Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family, reflect on the year’s blessings, and, for many, embark on a unique outdoor adventure. In Missouri, camping during the Thanksgiving season offers a peaceful escape into nature, complete with crisp autumn air, fewer crowds, and stunning fall scenery. Whether you’re looking for a cozy campsite near a crackling fire or a scenic getaway with hiking and fishing opportunities, Missouri has a variety of options. Here are some of the best places to camp in Missouri for Thanksgiving.
Table Rock State Park, located near the entertainment hub of Branson, offers a serene and picturesque location to spend Thanksgiving. With the fall foliage still lingering and the cool waters of Table Rock Lake providing a stunning backdrop, it’s an ideal spot for campers. The park has two campgrounds with electric and basic sites, perfect for a relaxing Thanksgiving weekend.
Highlight: Take a family hike along the Chinquapin Trail or spend the day fishing before gathering around the campfire for your Thanksgiving feast.
Meramec State Park, nestled along the Meramec River, offers a tranquil setting for a Thanksgiving camping experience. The park is known for its scenic bluffs, hiking trails, and Meramec Caverns, which provide fascinating exploration opportunities. During Thanksgiving, the crisp air and peaceful surroundings make it an ideal place to unwind.
Highlight: Take a cave tour, explore the trails, or spend time fishing along the Meramec River before enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner surrounded by nature.
Missouri’s largest state park, Lake of the Ozarks State Park, offers a perfect blend of outdoor activities and peaceful relaxation for Thanksgiving campers. With campgrounds open year-round, you can enjoy lakeside views, hiking trails, and even a quiet paddle along the lake’s scenic shores. The cooler temperatures and quieter atmosphere create an ideal environment for a holiday getaway.
Highlight: Host your Thanksgiving meal at one of the park’s scenic picnic areas or take advantage of the RV sites and cook your feast in your cozy camper.
For a more rugged and adventurous Thanksgiving, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is a perfect choice. Known for its unique rock formations and natural “shut-ins,” this park offers an unforgettable outdoor experience. While the swimming holes might be too chilly by Thanksgiving, the park’s hiking trails and scenic views still make it a fantastic spot to enjoy the holiday.
Highlight: After a day of exploring the trails and admiring the rocky landscape, gather around the campfire for a rustic Thanksgiving dinner under the stars.
If fishing is a Thanksgiving tradition in your family, look no further than Roaring River State Park. This park is known for its trout fishing, and while fishing season slows down after November 1st, you can still enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty of the Ozark hills. The park’s campgrounds are open year-round and offer electric hookups and basic sites.
Highlight: Enjoy a quiet Thanksgiving in one of the park’s secluded campsites, where you can hike or fish in the cool fall air and celebrate the holiday in the great outdoors.
For those seeking a balance of modern amenities and natural beauty, Echo Bluff State Park offers a perfect Thanksgiving camping destination. The park features modern campsites with electric and water hookups, as well as stunning views of the Ozark bluffs. The cool weather and stunning fall colors make it an ideal location for a Thanksgiving camping trip.
Highlight: Echo Bluff is a great place for families to gather for Thanksgiving, offering hiking, fishing, and even cabin rentals for those looking for a more comfortable stay.
For a peaceful and secluded Thanksgiving, Hawn State Park is one of Missouri’s hidden gems. With its towering pine trees and rugged terrain, the park offers a quiet and beautiful location to spend the holiday. While there are no organized events or bustling crowds, Hawn’s serene trails and campgrounds provide an ideal retreat for nature lovers.
Highlight: Take a peaceful hike on the Whispering Pines Trail and enjoy a quiet Thanksgiving meal surrounded by Missouri’s natural beauty.
If you’re looking for dispersed or backcountry camping over Thanksgiving, the Mark Twain National Forest offers vast stretches of land where you can camp in peace and solitude. The forest covers much of southern Missouri and offers a variety of camping experiences, from developed campgrounds to more primitive sites. Thanksgiving here means immersing yourself in the quiet beauty of the Ozarks.
Highlight: With fewer amenities, this is the perfect spot for those who want a truly off-the-grid Thanksgiving experience. Pack up your turkey, set up camp, and enjoy the solitude of nature.
Why Camp for Thanksgiving in Missouri?
Camping for Thanksgiving allows you to escape the usual holiday hustle and enjoy quality time with family or friends in the great outdoors. Here’s why Missouri is the perfect place to camp for Thanksgiving:
- Cool, crisp weather: Missouri’s late fall weather is perfect for campfires, hot beverages, and cozying up in your tent or camper.
- Fewer crowds: Many of Missouri’s campgrounds are less busy during Thanksgiving, giving you the peace and quiet needed to relax.
- Beautiful fall colors: Missouri’s stunning autumn foliage lingers into late November, offering breathtaking views for your holiday.
- Outdoor adventure: Whether you enjoy hiking, fishing, or simply relaxing in nature, Missouri’s state parks and forests provide plenty of activities to enjoy over the holiday weekend.
So, if you’re ready to try something new this Thanksgiving, pack up your camping gear, gather your loved ones, and head to one of Missouri’s many beautiful camping destinations!
