The best camping near Mark Twain National Forest
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mark Twain adventure.
89% (19 reviews)
89% (19 reviews)
Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near Mark Twain National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
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Stay at a public campground in Mark Twain National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Mark Twain National Forest
94%
(1561)
Spring Lake Ranch
38 sites · RVs, Tents101 acres · Potosi, MO
Spring Lake Ranch boasts countless trails and lake activities. Formerly known as Sayersbrook Bison ranch, at one time it was one of the largest Bison ranches in the world.
This property is filled with amazing things to see and explore. Nothing like it in Missouri. Lake is 60+ acres and is spring fed. Amazing fishing, swimming and kayaking.
We are pet friendly. You will have amazing lake views and will be close to hiking trails, horseback riding, and wine tasting at Edge Cliff Wineries which is next door to us.
The beautiful shower house is super clean, has restrooms and hot showers and it is within walking distance. Firewood and ice are available to purchase; kayaks and fishing poles are available for rent. If you forget something at home stop by our little country store, we might have it! :)
The sites are about 20 ft from each other - if you are looking for more privacy please check out the secluded site or the peninsula.
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$15.99
/ night
98%
(306)
Four Creeks Campground
19 sites · RVs, Tents90 acres · 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.
Right on miles of ATV, OHV, SxSs or horse trails. Close to the 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.
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$20
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100%
(44)
Big River Outdoors Campground
80 sites · RVs, Tents87 acres · Frankclay, MO
80+ acres with over a mile of river frontage. Also a unique custom off road park on the property. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and live music on weekends. Tent camping or RV/camper . Campers who need electric are allowed to bring a generator. We have limited electric as of now. We are located just 2-3 miles from 3 different gas stations but are also very secluded.
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$50
/ night
Little Sinkin Creek RV Resort & UTV Campground
7 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Bunker, MO
Little Sinkin Creek RV Resort is a UTV/ATV/Jeep friendly Campground located deep in the Ozarks Mountains, and subsequently the back door step to some of the state’s most magnificent landscapes.
Between the outcroppings and bluffs of this 7,000-square-mile region, rivers and streams have carved countless canyons and caverns, creating a gorgeous wilderness with lots of outdoor activities and places to explore. Go hiking among lush oak and pine trees or paddling along pristine rivers fed by crystal-clear springs—the opportunities are almost endless. If that don't do it for ya, then jump in your Jeep, SXS, or ATV to see Missouri's Back Country roads.
We started as a family who discovered a love for the outdoors. Whether it may be camping, floating, or even riding the back roads....some of our best friendships have developed down in the Ozarks!
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$65
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100%
(42)
Crooked Creek Ranch
1 site · RV, Tent35 acres · Salem, MO
Once a portion of a hunting preserve, Crooked Creek Ranch is located deep in the Missouri Ozarks, within walking distance of Mark Twain National Forest.
We've owned and managed Crooked Creek Ranch for many years now, building and maintaining trails, planting trees and working to make the place as beautiful as it can be for all who visit.
We hope that you will be as refreshed and revitalized as we are when you set foot into this wonderful forest.
It is a lot of very hard work, and totally worth it.
If you enjoy it, it will make it that much more worth it!
Thanks for reading!
Learn more about this land:
100% PRIVACY. 35 private wooded acres all to yourself with a totally private one-mile intermediate level mountain biking-hiking loop trail! Hike peaceful trails, exploring the wooded hills until you find the perfect spot for your tent. If you select a spot near the clearing, you will have access to the picnic table and fire circle. Spend your days mountain biking, hiking, fishing and watching wildlife on a private ranch in the Ozark Mountains, less than a quarter mile from the Mark Twain National Forest. Less than five miles from Indian Trail State Forest (Indian Trail Conservation Area) with beautiful Blackwell Lake. Canoeing and kayaking are less than an hour away (Meramec River, Current River and Jacks Fork River), as well as trout fishing at scenic Meramec Spring Park or Montauk State Park. Peaceful wilderness will inspire artists, writers, musicians. Quiet, secluded, beautiful, and rugged. If you do not want to see anyone, you don't have to. You will have 35 private acres. You will be 100% secluded. If you want amenities, this is not the place. If you want complete privacy, this is the place! Bear and mountain lion have been seen in the area, so please keep this in mind.
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$25
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99%
(483)
Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land
23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · 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!
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$25
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95%
(31)
Eminence Cottages and Camp
45 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · 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!
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$20
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97%
(16)
Delightful 1 bedroom peaceful tiny house
1 site · Lodging20 acres · Salem, MO
We bought this property to enjoy our horses and cattle as well as the small animals including our rabbits , chickens , ducks , and more . We turned one of our barns into a place to have music and line dancing, however over time it turned into a perfect place for weddings and gathering events. We enjoy meeting the people who visit our farm . The sunsets behind the barn are therapeutic and soothing to the soul! Our small animals are the heart of the farm. We enjoy them and our guests are welcome to enjoy them as well. Learn more about this land:You won’t forget the peaceful surroundings of this rustic destination. Your stay with us is sure to bring you back to simplicity of life while comfortably cozy and relaxed . While TV and WiFi are available , you will find yourself content with viewing the activities of the surroundings and serene atmosphere. Just minutes away you’ll find exciting selections of activities , excellent dining , and friendly small businesses with a wide selection of interest .Guests are welcome to our venue and we encourage meeting with us to enjoy farm animals and surroundings .This is a working farm. This includes small and large farm animals .
