St. Francois State Park Campground

For generations of Missourians, St. Francois State Park has been a cherished destination, offering a classic outdoor experience nestled within the rugged beauty of the St. Francois Mountains. Its campground serves as the perfect basecamp for exploring the park's diverse natural features and enjoying a wide array of recreational activities. This article is designed to provide you, our fellow Missouri residents, with a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes St. Francois State Park Campground a beloved and consistently visited spot for a memorable outdoor adventure.

Whether you're planning a family camping trip, seeking challenging hiking trails, or simply looking to relax by the Big River, St. Francois State Park Campground offers something for everyone. It's a place where you can disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature, creating lasting memories under the Missouri sky. We'll delve into its convenient location, the essential services it provides, and the compelling features that draw campers back year after year, ensuring you have all the information needed to plan your ideal Missouri escape.

St. Francois State Park Campground is officially located in Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA. While the precise address within the park might be 8920 US Highway 67 North, Bonne Terre, MO 63628-3598, navigating to the main park entrance will lead you directly to the campground area. Its strategic placement, approximately one hour south of St. Louis, makes it an incredibly accessible and popular choice for residents across a wide swath of Missouri.

The campground and park are well-integrated into the local road network, typically offering easy access for vehicles of all sizes, including large RVs. Reviewers note that while some internal roads or sites may require "a little leveling," it's "nothing major," indicating that the park is generally navigable and accommodating for various camping setups. The convenience of being able to easily reach the park while still feeling immersed in a natural, rugged landscape is a significant benefit for Missourians looking for a straightforward camping trip without extensive travel.

St. Francois State Park Campground provides a range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for its visitors:

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of site types to suit different preferences. These include basic (non-electric) sites, electric sites (with 30-amp and some 50-amp hookups available), and family campsites.
• Well-Equipped Sites: Most sites are concrete pads, which campers appreciate for cleanliness and ease of setup. Each site typically includes a covered picnic table and a "very nice fire pit" surrounded by concrete, perfect for campfires and outdoor meals.
• Modern Restroom and Shower Facilities: The park features well-maintained shower houses with flush toilets and hot water. While some reviews mention that the shower house "could use some updates," they are consistently noted for being clean and functional. Accessible shower units with benches and hooks are also available.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV campers. Some reviewers note that on busy days, particularly Sundays, there might be a wait.
• Potable Water: Water spigots are readily available throughout the campground, making it easy to fill water tanks.
• Laundry Facilities: Coin laundry facilities with a top-control washer and dryer and a large folding table are available, a helpful amenity for longer stays.
• On-Site Camp Store: The check-in office doubles as a small store, selling essential items such as firewood, ice, and a variety of snacks or souvenirs.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in the campground and on trails, provided they are well-behaved and kept on a leash, making it a great option for those who travel with their furry companions.
• Designated Accessible Sites: The campground offers accessible electric and basic sites, featuring paved areas, extended-end picnic tables, pedestal grills, fire rings, and lantern shelves, along with accessible restroom and laundry facilities.
• Year-Round Camping (Limited Services): While full services are typically available during the peak season (April to October), the park often offers some camping options year-round, though amenities may be limited during the off-season.

St. Francois State Park and its campground are rich with features that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts:

• Big River Access: The park provides multiple access points to the Big River, allowing for excellent opportunities for fishing (for species like bass, sunfish, and catfish), swimming, wading, and canoeing or kayaking. A short bike ride or hike can take you to prime water access spots.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts a variety of trails catering to different skill levels and activities:
• Pike Run Trail (10.7 miles): Open for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding, offering a rugged experience through the Coonville Creek Wild Area.
• Mooner's Hollow Trail (2.7 miles): An easy to moderate hiking trail that circles the outer edge of the campground and explores unique habitats.
• Swimming Deer Trail (2.7 miles): An easy to moderate hiking trail that follows the Big River and offers scenic views, passing an old lead surface mining area.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: The park's landscape features forested ridges, cool hollows, glades, and open woodlands, providing a picturesque backdrop for camping and outdoor activities.
• Well-Maintained Sites: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness and upkeep of the sites, with many appreciating the concrete pads, covered picnic tables, and well-designed fire pits.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of a "nice playground" and a large open field for kids to play ensures entertainment for younger visitors. The park also hosts educational programs.
• Friendly Staff: Reviewers often highlight the "super friendly" staff and accommodating nature of the park personnel.
• Proximity to Attractions: Located only an hour south of St. Louis, the park offers a natural retreat that is still relatively close to urban amenities. Nearby attractions include Elephant Rocks State Park and Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, offering additional day-trip opportunities.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the campground is often described as "nice and quiet," especially during evenings, allowing for a truly relaxing experience.

Address: Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA (or 8920 US Highway 67 North, Bonne Terre, MO 63628-3598 for direct navigation)

Phone: (573) 358-2173

Mobile Phone: +1 573-358-2173

General Park Email: moparks@dnr.mo.gov

Website: www.mostateparks.com/park/st-francois-state-park (for official information, maps, and reservations)

Reservations can also be made through the Missouri State Parks reservation system by calling 1-877-422-6766.

For Missourians, St. Francois State Park Campground offers a truly ideal and convenient destination for experiencing the natural beauty of our state. Its location, just an hour south of St. Louis, makes it an easily accessible option for a quick weekend escape or a longer, more immersive family vacation without the burden of extensive travel. This proximity allows locals to maximize their time enjoying the outdoors rather than spending it on the road.

The campground itself is a testament to Missouri State Parks' commitment to providing quality outdoor experiences. With its mixture of electric and non-electric concrete sites, well-maintained facilities including clean showers with hot water, and essential amenities like a dump station and laundry, it caters to a wide range of camping preferences and comfort levels. The consistently positive feedback on the cleanliness and friendliness of the staff further enhances the welcoming atmosphere, making campers feel right at home.

Beyond the campsites, the park's natural features and recreational opportunities are outstanding. Direct access to the Big River for swimming, fishing, and floating, combined with an extensive network of hiking, backpacking, and equestrian trails, ensures there's always an adventure waiting. For families, the playground and educational programs add extra value, while those seeking peace will appreciate the quiet evenings. St. Francois State Park Campground embodies the best of Missouri's outdoor offerings, making it a perfect, reliable, and cherished local spot for connecting with nature and creating lasting memories.

St. Francois State Park Campground

Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA