Makayla C.
Guide
GuideSt. Joe State Park Campground
Loud
I know a large majority of the park is meant for ORV’s but there was just constant noise even in the campground. Besides that it was great though!
Best Campgrounds near Black, MO
Southeastern Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest and state parks provide a range of camping options near Black, Missouri. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers developed sites with concrete pads for tents, RVs, and cabins, while maintaining a wooded setting with reasonable privacy between sites. Nearby, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground provides more primitive camping in a higher elevation setting. For those seeking more solitude, FS-2363 Dispersed Camping at Murphy Overlook offers free, undeveloped camping opportunities within the national forest boundary.
Camping in this region follows distinct seasonal patterns, with most facilities in state parks operating year-round but experiencing peak visitation during summer months when the Black River and its tributaries draw swimmers and paddlers. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park provides electric hookups, shower facilities, and a general store that typically opens in April and operates through fall. Many private campgrounds like Twin Rivers Landing and Bearcat Getaway supplement public options with additional amenities including cabin rentals and direct river access. Winter camping remains available but with reduced services. A camper noted, "We got a camper cabin in the first weekend of December and brought our two dogs. The campground is mostly empty this time of year. The showerhouses are clean with hot water and there is a friendly host."
Waterfront access stands out as a defining feature of the camping experience in this area, with several campgrounds positioned along the Black River corridor. The unique geological formations at Johnson's Shut-Ins create natural water slides and pools that attract swimmers during summer months, though visitors should approach with caution. According to one visitor, "The shut-ins are rock formations smoothed over by water. They are extremely slippery! Shoes are a necessity." Campgrounds in the area typically feature level sites with fire rings and picnic tables, with varying degrees of privacy between sites. The region's campgrounds serve as excellent base camps for exploring nearby attractions including Bell Mountain Wilderness Area, Elephant Rocks State Park, and miles of hiking along the Ozark Trail system.
Best Camping Sites Near Black, Missouri (159)
1. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground
56 ReviewsBlack, MO4 milesWebsite+1 (573) 546-2450$15 - $80 / night
"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
2. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground
22 ReviewsIronton, MO12 milesWebsite+1 (573) 546-2450"Also worth noting is that there is water faucet an a drinking fountain next to the restroom bldg, so you can get fresh water if needed."
"The sites are all walk in but it’s a short walk from your car to the site. Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent. Pit toilets are located at the entrance to the campground."
3. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
10 ReviewsBlack, MO6 milesWebsite"I'd recommend something AWD or be comfortable with momentum style driving, don't need clearance just need the traction on some of the hills."
"The drive to the site from highway 32 is just over 6 miles on a forest service road (2363). There is a beautiful view of the valley to the south west and we were treated to an incredible sunset."
4. Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
9 ReviewsBlack, MO6 milesWebsite+1 (573) 729-6656$10 - $40 / night
"This is a beautiful camp ground with electric sites right on the crystal clear Black River. The host is awesome and takes good care of the campground."
"This campground is definitely off the beaten path so make sure that you have the majority of your necessities before setting up camp."
5. Bell Mountain Wilderness Area
6 ReviewsBlack, MO8 milesWebsite"It's about a five hour drive if you don't have to stop, so we got to the trailhead for the Bell mountain loop at around 11pm."
"The Bell Mountain Wilderness Area is about a 2.5 hour drive from the St. Louis area - mostly highway until the winding country roads for the last 30 mins. There are two entrances to the mountain."
6. Twin Rivers Landing
6 ReviewsBlack, MO9 milesWebsite+1 (573) 637-2274$10 - $15 / night
"Large primitive sites with plenty of space and access to community water pump in each area. Full RV hookup sites with room for tent camping friends. Trash pickup."
"It is a popular spot for people who are there to float the Black River.
We were hiking the OT from Taum Sauk to Johnson Shut-ins so we opted for a camping cabin to keep it simple."7. Council Bluff Recreation Area
9 ReviewsBelleview, MO12 milesWebsite+1 (573) 766-5765$15 - $100 / night
"Pit toilets in pretty bad shape but did we expect any different😂 loved our visit, went down to the lake to swim and found a walking trail by the water just down from our campsite."
"The Council Bluff campground is easy to navigate and has really easy access to trails. There are drop toilets close to the sites, and the beach is a fairly short walk (~1mi) to the farthest campsite."
8. Bearcat Getaway
7 ReviewsAnnapolis, MO11 milesWebsite$12 / night
"Nice float on the Black River. Cool water and beach to sit and watch the floaters go by in as well! Group sites and were pretty large and mostly shady. This place is lit up fast after dark!"
"Black river access on site. Firewood included with site rental. Ice is only $2.50. No cell service"
9. Parks Bluff Campground
4 ReviewsBlack, MO7 milesWebsite+1 (573) 637-2290"The camp sites in the #70’s are so close to the water and a short walk to the toilet/shower house! The bathrooms could have been cleaner and some of the lights were out but not the worst I have seen!"
"Access to the river is the best. They have float trips and canoes and kayaks for rent. River is crystal clear though it can get crowded. We found a nice secluded beach on the river and it was great."
