The best camping near Elephant Rocks State Park

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

Discover the geological marvels of Elephant Rocks State Park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Elephant Rocks 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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Four Creeks Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · Ellington, MO

Three crystal clear creeks to swim, wade, hunt rocks, or just relax. We have several tent sites right on the creeks and RV sites close for just a short walk for swimming fun. Close to Mark Twain National Forest, for hiking Rocky Creek trail Head, Blue Springs trail to Rocky Falls, Black River and the Current for floating, Kayaking or fishing. Clearwater Lake for boat rentals or Jet skies. Sites to see, Blue Springs, Big Springs Johnson Shut Inns, Elephant Rock, Rocky Falls, and many state parks to explore. We are also only three miles from the town of Ellington, MO for your shopping needs, several restaurants and antiquing.

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Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors

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

Hummingbird Hollow Outdoors is a 501c3 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. You can even claim the cost of your stay on your taxes! All proceeds go to the care of the animals. "Today, whatever is good for your soul, do that."

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Hawks Bluff Farm 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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Such and Such Farm Swimming Hole

6 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · De Soto, MO

Camp at our beautiful private swimming hole at the edge of Joachim Creek. Our campsite includes a community picnic table, hammocks along the tree line and a huge communal fire pit. We have four individual camp sites in total, each with their own fire ring. Bring your fishing poles, water shoes and camp chairs! We are a working farm that grows produce, raises dairy goats, pasture raised pigs, peacocks, chickens and more! And while you may hear a rooster crow in the morning, you'll be tucked away from the hustle and bustle of farm life. COMING IN SUMMER 2025: Access to our new farm store where you'll be able to purchase firewood, eggs, produce, pork and more to enhance your stay!

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Cinco de Mayo Campground

16 sites · 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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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.

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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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The Magic Land Homestead

3 sites · Lodging70 acres · Grubville, MO

The Magic Land Homestead is our 70 acre wooded private retreat. We are about an hour from St. Louis, Missouri, on a beautiful country drive. We rent our Enchanted Treehouse that sleeps up to 9 guests for those who enjoy a more pampered getaway with a real bathroom and shower, and we also rent out a Rustic A-Frame that's a little more primitive with a composting toilet and a hose shower out back. Our four free range lovable dogs, colorful chickens, silly geese and goofy turkey Hammerstein, are usually part of the fun of your stay. We have a 3 acre lake with kayak and paddle boat and dock as well as a spring fed wet weather creek. Our mission is to grow our own organic food and to live as sustainably and mindfully as possible in connection with Mother Nature. So the guests we attract are looking for a sacred more quiet getaway. If you wish to throw a big party another place would be best. There are some trails and open areas to play, along with fun swings and an opportunity to reconnect with your soul. We look forward to seeing you soon!

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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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BEAUTIFUL SECLUDED CAMPSITE

5 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Potosi, MO

Easy access to hundreds of miles of trails and gravel roads in Mark Twain National Forest for hiking, biking, ATV / SXS. Multiple fishing ponds less than a mile away. Come and explore Missouri's best kept secret! The campground has 8 campsites, great for RV or tent campers, nestled under old-growth oak trees for shade & protection during the hot months.

The best camping near Elephant Rocks State Park guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure through the ancient granite boulders of Elephant Rocks State Park. Traverse the Braille Trail, designed for accessibility, and marvel at the elephantine rocks that have captivated visitors for generations. While camping isn't available, the park offers a plethora of activities including hiking, picnicking, and climbing, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

When to go

The best time to visit Elephant Rocks State Park is during the on-season from April 16 to August 31, when the park is open from 8am to 8pm. Shoulder seasons offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter offers a stark beauty, but be mindful of shorter hours and potential weather-related closures.

Know before you go

Check the park and site status map for temporary closures before your visit.
Accessibility is a priority; inquire about the electronic off-road track chair for an enhanced experience.
Remember to pack food and water, as dining options are limited within the park.
For safety, always stay on designated trails and be cautious when climbing the rocks.
Plan your visit according to park hours, which vary seasonally for optimal exploration time.

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