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78 campgrounds and RV Parks near Pilot Knob, MO. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
78 campgrounds
5128 campsites
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Pilot Knob, MO
Elephant Rocks State Park
Missouri (3 miles away)
Main Loops - Johnsons Shut-ins State Park
Missouri (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+7
Deer Creek Campground
Lesterville, MO (14 miles away)
Equestrian - St Joe State Park
Park Hills, MO (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
Big Creek RV Park
Missouri (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(65 sites)
+13
Deer Creek Campground and River Outfitters
Missouri (14 miles away)
Twin Rivers Landing
Missouri (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(200 sites)
+5
Riversedge Campground
Missouri (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
Brushy Creek Lodge & Resort
Viburnum, MO (21 miles away)
Black River Hideaway Campground
Missouri (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+6
Cherokee Landing
Bonne Terre, MO (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
+6
St Francois State Park
Bonne Terre, MO (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+5
Most common amenities
Toilets Pet friendly Showers Tables Grills Dump station General store Firewood Laundry Playground
Campgrounds near Pilot Knob, Missouri
Pilot Knob sits in the Arcadia Valley of Iron County, within the St. Francois Mountains of the Missouri Ozarks. The town functions as a hub for several state parks and private RV parks, most within a 30-minute drive. Terrain is rugged, with exposed granite outcrops, shut-ins on the Black River, and forested ridgelines.
Campers use the area primarily as a base for visiting Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park and the surrounding St. Francois Mountains, Elephant Rocks State Park, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, and the Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site. Johnson's Shut-Ins is easy to reach off Highway 44 or 55, about two hours from St. Louis, in the southeastern part of Missouri.
Options range from full-hookup private parks to state-park loops with electric or full-service pads, plus equestrian sites. Big Creek RV Park/Arcadia Meadow Campground has 63 spacious, well-maintained sites, 21 of which are pull-throughs, all with full hookups. Deer Creek Campground in nearby Lesterville adds tent, RV, and cabin options with river-outfitter services, and Equestrian - St Joe State Park serves riders farther north.
Things to do near Pilot Knob
The signature activity is playing in the shut-ins. Families typically pair a shut-ins day at Main Loops - Johnsons Shut-ins State Park with an hour or two at Elephant Rocks State Park, where kids climb the granite boulders and walk the paved Braille Trail, the first accessible trail in Missouri's state park system. Water shoes are recommended for the shut-ins, which channel the East Fork of the Black River through resistant rock.
Hiking connects most of the area. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park reaches the state's high point and the Mina Sauk Falls trail. Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site preserves the Fort Davidson earthworks and a Civil War interpretive center.
Riders and off-road users head north to Equestrian - St Joe State Park, which offers horse trails and separate ORV routes across former mine lands.
Camping spots and RV parks near Pilot Knob, MO
Seasonal patterns in the Arcadia Valley
- spring
March - May
68° / 46°F 110 mmWettest season; tornado risk peaks statewide
- summer
June - August
86° / 64°F 100 mmHot, humid; shut-ins crowded; book far ahead
- fall
September - November
68° / 45°F 85 mmCool nights, hardwood color mid-October into November
- winter
December - February
45° / 23°F 65 mmCold and quiet; limited water service at sites
Summer is peak season. The shut-ins draw heavy day-use crowds on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and reservable state-park sites often fill months in advance. Temperatures regularly climb into the upper 80s and 90s with high humidity, so shaded sites and water access matter.
Spring and fall are the sweet spots for RV travel. Spring brings dogwood and redbud bloom plus higher water in the shut-ins, though tornado risk peaks statewide from April into June. Fall delivers cool nights, clearer creeks, and hardwood color, typically best from mid-October into early November.
Winter camping is possible but stripped down. Loop 1 campsites can be reserved by equestrian and non-equestrian campers year-round, and during the off-season from November through March, potable water is available at the frost-free water spigots on the Loop 3 showerhouse. Expect closed water spigots at individual sites, limited services, and occasional ice or snow events.
How to book campsites near Pilot Knob
Missouri State Parks use a single centralized reservation system for sites at Johnson's Shut-Ins, St. Joe, and other state units. Campers can reserve Missouri State Parks campsites up to 12 months in advance, expanding from the previous six-month window, through the state reservation website or by phone. Summer weekends and holidays sell out early, so book as soon as the 12-month window opens if a specific loop or hookup type matters.
