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Camping in Missouri: campsites, permits and passes

Camping in Missouri starts in one of a few places: Missouri State Parks for state park campsites, Recreation.gov for federal campgrounds, or free dispersed camping on National Forest land. Here's where to book each, plus permits, passes and licences.

Most people go to:

State park campsites

Missouri state park campgrounds are booked through Missouri State Parks ↗. Book as early as you can for summer and holiday weekends, and check each park's page for cabins, yurts, group sites and pet rules.

National parks in Missouri

• Gateway Arch National Park

Campgrounds in national parks are booked on Recreation.gov. See every park, monument and historic site in Missouri on the National Park Service Missouri page ↗.

National forests and free camping

Missouri's national forests include Mark Twain. Developed campgrounds are booked on Recreation.gov (some are first-come, first-served), and most national forest land allows free dispersed camping away from developed sites, usually for up to 14 days. Check the forest's rules and any fire restrictions first.

Permits and lotteries

Most camping in Missouri doesn't need a special permit beyond your campsite reservation. Some wilderness areas, rivers and busy trailheads do; check the managing agency before you go.

Fishing and hunting licences

Licences for Missouri are sold by the Missouri Department of Conservation ↗, online or at local retailers. Rules and seasons differ by species and water, so check before you go.

Passes

The America the Beautiful pass covers entrance fees at national parks and many federal lands in Missouri. State parks usually sell their own day or annual passes; see Missouri State Parks.

Best time to camp in Missouri

Late May to early October. Fall colour weekends book up early; winter camping is possible in some parks with heated cabins or yurts.

Questions

Packing checklists

Nearby states (Midwest)