The best lakeside camping near Blackwater

48mi from Blackwater · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stover, MO

(149)

D'Ranch at Clearwater is a small, 40 acre hobby farm located on the north side of the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri. What started as a simple love of backyard chickens has now become a dream farm for Tracey Durant and her husband Theodore. Nestled in the valley between two forest covered hillsides, and running adjacent to Clearwater Creek on the east and the lake on the south, D'Ranch could not have been a more perfect location for the Durants to plant their roots and get their feet wet. While they continue their love of backyard chickens with their small egg and hatchery operation know as HeebyJeeby Chickens, they have expanded their interests to an array of friendly farm animals including horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and an occasional turkey or two.

3. The Pocket

33mi from Blackwater · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging · Columbia, MO

(31)

A literal 30 acre pocket of paradise tucked away just minutes North of Columbia, MO. Here you’ll find a private lake with fishing access, rolling hills with stunning sunrises and sunsets, plenty of space to reset with nature, perfect for a glamping getaway. We have 3 separate sites on the property. Our 24’ yurt that sleeps up to 6 with indoor toilet (no shower) propane fireplace for chilly fall and winter stays and AC for the Missouri heat; a cozy RV that sleeps 4 (queen bed and bunks in the back) offers all the amenities of home with a kitchen and bathroom (with hot water and shower); and last we have a level gravel site with 30amp electric and water hook ups (no dump capability) with picnic table, fire pit and grill available for those that want to bring their own RV. We are Pet friendly (with additional cost for the yurt) as we have our own over friendly farm dog. Come play yard games, swing, fish, bring your kayak or paddle board, kids can play or swim on our sandy beach, or just walk our 1 mile perimeter trail, a perfect place to rest, rejuvenate and recharge. Farm fresh eggs are available as well as any extra firewood. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our little pocket of paradise.

4. Van Meter State Park

21 sites · Miami, Missouri

Native American history comes to life in this scenic state park.

5. Knob Noster State Park

35 sites · Knob Noster, Missouri

Named for the small hills rising out of prairie flatlands, this park is a mid-Missouri retreat.

20mi from Blackwater · 1 site · RV · Fayette, MO

6. Silver Bell

The Silver Bell is a historic Motel in Howard county with a backyard pond and a short drive to Central Methodist University in Fayette Missouri.

7. Tiny off grid A frame in the woods

81%

(8)

49mi from Blackwater · 3 sites · Lodging · Warsaw, MO

Unique off grid tiny A Frame in the Lake of the Ozarks/Truman Lake area with tons of activities to do in the area from fine dining to boat rentals. Comes with an off grid working shower and toilet. Private boat launch with access to lake of the Ozarks 5 minutes away. Property is on two lots of land but guest will be off to themselves the cabin is situated at the back of eagle bay resort in Lincoln MO

8. Coconuts RV Resort

49mi from Blackwater · 51 sites · RVs, Lodging · Gravois Mills, MO

Lake of the Ozarks' Premier RV Resort Get ready for the ultimate getaway at Coconuts RV Resort! Located at the 7mm of the Gravois Arm, our resort is packed with fun, featuring annual and nightly waterfront RV sites, cozy vacation rentals, and tons of exciting amenities. Splash around in our multiple pools, have a blast at the water park, or set sail with boat rentals from our marina. Feast on tasty treats at Coconuts Bar and Grill and enjoy perks like retail shops, dog parks, and a fitness center. With lively events and endless activities, there’s always something to keep you smiling in the sun. Come join the fun at Coconuts RV Resort—where everything you need for a great time is right here!

