Feel like you’ve left the country without leaving Missouri in this charming German-built town.
Rolling hills, wineries, and picturesque historic buildings all await travelers to Hermann. This is the spot to sit and soak up some beauty and culture. Located along the Missouri River, Hermann was known as “Little Germany” due to the settlers who built this scenic town in the mid-1800s. A number of annual festivals celebrate this heritage—and the wineries. Camping can be found within walking distance of downtown—or head out into the countryside to camp amid the rolling hills.
Since it is such a popular traveling destination, Hermann abounds with lodging and camping options. Private RV parks offer a full slate of amenities, from full hookups to free wifi to swimming pools. Even the city park is set up for campers, with over 50 campsites providing hookups for tents and RVs. Public campgrounds operated by the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Missouri Department of Conservation offer scenic options, primarily with primitive campsites.
When people talk about historic sites, they usually are talking about recent history, within the last few hundred years, but what if you want to explore what life was like 10,000 years ago? Graham Cave State Park provides this opportunity, thanks to a unique sandstone cave that has evidence of Native American occupancy for thousands of years. The park’s 400 acres offer hiking trails through the woodlands and fishing and paddling opportunities on the Loutre River. Campers will find basic and electric tent and RV sites.
Missouri’s second-largest town is less than an hour east of Hermann, meaning you can make it an easy day trip or camping base. The downtown area showcases the history of this grand city, which was founded in the 1760s. Get a bird’s eye view of the city at Gateway Arch National Park. Urban and suburban RV parks provide amenity-filled stays, while surprisingly scenic public campgrounds can be found at Babler State Park and Horseshoe Lake State Park.
October is a popular time to visit Hermann, due to the annual Oktoberfest, which stretches throughout the whole month—with festivities starting in September. The campgrounds may be more crowded, but the crisp weather and leaf peeping can’t be beat. Spring weather is also great for camping, though cooler temperatures may stretch late into the season. Summer is hot and humid, but camping can still be enjoyed. Winter is less than ideal, with freezing temperatures and precipitation.