10. Big Creek RV Park
7 ReviewsAnnapolis, MO15 milesWebsite+1 (573) 598-1064"We stay here anytime we want to go to south east Missouri. The owners are absolutely awesome folks the park is immaculately kept the spots are level clean and well kept."
"A little too close to one another for my liking, but well put together and level. Camp Host very nice and helpful woman and prices were reasonable, especially for firewood and propane."
Recent Camping Photos near Black, MO
267 Photos of 159 Black Campgrounds
Aloha M.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground
Matt S.
Padfield Branch Primitive Campground
Brayden W.
FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
Alexa S.
Sutton Bluff Recreation Area
Allie A.
Parks Bluff Campground
Matt S.
Peter Cave Hollow Creek
Kelsie L.
Bell Mountain Wilderness Area
Lizz G.
Twin Rivers Landing
Hayden H.
Bearcat Getaway
Logan W.
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground
Jeremy G.
Big River Primitive Campground
Heidi H.
Council Bluff Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Black, MO
920 Reviews of 159 Black Campgrounds
David P.
ScoutOzark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort
Bizzare, Aggressive, Threatening Behavior towards our Family
Decided to visit with family(wife, teenage daughter, and 76 y.o. father) this Saturday afternoon, after completing a peaceful hike at Onandoga S.P., to consider camping later in the week. We politely, respectfully drove into the campground on the MAIN LOOP, around 5-10 mph, and checked the condition of the campsites. We noticed a few other campers present throughout the campground. Our windows were rolled down. Near the primitive campsites, a white vehicle rapidly, aggressively approached us from the left, rear of our car. Horn blaring. RECKLESSLY drove right up onto our rear bumper, then swerved to the left to try to force us over. The man rapidly approached us from his vehicle and accosted us with multiple, rapid fire questions what we were doing and why we were there. WHILE HE WAS AGGRESSIVELY INTERROGATING US, HE WAS CROUCHED FORWARD, POSTURING THAT HE WAS PREPARED TO DRAW ON US. I COULD CLEARLY SEE HIS LEFT HAND ON A FIREARM IN HIS LEFT POCKET- the handle of the firearm was clearly visible. The silhouette of the gun was clearly visible in his left pants pocket. Any reasonably intelligent person would have seen as we drove at a near walking pace on the main loop that we were not there to cause any problems. Any REMOTELY INTELLIGENT person would have instantly realized that we were just a family checking out potential campsites. Any reasonable person would have also considered this RECKLESS ACT OF AGGRESSION as a threat on their family. I was concerned for the safely of my family and myself. An embarrassing act of overreach. The"security guard" identified himself as"Dave." We will NEVER give this place our business again. I will NEVER risk taking my family here again. This place probably does not want your family here either...
Heidi H.GuideCouncil Bluff Recreation Area
Nice and Private
Stayed for a night and I think there were only like 4 campsites filled in the whole campground? Pit toilets in pretty bad shape but did we expect any different😂 loved our visit, went down to the lake to swim and found a walking trail by the water just down from our campsite. Bugs were bad but that’s to be expected, can’t really get away from it in Missouri in June.
Stephanie O.
TravelerSt. Francois State Park Campground
Excellent choice for quick weekend trip!
Had a wonderful weekend camping trip in the basic loop. Grass well-trimmed, campground pretty clean and full of families. Definitely a lot of kid noise, but I much prefer that to adults drinking into the night. Staff always cheerful and eager to provide a good experience; they do ride around every so often to check in on things. Camp host on site. Some sites certainly better than others; the biggest ones are near the entrance to the basic loop.
Bathrooms older and not spotless, but they stay on top of stocking them. Very well lit at night. Check-in station has patches, t-shirts, and firewood for sale in big bundles for $5. They do cover them when it rains.
There is definitely a friendly community atmosphere, but you can keep to yourself if that's your preference.
There is a nice 3-mile hike that begins at the campground.
Amanda W.ScoutBerryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest
Berry camp
It's a nice lil place to camp but the camp sites r not that big
- ddrewTraveler
Bismark Lake Conservation Area
Quiet simple place to camp
Peacefull night of sleep near Shepherd Mountain.
- RRick M.
RangerBrazil Creek Camping Area
Free to stay, no water, no gray dump, no garbage
It's a free place to park and stand the night. The campground does not have any water, grey dump, or garbage. So it is primitive camping.
There are lots of insects that will attack you on your walk, too...
Jeff P.
LegendMeramec Valley Campground & RV Park
Peaceful and quiet
My cousin invited us to this particular campground and my wife fell in love with it. It truly felt like a campground regardless of the amenities they have to offer.
- mmaureen L.Traveler
Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Beautiful !
Must visit! Campgrounds are right by the Alley Spings Mill that is so beautiful! Sites are well kept and easy to get into.
Guide to Black
The Black River region near Black, Missouri offers camping options ranging from 1,000 to 1,700 feet in elevation throughout the eastern Ozark highlands. The area features a distinctive geology of igneous rock formations that create unique swimming opportunities and waterfront campsites. Seasonal water levels affect accessibility at dispersed sites, with spring typically seeing higher flows along the Black River and its tributaries.
