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The best camping near Cape Girardeau with swimming

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking to combine your love for swimming with a camping adventure near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, we've got you covered. With over 747 options specifically tailored to your preferences, you'll find the perfect spot to make a splash. From serene lakeside retreats to crystal-clear riverside campsites, the choice is yours. And don't worry about breaking the bank - our average price per night is just $25, with options as low as $10. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Wine Trail Wilderness (291 reviews), and Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews) for a guaranteed great experience. And with amenities like trash disposal, showers, and campfire pits, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to dive into an unforgettable camping adventure!

97% (850) • 19 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cape Girardeau

1. Wine Trail Wilderness

25mi from Cape Girardeau · 16 sites · Tents, RVs

The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa". Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest. It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy. Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes. We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit. We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience and believe all should enjoy this beautiful part of the country. LGBTQ are all welcome and accepted. We welcome all types of campers.

Electrical hookup

2. The Art Farm

47mi from Cape Girardeau · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The farm is women owned and operated. This 34 acres of rolling farmland, woods and pasture is surrounded by farmland and woodlands on all sides. Enjoy nature. Watch wildlife. Listen to the birds singing. You will often see deer in the evenings. Walk or drive to the main residence to enjoy the pool, hot tub and hot outdoor shower. (5 minute walk or 1 minute drive) We have a few dedicated women's campouts each year, and some art-making workshops, retreats, and quilting weekends, too. Other times we are open and inclusive of all. Native land of Chickasaw, Quapaw and Osage nations. LGBTQ friendly. :)

Electrical hookup

3. Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

44mi from Cape Girardeau · 20 sites · RVs

Fredrock is a small privately owned glampground on crystal clear 12mile Creek. It is located about 15 minutes from the nearest town on 33 beautiful acres. Enjoy one of the 7 themed stays or bring your own RV and stay in one of only 5 RV spots. It is just a few minutes walk to 12 Mile Creek which runs through the property. Enjoy the beautiful bluffs, shut-ins, gravel river beds and crystal clear water. Swimming, hiking, stargazing, and horseshoes are all available at Fredrock!

4. Trail of Tears State Park

52 sites · Missouri

River landscapes, recreation, and history abound at this park.

Electrical hookup

5. Shawnee National Forest

172 sites · Elizabethtown, Illinois

Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.

Electrical hookup

6. Ridge Camping Private

17mi from Cape Girardeau · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

You will hike to your private primitive destination. We ask that you please have an above ground firepit! Explore the property and enjoy a private stay!!!!!!!!!!!

7. Saco Valley Farm, LLC

49mi from Cape Girardeau · 4 sites · Tents

Camp, Swim, BBQ, wade the creek, enjoy the campfire! Primitive Camping. Very Private. Water is cool and clear. Open to the stars. A great place to commune with nature, or enjoy some peace and quiet! 12 mile creek runs directly through our property. Shallow and deep all throughout. Great for wading, swimming, floating, kayaking. Great small mouth fishing! We are approximately one mile by water from the St. Francois River. We have kayaked down the creek to the river for many years. The farm is very rural. We are 16 miles to the closest gas station, and 25 miles to town. There is no internet. Cell phone service is spotty at best. Currently a working farm, we have 2 high tunnels on the property behind the house, and our original market garden. Across the creek we are finishing up our 5 acre agroforestry planting. 3 acres of elderberries and 2 acres of blackberries. 28 acres, 3 on one side, and 25 on the other. The farm is located approximately 2 hours south of St. Louis. Fredericktown is 30 mins away. Food, Drinks, Golf, and Lalo's Mexican Restaurant! There are a ton of local antique shops, and outdoor activities. Local places of interest: Amidon Arcadia Valley Black River Bonne Terre Mine Elephant Rocks Johnson Shut Ins Mill Stream Gardens One Nation Paintball Park Sam A. Baker State Park Saco Valley Farmstand Sherpher Mountain Bike Park Silvermines Taum Sauk Mountain

8. Red Gate Farm, LLC

46mi from Cape Girardeau · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging

Welcome to Red Gate Farm, LLC, a farm with a vision! We previously ran a very successful Hipcamp site at our previous property, but completely relocated and are starting fresh! We purchased 50 acres of GORGEOUS timbered property, with rolling forested hills, several creeks, trees towering over 100 feet tall, and abundant wildlife. It's absolutely perfect for Hipcamp! Building a new farm (and Hipcamp program) from scratch takes time--years even, but we decided now is as a good a time as any to share our beautiful timber with Hipcampers looking for some peace and privacy. While the site itself will be groomed and set up as listed, the surrounding grass won't be perfectly green yet, there will still be a lot of dead-wood and natural debris around the sites, and trails are a bit rough and uneven. If you can overlook the "rustic" aspects though, and enjoy the beauty of the peace and quiet of just enjoying nature, as it has sat unmanaged for roughly 50 years around the sites, then you are likely to love every moment! If you desire more adventure than just hanging around and enjoying nature, be sure to check out the additional experiences we offer here on the farm, as well as the entire surrounding area. Southern IL is made up of the Shawnee National Forest and multiple state parks and recreational areas. You can find a wide variety of activities to keep you busy! Even the local towns have much to offer, whether you enjoy fine dining, casual restaurants, antique shopping, or a nice theater production.