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$89
/ night
IN THE WOODS
2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Viburnum, MO
Located WITHIN the boundaries of Mark Twain Forest. East of Salem, MO within an hour of Arcadia Valley(Ironton, MO) Approx. 1 hour from SHEPHERD MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK, to rivers, beautiful night skies, wildlife, * firewood for on site use, Within 45 minutes of STATE PARKS and Council Bluff Lake
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$50
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Booked 2 times
The Wild lands
10 sites · RVs23 acres · Bunker, MO
The property is 23 acres of forest we border two massive forest the mark Twain and the pioneer.Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent, yurt, any other structure you have with you at wild-lands cove. Our property is a short drive away from Mark Twain national Forest and pioneer forest conservation. Our land is deep in the woods with some clearings here and there. At the wild-lands deer and turkey are common sights.
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$25
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99%
(37)
Pine Valley at Dillard Mill
5 sites · Lodging43 acres · Davisville, MO
Pine Valley is located in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest and sits just a short walk away from historic Dillard Mill. Book the entire Farm or stay in an Airstream or Cottage. Group rentals Welcome!
Pine Valley is on 43 acres of beautiful green pasture and woodland. Take a hike on one of the trails around the property or go fishing or wading on the Huzzah Creek. Spend your evening roasting marshmallows around your private campfire.
Guests will have access to the 40 acres of land surrounding them. There are two ponds on the premise. Enjoy the quarter-mile walk to the old Dillard Mill Store, displayed in museum fashion at the entrance of Dillard Mill State Historic Site. Tour the old grist mill in working form, fish for sunfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass at the Mill, and take memorable photos. Just across from our main entrance take the half-mile trail through Mark Twain National Forest and skip rocks on the Huzzah Creek! Ask us about access to our private gravel bar on the Huzzah. You will pass it, and the private parking, on Dillard Mill Rd on your drive into Pine Valley
We may or may not be on the premise during individual rentals. If there are any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out.
Other things to note
While this space provides most utilities and amenities you'd find at your home, it is important to note it is still a camping-style getaway. We do our best to treat the area, but you will encounter insects.
AT&T has limited cell phone reception in the area, Sprint is very spotty, and Verizon is pretty much unavailable for service. We provide the best free wifi available to help with communication back to the real world, but it is rather slow. The best wifi reception is near the General Store/Courtyard.
We try and keep the area well maintained. You may see ATVs/tractors on our property and on the gravel road.
Pets are welcome for an extra $50 per stay. Please note our dogs may be on the property. They are friendly and well-behaved, although sometimes curious. Other guests may have no-leash pets as well.
Park right next to your glamper. Arrive anytime after 4pm, just give us an eta to know when to expect you. If your glamper is not ready upon your arrival, feel free to explore our farm, visit Dillard Mill or head down to the Huzzah while we make it ready for your stay. Self Check-In is always the norm for added privacy. We won't bother you except to wave or maybe say hello if you're out and about. Please feel free to approach us with questions, niceties, or needs.
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$129
/ night
87%
(15)
Flying W Store & Camping LLC
44 sites · RVs, Tents98 acres · Jadwin, MO
Learn more about this land:Located between two Canoe Rentals on Upper Current River. Campground is 2 miles from River. We are also 4.5miles from Flat Nasty Off Road Park. Check out our fb or flyingwstoreandcamping.com
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$30
/ night
The best camping near Mark Twain National Forest guide
Overview
About
Encompassing seven wilderness areas across 27 counties, Mark Twain National Forest has it all. Rambling oak forests, volcanic peaks, and rocky glades where you can hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, or ride an ATV along 750 miles of trails. Natural springs, rivers, and streams where you can swim, paddle, float, or fish for wild bass, crappie, and rainbow trout. Plus, vast prairie lands peppered with wildflowers and wildlife-watching opportunities. Camping is equally diverse, with more than 35 campgrounds to choose from, including RV sites, equestrian camps, and dispersed camping.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for getting on the water: Red Bluff Campground has 44 sites, six with electric hookups, and all within a short walk of Huzzah Creek.
- Best for hikers and horseback riders: Dry Fork Recreation Area Campground has eight RV sites with hitching posts for equestrians at the Cedar Creek trailhead.
- Best for backcountry campers: The Taum Sauk Section offers bare-bones, dispersed camping along this scenic stretch of the Ozark Trail.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- You can reserve a campsite in advance online.
- Campsite reservations open six months in advance or 12 months in advance for group sites.
- Campsites can book up as fast, especially on summer and holiday weekends. Book a minimum of three months in advance to avoid disappointment.
When to go
The most popular time to visit Mark Twain National Forest is from spring through fall, when weather is ideal for hiking, biking, and water activities. Camping is possible year-round, although some campgrounds close for the winter season. The forest is at its most enchanting in late spring, when wildflowers bloom along the prairies, and from mid-October through early November, when fall foliage is at its most vibrant.
Know before you go
- Mark Twain National Forest is about a 90-minute drive southwest of St. Louis.
- No admission fees apply, but permits are required for developed recreation areas and access to motorized trails. Most campgrounds charge a fee while dispersed campsites do not.
- Park facilities include picnic benches, restrooms, and running water at day-use and camping areas. Bring everything else you need when hiking and camping. Cell phone service is patchy throughout the forest.
- Accessible campsites, restrooms, and day-use areas are available at Mark Twain National Forest.
Top cities near Mark Twain National Forest
- Mark Twain National Forest
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