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The best camping in Clearwater Lake, MO

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Stories from the community

Seth

2 weeks ago

19 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Legacy Of Four RV And Cabin

Easy and stress free stay. Easy access and quiet.

Robert

2 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sycamore Springs Campground

Me & my son spent 2 days tent camping here. It sits right along the creek & very well kept. Harley is a good guy & friendly host.

Lauren

3 weeks ago

17 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Quiet Ozark RV/Tent Camping

We had a great time camping on Teresa's land. It has all the hookups you need and more! Very peaceful remote area, but still close enough to Van Buren that fetching any forgotten supplies is a breeze. She was also very kind, suggesting locations, offering advise, and even getting us some extra fire wood. One thing of note is to not listen to your GPS when arriving and actually read Teresa's email with detailed directions. Lol Otherwise you end up down her neighbor's driveway and look like an idiot. 😂

Matthew

3 weeks ago

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

The site was very quiet and we were the only campers in the area. It was secluded and a great spot for a getaway. The firewood on-site was a big plus for us. We were also grateful for the extremely clean porta potty on site. Hosts were not on site that we could tell, but it was not needed anyway for our stay.

KimberlyandDave

November 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Quiet Ozark RV/Tent Camping

This full hook-up site was perfect in every way! It is so peaceful and in a pretty setting. We spent a week and enjoyed each day. Teresa is a wonderful host and a very kind person. If we come back to this beautiful area in the future, we will definitely want to stay here again. We highly recommend this campground.

Chelsea

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

We camped in the safari tent and had a cozy lovely time. Although it was in a loop with other campsites it felt plenty private, set back from the road and separated from the other sites by plenty of trees. Didn't end up trying the tub, but it looked nice. The wood stove kept us warm throughout the night, and the solar power bank and water pump were a nice touch.

Delightful 1 bedroom peaceful tiny house

allison

November 2025

3 nights at Delightful 1 bedroom peaceful tiny house

Beautiful views and so much fun interacting with the animals. Very pet friendly, our dogs did well on the tether we brought. Cabin was perfect and had no issues with heat/cold. We had a great stay, thank you!

Alberta

November 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Cinco de Mayo Campground

Easy access, great hospitality! The peaceful abundance in a natural environment makes it a refreshing spot to take a break.

Garrett

November 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Sycamore Springs Campground

it is probably a great site to camp on. i never got the chance, i called left message that i had broken down along the way and needed to cancel. i think i tried to email them as well, but my cell service was intermittent from where i was at. i requested a refund as i couldn’t make the stay. left my info, and number/site. never heard back from them. so i ended up wasting $175 (three nights-weekend). i still haven’t heard much from them.

Benjamin

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Eminence Cottages and Camp

Cabin was excellent and the campground clearly is a passion project for how well maintained it was. Perfect way to get away from the noise of the city. Would recommend.

Andrea

November 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

3 nights at Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

The high and dry site was easy to find, felt private, had enough room to spread out and was surrounded by woods. It was conveniently located close to town and to parks and hiking in the area. We didn't see anyone (except two friendly dogs that stopped by one day). There is a nice fire pit at the site and a clean porta potty a quick walk across the bridge. There was a some road noise, but overall a nice little spot and good base camp with so much to explore in this beautiful area.

erica

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

I had a fantastic stay! Amazing views, and a great place to explore

Javon

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

I loved camping here . Love the amenities but I would have to say the roads and lighting here are a downside. The potholes are crazy and the "solar lights" are so dim it's so hard to see anything

Mike

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

A great place for tent camping in a quiet setting within a short distance of town. Sites are clean and ours was layered with mulch. Will visit again.

Victoria

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Arcadia Valley Outdoors was the best camping experience I’ve had! It was so easy to enter the campground and find our site, Old Country. Old Country was secluded from the other sites, which we LOVED! It was good to know we had neighbors nearby, but good we had our own space. Old Country was very clean and it was plenty of space for all our camping needs! It was so perfect :) We will be coming back!

Jennifer

October 2025

2 nights at Pine Valley at Dillard Mill

It was so peaceful and pretty! We want to come back and visit again in the spring:)

avee

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Flying W Store & Camping LLC

Absolutely amazing! Great tine with great client service

Valerie

October 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

Very well taken care of campground and Misty and her staff were a delight! There are so many little hidden spots they have setup to just relax in the woods by the creek. The road noise is noticeable, but the area makes up for it for sure!!!

Sam

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

I thoroughly enjoyed tent camping on Sherri’s land. High and Dry was a spacious spot on the edge of the woods with a great mix of tree coverage and expansive skies (fantastic for stargazing). A great base camp location for anyone wanting to check out the local natural wonders~!