9. Robyn M.’s Land

17mi from Cape Girardeau · 81 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

10. Mark Twain National Forest

452 sites · Bunker, Missouri

Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.

Electrical hookup

11. Columbus-Belmont State Park

34 sites · Columbus, Kentucky

Discover Columbus-Belmont State Park's rich history and scenic trails.

Electrical hookup

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate camping resource for outdoor enthusiasts! If you're looking to combine your love for swimming with a camping adventure near Cape Girardeau, Missouri, we've got you covered. With over 747 options specifically tailored to your preferences, you'll find the perfect spot to make a splash. From serene lakeside retreats to crystal-clear riverside campsites, the choice is yours. And don't worry about breaking the bank - our average price per night is just $25, with options as low as $10. Looking for top-rated campsites? Check out Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Wine Trail Wilderness (291 reviews), and Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews) for a guaranteed great experience. And with amenities like trash disposal, showers, and campfire pits, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to dive into an unforgettable camping adventure!

97% (850) • 19 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Cape Girardeau

1. Wine Trail Wilderness

25mi from Cape Girardeau · 16 sites · Tents, RVs

The Shawnee National Forest surrounds us, accessible only by wandering roads, passing over creeks and alongside wineries. The trip is worth the beautiful drive, eventually arriving at "The Villa". Our home looks like an Italian villa, appropriately placed between two wineries in the middle of the Shawnee Forest. It is actually a straw-bale home with supplemental solar energy. Originally built as a Holistic Healing Center, we have converted it into a comfortable home with great vibes. We have converted an old grain bin into a "GrainZebo" just outside our home as a fun place to hang out with friends and family. We hope you enjoy the same relaxed feel we get while living out here in the woods, when you come visit. We will be happy to help you feel at home out here. We love sharing the Shawnee experience and believe all should enjoy this beautiful part of the country. LGBTQ are all welcome and accepted. We welcome all types of campers.

Electrical hookup

2. The Art Farm

47mi from Cape Girardeau · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The farm is women owned and operated. This 34 acres of rolling farmland, woods and pasture is surrounded by farmland and woodlands on all sides. Enjoy nature. Watch wildlife. Listen to the birds singing. You will often see deer in the evenings. Walk or drive to the main residence to enjoy the pool, hot tub and hot outdoor shower. (5 minute walk or 1 minute drive) We have a few dedicated women's campouts each year, and some art-making workshops, retreats, and quilting weekends, too. Other times we are open and inclusive of all. Native land of Chickasaw, Quapaw and Osage nations. LGBTQ friendly. :)

Electrical hookup

3. Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

44mi from Cape Girardeau · 20 sites · RVs

Fredrock is a small privately owned glampground on crystal clear 12mile Creek. It is located about 15 minutes from the nearest town on 33 beautiful acres. Enjoy one of the 7 themed stays or bring your own RV and stay in one of only 5 RV spots. It is just a few minutes walk to 12 Mile Creek which runs through the property. Enjoy the beautiful bluffs, shut-ins, gravel river beds and crystal clear water. Swimming, hiking, stargazing, and horseshoes are all available at Fredrock!

4. Trail of Tears State Park

52 sites · Missouri

River landscapes, recreation, and history abound at this park.

Electrical hookup

5. Shawnee National Forest

172 sites · Elizabethtown, Illinois

Welcome to the wilderness in Illinois’ only national forest.

Electrical hookup

6. Ridge Camping Private

17mi from Cape Girardeau · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

You will hike to your private primitive destination. We ask that you please have an above ground firepit! Explore the property and enjoy a private stay!!!!!!!!!!!