9. Cairn Cottage~kayaks~hot tub~LOZ

49mi from Blackwater · 1 site · Lodging · Edwards, MO

Enjoy a retreat @cottagecairnloz a classic one-room, stone cottage sitting a stones throw from the Osage Arm of The Lake of the Ozarks (69MM). Relax with nature from the cabin hot tub year around. From May to when the water drops you can enjoy the Kayaks and SUPs at the lake lot. Brown Bend Public boat ramp is 11 minutes (6 mi) away from Cairn Cottage for those with boats. Please note that the cottage and lake lot are a short drive from each other. We are 20 minutes away from Missouri Department of Conservation land, 45 minutes away from climbing at Raven's Rocks and Warsaw. We are also 45 minutes from Mtn Biking trails in several directions. Message for links to these activities.

10. Finger Lakes State Park

35 sites · Hallsville, Missouri

(9)

Select from a menu of activities at this scenic mid-Missouri park, popular for ATVing.

452 sites · Bunker, Missouri

11. Mark Twain National Forest

88%

(21)

Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.

20mi from Blackwater · 1 site · RV · Fayette, MO

Camper favorites near Blackwater

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Silver Bell

The Silver Bell is a historic Motel in Howard county with a backyard pond and a short drive to Central Methodist University in Fayette Missouri.

Tiny off grid A frame in the woods

81%

(8)

49mi from Blackwater · 3 sites · Lodging · Warsaw, MO

Unique off grid tiny A Frame in the Lake of the Ozarks/Truman Lake area with tons of activities to do in the area from fine dining to boat rentals. Comes with an off grid working shower and toilet. Private boat launch with access to lake of the Ozarks 5 minutes away. Property is on two lots of land but guest will be off to themselves the cabin is situated at the back of eagle bay resort in Lincoln MO

Coconuts RV Resort

49mi from Blackwater · 51 sites · RVs, Lodging · Gravois Mills, MO

Lake of the Ozarks' Premier RV Resort Get ready for the ultimate getaway at Coconuts RV Resort! Located at the 7mm of the Gravois Arm, our resort is packed with fun, featuring annual and nightly waterfront RV sites, cozy vacation rentals, and tons of exciting amenities. Splash around in our multiple pools, have a blast at the water park, or set sail with boat rentals from our marina. Feast on tasty treats at Coconuts Bar and Grill and enjoy perks like retail shops, dog parks, and a fitness center. With lively events and endless activities, there’s always something to keep you smiling in the sun. Come join the fun at Coconuts RV Resort—where everything you need for a great time is right here!

Cairn Cottage~kayaks~hot tub~LOZ

49mi from Blackwater · 1 site · Lodging · Edwards, MO

Enjoy a retreat @cottagecairnloz a classic one-room, stone cottage sitting a stones throw from the Osage Arm of The Lake of the Ozarks (69MM). Relax with nature from the cabin hot tub year around. From May to when the water drops you can enjoy the Kayaks and SUPs at the lake lot. Brown Bend Public boat ramp is 11 minutes (6 mi) away from Cairn Cottage for those with boats. Please note that the cottage and lake lot are a short drive from each other. We are 20 minutes away from Missouri Department of Conservation land, 45 minutes away from climbing at Raven's Rocks and Warsaw. We are also 45 minutes from Mtn Biking trails in several directions. Message for links to these activities.

Public campgrounds near Blackwater

Van Meter Campground

25mi from Blackwater · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Van Meter State Park

37mi from Blackwater · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Knob Noster State Park

Knob Noster Campground

37mi from Blackwater · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Finger Lakes State Park

(9)

Finger Lakes Campground

Pine Ridge Recreation Area

48mi from Blackwater · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Dry Fork Recreation Area

49mi from Blackwater · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Stories from the community

Sheryl

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

I've tent camped at D'Ranch several times. Ted and Tracey are always the best! Chose a cabin this time. Perfect for my needs. Basic with no electric or running water. Port a john nearby. Great place to relax. Good place to see some wildlife.

g

greg

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Pocket

Nice quite spot for an overnight and close to I70. Certainly would stay here again if passing through.

H

Hong Geun

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

It was a fantastic camping trip with dogs, cats, and animals. The children really enjoyed it. Thank you!

