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St. Francois State Park RV & Campground Guide

Missouri

The St. Francois State Park is among the highest-rated recreational areas in Missouri. Nestled in the rough-and-tumble hills and valleys of the Ozark Mountains, this park hearkens back to the days of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. If you ever wondered what those men saw while making that memorable journey, come to this park. Included within the park is a portion of the Big River and the entire Coonville Creek Wild Area. The park is located 60 miles south of St. Louis and close to Bonne Terre, MO. Evidence remains of exploration and use by settlers in the past. 

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Weather
Spring 40-80 F
Summer 60-89 F
Fall 40-80 F
Winter 26-50 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in St. Francois State Park

The best times of the year to camp at St. Francois State Park are in the fall, summer, and spring. The winter months are a bit cold, even when camping in an RV. No matter the season you choose, the best way to camp the park is in an RV. If you do not own an RV, try browsing RVshare to find the right RV rental for you and your family.

St. Francoise State Park Campground

The St. Francois State Park Campground offers 63 widely spaced campsites with water and a minimum 30-amp electrical hookup. The campground is located within the park and provides direct access to all the amenities, including firewood, showers, restrooms, laundry, and a dump station. The spaces handle back-ins or pull-throughs and are up to 45 feet in length. Activities at this park include fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking. The park is ADA accessible and reserves six special campsites for clients with ADA-approved needs.

  • Water Hookup: Yes

  • Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp

  • Sewer Hookup: No; dump station on site

  • Wi-Fi Available: No

  • Pet Friendly: Yes

  • Fee: $23 per night

  • Office hours: None; gate closes at 10 p.m. from April 1 to Oct. 31 and at 6 p.m. during the offseason

Washington State Park Campground

Whereas St. Francois State Park is nestled deep in the Ozark Mountains, the Washington State Park sits on the western edge. Located near Potosi, MO, Washington State Park is a mere 23 miles away from St. Francois. There are 23 RV camping sites available. Activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and bicycling. The park offers special needs camping sites.

  • Water Hookup: Yes

  • Electric Hookup: 30/50 amp

  • Sewer Hookup: No; dump station on site

  • Wi-Fi Available: No

  • Pet Friendly: Yes

  • Fee: $21-$23 per night from April 1 to Oct. 31; $17-$19 per night the rest of the year

  • Office hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round

St. Joe State Park Campground

St. Joe State Park is located 15 miles south of St. Francois State Park near the town of Park Hills, MO. St. Joe has 40 RV camping sites with 50-amp hookups. The park offers four lakes and a river where you can swim and fish. Extensive hiking trails run throughout the 8,243-acre park. There are equestrian trails, bicycle trails, and hiking trails. The campground offers easy access for everyone with ADA-compliant sites.

  • Water Hookup: Yes

  • Electric Hookup: 50 amp

  • Sewer Hookup: No; dump station on site

  • Wi-Fi Available: No

  • Pet Friendly: Yes

  • Fee: $23 per night from April 1 to Oct 31; $19 per night the rest of the year

  • Office hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round

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What to Do at
St. Francois State Park

Inside St. Francois State Park

Within the 2,735 acres that make up St. Francois State Park, you will find many activities to enjoy. Hike along trails such as the Mooner’s Hollow Trail, which takes you back to the days when moonshining was a major part of the local economy. For the adventurous, Pike Run Trail runs into the Pike Run Mountains where primitive campgrounds exist for those courageous enough to carry tents on their backs into the wilderness. Equestrian trails and picnic areas are dispersed throughout the park. You can canoe or kayak the section of the Big River that runs through the park or explore the hidden reaches of the Coonville Creek Wild Area.

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How to Get to
St. Francois State Park

When traveling from St. Louis, take I-55 S to Festus, MO. At Festus, take exit 174B to get onto US-67 S. Continue driving on US-67 S for 17 miles to your destination. 

When traveling from Bonne Terre, MO, take State Highway 47 E to the US-67 N exit. Travel another 3.8 miles. The park is on the right side of the highway.

Entering St. Francois State Park

There is no park office at St. Francois State Park. There is, however, a gate. The gate opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m. from April 1 to October 31. It opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. during the offseason. Because the park fills quickly, reservations are recommended and sometimes required.

St. Francois State Park Reservation fee : $8.5

St. Francois State Park Reservation change fee : $5.25

St. Francois State Park Walk-in camping : $13.0

per night

St. Francois State Park RV camping : $23.0

per night

If this is your first visit to St. Francois State Park, visit RVshare to discover what is involved with renting an RV. In addition, let us know what you thought about the park by sending an email to us at [email protected] or tagging us on social media. Your insights let other travelers see the value they will find at St. Francois State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions About St. Francois State Park

What is the best time of year to visit St. Francois State Park?

St Francois State Park is enjoyable year-round, but many visitors prefer visiting in the fall when the trees are bursting with fall color, and it's not as hot hiking the forest trails.

What is the climate of St. Francois State Park?

St Francois State Park has a relatively mild climate for being located in Missouri. Temperatures in the summer usually top out in the mid-80s, with an occasional hot streak—winter high temperatures hoover around the 50-degree mark.

What kind of wildlife can be found in St. Francois State Park?

Plenty of deer and songbirds make St Francois State Park their home. When you're hiking a trail or enjoying nature at a picnic bench, you might see owls, hawks, raccoons, and squirrels.

Are there designated RV camping spots in St. Francois State Park?

There are 63 campsites at St. Francois State Park Campground. Each site offers water and 30-amp electrical hookups. Designated RV spaces are available for pull-through and back-in campers. RVers will also appreciate the on-site dump station.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at St. Francois State Park and what is the cost?

Reservations are highly recommended at this popular park, especially during the peak summer and fall seasons. The spaces accommodate trailers up to 45 feet long, and the site fee is $23 per night.