Sean

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

Awesome camping awesome location we'll definitely be coming back

Top-rated campgrounds

Four Creeks Ranch Campground

97%

(438)

11mi from Clearwater Lake · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · Ellington, MO

Three crystal clear creeks to swim, wade, hunt rocks, or just relax. We have several tent sites right on the creeks and RV sites close for just a short walk for swimming fun. Close to Mark Twain National Forest, for hiking Rocky Creek trail Head, Blue Springs trail to Rocky Falls, Black River and the Current for floating, Kayaking or fishing. Clearwater Lake for boat rentals or Jet skies. Sites to see, Blue Springs, Big Springs Johnson Shut Inns, Elephant Rock, Rocky Falls, and many state parks to explore. We are also only three miles from the town of Ellington, MO for your shopping needs, several restaurants and antiquing.

Quiet Ozark RV/Tent Camping

100%

(12)

17mi from Clearwater Lake · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Van Buren, MO

Looking for a quiet, peaceful private RV site? This site is on a 1 lane county road, 1 mile from Current River and 3 miles from Big Springs (see pics). The country setting is ideal for anyone interested in fishing, floating, hiking or other outdoor activities. No worries about flooding at this location! The small rural town of Van Buren, Missouri is 1 mile away for supplies. A must see is Big Springs in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park 3 miles away. Full hook up (water/elec/sewer/trash) located at 136 Harner Holler in Van Buren, Missouri. Only a three other RV sites on the property. Sites listed are 136A and 136 B is on the shared acre. The other two sites are approximately 50 yards away, 209 being one of these sites. The total property area is 30 acres with rarely any traffic on the country road. Note: A large Class A RV would not be able to make the curve in the county road. 2 night minimum preferred, but not required. Weekly/monthly rates available. Contact owner. Weekly and monthly rates will have additional electric charge based on usage.

The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%

(65)

21mi from Clearwater Lake · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · Greenville, MO

Learn more about this land: Holliday Landing Resort & Marina offers a variety of beautiful campsites to meet your camping needs. There are 11 sites with water, electric, and sewer hook-ups, 28 sites with water and electric, there is a secluded mini-loop where tent campers can enjoy the same access and amenities. All water and electric campsites have 30/120 amp electric service and frost-free water. Guests may use the modern restroom facility with showers. A dump station is available for your use. Each non-primitive site has a gravel pad for RV campers and parking, a grassy area for tent camping, visiting, or playing, a picnic table, and a fire ring with grill. Each primitive site has a grassy area, picnic table, and fire ring with no designated parking area. For your convenience, camping guests may use the boat ramp and may rent a boat slip for a $10 nightly fee. Kids and adults alike can play together at our playground area. Camping guests also have access to an inground swimming pool at no extra charge.

Saco Valley Farm, LLC

98%

(26)

24mi from Clearwater Lake · 4 sites · Tents · Fredericktown, MO

Camp, Swim, BBQ, wade the creek, enjoy the campfire! Primitive Camping. Very Private. Water is cool and clear. Open to the stars. A great place to commune with nature, or enjoy some peace and quiet! 12 mile creek runs directly through our property. Shallow and deep all throughout. Great for wading, swimming, floating, kayaking. Great small mouth fishing! We are approximately one mile by water from the St. Francois River. We have kayaked down the creek to the river for many years. The farm is very rural. We are 16 miles to the closest gas station, and 25 miles to town. There is no internet. Cell phone service is spotty at best. Currently a working farm, we have 2 high tunnels on the property behind the house, and our original market garden. Across the creek we are finishing up our 5 acre agroforestry planting. 3 acres of elderberries and 2 acres of blackberries. 28 acres, 3 on one side, and 25 on the other. The farm is located approximately 2 hours south of St. Louis. Fredericktown is 30 mins away. Food, Drinks, Golf, and Lalo's Mexican Restaurant! There are a ton of local antique shops, and outdoor activities. Local places of interest: Amidon Arcadia Valley Black River Bonne Terre Mine Elephant Rocks Johnson Shut Ins Mill Stream Gardens One Nation Paintball Park Sam A. Baker State Park Saco Valley Farmstand Sherpher Mountain Bike Park Silvermines Taum Sauk Mountain

Rocky Falls Campsite

100%

(10)

26mi from Clearwater Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Eminence, MO

