Lake Camping Near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

United States
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Missouri
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Cape Girardeau

98% (579 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cape Girardeau

Community favorites near Cape Girardeau

Public campgrounds near Cape Girardeau

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(1)

Trail of Tears Campground

52 sites · RVs, Tents In Trail of Tears State Park

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(1)

Ferne Clyffe Campground

36 sites · RVs, Tents In Ferne Clyffe State Park

Lake Murphysboro Campground

61 sites · RVs, Tents In Lake Murphysboro State Park

Backpack Campground

12 sites In Ferne Clyffe State Park

Equestrian Campground

1 site In Ferne Clyffe State Park

Turkey Ridge Campground

12 sites In Ferne Clyffe State Park

Deer Ridge Campground

23 sites · RVs, Tents In Ferne Clyffe State Park

John J. Audubon Trail

1 site · RV, Tent In Mark Twain National Forest

Rockpile Mountain Trail

1 site · RV, Tent In Mark Twain National Forest

Rockpile Mountain Wilderness

1 site · RV, Tent In Mark Twain National Forest

Randolph County Campground

38 sites · RVs, Tents In Randolph County State Recreation Area

Wappapello Section of the Ozark Trail

2 sites · RVs, Tents In Mark Twain National Forest

3 top lakeside campgrounds near Cape Girardeau

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(557)

Wine Trail Wilderness

16 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Pomona, IL

The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa". Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest. It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy. Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes. We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit. We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience.

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(34)

Tall Tree Lake

62 sites · RVs, Tents220 acres · Buncombe, IL

We are a 220 acre family owned and operated campground in the middle of the Shawnee National forest. We love providing a safe, beautiful, peaceful, and central location for people to enjoy our beautiful area. Fishing and hiking are welcomed for all of our guests! Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Close proximity to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, and only a 10 minute drive from I-24.

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(11)

Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents235 acres · Glen Allen, MO

Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch. Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly). If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands. The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers! We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(1)

Trail of Tears State Park

Missouri

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(1)

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Goreville, Illinois

Lake Murphysboro State Park

Harrison, Illinois

90%

(20)

Mark Twain National Forest

Bunker, Missouri

Randolph County State Recreation Area

Chester, Illinois

Giant City State Park

Makanda, Illinois

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Cape Girardeau guide

Overview

Looking for a camping adventure near Cape Girardeau, Missouri with a beautiful lake to explore? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 500 options to choose from, you're bound to find the perfect spot for your outdoor getaway. Whether you prefer a rustic lakeside cabin or a secluded campsite right by the water, there's something for everyone. And with top campsites like Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Wine Trail Wilderness (291 reviews), and Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews), you can trust that you'll be in good hands. And the best part? The average price per night is only $25, with options as low as $15. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like potable water, trash disposal, and toilets. So pack your bags, grab your paddle, and get ready for an unforgettable lakeside camping experience!