St. Francois State Park Campground

For Missourians seeking a refreshing outdoor adventure, St. Francois State Park Campground in Bonne Terre offers a quintessential state park experience. Nestled amidst the beautiful forested ridges and cool hollows of the Ozarks, this campground provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy recreational activities, and unwind away from the daily grind. It's a place where convenience meets wilderness, making it a popular choice for families, hikers, and anyone looking for a well-maintained and welcoming outdoor retreat right here in Missouri.

St. Francois State Park Campground is a well-regarded camping destination within the larger St. Francois State Park, a sprawling natural area known for its rugged beauty and diverse ecosystems. The campground itself is noted for its clean, well-maintained facilities and a range of campsite options designed to accommodate various camping styles, from tent campers to large RVs. Reviewers frequently highlight the park's overall cleanliness and the general pleasantness of the camping environment.

The park's unique topography, shaped over millennia by the Big River and Coonville Creek, creates a landscape of rolling hills, dense woodlands, and captivating glades. This natural setting provides the backdrop for a variety of activities, from tranquil picnics to challenging hikes. As a state park campground, St. Francois benefits from professional management by Missouri State Parks, ensuring a consistent standard of quality and upkeep. It's a place that allows campers to embrace the outdoors with the comfort of modern amenities within reach.

St. Francois State Park Campground is located in Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA. This position in St. Francois County places it within the picturesque Ozark region of Missouri, approximately an hour's drive south of St. Louis. Its proximity to a major metropolitan area makes it an incredibly convenient escape for many Missouri residents, allowing for easy weekend trips or longer vacations without extensive travel.

The park's address makes it accessible via well-maintained state highways. For instance, from St. Louis, visitors can take I-55 South to the Festus/Highway 67 exit, then travel south on Highway 67 for approximately 22 miles. The park entrance is clearly marked on the left with visible brown signs. This straightforward access is a significant advantage, reducing travel time and making it easier for campers to arrive and set up.

Within the campground, sites are generally well-spaced, offering a degree of privacy. While some sites may require "a little leveling," as noted by campers, they are primarily concrete pads, which provide a stable surface for various camping setups. The internal roads are well-maintained, and access to key amenities like the shower house and playgrounds is convenient within the campground area. Water access, specifically to the Big River, is a short bike ride or hike away from the main campground, ensuring it's readily reachable for those looking to enjoy the river.

• Campsites with Hookups: The campground offers 63 widely spaced campsites, with many featuring water and 30-amp or 50-amp electrical hookups, accommodating both RVs (up to 45 feet in length for back-ins or pull-throughs) and tent campers seeking more amenities.
• Concrete Pads: Most sites are equipped with concrete pads, providing a level and clean surface for setting up tents or parking RVs.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: St. Francois State Park Campground features modern restrooms and hot showers, which are generally well-maintained, though some reviews suggest the shower houses could benefit from updates.
• Covered Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each campsite includes a covered picnic table and a very nice fire pit, often surrounded by concrete, enhancing the outdoor dining and campfire experience.
• Dump Station: An on-site dump station is available for RVs, providing a convenient service for waste disposal.
• Firewood Sales: Firewood is available for purchase within the park, ensuring campers have access to burning material for their fire pits.
• Laundry Facilities: The campground offers laundry facilities, adding a significant convenience for longer stays.
• ADA Accessible Sites and Facilities: The park is ADA compliant and offers six special campsites reserved for individuals with ADA-approved needs. Accessible restrooms, shower houses, and picnic areas are also available.
• Online Reservations: Reservations for campsites are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, and can be made online through the Missouri State Parks system.

• Beautiful State Park Setting: The campground is situated within St. Francois State Park, offering stunning natural beauty, including forested ridges, cool hollows, and access to the Big River. The park is home to diverse plant and animal life.
• River Access: Direct access to the Big River for activities like wading, swimming, canoeing, and floating is a major highlight. While the main campground isn't directly on the river, it's a short bike ride or hike to access points.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts three hiking trails, including the 10.7-mile Pike Run Trail, which is open for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. Other trails offer diverse terrain for hikers of all levels, winding through wooded hills and glades.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: A nice playground is available for children, making it an excellent destination for families. The picnic areas and shelters are also perfect for family gatherings.
• Pet-Friendly: St. Francois State Park Campground is welcoming to well-behaved, leashed dogs, allowing the entire family to enjoy the outdoor experience.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite some notes on potential updates, the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the sites and common areas are consistently praised by visitors.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: The "widely spaced campsites" and the natural environment contribute to a generally quiet and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for those looking to unwind.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: Beyond the park, visitors can explore nearby attractions like the historic Bonne Terre Mine, offering unique underground tours, or local wineries for a different kind of experience.

As a Missouri State Park campground, St. Francois State Park Campground operates under the standardized fee structure set by Missouri State Parks. Therefore, it typically does not offer specific "promotions" or discount codes in the same way a private business might. However, the pricing for state park camping is generally very affordable, making it an excellent value for the amenities and natural beauty provided.

Current fees for campsites vary slightly depending on the season, typically ranging from $21-$23 per night during the peak season (April 1 to October 31) and $17-$19 per night during the off-season. These rates include water and electric hookups for designated sites.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, reservation policies, and any potential state-wide park initiatives (such as discounts for seniors or veterans, which would apply across all Missouri State Parks), it is always best to consult the official Missouri State Parks website or contact the park office directly. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for popular weekends and holidays, to secure a spot at this well-loved campground.

For reservations, inquiries about park conditions, or any other questions regarding St. Francois State Park Campground, you can reach the park office using the following contact details:

• Address: Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA (The official Missouri State Parks website lists the physical address as 8920 U.S. Hwy 67 North, Bonne Terre, MO 63628.)
• Phone: (573) 358-2173

The park office generally operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the on-season (April 1 to October 31) and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the off-season (November through March). It's always a good practice to call during these hours for direct assistance.

St. Francois State Park Campground is exceptionally well-suited for Missouri locals looking for a convenient, high-quality, and versatile outdoor experience. Its location, just an hour south of St. Louis, makes it an ideal destination for quick weekend getaways or longer family vacations without the burden of extensive travel. This accessibility means less time on the road and more time enjoying the beautiful Ozark environment.

The campground offers a compelling blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. While some sites might require a minor leveling adjustment, the concrete pads, covered picnic tables, and well-designed fire pits elevate the standard camping experience. The availability of electric and water hookups, along with clean restrooms, hot showers, and even laundry facilities, ensures that campers can enjoy the wilderness without sacrificing essential comforts. This balance is perfect for families, novice campers, and seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Beyond the campsites, the state park itself is a playground for outdoor activities. From diverse hiking and equestrian trails that wind through stunning forested landscapes to access points for canoeing and fishing on the Big River, there's something to engage every member of the family. The presence of a playground and the park's dog-friendly policy further solidify its appeal as a complete family destination. St. Francois State Park Campground isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a gateway to experiencing the best of Missouri's natural heritage, providing a reliable and enjoyable escape right in your backyard.