If the color bar on the campsite post is:
Green -- it is a basic site
Yellow -- it is an electric site
Blue -- it is an electric/water site
Red -- it is a sewer/electric/water site
If this symbol is in this space on the post, the site is reservable. If this symbol is not in this space on the post, the site is first-come, first-served only.
If this card is in this space on the post, the site is reservable, but available for first-come, first-served users on a day-by-day basis.
Types of Campsites
Basic Campsite
Parking pad, table, grill and lantern post
Electric Campsite
Parking pad, table, grill, lantern post and electric power supply
Electric/Water Campsite
Parking pad, table, grill, lantern post, electric power supply and private water hook-up (These campsites are unique to certain parks.)
Sewer/Electric/Water Campsite
Parking pad, table, grill, lantern post, electric power supply, private water supply and a sewer connection
Double Campsite
Two campsites in close proximity that may share a common drive. If reservable, the camper is required to reserve both sites. At the park's discretion, first-come, first-served users may occupy one or both sites. Double campsites may be basic, electric, electric/water or sewer/electric/water.
Equestrian Campsite
Associated with an equestrian trail system; may be basic or electric. Use is limited to campers with horses. An exception applies at St. Joe State Park where campers without horses may occupy equestrian campsites.
Click on the Campground List link to find out which state parks and historic sites offer these campsite types.
Family Campsite
A campsite that comprises two camping pads as well as two tables, grills and lantern posts. Utilities, if available, also will have two hook-ups. Family sites may be basic, electric, electric/water or sewer/electric/water.
Special Camping Areas
Equestrian Campgrounds
Separate campgrounds for equestrian use can be found at Sam A. Baker, Cuivre River, Johnson's Shut-Ins and St. Joe state parks. Regular camping fees apply.
Special-Use Camping Areas
Many state parks have special-use camping areas for use by non-profit organizations. These areas are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis and may be reserved by calling the individual parks. Organized youth groups (Scouts, 4-H, church, etc.) have priority. Click on the Campground List link to find out which state parks and historic sites offer these areas.
Organized Group Camps
There are 13 organized group camps in seven Missouri state parks: Crowder, Cuivre River, Knob Noster, Lake of the Ozarks, Roaring River, Mark Twain and Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial. At Babler State Park, the Jacob L. Babler Outdoor Education Center has facilities especially designed for campers with disabilities. Organizations must make reservations in advance directly with the park. Click on the Organized Group Camps link for additional information.
Comfort Camping
Create a camping experience without having to bring your own tent. Camper cabins at Johnson's Shut-Ins, Mark Twain, Stockton and Lake Wappapello state parks, and a yurt and Outpost Cabins at Lake of the Ozarks State Park offer the feel of an outdoor camping experience with some of the comforts of home.
Group Camping Areas
If you have a large group that wants to camp together in a campground, group camping areas are available at Meramec State Park. The three group tent areas can be reserved by calling the reservation center or online. The areas range in size and have a minimum of 15 and maximum of 50 occupants.
Walk-In Campsites
Walk-in campsites, set between 50 to 500 yards away from the parking area, are perfect for the visitor seeking more solitude. They are available at Cuivre River, Hawn, Johnson's Shut-Ins, Long Branch, Taum Sauk Mountain and Wallace state parks. Regular camping fees apply and some are reservable.
Backpack Campsites
Many parks with backpacking trails offer primitive camping in designated areas along the trails. These remote areas are not accessible by vehicle. Backpackers must register or check in with park staff. Visit the Backpacking page to find out which state parks offer backpacking trails.
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