Discover the best campgrounds near Cape Girardeau, Missouri with wildlife watching

United States
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Missouri
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Cape Girardeau

97% (870 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Cape Girardeau

Available this weekend

Star Hosts in Cape Girardeau

100%

(10)

Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents235 acres · Glen Allen, MO

Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch. Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly). If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands. The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers! We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.

Wine Trail Wilderness

16 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Pomona, IL

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.

Tall Tree Lake

62 sites · RVs, Tents220 acres · Buncombe, IL

We are a 220 acre family owned and operated campground in the middle of the Shawnee National forest. We love providing a safe, beautiful, peaceful, and central location for people to enjoy our beautiful area. Fishing and hiking are welcomed for all of our guests! Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Close proximity to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, and only a 10 minute drive from I-24.

99%

(60)

Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

20 sites · RVs33 acres · Fredericktown, MO

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!

The Art Farm Women's Retreat

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · Paducah, KY

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. :)

12 top campgrounds near Cape Girardeau with wildlife watching

100%

(545)

Wine Trail Wilderness

16 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Pomona, IL

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.

Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents235 acres · Glen Allen, MO

Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch. Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly). If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands. The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers! We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.

The Art Farm Women's Retreat

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · Paducah, KY

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. :)

Tall Tree Lake

62 sites · RVs, Tents220 acres · Buncombe, IL

We are a 220 acre family owned and operated campground in the middle of the Shawnee National forest. We love providing a safe, beautiful, peaceful, and central location for people to enjoy our beautiful area. Fishing and hiking are welcomed for all of our guests! Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Close proximity to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, and only a 10 minute drive from I-24.

92%

(12)

Red Gate Farm, LLC

2 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Creal Springs, IL

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.

98%

(116)

Riverview Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Grand Chain, IL

Ridge Camping Private

34 sites · RVs, Tents42 acres · Mill Creek, IL

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!!!!!!!!!!!

Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

20 sites · RVs33 acres · Fredericktown, MO

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!

86%

(7)

Robyn M.’s Land

81 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Tamms, IL

Saco Valley Farm, LLC

4 sites · Tents28 acres · Cherokee Pass, MO

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

98%

(33)

Pond Ridge Adventure

35 sites · Tents50 acres · Murphysboro, IL

We have 50 acres located in Southern Illinois 4 miles south of Murphysboro connected to 100 acres of Shawnee National forest.We set up a small family primitive campground for our family to enjoy every evening we ride our utv over from our house and watch the wildlife there are deer turkeys bobcats and many other small animal.Learn more about this land:Mostly suitable for Rv with generators and self contained units

100%

(2)

Little Texas Farm and Lodge

1 site · Lodging600 acres · Grantsburg, IL

Located in the Southern Illinois Ozarks, this lodge and 600 acres are part of the Cache River Drainage area, an area recognized internationally as being ecologically unique. The Barn is located atop a limestone bluff; the property includes upland flora, wetland wildlife, row-crop fields, and has access on 2 sides to the Shawnee National Forest. Conveniently located to participate in the natural opportunities of S. Illinois.Learn more about this land:Bring the hot dogs and the beans, but leave the sleeping bag and tent behind. At Little Texas, you will spend your down-time in a 1600 foot, 3 BR, 3 bath lodge located 2/3 mile off the closest gravel road. Little Texas is a place for those who love the isolation of camping but also the amenities of a lodge/home. Full kitchen. Sleeps 8. Step outside for a view of the yard, the working windmill, the fields, trees, and the pond. Test your skill at sorting constellations from the spectacular array of stars. Located in Southernmost Illinois, the property sits on a limestone outcrop of the Ozarks which extend from Arkansas and Missouri across S. Illinois into westernmost Kentucky. Bordered on 2 sides by the 260,000 acre Shawnee National Forest, nature is literally just outside the door. When the hiker sits still, nature comes alive: deer, turkey, raccoons, skunks, beavers, and lots of birds.

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(545)

Wine Trail Wilderness

16 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Pomona, IL

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.

Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents235 acres · Glen Allen, MO

Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch. Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly). If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands. The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers! We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.

Red Gate Farm, LLC

2 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Creal Springs, IL

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.

Tall Tree Lake

62 sites · RVs, Tents220 acres · Buncombe, IL

We are a 220 acre family owned and operated campground in the middle of the Shawnee National forest. We love providing a safe, beautiful, peaceful, and central location for people to enjoy our beautiful area. Fishing and hiking are welcomed for all of our guests! Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Close proximity to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, and only a 10 minute drive from I-24.

Riverview Campground

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Grand Chain, IL

Under $50

92%

(12)

Red Gate Farm, LLC

2 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Creal Springs, IL

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.

Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents235 acres · Glen Allen, MO

Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch. Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly). If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands. The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers! We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.

Wine Trail Wilderness

16 sites · RVs, Tents37 acres · Pomona, IL

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.

Tall Tree Lake

62 sites · RVs, Tents220 acres · Buncombe, IL

We are a 220 acre family owned and operated campground in the middle of the Shawnee National forest. We love providing a safe, beautiful, peaceful, and central location for people to enjoy our beautiful area. Fishing and hiking are welcomed for all of our guests! Located in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. Close proximity to Ferne Clyffe State Park, Tunnel Hill Bike Trail, and only a 10 minute drive from I-24.

The Art Farm Women's Retreat

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents34 acres · Paducah, KY

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. :)

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

94%

(27)

Shawnee National Forest

Elizabethtown, Illinois

100%

(1)

Columbus-Belmont State Park

Columbus, Kentucky

100%

(1)

Ferne Clyffe State Park

Goreville, Illinois

100%

(1)

Fort Massac State Park

Metropolis, Illinois

Trail of Tears State Forest

Alto Pass, Illinois

Lake Murphysboro State Park

Harrison, Illinois

89%

(19)

Mark Twain National Forest

Bunker, Missouri

Randolph County State Recreation Area

Chester, Illinois

Giant City State Park

Makanda, Illinois

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Cape Girardeau with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience near Cape Girardeau, Missouri that's perfect for wildlife watching? Hipcamp has over 900 options specifically tailored to your activity and terrain preference. With options as low as $5 per night and an average price of $25 per night, you'll find the perfect campsite to fit your budget. Check out some of our top campsites in the area, like Spring Lake Ranch (522 reviews), Wine Trail Wilderness (291 reviews), and Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (251 reviews). You'll also find popular amenities like showers, trash disposal, and campfire pits, as well as activities such as horseback riding, wind sports, and biking. So get ready to immerse yourself in nature and start planning your wildlife watching adventure today!