Closest electric campsite to the wonderful Rocky Falls picnic area/swimming hole in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, where there is also a connection to the Ozark Trail to Mill Mountain Shut-Ins and historic Klepzig Mill. Enjoy the exclusive use of this electric campsite on 80 acres, mostly forest. 50 amp, 30 amp, and two 110-volt outlets. Room for up to 2 large RVs/camper trailers plus tents, so bring your family or small group. Other attractions in the area include the clear spring-fed Jacks Fork River and Current River, Blue Spring, Alley Spring, Peck Ranch Conservation Area, the Rocky Creek wild horse herd and so much more. Enjoy all these areas while camped away from the crowds in your own private campsite with a picnic table and campfire ring. About 1 ft x 4 ft of dry firewood available for $15, or about 2 ft x 4 ft for $30, from on-site wood box. Call or text host for lock combination. Enjoy the fireflies and vast dark night sky with no overhead lights in an area with very little light pollution. Campsite has good cell phone coverage with most carriers.

Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

99%

(63)

28mi from Clearwater Lake · 20 sites · RVs · Fredericktown, MO

Fredrock is a small privately owned glampground on crystal clear 12mile Creek. It is located about 15 minutes from the nearest town on 33 beautiful acres. Enjoy one of the 7 themed stays or bring your own RV and stay in one of only 5 RV spots. It is just a few minutes walk to 12 Mile Creek which runs through the property. Enjoy the beautiful bluffs, shut-ins, gravel river beds and crystal clear water. Swimming, hiking, stargazing, and horseshoes are all available at Fredrock!

1855 Campground

100%

(71)

30mi from Clearwater Lake · 7 sites · Tents · Black, MO

Hosts News: And just like that are camping season is at a close. I want to thank ALL my campers for making this a record year! Also a very big thanks for LEAVING NO TRACE. TIRED OF NOISEY OVERCROWDED CAMP GROUNDS, give us a try! 1855 Campground is 45 acres of private property, dedicated to the natural Ozark experience. We border the Mark Twain National Forest, enjoy the outdoors at its best. Our space offers 7 large campsites to provide privacy & serenity. Site 1, Little Brushy Creek with parking. Site 2, Nancy’s Landing, smaller site close to the creek with parking. Site 3 Bills Hill, located high up in the woods. Sites 4 & 5 Walnut Grove, large flat grassy sites in a meadow with wildflowers. Site 6 Hidden Hollow, located in a private cove. Site 7 Roberts Mountain located high up in the woods. Sites 3-4-5-6-7 are remote wooded campsites. Accessible by foot only & upon request a free shuttle of your camping gear. MUST arrive before 8pm when booking these remote sites. Bordering the National Forest, so hiking is abundant & encouraged. Far from the city is ideal for star gazing & amazing photo ops. There is a year round freshwater spring flowing nearby. Enjoy fishing, swimming in the pond or babbling brook that runs alongside the property. Close by attractions: Floating along the Black River Johnson Shut Ins State Park Bell Mountain Hiking Trails Elephant Rocks State Park Counsel Bluffs Lake Tip Top Park Taum Sauk State Park Historic town of Caledonia Clearwater Lake Shepard Mountain bike trail Campsites can accommodate multiple tents. All sites have fire pits, first bundle of wood provided, & BBQ grills and tables (except sites 3 & 7). Bring charcoal. Outhouses & outside shower are available. Parking lot provided, after check in & assistance to campsite. NO vehicles, guns or loud music allowed in campground “ Leave No Trace Principles apply, take out what you bring in. The office is open 9 to 9 daily through the season. It’s worth noting that the office/ house is “off grid”. Bill, the manager of the campground has been living full time off grid for over 8 yrs & loves to share his experiences & encourages others to ask questions on the subject during normal business hours.

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%

(839)

32mi from Clearwater Lake · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ironton, MO

A wooded, more private camping experience with unique site designs and natural elements. Wood-burning sauna and hot tub available for guest use. Primitive Camping Van/vehicle Camping Small Trailers Glamping Bike Trails, Hiking, creek sit-in' on site! Best of the midwest biking, hiking, Ozark Trail, rock climbing Elephant Rocks Park, Johnson Shut-ins and more swimming holes nearby! Wood for sale on site, $5 per bundle, Fire starters also available. Ask us about our "Really Good At Camping" merchandise. We have shirts, mugs & wine tumblers! *Cash Only* at this time. We Have free stickers! *For camp site locations please refer to our map in the campsite listing photos. We are located just west of the Ironton Water Works Plant and the Shepherd Mountain Lake dam. Turn right after the dam, drive through Shepherd Mountain Lake Park. If our "campground guests only" gate if it is closed, and please close gate behind you. Thank you! No Hook Ups No swimming in the lake and no outside boats, but we have boats for campers to use free of charge! General Store and restroom facilities/showers coming soon!

Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

97%

(45)

32mi from Clearwater Lake · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Arcadia, MO

BaseCamp is s respite nestled into the Arcadia Valley, just miles from Elephant Rocks and Johnsons Shut-Ins State Parks and several conservation areas. With nearly 70 acres surrounded by Mark Twain National Forest, there are many opportunities for hiking, botanical exploration, licensed fishing, mountain biking, equine accessible trails, and much more without ever leaving BaseCamp. There is a small pond on the property with a walking trail and a rock garden that doubles as a small creek when rains are heavy. With camping options ranging from backpacking and tent camping to van dwellers and Tiny House glamping, all are welcome. Adventure begins at Base Camp!

Eminence Cottages and Camp

98%

(84)

32mi from Clearwater Lake · 45 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Eminence, MO

Welcome to Eminence Cottages & Camp Our Resort is perfectly located to enjoy the natural wonders that abound in this area. Eminence Cottages and Camp is in the center of Missouri's largest national park; The Ozark National Scenic Riverways. We invite you to enjoy river fishing and canoeing, hiking and biking the famous Ozark Trail, abundant wildlife viewing, spring hopping and auto tours. Relax in our well-appointed cottages or get close to nature in the campground. Once settled you'll be ready to float the Current or Jacks Fork River. Call to make your reservation!

Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

98%

(30)

34mi from Clearwater Lake · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · MO

Learn more about this land: You'll have a private place of your own, with access to some of Missouri states most hidden springs, rivers, waterfalls, fishing, hunting, hiking, (some of the best) horseback riding trails, and historic landmarks. Rather you're after solitude or sport, this area has you covered. Kayak, canoe, and shuttle rental, service is available at hufstedlers.com and is a short 11.5 mile drive. Beautiful eleven point river offers blue, red, and white ribbon, spring fed trout/walleye water. If you're looking to float the river, be sure to research the many springs on the way down your trip and the historic mill communities that once flourished there. These are perfect opportunities to take a break, eat a meal, and explore the area. Most also will have public bathrooms. Unless there are multiple reservations, you will be allowed to hookup/stay at whichever site is the easiest for you to get parked at. Maps of the area and things to do will continue to be updated as they are developed. In the mean time, a great resource is MissouriScenicRivers.com. We do not live near this site so this is an exclusively non-hosted listing.

Robert's Redneck Retreat, LLC

100%

(13)

38mi from Clearwater Lake · 3 sites · Lodging · Doniphan, MO

Robert's Redneck Retreat is located on about 16 acres of pasture and 58 acres of forested land with a creek and trails running through it. Our property also adjoins 1200 acres of the Mark Twain National Forest, dotted with springs, trails, rivers, lakes, ponds and breathtaking views. We have three small cabins on the property that are spaced out for privacy. There are also potential for tent camp sites.My husband and I love nature, farming, gardening, and sharing time with like-minded individuals. Our dream is small scale hobby farming adjoined with cabin rentals, allowing trees to regrow in places that were once pasture in order to do our part to help maintain habitat for wild animals and plants. It is a balance that we love and it is our pleasure to share this property with you. We are new here, but we are not new to the camping world; we have been helping campers have positive experiences since 2013 and already have over 170 positive reviews on Airbnb. We would love for Hip Campers to come experience our brand of cabin camping, with farm and forest experiences.A little history of the surrounding area: The Mark Twain National Forest was stripped by loggers in the 1800's and was purchased by the government as a preserve. Since then, it has regrown into hardwood forest, dotted with remnants of pine. It feels wild and untouched, despite knowing it's history. And within it, it harbors all manner of waterways, wildlife, plants, and fungi beyond your imagination. We love southern Missouri and hope you come catch a taste of the wildness that is the Forest. Disconnect, unplug, lose your cell signal, and come find yourself in the woods :)

The best camping in Clearwater Lake, MO guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Clearwater Lake, where the crystal waters invite you to dive into a variety of activities. Paddle through serene waters, hike along lush trails, and fish for your next big catch. As the sun sets, gather around a crackling campfire and gaze at the starlit sky from your campsite, immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Clearwater Lake is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings warmth perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winter can be chilly, so pack accordingly if you plan a serene, off-season retreat.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your visit accordingly.
Remember to pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a comfortable day out.
Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions that may be in effect during your visit.
Accessible facilities are available, but it's best to confirm ahead for specific needs.

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