The best camping near Washington State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Washington State Park adventure.

100% (15 reviews)

Explore rugged landscapes along the Big River in eastern Missouri.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Washington State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Washington State Park

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Washington Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In Washington State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Washington State Park

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Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Ironton, MO

A wooded, more private camping experience with unique site designs and natural elements. Wood-burning sauna and hot tub available for guest use. Primitive Camping Van/vehicle Camping Small Trailers Glamping Bike Trails, Hiking, creek sit-in' on site! Best of the midwest biking, hiking, Ozark Trail, rock climbing Elephant Rocks Park, Johnson Shut-ins and more swimming holes nearby! Wood for sale on site, $5 per bundle, Fire starters also available. Ask us about our "Really Good At Camping" merchandise. We have shirts, mugs & wine tumblers! *Cash Only* at this time. We Have free stickers! *For camp site locations please refer to our map in the campsite listing photos. We are located just west of the Ironton Water Works Plant and the Shepherd Mountain Lake dam. Turn right after the dam, drive through Shepherd Mountain Lake Park. If our "campground guests only" gate if it is closed, and please close gate behind you. Thank you! No Hook Ups No swimming in the lake and no outside boats, but we have boats for campers to use free of charge! General Store and restroom facilities/showers coming soon!

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Spring Lake Ranch

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Potosi, MO

Spring Lake Ranch boasts countless trails and lake activities. Formerly known as Sayersbrook Bison ranch, at one time it was one of the largest Bison ranches in the world. This property is filled with amazing things to see and explore. Nothing like it in Missouri. Lake is 60+ acres and is spring fed. Amazing fishing, swimming and kayaking. We are pet friendly. You will have amazing lake views and will be close to hiking trails, horseback riding, and wine tasting at Edge Cliff Wineries which is next door to us. The beautiful shower house is super clean, has restrooms and hot showers and it is within walking distance. Firewood and ice are available to purchase; kayaks and fishing poles are available for rent. If you forget something at home stop by our little country store, we might have it! :) The sites are about 20 ft from each other - if you are looking for more privacy please check out the secluded site or the peninsula.

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Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

30 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents27 acres · Saint Clair, MO

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors is a not for profit Farm Animal Sanctuary. You will be able to camp with the horses, goats, potbellied pigs and more. We open up our farm so that people can enjoy the outdoors, animals and nature, and the animals can enjoy people! We are a sanctuary for all creatures on earth, including humans. "Today, whatever is good for your soul, do that."

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Hawks Bluff Campground

57 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents460 acres · Tiff, MO

Escape the city! We have a very special property that nourishes the soul and provides space to roam and breathe fresh air. We have 460 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available. Ask us about our kayaking options!

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Sycamore Springs Campground

25 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Fredericktown, MO

The campsite sits alongside the Castor River, offering electric hookups at 5 sites for campers. There is day pass availability as well as 5 Tent camping sites. Enjoy outdoor adventures just minutes away, at the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River, located south of Route J, eight miles east of Fredericktown.

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Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

10 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Berger, MO

Sage Mountain is a recreational area located in the heart of Missouri wine country. Located between Hermann and Washington on the south side of the Missouri river. Our 50 acres of virgin forest is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, 3.6 miles of hiking trails, bolted climbing and bouldering routes established, and a large impressive cave. We are located near the Katy trail for more hiking and biking. Access to the Missouri river for boating and fishing. On site we have an abundance of areas for back country camping, or we allow car camping in our open parking lot.

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Big River Outdoors Campground

99 sites · RVs, Tents87 acres · Frankclay, MO

80+ acres with over a mile of river frontage. Also a unique custom off road park on the property. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and live music on weekends. Tent camping or RV/camper . Campers who need electric are allowed to bring a generator. We have limited electric as of now. We are located just 2-3 miles from 3 different gas stations but are also very secluded.

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R & T Farms

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · IL

Your stay will be on our small 5 acres farm where we raise Cows, Pigs, Chickens and Guineas. We also have dogs and cats. You can experience life on a farm with all the sounds and smells but not all the work! Absolutely breath taking sun sets. The one and only spot we have is very secluded and private. You will have electric and SEWER HOOK UP and can fill your water tank at our house for full service facilities. We are only 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Come and stay with us, you will not be disappointed.

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Cinco de Mayo Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · MO

Every morning that I wake up at Cinco I think how fortunate I am to have a place on this earth where I am excited to be. Whether it is sweaty-hot summertime or deep-freeze, snow-covered wintertime I treasure the moments sipping a cup of tea on the riverbank listening to the birds competing over food and mates...or to the ice breaking up with the morning heat. Starting the day this way can sure alleviate a lot of stress! The tenants and guests that have stayed here make my favorite place on earth truly precious. Sharing with others magnifies the experience. Please give yourself the gift of staying here for a weekend.Learn more about this land:Sleep right on the banks of the river or in the clean level yard just a few feet away. Kayak or fish all day then enjoy a nice warm shower in our bathhouse. You can freshen your gear in our new mini-laundromat. Bring quarters or download an Iphone app to start the laundry machines.

