“I’m looking for somewhere close I can camp for the weekend, take it easy, maybe with some water for my dog to play in,” a friend said to me.
I knew just the place, because I’d been there the weekend before: Getaway St. Francois in Bloomsdale, Missouri. About 60 minutes south of St. Louis, the new camping outpost unfurls along a low ridge with scenic forest views and a hiking trail that follows a winding stream. “It’s perfect for you,” I said.
The simplicity of the Getaway model is what sets it apart. The entire experience is built around ease and comfort, from the online reservation process (just like choosing a hotel room) to the accommodations themselves. Each Getaway site includes its own tiny cabin and everything you need for a fast escape: a queen bed or bunks, two-burner stove, mini-fridge, sink, toilet, shower, heat/AC, fire pit, housewares — right down to an activity guide, nature therapy books, and s’mores kit.
I pulled up with a bag of groceries and a duffel containing two days’ worth of clothes. Blessing or curse, Wi-Fi was spotty, so I put my phone in the lockbox, turned up the radio, made a fire, and grilled burgers on my first night there. The next day, I drove 25 minutes to St. Joe State Park, where I rode my mountain bike and then swam in the lake. On the way back, I stopped for a beer at Doris Bar & Grill (five minutes from the outpost) and picked up a few items at Jake’s Express Gas & Deli next door.
St. Francois State Park and the Mine at Bonne Terre are about 30 minutes away, but I decided to explore the on-site hiking trail before leaving the next day; it was short (a mile or two) and sweet, just like my stay at Getaway St. Francois. I recommend the outpost to anyone seeking a quick, no-fuss reconnection with nature — with a little built-in pampering thrown in.
Cabins start at $109 per night, but rates vary by location, seasonality, and availability. Book your trip here.
Author: Brad Kovach is the editor/publisher of Terrain Magazine.