Reservable sites may be available on a walk-up registration basis if the site is not reserved; before occupying a site, check with the park staff or follow the directions on the posted card or signs. Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park or historic site.
Private parks such as Big Creek RV Park and Deer Creek Campground book directly through their own websites and typically hold cabins and pull-through RV sites separately.
What to expect on-site
State-park loops around Pilot Knob mix basic, electric, and full-hookup pads, plus walk-in tent sites and equestrian loops. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park has 80 single-family campsites in the St. Francois Mountains, offering basic, electric, full hookup and equestrian sites, with reservable and first-come, first-serve options that accommodate tents, trailers and RVs, and each site has a table, fire ring and grate. Concrete pads are common, and Loop 5 campsites have a wooden platform with room for one tent.
On-season services include a dump station, restroom and shower facilities, laundry, water, a woodlot, and a camp store, and campers planning to carry in firewood must comply with current firewood advisories. Cell service is inconsistent in the surrounding ridges and hollows. Elephant Rocks State Park is day-use only, so plan to sleep at a nearby park.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Pilot Knob, MO
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Pilot Knob, MO?
RV rental in Pilot Knob is one of the most affordable ways to experience the St. Francois Mountains. Travel trailers typically run $80 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $150 to $250, and larger Class A rigs go from $200 to $350. Booking midweek and traveling outside the June through August peak around Johnson's Shut-Ins helps you save. For a cheap RV rental Pilot Knob trip, filter by travel trailers and look for hosts offering weekly discounts. Pro tip: many Iron County hosts include generators or solar setups, so you can dry-camp at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and stretch your budget further.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Pilot%20Knob%2C%20MissouriDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Pilot Knob, Missouri?
Good news: a standard Class E or regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Pilot Knob. Missouri does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for personal-use motorhomes or travel trailers. You'll need to be 25 or older with a valid license, and RVezy verifies approved drivers through the platform during booking. Visiting from outside the US? An International Driving Permit paired with your home license keeps things smooth. Most first-timers are surprised how straightforward it is to drive a Class C through the rolling Highway 21 hills around Pilot Knob and Ironton.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental protected if something goes wrong on my trip?
Yes, every RV rental in Pilot Knob, MO booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you're covered from the moment you pull out of the driveway. During checkout you choose the protection tier that fits your trip, and the plan covers most damages to the vehicle up to the plan limits. This provides real financial peace of mind whether you're winding up Taum Sauk Mountain or parked at Fort Davidson State Historic Site. Pro tip: select your protection level early in the booking flow so you can budget accurately for your full Iron County getaway.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my plans change?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets a clear cancellation policy that applies to every Pilot Knob RV rental, including a money-back grace period right after you book. Refund outcomes depend on how far ahead of your trip you cancel. Hosts don't set their own cancellation rules, so you get consistent protection across every listing. If a host needs to cancel, RVezy refunds your booking or provides credits. Pro tip: lock in your dates early for peak fall foliage in October when Iron County's hardwoods turn brilliant, knowing you have flexibility if plans shift.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Pilot Knob RV trip?
Absolutely, a pet-friendly RV rental Pilot Knob trip is easy to arrange. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to instantly see hosts who welcome dogs, and message them before booking with details like breed and size. Iron County is a dog-lover's playground: leashed pups are welcome on trails at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, the Shut-Ins Trail at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, and the boulder fields at Elephant Rocks State Park. Big Creek RV Park in nearby Arcadia is also pet-friendly. Pro tip: pack a tick-prevention treatment, since the wooded Ozark trails around Pilot Knob are prime tick territory from April through October.
mostateparks.com/park/johnsons-shut-ins-state-parkCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Pilot Knob?
Yes, RV delivery Pilot Knob is one of the smartest ways to start your trip, especially if it's your first time. Many local hosts will drive the rig to Big Creek RV Park in Arcadia, Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Council Bluff Lake, or even a private property in Ironton, then level it, connect hookups, and walk you through every system. Filter by Delivery on RVezy to see hosts offering this service and their delivery radius. Delivery fees vary by distance but typically run $2 to $4 per mile from the host's location. Pro tip: ask about setup at Sam A. Baker State Park, about 30 miles south, for a quieter river-camping vibe.
mostateparks.com/park/sam-baker-state-parkHow many miles can I drive on my Pilot Knob RV rental?
