Mountain Camping in Missouri

Mountain Camping in Missouri

Discover the best mountain camping across Missouri. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: Year-round
Find Missouri CampgroundsSet Availability Alert

Mountain Camping in Other States

AlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoGeorgiaIdahoKentuckyMarylandMassachusettsMontanaNevadaNew HampshireNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWyoming
View all Mountain Camping nationwide →

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Johnson'S Shut-Ins State Park Campground
Photo coming soon
Star
4.8
(319)
Johnson'S Shut-Ins State Park Campground
Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park

Ancient volcanic rhyolite formations rise in shades of pink and purple along cascading waterways, creating the most rugged mountain terrain in Missouri's Ozark highlands. Trails wind through exposed rocky glades and oak-hickory forest across the St.

2
1 Campground
Photo coming soon
Star
4.7
(115)
1 Campground
Patterson, MO
Sam A. Baker State Park

The St. Francois Mountains—Missouri's oldest peaks—rise in forested ridges around this riverside sanctuary, where ridgeline trails wind through hardwood canopies toward panoramic views.

3
Greenville Recreation Area
Star
4.8
(691)
Greenville Recreation Area
Greenville, MO
Wappapello Lake

Ancient Ozark hills rise dramatically from Wappapello Lake's shores, creating a landscape of rocky bluffs, forested ridges, and winding waterways that reward hikers with ever-changing vistas.

Tents
RVs

About Mountain Camping in Missouri

Mountain camping in Missouri offers an unexpected adventure into some of the Midwest's most ancient and rugged terrain, centered primarily in the St. Francois Mountains and the broader Ozark highlands.

Best Time

The prime season for mountain camping in Missouri runs from mid-April through October, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable conditions and spectacular scenery. April and May bring wildflower displays across the mountain slopes, moderate temperatures in the 60s-70s, and flowing streams at their most dramatic after spring rains, though occasional storms can make forest roads muddy.

Scenery Highlights

  • Stunning mountain panoramas
  • Cool alpine temperatures
  • Alpine lakes and meadows
  • World-class hiking trails

Campground Locations

Showing top 17 campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Missouri

Map of campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Missouri
Explore Interactive Map →
Map Key
1
Johnson'S Shut-Ins State Park Campground
2
1 Campground
3
Greenville Recreation Area
4
Silver Mines
5
Hawn State Park Campground
6
2 Campground
7
Mill Creek (Missouri)
8
Hawker Point
9
Outlet Park
10
Sparrowfoot
11
1 Campground
12
1 Campground
13
Hermitage Campground
14
2 Campground
15
Onondaga Cave State Park Campground
16
Knob Noster State Park Campground
17
Pomme De Terre Campground
View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Hiking mountain trails through ancient volcanic terrainSwimming and exploring shut-ins and natural water slidesRock scrambling on billion-year-old rhyolite formationsWildlife watching for black bears, elk, and wild turkeysPhotography of geological features and fall foliageFishing in cold mountain streams for smallmouth bass and trout

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites early for popular state parks, especially Johnson's Shut-Ins and Sam A.
  • 2Baker, which fill quickly on spring and fall weekends—Missouri State Parks accepts reservations up to 12 months in advance through their online system.
  • 3Bring layered clothing regardless of season, as mountain temperatures can swing 20-30 degrees between day and night, and valleys often experience cooler microclimates than surrounding areas.
  • 4Invest in quality hiking boots with ankle support and aggressive tread for navigating rocky, uneven terrain on mountain trails, and consider trekking poles for steep descents.
17 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Mountain Camping in Missouri

Mountain Camping in Missouri FAQ

We've ranked 20+ mountain campgrounds in Missouri based on elevation, scenery, and access to trails. Top options offer stunning alpine views and cool summer temperatures.
Mountain camping in Missouri requires preparation for cooler temperatures and changing weather. Bring layers, be prepared for afternoon storms, and allow time for altitude acclimation at higher elevations.
Mountain camping season in Missouri typically runs June through September, though lower elevations may be accessible earlier. Snow can linger at higher elevations into July.
Availability Alerts

Popular Missouri Campgrounds Book Fast

The best mountain camping in Missouri book up quickly. Set up free alerts to catch cancellations.

Checks every 2 min
SMS, email, push
150,000+ campsites

Outdoorithm

Just now

🎉 Site opened up!

Johnson'S Shut-Ins State Park Campground
Your preferred dates

Quick! This site typically books within hours.

Outdoorithm

Find Your Perfect Missouri Campground

Create your free account to save favorites, set availability alerts, and get personalized recommendations.

  • Search 20+ mountain camping in Missouri
  • Set alerts for hard-to-book sites
  • Get personalized recommendations for your trip
  • Compare campground amenities
  • Check weather forecasts
Create Free AccountBrowse First

No credit card required. Every feature is free to use.