Camping

at St. Joe State Park

people cooking over the campfire near their tentSt. Joe State Park has two nicely shaded campgrounds. The campground you use is dependent on what type of recreational equipment you have. Before making a reservation, look at the chart below to determine which campground is right for your needs. For a little extra space, try a family campsite.

If you will have ... then you must camp in...
Off-road vehicles (ORVs) Campground 1
Horses Campground 2
ORVs and horses Check with park staff
Neither an ORV nor a horse Either campground

Due to high demand for campsites at this park, it is recommended that you make reservations in advance.

IMPORTANT: If the amount of people, equipment or vehicles exceeds the capacity allowances, you will be required to purchase an additional campsite. There is ‘extra vehicle parking’ available for campers who exceed the two vehicle allowance at $5 per night, per space.

You are now able to reserve your Missouri State Parks campsite up to 12 months in advance, expanding from the previous six-month window. To make a reservation or view campsites details, photos and availability, go to the reservation website by clicking the "Make a Reservation" link below and start planning your trip today. Reservations may also be made by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766). Printable campground maps are available for your reference by clicking on the "Map" links.

Make a Reservation Now

2024 Camping Rates | 2025 Camping Rates

Individual Campground Information
Campground Available Dates Showers/Water Available Reservations Types of Sites

Campground 1 (Map)
(ORV Area)

Year-round Apr 1-Oct 31 Year-round Basic, Electric*, Family

Campground Amenities (Click here for a guide to the symbols.)
Accessible Symbolwater symbolfrost-free water symbolrestroom symbolshower symbolVault Toilet Symboldump station symbolwood lot symbolparking symbolplayground symbol

  • Park Gate Information: Campground 1 can be accessed daily between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. year-round. Registered campers will receive their gate code for after-hours access on their reservation confirmation and on the self-check-in email they receive on the day of arrival. Registered campers may also request the gate code by contacting the park office at 573-431-1069 one day prior to their arrival.
  • Sites 1-15: 20 and 30 amp; Sites 16-39 and 101-125: 20, 30 and 50 amps
  • Frost-free hydrants are available near campsites 42 and 118 and at the dump station.
  • The facilities are for overnight guests only. People with ORVs visiting overnight guests are required to park in the ORV staging area. All other visitors are required to obtain a visitor pass from the park office.
  • If you plan to bring ORVs, please visit the Off-Road Vehicle Riding Rules page for the ORV rules and regulations.

Campground 2
(Equestrian Area)
(Map)

Year-round Apr 1-Oct 31 Year-round Basic, Electric
Campground Amenities (Click here for a guide to the symbols.)
Accessible Symbolwater symbolfrost-free water symbolVault Toilet Symbolparking symbol
  • Park Gate Information: Campground 2 is for registered campers and must be accessed by using the gate code, which can be found on your reservation confirmation and in the self-check-in email received the day of arrival. The code can also be obtained by contacting the park office.
  • Electric sites have 20- and 30-amp service.
  • Each site has a hitching post.
  • The nearest showerhouse, playground, dump station and wood lot are located in Campground 1 and are available to all registered campers.

*50-amp electric sites available.

For a $5 fee, non-campers may use a vacant electric campsite for the purpose of charging their electric vehicle for a period not to exceed one hour.

Important Camping Information:
  • The campgrounds are fully reservable. Reservable sites may be available on a walk-up registration basis if the site is not reserved. Before occupying a site, check with the park staff or follow directions on posted card or signs.
  • For weekend reservations, there is a required two-night minimum stay of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday.
  • Firewood can be purchased at the wood lot in Campground 1 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. April through October. From November to March, contact the park office. Campers planning to carry in firewood must comply with current firewood advisories.
  • Please keep all wheels and tires on the asphalt vehicle pad. Park vehicles single file, end to end. All tents must be pitched on the designated tent pad.
  • Generators are not allowed in either campground.
  • Rules and regulations are posted throughout the campground. Please familiarize yourself with these.
  • Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park or historic site.
  • We recommend no more than two dogs per campsite. Pets must be supervised and kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet at all times. Portable fences, shock collars and other electronic devices do not meet these requirements. Pet waste bags are available in most locations. Other than service animals, pets are not allowed inside any building that is not part of the Cabins for Canines program, or in public swimming areas or waters reserved for fishing.