The best camping near Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

Mountains in Missouri?! While Missouri’s mountains might not rival the peaks to the west, the state has some surprisingly high points, with Taum Sauk Mountain reaching a height over 1,700 feet. Unlike the rest of the surrounding Ozarks Mountains, the St. Francois Mountains were formed by volcanic activity, creating a rollicking landscape. Taum Sauk State Park provides epic overlooks and truly adventurous trails. Take a short walk to reach the official high point plaque, or set out on the Ozark Trail, which runs through the park, connecting to 400 miles of trails crossing southeastern Missouri.

• Best for tent campers: Taum Sauk Mountain Campground has 12 walk-in sites. 
• Best for large groups: Taum Sauk Mountain Campground has two special-use areas that can accommodate up to 50 people.
• Best for RVers: Johnson’s Shut-In State Park Campground (30 miles to the west) has five loops with a variety of site types and amenities.

1. Campsites are all first-come-first-serve, with no reservations needed.
2. The campground is open year round.
3. Sites are only suitable for tents since they are walk-in only. 
4. Facilities appropriate for RVs and car camping can be found at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, in Mark Twain National Forest, and at private RV parks across the region.
5. Water is available April 1 through October 31.

Adventurous hikers can enjoy the trails at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park year round. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures, with scenic landscapes as the wildflowers bloom and the leaves change to autumnal colors. Summer can be hot and humid in this region, and winter brings occasional freezing temperatures. If you want to see the waters flowing at Mina Sauk waterfall, visit the park after heavy rains—just be prepared for wet and muddy trail conditions.

• Services are limited with no showerhouse or dump station onsite.
• Potable water spigots and vault toilets are located near the camping area entrance.
• The 2.9-mile Mina Sauk Trail takes hikers past the highest waterfall in Missouri (which flows only after good rains). This is a challenging trail, with rugged terrain and some water crossings. A short section of the trail is wheelchair-accessible and takes visitors to the highest point in Missouri.
• The 400-mile long Ozark Trail runs through the park. A popular 14.5-mile section connects Taum Sauk Mountain State Park with Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, passing through some of the trail’s most scenic spots.