What to do
Highest point exploration: Visit Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground for access to Missouri's highest elevation. "The overlook to the valley is beautiful, especially for sunrise, and another short walk will take you to the marker for MO highest point," notes Kelsie L. The trails offer varied terrain and scenic viewpoints with limited crowds.
Black River swimming: Access clear water directly from Twin Rivers Landing where campsites connect to river activities. "Waters were super clear. They have bathrooms and showers. Att cell service works good here," reports Joshua Y. The landing provides canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service for various float distances.
Rock formations: Besides the shut-ins, visit nearby Elephant Rocks State Park where giant granite boulders create a playground-like environment. "The shut-ins trail DOES NOT allow dogs so that's a bummer. Found some other local hiking trails so overall it wasn't too bad," advises Erin J. from Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, highlighting the importance of checking trail restrictions.
What campers like
Secluded forest sites: For true solitude, Murphy Overlook offers free dispersed camping in Mark Twain National Forest. "We were the only people along this forest service road and got the prettiest spot towards the end of the road overlooking the mountain across. This camping area is a hidden gem!" says Shea B. The sites require 4WD or AWD vehicles to access.
Platform camping: Some campers prefer the elevated wooden platforms at Johnson's Shut-Ins. "Beautiful site, each walk-in was spread apart from each other. We loved it and cannot wait to go back," reports Elizabeth W. The platforms provide level, dry surfaces especially valuable during rainy conditions.
Swimming holes: Natural water features draw campers throughout summer. "The river and the trails are well worth the trip. It snowed on our last visit in March," shares Chad K. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, highlighting that water access can be enjoyed even during off-peak seasons.
What you should know
Seasonal facilities: Water availability changes seasonally across the region. "We didn't see where the water was but it was supposed to be off for the season anyway so we were prepared," explains Amanda C. about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground. Most campgrounds shut off water during winter months.
Road conditions: Forest service roads require appropriate vehicles. "This site is accessible by AWD and 4x4 but I would hesitate to attempt it with any other car. The drive to the site from highway 32 is just over 6 miles on a forest service road (2363)," warns Jason F. about Murphy Overlook.
Wildlife awareness: The area hosts diverse wildlife including bears. "Saw an adult black bear when we left, only about 0.5 a mile from camp. Ran across the road in front of us. Keep that in mind!" advises Sean A. about Murphy Overlook. Proper food storage is essential at all camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility considerations: Choose campsites based on your family's mobility needs. "The cart provided was great to walk our gear down the trail to our site, and there was a flat deck for us to camp on (which was great on our rainy weekend)," shares Shelby B. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of park programs. "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt," mentions Charlotte B. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, highlighting organized activities that enhance family camping.
Swimming safety: Water features require proper footwear and supervision. "Stayed on a Monday-Wednesday in a walk-in spot in loop 5. Every spot was occupied but park was maintained well and good time," reports Becky T., indicating that weekdays might offer slightly less crowded conditions for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV campers should research specific site dimensions. "We were in site 43 and our 28' trailer fit great and only needed minor level adjustments," shares a camper about Council Bluff Recreation Area, though noting that "limbs along the road are overgrown" which can impact larger rigs.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer limited services. "Very nice campground with maintained sites and space to camp where you would," explains Loren G. about primitive camping options, highlighting that RVers should prepare for boondocking at more scenic locations.
Water supply planning: Limited water access requires advance planning. "I dumped at Washington State park and they have a water tower where the elbow nozzle can unscrew for my hose. I would probably fill up with potable water from there before going to Council Bluff next time," advises an RVer, noting the importance of identifying water sources before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Black Canyon camping areas?
Where can I find Black Canyon camping areas?
Several excellent Black Canyon camping areas can be found along the Black River in Missouri. Markham Springs offers beautiful sites right on or near the Black River with gorgeous surrounding forest, providing unique camping experiences and excellent fishing opportunities. Highway K campground is another option located directly on the Black River, made up of two different camping areas and conveniently within a couple hours' drive from St. Louis.
What are the amenities at Black Creek Campground?
What are the amenities at Black Creek Campground?
While specific Black Creek Campground information is limited in the reviews, similar campgrounds in the Black River region offer comparable amenities. Twin Rivers Landing provides large primitive sites with community water pumps, clean bathrooms within walking distance, shower facilities near the main entrance, and laundry facilities. For more developed options, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park on the Black River features well-maintained facilities with crystal clear water access and is particularly popular during summer months.
When is the best season to visit Black Hills for camping?
When is the best season to visit Black Hills for camping?
The best season to visit the Black Hills region for camping is typically late spring through early fall (May through September), when weather conditions are most favorable. During summer months, campgrounds like St. Joe State Park Campground offer spacious sites with gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and fire pits. However, be aware that popular water destinations such as Marble Creek Rec Area get busy during hot summer weekends. Fall brings beautiful foliage and fewer crowds, making it an excellent time for a more peaceful camping experience.
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