The best camping near Onondaga Cave State Park

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

100% (4 reviews)
100% (4 reviews)

Find fun adventures above and below the ground at this Missouri park.  

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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

Top-rated campgrounds near Onondaga Cave State Park

98%
(686)

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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$30
 / night
93%
(1773)

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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$18.90
 / night
98%
(58)

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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$18.75
 / night
100%
(14)

St Louis Co private wildwood farm.

3 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Wildwood, MO
8 mostly cleared acre property with great access. Gravel drive throughout. 1/2 acre pond with catfish. Private with great views. 1850 acres of state park on the property. Full water and electric hook up for RVs, campers, and vans. Gravel roads throughout. Property is 5 min from 3 conservation areas for hiking. 10 min to 6 Flags. 30 min to all the amenities of downtown St. Louis. Retreat to the quaint town of wildwood, Missouri, and indulge yourself at this peaceful haven offers the perfect blend of comfort and relaxation. During the day, explore attractions like Six Flags St. Louis, Meramec Caverns, and the breathtaking beauty of Castlewood State Park. Whether you're looking for thrills or tranquility, this Wildwood oasis has it all! Nice, Right off the old old route 66. Property has the old motel on it. Backs to Rockwood reservation state conservation with 1850 wooded acres to hike and explore. Watch deer and other wildlife from anywhere on the property. Close to everything but far enough to make it private. Close to six flags, hidden valley ski resort, babler state park, greensfielder state park, lone elk state park, Castlewood state park, Katy trail and purina event center. Fish in the private 1/2 acre pond. Horses welcome. Plenty of room for trailer. -- THE PROPERTY -- Free WiFi throughout -- THE LOCATION -- OUTDOOR EXPLORATION: Shaw Nature Reserve (5 miles), Rockwoods Reservation (0 miles), Robertsville State Park (11 miles), Babler State Park (12 miles), Castlewood State Park (17 miles), Lone Elk State Park (20 miles), Meramec Caverns (31 miles) FUN FOR EVERYONE: Purina Farms (5 miles), Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park (7 miles), Six Flags St. Louis (8 miles), Hidden Valley Ski Resort (8 miles), The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum (20miles), Missouri Botanical Garden (30miles) EVENT & WEDDING VENUES: Silver Oaks Chateau (2 miles), Westwind Hills (3 miles), Haue Valley (3 miles) AIRPORTS: St. Louis Lambert International Airport (35 miles), St. Louis Regional Airport (45miles) St Albans (5 miles). REST EASY WITH US -- -- POLICIES -- - No events, parties, or large gatherings - Must be at least 25 years old to book - Photo ID may be required upon check-in
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$49.50
 / night
99%
(39)

Pine Valley at Dillard Mill

5 sites · Lodging43 acres · Davisville, MO
Pine Valley is located in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest and sits just a short walk away from historic Dillard Mill. Book the entire Farm or stay in an Airstream or Cottage. Group rentals Welcome! Pine Valley is on 43 acres of beautiful green pasture and woodland. Take a hike on one of the trails around the property or go fishing or wading on the Huzzah Creek. Spend your evening roasting marshmallows around your private campfire. Guests will have access to the 40 acres of land surrounding them. There are two ponds on the premise. Enjoy the quarter-mile walk to the old Dillard Mill Store, displayed in museum fashion at the entrance of Dillard Mill State Historic Site. Tour the old grist mill in working form, fish for sunfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass at the Mill, and take memorable photos. Just across from our main entrance take the half-mile trail through Mark Twain National Forest and skip rocks on the Huzzah Creek! Ask us about access to our private gravel bar on the Huzzah. You will pass it, and the private parking, on Dillard Mill Rd on your drive into Pine Valley We may or may not be on the premise during individual rentals. If there are any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out. Other things to note While this space provides most utilities and amenities you'd find at your home, it is important to note it is still a camping-style getaway. We do our best to treat the area, but you will encounter insects. AT&T has limited cell phone reception in the area, Sprint is very spotty, and Verizon is pretty much unavailable for service. We provide the best free wifi available to help with communication back to the real world, but it is rather slow. The best wifi reception is near the General Store/Courtyard. We try and keep the area well maintained. You may see ATVs/tractors on our property and on the gravel road. Pets are welcome for an extra $50 per stay. Please note our dogs may be on the property. They are friendly and well-behaved, although sometimes curious. Other guests may have no-leash pets as well. Park right next to your glamper. Arrive anytime after 4pm, just give us an eta to know when to expect you. If your glamper is not ready upon your arrival, feel free to explore our farm, visit Dillard Mill or head down to the Huzzah while we make it ready for your stay. Self Check-In is always the norm for added privacy. We won't bother you except to wave or maybe say hello if you're out and about. Please feel free to approach us with questions, niceties, or needs.
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$116.10
 / night

The best camping near Onondaga Cave State Park guide

Overview

About

Onondaga Cave earns rave reviews for the grandness and beauty of the underground structures, which include a slow-flowing river running underneath giant stalactites and around massive stalagmites. Seasonal cave tours give you an up-close view. Above ground, the Meramec River runs through the park, providing an abundance of views and recreational opportunities. Hike the trails for expansive views, take a splash in one of the swimming holes, or grab your paddles for a journey down river. St. Louis is just over an hour east of the park, if you’re looking to add some urban adventures to your journeys.

Notable Camping Spots

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends when the weather is warm. Holidays may fill months in advance.
  2. Reservations may be booked up to 12 months in advance on the website or by calling Missouri State Parks.
  3. The campground is open year round for walk-ups, and reservations are offered April 1 through October 31.
  4. During the off season, water is not available at campsites and showerhouses close. Several frost-free spigots provide potable water.
  5. Unlike many Missouri state parks, electric/water sites are available here, though sewer hookups are not.

When to go

If you mainly want to tour the cave, visiting between April 1 and October 31 is required since daily tours are offered. Plus, this is when you’ll find the best weather above ground. Spring can be chilly, with the warmest temperatures found in late summer. Fall is particularly scenic, as colors generally peak in October. Visiting during the off season is more serene; however, you may encounter freezing temperatures and limited services.

Know before you go

  • Park gates may close at 11pm between April 1 through October 31. 
  • Onondaga Cave tours are offered daily April 1 through October 31 and may be booked online. The Cathedral Cave also has tours available on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Outfitters also offer float trips on the Meramec River seasonally.
  • The Meramec River features several swimming holes but no swimming beach.
  • Though watercraft rentals are not available in the park, commercial rentals can be found outside of the park. 
  • In addition to the river, a small pond also has fishing access.

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