Camping

Stark Caverns offers a camping in the cave/tour bundle ideal for your youth group needs.

Camping at Stark Caverns

Looking for a memorable camping and activity outing for your youth group? Stark Caverns offers a perfect location in central Missouri for youth groups to camp, tour an amazing living cave, learn about the geology and ecology of the area, complete activities to earn badges and have a great time. To get started, review the Youth Camping Information Guide and then submit a Youth Camping Request Form. Or call 573-TOP-CAVE, Extension 2, to speak with our Camping Coordinator for additional information.

Quick Information

Available Year-Round

Camping is available year-round at Stark Caverns.  Youth Groups may camp outside the Caverns throughout the year. Camping inside the Caverns is available in the Fall, Winter and Spring months, but more limited in the Summer during peak tourist season. The information package details what items you and your youth should bring to ensure a comfortable camping experience with us.

Education Meets Adventure

Scouts are able to mix camping and cave exploration into one experience, learning about cave formation, cave history, minerals & fossils, water conservation, cave ecology, and more! Stark Caverns strives to educate youth in a fun and immersive way. Ask during your booking process about our classroom space located on the 2nd floor of our visitors center for addtional teaching resource time as well.

Unique Camping Experience

The natural sounds of water droplets, trickling water & even a bat's wings make for a unique camping experience. Our large “Ballroom” has  a smooth, paved surface making it perfect for camping. Pop a tent or roll out a sleeping bag. Head outside to our picnic & firepit areas for campfire cooking or s'mores. Our team will provide firewood, a drinking water station, and ensure you are prepared to stay the night safely in our cavern. Our clean restrooms are open at the visitors center 24/7 and are climate controlled for comfort.

All pricing, guidelines, and offerings are subject to change. A minimum of 10 youth are required to book a camping experience. Failure to meet the minimum required youth attendance will result in cancellation or postponement to a later date.

Pricing

Minimum of 10 Youth, Maximum 40 Youth!

If you are a non-profit, please provide a copy of your tax-exempt form to eliminate sales tax

1 Night w/Daily Tour


In-Cave Camping:
$30 per Youth
$26 per Adult

Outside Camping:
$24 per Youth
$20 per Adult

1 Night w/Black Light Tour


In-Cave Camping:
$32 per Youth
$28 per Adult

Outside Camping:
$26 per Youth
$21 per Adult

2nd Night w/no Tour


In-Cave Camping:
$25 per Youth
$21 per Adult

Outside Camping:
$20 per Youth
$17 per Adult

Additional Options

  • Gemstone Mining - $ based on type and size selected

  • Geode Cracking - $ based on size selected

  • Additional Firewood Bundles - $10 per 10-piece bundle

  • Additional Water - $2 per 4-gallon jug

  • Education Room in Visitor Center - $50 for 3 hours

  • Hiking Trails (1 mile and .5 mile) – free

  • Large field area for merit badge activities

  • Hiking Trails

  • Classroom

  • Sluice Mining & Geodes

  • Gift Shop & Snacks