Mileage on your Pilot Knob RV trip is flexible, and many hosts offer 100 to 150 free miles per night, which is plenty for exploring Iron County. Some listings even feature RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for a longer Ozark loop. From Pilot Knob it's only about 8 miles to Elephant Rocks State Park, 25 miles to Johnson's Shut-Ins, 15 miles up Taum Sauk Mountain, 90 miles north to St. Louis, and roughly 170 miles to Lake of the Ozarks. Each listing shows the mileage allowance clearly before you book. Pro tip: if you're planning a wider Missouri loop, filter for unlimited-mileage hosts to skip the math entirely.
modot.org/Where are the best campgrounds near Pilot Knob, MO?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping Pilot Knob. Top picks include Big Creek RV Park in Arcadia (full hookups, pool, just a few miles away), Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park (about 25 miles west, riverfront sites with electric hookups), Sam A. Baker State Park (about 30 miles south on the St. Francis River), Council Bluff Recreation Area in Mark Twain National Forest, and Silver Mines Campground near Fredericktown. Each offers a different vibe, from full-service to rustic riverside. Pro tip: state park sites release on a 6-month rolling window through the Missouri State Parks reservation system, so set a reminder for prime summer weekends.
icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/When is the best time of year to rent an RV in Pilot Knob?
Mid-April through late October is the sweet spot for an RV rental in Pilot Knob, MO. Spring (April-May) brings dogwood blooms and 60-75°F days, summer (June-August) hits 85-92°F and is peak swim season at Johnson's Shut-Ins, and fall (late September through October) is the local favorite with crisp 55-75°F days and the Ozark hardwoods exploding in color. Winter dips to 25-45°F and some state park campgrounds close or run limited services, but Big Creek RV Park stays open year-round. Pro tip: visit the last weekend of September for the Iron County Fall Festival in Ironton, then catch peak leaves on Taum Sauk Mountain the following weekend.
weather.gov/lsx/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay around Pilot Knob?
You've got this. First time renting an RV is easier than people expect, and Pilot Knob is a forgiving place to learn: low traffic, wide rural highways like Route 21 and Route 72, and gentle Ozark curves rather than steep mountain passes. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup, covering the generator, slide-outs, leveling, tanks, and hookups before you drive off. Start with a smaller Class C or travel trailer, and consider delivery to skip city driving entirely. Pro tip: practice a couple of right turns in the wide-open lot at Fort Davidson State Historic Site before heading out to your campground.
mostateparks.com/park/fort-davidson-state-historic-siteWhat happens if I have a breakdown or flat tire during my trip?
Help is never far away. Every motorhome rental Pilot Knob booking through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so one phone call gets you a tow, tire change, jump start, lockout, or fuel delivery anywhere in Iron County or beyond. Your host is also a text away for quick questions about quirks of their specific rig, and RVezy's support team is available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: cell coverage can get patchy deep in Mark Twain National Forest and around Taum Sauk, so screenshot the roadside number and your host's contact info before you head out.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best RV road trips from Pilot Knob?
An RV road trip from Pilot Knob opens up some of the Midwest's best scenery. Popular routes include the Ozark Scenic Riverways south to the Current River and Big Spring (about 90 miles), west to Lake of the Ozarks (about 170 miles), north to St. Louis and the Gateway Arch (about 90 miles), east to Ste. Genevieve's historic district (about 60 miles), and a longer haul down to Branson (about 215 miles). Cross-border trips into Illinois's Shawnee National Forest are also popular. The entire US is fair game for RVezy rentals. Pro tip: the Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Eminence is a hidden gem worth the drive west.
nps.gov/ozar/index.htmWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for around Pilot Knob?
Budgeting fuel is straightforward. Class B campervans average 18-22 MPG, Class C motorhomes 10-14 MPG, and Class A rigs 7-10 MPG, while a tow vehicle pulling a travel trailer typically gets 10-13 MPG. Gas in Iron County runs slightly below the Missouri state average, with stations in Ironton, Arcadia, and Farmington (the closest larger town with multiple options). Diesel is widely available along Highway 67. A weekend loop hitting Elephant Rocks, Johnson's Shut-Ins, and Taum Sauk uses roughly 15-25 gallons in a Class C. Pro tip: fuel up in Farmington before heading deep into Mark Twain National Forest, where stations get sparse.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Pilot Knob?