7. Saco Valley Farm, LLC

49mi from Cape Girardeau · 4 sites · Tents

Camp, Swim, BBQ, wade the creek, enjoy the campfire! Primitive Camping. Very Private. Water is cool and clear. Open to the stars. A great place to commune with nature, or enjoy some peace and quiet! 12 mile creek runs directly through our property. Shallow and deep all throughout. Great for wading, swimming, floating, kayaking. Great small mouth fishing! We are approximately one mile by water from the St. Francois River. We have kayaked down the creek to the river for many years. The farm is very rural. We are 16 miles to the closest gas station, and 25 miles to town. There is no internet. Cell phone service is spotty at best. Currently a working farm, we have 2 high tunnels on the property behind the house, and our original market garden. Across the creek we are finishing up our 5 acre agroforestry planting. 3 acres of elderberries and 2 acres of blackberries. 28 acres, 3 on one side, and 25 on the other. The farm is located approximately 2 hours south of St. Louis. Fredericktown is 30 mins away. Food, Drinks, Golf, and Lalo's Mexican Restaurant! There are a ton of local antique shops, and outdoor activities. Local places of interest: Amidon Arcadia Valley Black River Bonne Terre Mine Elephant Rocks Johnson Shut Ins Mill Stream Gardens One Nation Paintball Park Sam A. Baker State Park Saco Valley Farmstand Sherpher Mountain Bike Park Silvermines Taum Sauk Mountain

8. Red Gate Farm, LLC

46mi from Cape Girardeau · 2 sites · Tents, Lodging

Welcome to Red Gate Farm, LLC, a farm with a vision! We previously ran a very successful Hipcamp site at our previous property, but completely relocated and are starting fresh! We purchased 50 acres of GORGEOUS timbered property, with rolling forested hills, several creeks, trees towering over 100 feet tall, and abundant wildlife. It's absolutely perfect for Hipcamp! Building a new farm (and Hipcamp program) from scratch takes time--years even, but we decided now is as a good a time as any to share our beautiful timber with Hipcampers looking for some peace and privacy. While the site itself will be groomed and set up as listed, the surrounding grass won't be perfectly green yet, there will still be a lot of dead-wood and natural debris around the sites, and trails are a bit rough and uneven. If you can overlook the "rustic" aspects though, and enjoy the beauty of the peace and quiet of just enjoying nature, as it has sat unmanaged for roughly 50 years around the sites, then you are likely to love every moment! If you desire more adventure than just hanging around and enjoying nature, be sure to check out the additional experiences we offer here on the farm, as well as the entire surrounding area. Southern IL is made up of the Shawnee National Forest and multiple state parks and recreational areas. You can find a wide variety of activities to keep you busy! Even the local towns have much to offer, whether you enjoy fine dining, casual restaurants, antique shopping, or a nice theater production.

9. Robyn M.’s Land

17mi from Cape Girardeau · 81 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

10. Mark Twain National Forest

452 sites · Bunker, Missouri

Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.

Electrical hookup

11. Columbus-Belmont State Park

34 sites · Columbus, Kentucky

Discover Columbus-Belmont State Park's rich history and scenic trails.

Electrical hookup

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

View from picnic table at Hickory Ridge Winery. Stunning winter landscape, but very warm day.

Jackie

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

We've stayed here several times. Continues getting better. Although the star of the show this time was star-gazing during 65 degree weather the day after Christmas! Thx again Jon for wonderful place to stay.

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Wine Trail Wilderness

A

Adam

2 weeks ago

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Jon and Carla were wonderful hosts. Jon had everything we could want and more! We had a lovely stay. Would definitely book again.

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Grainzebo II and Bocce Court with 30 Amp electric Hook-Up. Close to Outhouse.

J

James

November 2025

20 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Great sites and great hosts! John was super helpful and accommodating, taught us how to play bocce ball on the court there, and even helped us with a maintenance issue on my camper. The grainzebo was awesome!!! Can't wait to go back.

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Casita good time

Wilson

November 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Our experience at Wine Trail Wilderness was great despite plunging temperatures this past weekend. The roomy site allowed for our 2 young dogs to zoom around the field and the pavilion and outhouse were experiences of themselves. Jon was a great host and fun to talk to when he was walking his dog Norton. The location between 2 of our favorite wineries was a bonus. The scenery with the fall colors was beautiful to see. We can’t wait to come back. Becky and Wilson

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Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

F

Frank

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Wine Trail Wilderness

It was fantastic camping on Jon’s land he was the perfect host, very attentive and was willing to work with our schedule. It made for a great weekend of climbing at holy boulders… it’s like 15min from the boulders!

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Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

Kyle

November 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

With pets

3 nights at Wine Trail Wilderness

This is the third time I've stayed at WTW. It was the first time staying in the far away field and we loved it. Jon checked in and would deliver firewood (if needed). I'm sure we will be back!

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Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

B

Bryson

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Beautiful campground with an awesome host! Will definitely stay again next time we are out this way!

