Lakeside camping near Cape Girardeau with fishing

See how the Mississippi River shaped the landscapes and culture of this Missouri city.

97% (561 reviews)
97% (561 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cape Girardeau

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

6 top lakeside campgrounds near Cape Girardeau with fishing

99%
(89)

Monarch Hill Vineyard

18 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Ste. Genevieve, MO
Welcome to Monarch Hill! Tucked away in the hills of Ste. Genevieve County, we enjoy watching the sun rise and set over our secluded pastures and vineyards.  Our hilltop sites offer an open area with fire rings and picnic tables, great for groups or social butterflies. These offer well water at the nearby barn for drinking and showering.  The Seclusion sites are private escapes for those who want to immerse themselves in the sounds of nature. Take in the chirps of frogs, birds and crickets at these isolated sites.  We offer a complimentary wood basket with every booking, and have additional fire-building supplies available. Be sure to check out our experiences to make the most of your stay, and don't forget to reserve a s'more kit! *** April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse *** We are excited to be located in the best viewing path for this year's total eclipse! We will be preparing additional sites as needed for this weekend, so if we are fully booked check back soon or message us to reserve a spot. More information to come as we approach the date.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$50
 / night

Vogt Farm

3 sites · Tents4 acres · Carterville, IL
Multiple tent spots available! Nestled in the heart of southern Illinois, our property offers a picturesque setting with a wildlife refuge, lakes, waterfalls, and proximity to top wineries. Explore the beauty of the Shawnee National Forest through stunning hiking and biking trails or satisfy your adventurous side with ATV parks for mud enthusiasts. Take in the iconic Bald Knob Cross, enjoy riverside activities, indulge in hunting and fishing, or unwind with a round of golf. Our property caters to a variety of interests, ensuring there's something for everyone in the breathtaking landscape of southern Illinois. Need to get reservation in ASAP the spot's will fill quickly $100 deposit required we accept cash app and chime or ask for a different payment method. Campsite RULES A liability waiver must be signed at arrival 420 friendly, drinking is permitted belligerent will not be accepted. Porta potty will be accessible, firewood will be available for campfires. Trash cans will be provided. We ask for all campers to respect the property owners and your fellow camper No pets allowed sorry. We do have dogs on our property and are very friendly but will be managed during the event.
Toilets
Campfires
Trash
from 
$500
 / night

Available this weekend

Star Hosts in Cape Girardeau

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Lakeside camping near Cape Girardeau with fishing guide

Overview

As the Mississippi River makes a slow roll from St. Louis to the Missouri Bootheel, it crosses through the historic town of Cape Girardeau. Once a trading post on the frontier, Cape, as locals call it, offers a relaxed travel experience. Take a stroll through Old Town Cape to find restaurants and shops in historic buildings, some covered with colorful murals, or ponder the grandness of the Mississippi at Riverfront Park. Campers will find private RV parks in Cape and the nearby town of Jackson. Full hookups, free wifi, and other amenities are available. Public campgrounds offer sites for both tents and RVs, with scenic views and varied hookups.

Where to go

Trail of Tears State Park

Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the solemn history of the forced relocation of the Cherokee tribe in the mid-1800s. The visitor center shares details of this piece of the park’s story, as well as the unique geology and geography. Prominent lookouts offer prime views of the Mississippi River. Hike trails through the woodlands and along the waters. Fish, boat, or paddle in “The Big Muddy” or the clearer waters of Lake Boutin. Or, camp alongside the lake or river. Basic, electric, and full hookup sites are available, some with water views.

Shawnee National Forest

West of Cape Girardeau, Shawnee National Forest offers outdoor recreation and camping in Illinois’s only national forest, which offers a 250,000-acre natural playground with woodlands, prairies, waterways, and waterfalls to explore. Nine campgrounds are found across Southern Illinois. Pine Hills Campground is the closest to Cape and has primitive sites for both tents and RVs.

Giant City State Park

Deep in Shawnee National Forest, Giant City State Park is just under an hour northeast of Cape Girardeau. Named for the massive sandstone bluffs that rise like skyscrapers over the woodlands, this state park is a recreational haven, offering hiking trails, horseback riding, archery, rock climbing, and more. The Giant City Campground has tent and RV sites nestled in the trees, offering partial hookups. Other accommodations include an onsite lodge and cabins, including rustic, historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

When to go

As the spring weather warms, the great outdoors begin to beckon, with peeping leaves and wildflowers, making this a pleasant time for camping in Cape Girardeau. The temperatures reach their peaks, sometimes in the 90s or above, in summer, as humidity seeps into the region. Fall is a scenic time to visit, with colorful leaves and pleasant temperatures. Missouri winters are generally cold, with bursts of freezing temps and snow and ice, meaning campers should be weather aware.

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