Fall Camping in Missouri

Fall Camping in Missouri

Discover the best fall camping across Missouri. Embrace the magic of autumn camping. Vibrant foliage, crisp air, and campfire nights under the stars.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: September through November

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region


About Fall Camping in Missouri

Fall camping Missouri offers some of the most spectacular autumn experiences in the Midwest, with the Ozark Mountains and surrounding regions transforming into a vibrant tapestry of crimson, gold, and amber hues. Missouri's diverse landscape provides fall campers with everything from lakeside retreats to mountain wilderness areas, prairie grasslands, and historic river corridors.

Best Time

Peak fall camping season in Missouri runs from late September through early November, with the most spectacular foliage displays typically occurring during the third and fourth weeks of October across the Ozarks and central regions. Northern Missouri campgrounds like Battle Of Athens State Historic Site along the Des Moines River see earlier color changes, usually peaking in early to mid-October, while southern locations may hold their colors into early November.

Season Highlights

  • Stunning fall foliage
  • Cooler, comfortable temperatures
  • Fewer crowds and quiet sites
  • Perfect campfire weather


Campground Locations

Showing top 18 campgrounds near Fall Camping in Missouri

Map Key
1
Greenville Recreation Area
2
Sparrowfoot
3
Outlet Park
4
Johnson'S Shut-Ins State Park Campground
5
Battle Of Athens State Historic Site Campground
6
Prairie State Park Campground
7
Mill Creek (Missouri)
8
Silver Mines
9
1 Campground
10
1 Campground
11
1 Campground
12
Onondaga Cave State Park Campground
13
Hawn State Park Campground
14
Knob Noster State Park Campground
15
Hawker Point
16
Hermitage Campground
17
Pershing State Park Campground
18
Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Fall foliage viewing and leaf-peeping drivesHiking through colorful hardwood forestsLake and river fishing for autumn bass and crappieWildlife photography and bird watchingCampfire cooking and evening gatheringsMountain biking on forest trails

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve popular fall camping spots like Sparrowfoot, Outlet Park, and Johnson's Shut-Ins early, as October weekends book quickly once foliage predictions are announced.
  • 2Pack layers including warm fleece or down jackets for cool mornings and evenings, as temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees from afternoon highs to overnight lows.
  • 3Bring a quality sleeping bag rated for 30°F or lower, as unexpected cold fronts can push nighttime temperatures into the upper 20s by late October.
  • 4Most Missouri state parks require advance reservations through their online system, while some Corps of Engineers campgrounds like Greenville Recreation Area accept both reservations and first-come, first-served sites.
18 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Fall Camping in Missouri

Fall Camping in Missouri FAQ

We've ranked 20+ fall campgrounds in Missouri based on foliage, weather, and reviews. Top options feature stunning autumn colors and comfortable temperatures.

Fall foliage in Missouri typically peaks during September through November, though timing varies by elevation and latitude. Check local foliage reports for optimal timing.

Missouri offers excellent fall camping with colorful foliage, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds than summer. Many campgrounds have special fall activities and harvest-season events.

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