A

Anita

3 weeks ago

2 nights at Tiny off grid A frame in the woods

Very cute and supplied with everything we needed. I would definitely advise driving there in a truck or at least a vehicle that is not low profile because the road to get there is a little washed out in spots. Otherwise it was a nice place to stay!

J

Jason

October 2025

38 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to The Pocket

Amazing spot and wonderful hosts! We will be back.

Sheryl

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

This is my go to place when I'm needing a reset. Tracey is always a phenomenal host even when she's busy in her personal life.

R

Ryan

September 2025

With pets

4 nights at The Pocket

Amazing place to stay! Clean, comfortable, and quite in a beautiful setting. I'll look forward to staying here again in the future.

L

Louis

September 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at The Pocket

Absolutely incredible property!! 10/10!! Host was excellent with communications and the property far exceeded expectations!

J

Josh

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Tiny off grid A frame in the woods

The A Frame was a great place to spend a weekend away from the city. The building was comfortable and had some nice luxuries such as AC and a mini fridge. Bathroom facility was awesome: having a hot shower is unusual even for cabin camping. The area was clean and quiet. Definitely have a vehicle that can handle some rough gravel roads and be sure to follow the directions the host gives you.

Courtney

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

Great location! The cabin was clean and comfy! Definitely recommend 10/10

Sheryl

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

Every thing is just perfect anytime I stay. Tracey is an exceptional host!

K

Kat

September 2025

1 night at The Pocket

I stopped here to get some sleep so I could continue my journey! It was a super cute and quiet place to be! There dog is super friendly and showed me around the property! I had an amazing time and would definitely recommend it!

J

John

September 2025

2 nights at D'Ranch at Clearwater

Quiet, secluded, great place to disconnect. Would recommend to any one looking to get away.

Britnie

September 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Pocket

Loved our weekend stay at the pocket! It was so peaceful and beautiful. The host family was so friendly and accommodating. Will stay again if we’re in the area!

Sheryl

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

Creekside 4 is where I stayed over Labor Day weekend. The creek was low but still beautiful. Perfect for wading in. There is a herd of deer that frequent the area. Unfortunately, I did not get to see them. It is a working 40 acre hobby farm, not a campground. There is no modern bathroom or shower house. They do have airbnb units that do have all your amenities, plus breakfast! They also have 3 rustic cabins on the lake. And 1 portajohn. Whatever your camping style is, they have you covered. Tracy is a phenomenal host. She is not only knowledgeable about her farm but the land around her. She is very passionate about what she does. Her tour of the farm was very informational. The grounds were so clean. You wouldn't even know you were on a farm. Ted, her husband, met me at the gate. And escorted me to my site. They both are just the best. Tracy was very responsive to her messages both Before & After booking. She asked many times if there was anything I needed & to let her know if I did. I would highly recommend D'Ranch to anyone! Topnotch hosts and gorgeous well-maintained property.

L

LAUREN

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

This place is amazing! Tracey and Ted are so friendly and have a wonderful place. It has everything you need and more. Especially love all the animals!!

K

Karl

August 2025

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

What went well... Everything! The cabin was just what we needed. The property is lovely and I loved using the kayak on the cove. I saw Herons, ducks and other water birds and a few amphibians. They had a great bonfire on Saturday night and my wife and I really enjoyed talking with Tracey and Ted. All in all a great trip at a great site.

E

Erica

August 2025

29 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at The Pocket

We were only here overnight, but it was great. We peddle boated in the morning before leaving, and the hosts dog swam in the pond with us while doing that. My dogs were able to run around off leash which was nice.

T

Tristan

August 2025

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

Great little getaway! Host was very accommodating. Right on the water with great fishing. Have some kayaks that guests can use.

D

Daylin

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

It’s always a wonderful time staying at D’Ranch! So thankful for such wonderful hosts. Their property is absolutely stunning and well-maintained.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Knob Noster State Park

Knob Noster, Missouri