For Missouri State Parks like Johnson's Shut-Ins, Sam A. Baker, and Elephant Rocks day-use, reservations open on a rolling 6-month window through the official Missouri State Parks reservation system. For summer weekends and the entire month of October, book 4-6 months ahead. Private parks like Big Creek RV Park in Arcadia usually have more last-minute availability and accept reservations by phone or online. First-come, first-served sites still exist at Council Bluff and some Mark Twain National Forest spots. Pro tip: if a Johnson's Shut-Ins riverside site is full, check back daily at 7 a.m. CT for cancellations, which happen often within 72 hours of arrival.
icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/What are the driving conditions like around Pilot Knob?
Driving an RV around Pilot Knob is genuinely pleasant. The main routes (Highway 21, Highway 72, and Highway 67) are well-maintained two- and four-lane roads with gentle grades through the St. Francois Mountains, not the white-knuckle switchbacks of the Rockies. Watch for the steeper climb up Highway CC to Taum Sauk Mountain's summit and tight curves near Johnson's Shut-Ins. Summer thunderstorms can hit fast, and winter ice on shaded curves is possible December through February. Deer are active at dawn and dusk year-round. Pro tip: avoid driving Highway 21 between Ironton and Lesterville right after heavy rain, since low-water crossings on side roads can flood quickly.
modot.org/traveler-informationWhat amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Pilot Knob?
Local campgrounds are well-equipped for a comfortable Pilot Knob RV trip. Big Creek RV Park offers full hookups (water, 30/50-amp electric, sewer), Wi-Fi, a pool, laundry, and a dump station. Johnson's Shut-Ins and Sam A. Baker State Parks provide 30/50-amp electric sites, water spigots, modern shower houses, and on-site dump stations. Elephant Rocks is day-use only, while Taum Sauk Mountain offers primitive sites with vault toilets. Potable water fill stations are at every state park campground entrance. Pro tip: dump your tanks at Big Creek or Sam A. Baker on your way out, since gas stations in Iron County rarely have dump access.
mostateparks.com/park/johnsons-shut-ins-state-parkWhat's actually inside the RVs available in Pilot Knob?
Pilot Knob rentals come fully equipped for a home-on-wheels experience. Expect a queen or king bed, bunk options in family-friendly Class C models, a kitchen with fridge/freezer, microwave, stovetop and often an oven, a full bathroom with shower and toilet, roof air conditioning, propane furnace, and seatbelts for everyone riding. Most rigs include a TV, and many hosts add Wi-Fi hotspots, outdoor speakers, or onboard generators, ideal for boondocking in Mark Twain National Forest. Linens and kitchen kits are commonly included or available as add-ons. Pro tip: filter listings by Sleeps 6+ for a family RV trip Pilot Knob with kids, since bunk-equipped Class C motorhomes book up fast for summer weekends.
fs.usda.gov/mtnfWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
Hosts in Pilot Knob offer plenty of useful add-ons to customize your campervan rental Pilot Knob or motorhome experience. Common extras include camping chairs and tables ($5-15/day), bike racks, grills, generators, linens and bedding packs ($25-50 per trip), kitchen kits, propane refills, and pet cleaning fees ($25-50). Pickup is usually at the host's home in Pilot Knob, Ironton, Arcadia, or Farmington, with delivery available for an extra fee. Mileage allowances are clearly shown on each listing. Pro tip: ask about a generator add-on if you plan to camp at Taum Sauk Mountain's primitive sites or Council Bluff's no-hookup loops, since you'll want power for the AC on hot Ozark summer nights.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recarea/?recid=21743How does payment and the security deposit work?
Payment is simple and secure on RVezy. You pay through the platform when you book, never in cash to the host, which protects both sides. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (amount varies by listing and protection level) and released back to your card after the trip ends, assuming no damage or excess cleaning. You'll see the exact deposit amount before you confirm your Pilot Knob RV rental. Pro tip: do a quick walk-through video at pickup and drop-off, especially of the exterior and the holding tanks, so the deposit return on your Iron County trip is quick and painless.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhere can I dump tanks and fill fresh water near Pilot Knob?
You've got several convenient options around Pilot Knob. Big Creek RV Park in Arcadia has a public dump station and potable water fill (small fee for non-guests). Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Sam A. Baker State Park, and Council Bluff Recreation Area all have free dump stations for registered campers and seasonal potable water spigots. The nearest 24-hour dump option is at the Flying J in Sullivan, about 75 miles north on I-44, if you're heading toward St. Louis. Pro tip: top off your fresh water tank before leaving Ironton, since dispersed sites in Mark Twain National Forest don't have any water access at all.
mostateparks.com/park/sam-baker-state-parkNearby cities with campgrounds
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