller crowds, though cicadas may be present in season. Summer brings the park to full life with daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s°F and nights in the 60s, perfect for swimming and boating. The pool opens after noon and requires an extra fee. All campground services run April through October, including water hookups and heated showers. Off-season camping from November to March trades amenities for quieter trails and solitude, though some facilities close and Missouri weather can be unpredictable.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

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

Planning Tips

Operating Season: On-season (facility services like water and showers usually available) is typically Apr 1–Oct 31; Off-season is Nov 1–Mar 31. Exceptions exist for some parks (for example, Roaring River, Bennett Spring and Montauk begin on-season Feb 25; some northern parks begin Apr 15; Table Rock on-season Mar–Nov).

About Washington State Park Campground

Washington State Park Campground sits above the Big River in Missouri's Ozarks, about an hour from St. Louis. The park preserves petroglyphs carved by Mississippian people and stone structures built by African American Civilian Conservation Corps stonemasons in the 1930s. Campers find large, well-maintained sites with electric hookups, clean private shower facilities, and quick access to hiking trails and river swimming.

Campground layout is reported to include at least two loops (basic/platform sites and a separate loop with electric sites). The park also provides lodging/cabin options.

Historical Significance

The park preserves petroglyphs etched into rock faces by the Mississippian people centuries ago. In the 1930s, African American Civilian Conservation Corps stonemasons constructed the park's stone buildings, shelters, and pavilions. Their expert craftsmanship remains visible throughout the park, with hand-laid stone walls and structures still standing nearly a century later.

Weather and SeasonsLate spring and early summer after Memorial Day offer good weather with smaller crowds, though cicadas may be present in season. Summer brings the park to full life with daytime highs in the mid-80s to low-90s°F and nights in the 60s, perfect for swimming and boating. The pool opens after noon and requires an extra fee. All campground services run April through October, including water hookups and heated showers. Off-season camping from November to March trades amenities for quieter trails and solitude, though some facilities close and Missouri weather can be unpredictable.

Natural Features and SceneryLimestone bluffs rise above the Big River, offering panoramic Ozark views from trails like the 1000 Steps Trail. Dense hardwood forests cover the rugged terrain, with mature trees shading the campground and rocky outcrops lining the trails. The Big River provides swimming holes and fishing access within walking distance. Rocky Wood Trail passes remnants of an old homesite, and hand-laid stone shelters built by CCC stonemasons still stand along the paths. The landscape mixes river bottom, ridge tops, and limestone geology typical of the Ozarks.

Geological RegionOzarks

Scenic ViewsPanoramic Ozark overlooks along the park's hiking trails and overlooks of the surrounding Big River valley.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsMissouri State Parks online reservation system (UseDirect-based)

Best CampsitesThe campground has two loops: one for basic and platform sites, another for electric sites with some pull-through options. Concrete pads run long but narrow. Mature trees provide shade across the campground. Some sites sit close to the road, which can mean occasional traffic noise. Reviews praise the overall cleanliness and maintenance but don't call out specific site numbers.

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Amenities available

Sources report a modern shower house with private locking showers and flush restrooms, potable drinking water and a dump/fill station. Electric hookups are available (no full hookups); playground(s), pool (may require a fee) and on-site firewood/ice sales have also been mentioned in secondary sources.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers rugged hiking on multiple trails, river access for swimming and fishing on the Big River, and boating/canoeing/kayaking opportunities. Additional park offerings include interpretive programs, backpacking, picnicking, playgrounds and rock climbing/rappelling.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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

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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

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0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Washington State Park Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors commonly praise large, well-maintained campsites, clean restrooms and shower facilities, and quick access to trails and the Big River. Minor complaints include some sites being close to the road and occasional shortcomings in cabin supplies.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Large campsites; clean restrooms and private showers; playgrounds for children; easy river and trail access; well-maintained campground and friendly staff/hosts.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra towels/linens and basic kitchen items if renting a cabin; purchase firewood on-site. Visit in late spring/early summer for good weather and quieter conditions outside peak holiday...

Camper Quotes

“Large camp sites and clean restrooms and shower houses.” — “Great time camping... Quick access to the river and trails.” — “Campsites are too close to the road but other than that great.”

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Go if

RV campers who want a base for rugged hiking and river swimming will find large, well-maintained sites with electric hookups, private locking showers, and direct access to the 1000 Steps Trail and Big River swimming holes. Late May through early June hits the sweet spot for weath

Skip if

Tent campers are out entirely since no tent sites are available. Cabins work if you pack your own towels and kitchen basics; past guests found the supplied stock thin. No pets allowed, no wifi, and no cell service makes this a hard pass for anyone who can't fully unplug.

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Campground

13041 State Highway 104, De Soto, MO 63020-7000, United States

Step back in time at Washington State Park, where ancient Mississippian petroglyphs whisper stories from centuries past and Depression-era stonework frames sweeping views of the Big River valley. Perched above the water on rugged Ozark bluffs, this historic gem invites you to explore winding trails that lead to scenic overlooks, cool off in the river, and discover handcrafted stone shelters tucked among the trees.