Forest camping near St Joseph with swimming

History buffs will find much to explore in this northern Missouri town.

98% (34 reviews)

United States
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Missouri
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St Joseph

98% (34 reviews)

Popular camping styles for St Joseph

2 top forest campgrounds near St Joseph with swimming

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(34)

Fun Family Farm - Overview

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Robinson, KS

Fun Family Farm (FFF) near Robinson, KS is an organic farm where our hobby is creating fun! This entry is to give you an overview of the farm and also in case you want to hold a laid-back, nature-oriented, special event at the FFF, where our mantra is, “nothing will be perfect, but everything will be fine.” So, if you are looking for artificial perfection, look elsewhere. ---For any of the guest houses, bring your own linens or sleeping bags, or rent from us. ---The Blue Bedroom has a double bed in it, as does the Hippie Van. Both have either air conditioners or heaters as needed. ---The Big Yellow Bus has a queen bed and two sets of bunk beds in addition to a wood stove, air conditioner, small refrigerator, and a microwave. ---Braden's Brown Bus has a double bed and a futon, air conditioner, sink and a small refrigerator. ---The Hippie Van is a painted VW van with the seats removed and a double bed built in. AC and Heat are available. Some of the fun we create on the farm includes: ---Super-deluxe horseshoe pit and dart board ---900-lb counter-weighted trebuchet for throwing pumpkin, watermelons, or bowling balls over 400 feet ---Lots of rural roads, paved and unpaved for bike riding (bring your own bike) --- Smallish pond with a beach for swimming ---Creek for wading and looking for fossils ---Several fire-pits with seating ---Lots of shaded sitting areas for visiting and flowers for viewing ---Mowed trails through the woods ---Lawn games including lighted bocce ball ---Playground equipment and a large sandbox for the kids ---Cows, pigs, ducks, geese, turkeys, and chickens at various stages of growth depending upon the time of year. ---If the weather is right, an ice skating rink Amenities Include: ---An Outdoor shower ---Fire-pits with hot dog sticks, grates, and seating ---Gas Grill ---Access to town water for drinking ---Access to well water for sand and water play ---Two NICE outhouses in the barnyard (one is known to the local children as “the magic bathroom” due to its blue lighting) ---Seldom used outhouse at the pond. If you are interested in renting the entire farm for a family reunion or wedding etc., message us at least 6 months in advance and we will be able to block off the dates you are requesting.

83%

(3)

Owl Creek Cabins

2 sites · Lodging8 acres · Independence, MO

Owl Creek is a beautiful secluded wooded valley with a spring fed stream running down the center. We have 2 swimming holes, a beautiful waterfall, and a swimming pond with a sand beach. We have a miles worth of walking trails and beautiful bluffs to explore. We have 2 beautiful resident goats ready to greet you.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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(2)

Lewis And Clark State Park MO

Lewis And Clark Village, Missouri

Forest camping near St Joseph with swimming guide

Overview

Located near the four corners where Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri meet, St. Joseph is a small town that once played a big role in history, notable as the departure point for the Pony Express and the Oregon Trail. Today’s visitors come to town to explore this history and the Victorian architecture of bygone eras. Just outside of town, the Department of Natural Resources operates several campgrounds offering dry camping near town, including the Rochester Falls Access and Happy Holler Conservation Area. Private RV parks abound, offering a full slate of amenities in town and beyond.

Where to go

Lewis and Clark State Park

The closest state park to St. Joseph is Lewis and Clark State Park, named for the explorers who passed through this spot in 1804 on the Corps of Discovery Expedition. The scenic lake that Lewis and Clark admired is now a popular spot for fishing, boating, and paddling. Basic and electric campsites for both tents and RVs can be found.

Big Lake State Park

Around 45 minutes north of St. Joseph, Big Lake State Park is another option for both recreation and camping. The park's 407-acre oxbow lake was formed by the Missouri River; it provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and paddling. The park offers tent and RV camping, with a mix of basic and electric sites. Some offer water views. Camper cabins and a lodge can also be reserved.

Kansas City

Located less than an hour south of St. Joseph, Kansas City is Missouri’s largest city, which has opportunities to explore art, architecture, history, and family attractions. A number of private RV parks are located around the city, primarily in the ring of suburbs. These parks offer a range of amenities, including full hookup sites, onsite activities, pools, and more. Public campgrounds can be found at Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, Weston Bend State Park, and near Blue Springs, which is home to several lakes.

When to go

Spring is the official start of camping season, though the temperatures may take a few weeks to feel springlike in northern Missouri. The weather warms through summer, which can get hot and humid, with temperatures nearing 100°F. For watersports, however, summer is prime time. Winter is generally quite cold, with freezing temperatures and rounds of precipitation, including snow and ice.