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Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

M

Molly

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

John and Carla were amazing hosts. They lead us to our site on their 4-wheeler, and even gave us a wine opener to borrow after we forgot to bring one. The campsite had everything we needed and was super clean, level, and open yet wooded. They came by to check on us after the first night. We were able to order firewood and wine from them ahead of time so it was at the site when we got there. This was amazing because we are usually trying to find space in the truck for firewood. They also provide ice water in a 5 gallon jug which saved us some packing space. We came with two dogs so we asked for one of their more private sites and they delivered. Didn’t see any other campers the entire weekend. Location is awesome for a variety of activities. I would love to return with my coworkers and this would be a perfect spot for our yearly camping trip. We also noticed lots of materials staged around the property so it seems like they are planning some improvements to their already amazing place. This wasn’t a problem for us but I wanted to mention as I know it can be a deal breaker for some. There was not a bathroom with running water, just a private privy in one of those little portable tents. It was cleaned and stocked and very much appreciated.

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Wine Trail Wilderness

S

Samuel

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

The area was very accessible and was set up in a really nice convenient way. Jon met us at the driveway, greeted us with a warm smile and helped us get our water situated. After that he assisted me getting the trailer leveled and ready to go and made sure we had firewood. On Saturday, he came and checked on us and he's an incredible host and this was one of the best trips we had. Being within walking distance of a winery and a very short drive to another one is amazing and it was so quiet. And for the record I've never seen anybody have a better portable toilet outside than at Jon's property (Plus the bocce ball court was amazing and we had a great time playing with some people we met there as well this weekend). Suffice to say, we will definitely come back and visit Jon again and for anybody who may want a really great camping experience there is none better than what Jon provides.

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Our favorite spot.

Travis

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

We love WTW! We camp here multiple times a year and it's always well deserving of the best in Illinois title! Everything is taken care of and we just get to setup camp and relax.

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Wine Trail Wilderness

M

Mimi

October 2025

12 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

wine Trail wilderness was perfectly situated on Hickory Ridge Road close to two wineries! It was my first time to the wine trail in Shawnee national Forest and certainly there’s a lot to offer! Looking forward to going back!! Wine Trail wilderness was perfectly situated on Hickory Ridge Road close to two wineries! It was my first time to the wine trail in Shawnee national Forest and certainly there’s a lot to offer! Looking forward to going back JON was extremely accommodating and his land was ideal For hip camp travelers! Thank you WTW !

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Wine Trail Wilderness

K

Kari

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

I enjoyed the evening on Jon's land. He was very helpful amd the site was beautiful! He had a big jug of ice water ready at the site too! There was a ready fire pit, but I chose not to have a fire since I was exhausted and wanted to sleep and get an early start the next day.

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Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

V

Valerie

October 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

Very well taken care of campground and Misty and her staff were a delight! There are so many little hidden spots they have setup to just relax in the woods by the creek. The road noise is noticeable, but the area makes up for it for sure!!!

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Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

p

patrick

October 2025

4 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

We had a great time camping here. Jon was a great host. Checked on us every day. The campground was private. the other guests were very friendly. The trails nearby were very scenic. Would recommend it to any of my friends. We will camp here again I hope.

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Grainzebo II and Bocce Court with 30 Amp electric Hook-Up. Close to Outhouse.

Kate & Austin

October 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Excellent communication from the hosts! Very nice and accommodating people!

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Grainzebo II and Bocce Court with 30 Amp electric Hook-Up. Close to Outhouse.

S

Spence

October 2025

33 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

what you see online is what you get… Absolutely fantastic! John was awesome, the property is awesome. Secluded in a great back to nature. . I will be back with friends.

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Grainzebo II and Bocce Court with 30 Amp electric Hook-Up. Close to Outhouse.

P

Paul

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Wine Trail Wilderness

Great spot, great location, wonderful host. What more can I say. We came for Snake Road, Little Grand Canyon, Wine Trail and Vulture Fest. Central location for all of the above!

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Simple and everything we need

J

Jenny

October 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Wine Trail Wilderness

Wonderful camping area with extras! The sites are well maintained with cold water waiting, firewood ready upon request, picnic tables and a table and chairs. It’s like an all inclusive resort of primitive camping! My family and I really enjoyed playing bocce ball and were very thankful for the owner of the property to come take the time to teach us how to play. It is also in a great location for visiting hiking trails and climbing areas. Thanks for having us!

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Grainzebo II and Bocce Court with 30 Amp electric Hook-Up. Close to Outhouse.

Kate

October 2025

24 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Enjoyed my RV stay and our host’s hospitality. Jon was a great host who is working hard to make his property a nice place for guests. Well located to explore the Wine trial or western Shawnee hiking/biking.

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Gathering around the fire at Hickory Ridge Winery.

S

Stephanie

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Wine Trail Wilderness

Jon was a fantastic host and made sure we had everything we needed. The site was spacious and beautiful. Highly recommend!

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Value Prop

Value Prop

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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