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Comfy Cabin Camping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Leslie, MO

This property was first built in 1850 and still holds most of it's original historical charm and significance.. There is a floating outfit across the road and lots of fishing and swimming enjoyment on the river. Get to know my rescue animals and hear about the history of Noser Mill and the surrounding areas.Camp in style in these comfortable cabins on the Bourbeuse River. Features 1 bedroom cabins with A/C and heated water. Outdoor showers and outhouses with grill site and fire pit. All three cabins sleep 4. There is also additional space for tent camping. To find out more about this option please contact me.This is all set on our beautiful farm property with historical structures and rescue animals. Fun for family!

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Grand Army Farm

2 sites · Tents5 acres · Labadie , MO

Grand Army Farm is a family owned working farm. We raise beautiful angora goats for fiber and have chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and meat goats. We serve local restaurants and participate in many local area farmers market. We pride ourselves in minimizing our carbon footprint, to the extent that we don't own any heavy piece of farm equipment, not even an ATV. The working portion of the game only accounts for 15 % of the land. What this means is that 85% of the wooded acres is available for you HipCampers to hike and explore. Of particular interest is the site of an old moonshine distillery hidden in the woods, a 20 min hike east of your campsite. Legends has it that the moonshine was illicitly produced during Prohibition and sold in the loft of our biggest barn where people would drink and dance the night away. The property boats of gorgeous mature oak trees, hickory trees and newer cedar stands where nature abounds. In the morning you may see the herons fly in or the Canadian geese come in.Learn more about this land:Pitch your own tent by our 5 acres lake. You will hear the frogs croak at night, see sights of blue herons or Canadian geese flying in, and hear our own geese and ducks greet you from across the lake. You will see my goat barn and see the majestic angora goats with shimmering coats come in for their feedings in the morning and leave to go to pasture afterwards. You will be a 10 min walk from our house and have complete privacy. If you would like to make a fire, there is plenty of wood available to pick up on site. A map on the patio fridge will show you where water is available and the hiking trail head.

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Crooked Creek Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent35 acres · Salem, MO

Once a portion of a hunting preserve, Crooked Creek Ranch is located deep in the Missouri Ozarks, within walking distance of Mark Twain National Forest. We've owned and managed Crooked Creek Ranch for many years now, building and maintaining trails, planting trees and working to make the place as beautiful as it can be for all who visit. We hope that you will be as refreshed and revitalized as we are when you set foot into this wonderful forest. It is a lot of very hard work, and totally worth it. If you enjoy it, it will make it that much more worth it! Thanks for reading! Learn more about this land: 100% PRIVACY. 35 private wooded acres all to yourself with a totally private one-mile intermediate level mountain biking-hiking loop trail! Hike peaceful trails, exploring the wooded hills until you find the perfect spot for your tent. If you select a spot near the clearing, you will have access to the picnic table and fire circle. Spend your days mountain biking, hiking, fishing and watching wildlife on a private ranch in the Ozark Mountains, less than a quarter mile from the Mark Twain National Forest. Less than five miles from Indian Trail State Forest (Indian Trail Conservation Area) with beautiful Blackwell Lake. Canoeing and kayaking are less than an hour away (Meramec River, Current River and Jacks Fork River), as well as trout fishing at scenic Meramec Spring Park or Montauk State Park. Peaceful wilderness will inspire artists, writers, musicians. Quiet, secluded, beautiful, and rugged. If you do not want to see anyone, you don't have to. You will have 35 private acres. You will be 100% secluded. If you want amenities, this is not the place. If you want complete privacy, this is the place! Bear and mountain lion have been seen in the area, so please keep this in mind.

The best camping near Washington State Park guide

Overview

About

The Big River makes a slow wind through this section of the Ozark Mountains, where water and woodlands meet. Located in eastern Missouri, Washington State park is home to rugged landscapes and grand outdoor adventures. Wade or float in the river waters—or make a splash in the park’s pool. Explore the state’s largest collection of petroglyphs, with rock carvings dating to around 1000 A.D. A more recent piece of history is the 1000 Steps Trail, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, providing a challenging route to reach a scenic view from a bluff above the river valley. Camping and campground rentals are available.

Notable campgrounds

Best for big rigs: Washington Campground’s pull-through sites offer easy maneuvering.
Best for casual campers: No tent? No problem. Washington Campground’s platform tent sites include a three-season canvas tent.
Best for glamping: Washington Campground’s electric sites offer 30-amp service.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Advanced reservations may not be required, but check ahead for summer weekends and holidays.
Reservations are accepted 12 months in advance online and by phone through the Missouri State Parks office.
This park offers basic and electric campsites, in addition to platform tents and family campsites (with paired pads and a shared yard).
Reservations are offered year-round.
Walk-up reservations are available.

When to go

Summer is river season, making it a nice time to hit the waters—or the park pool. Both offer a refreshing way to cool off from the heat and humidity of Missouri summers. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures for exploring the trails—watch for wildflowers in the spring and autumnal colors in the fall, reaching their peak in October. Winter camping brings a stillness to the park, along with freezing temperatures and occasional snows. During the off-season, park amenities (like the camp store and showerhouses) are limited.

Know before you go

Individual campsites do not have water spigots. Water spigots are scattered around the camping loops.
Showers and water are available April 1 through October 31, with a frost-free spigot available near the park office.
Watercraft rentals for paddling and floating are available seasonally in the camp store.
Though it feels far from the city, this park is an hour’s drive from Gateway Arch National Park in downtown St. Louis.
Elephant Rocks State Park is 40 minutes to the south, offering a unique landscape to explore.