- Waterside Camping
The best lakeside camping near Blackwater
86% (193) • 30 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Blackwater
The Pocket
1. The Pocket
100%
(33)
33mi from Blackwater · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$50
/ night
Big River Ranch
2. Big River Ranch
93%
(72)
48mi from Blackwater · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
At Big River Ranch, you'll always find something to do. From fishing to enjoying the 20 miles of riding trails the Ranch has to offer you'll never get tired of it.
- Enjoy views of the Missouri River from the 100 foot elevation of the bluffs.
- Over 20 miles of horse riding and UTV trails.
- Diverse habitat of deciduous forests, cedars, and pines, wildflowers, ponds, streams, and rolling hills.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
D'Ranch at Clearwater
3. D'Ranch at Clearwater
100%
(149)
48mi from Blackwater · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$15
/ night
Van Meter State Park
4. Van Meter State Park
State park 25mi from Blackwater · 21 sites
Native American history comes to life in this scenic state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Knob Noster State Park
5. Knob Noster State Park
100%
(1)
State park 37mi from Blackwater · 35 sites
Named for the small hills rising out of prairie flatlands, this park is a mid-Missouri retreat.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Silver Bell
6. Silver Bell
20mi from Blackwater · 1 site
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.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
$24
/ night
Tiny off grid A frame in the woods
7. Tiny off grid A frame in the woods
72%
(9)
49mi from Blackwater · 4 sites
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Coconuts RV Resort
8. Coconuts RV Resort
49mi from Blackwater · 50 sites · RVs, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$49
/ night
Cairn Cottage~kayaks~hot tub~LOZ
9. Cairn Cottage~kayaks~hot tub~LOZ
100%
(2)
49mi from Blackwater · 1 site
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.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
$180
/ night
Finger Lakes State Park
10. Finger Lakes State Park
100%
(9)
State park 37mi from Blackwater · 35 sites
Select from a menu of activities at this scenic mid-Missouri park, popular for ATVing.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mark Twain National Forest
11. Mark Twain National Forest
88%
(21)
National forest 135mi from Blackwater · 452 sites
Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
86% (193) • 30 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Blackwater
The Pocket
1. The Pocket
100%
(33)
33mi from Blackwater · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$50
/ night
Big River Ranch
2. Big River Ranch
93%
(72)
48mi from Blackwater · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
At Big River Ranch, you'll always find something to do. From fishing to enjoying the 20 miles of riding trails the Ranch has to offer you'll never get tired of it.
- Enjoy views of the Missouri River from the 100 foot elevation of the bluffs.
- Over 20 miles of horse riding and UTV trails.
- Diverse habitat of deciduous forests, cedars, and pines, wildflowers, ponds, streams, and rolling hills.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
D'Ranch at Clearwater
3. D'Ranch at Clearwater
100%
(149)
48mi from Blackwater · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
$15
/ night
Van Meter State Park
4. Van Meter State Park
State park 25mi from Blackwater · 21 sites
Native American history comes to life in this scenic state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Knob Noster State Park
5. Knob Noster State Park
100%
(1)
State park 37mi from Blackwater · 35 sites
Named for the small hills rising out of prairie flatlands, this park is a mid-Missouri retreat.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Silver Bell
6. Silver Bell
20mi from Blackwater · 1 site
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.
Electrical hookup
Pets
from
$24
/ night
Tiny off grid A frame in the woods
7. Tiny off grid A frame in the woods
72%
(9)
49mi from Blackwater · 4 sites
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
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$100
/ night
Coconuts RV Resort
8. Coconuts RV Resort
49mi from Blackwater · 50 sites · RVs, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$49
/ night
Cairn Cottage~kayaks~hot tub~LOZ
9. Cairn Cottage~kayaks~hot tub~LOZ
100%
(2)
49mi from Blackwater · 1 site
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.
Toilets
Showers
Hot Tub
from
$180
/ night
Finger Lakes State Park
10. Finger Lakes State Park
100%
(9)
State park 37mi from Blackwater · 35 sites
Select from a menu of activities at this scenic mid-Missouri park, popular for ATVing.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Mark Twain National Forest
11. Mark Twain National Forest
88%
(21)
National forest 135mi from Blackwater · 452 sites
Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Morgan
February 2026
With kids
Perfect family getaway. We stayed here in February when it was in the 30s/40s and the yurt stayed very warm and cozy at night. The property is very quiet and peaceful. I recommend this place!
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J
Jenn
December 2025
Weekend Trip to Cairn Cottage~kayaks~hot tub~LOZ
Cottage was quaint and cozy and super clean; Hannah is an excellent communicator; thorough amenities throughout the property. Perfect getaway for the weekend! Highly recommend giving Cairn Cottage a stay if you’re in the neighborhood.
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Sheryl
November 2025
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.
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g
greg
November 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Nice quite spot for an overnight and close to I70.
Certainly would stay here again if passing through.
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H
Hong Geun
November 2025
Tent
With kids
It was a fantastic camping trip with dogs, cats, and animals. The children really enjoyed it. Thank you!
See moreJ
Jason
October 2025
38 ft fifth wheel
Amazing spot and wonderful hosts! We will be back.
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Sheryl
October 2025
Tent
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.
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R
Ryan
September 2025
With pets
Amazing place to stay! Clean, comfortable, and quite in a beautiful setting. I'll look forward to staying here again in the future.
See moreL
Louis
September 2025
28 ft travel trailer
With pets
Absolutely incredible property!! 10/10!! Host was excellent with communications and the property far exceeded expectations!
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Courtney
September 2025
With kids
Great location! The cabin was clean and comfy! Definitely recommend 10/10
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Sheryl
September 2025
Tent
Every thing is just perfect anytime I stay. Tracey is an exceptional host!
See moreK
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!
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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.
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Britnie
September 2025
23 ft travel trailer
With pets
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!
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Sheryl
September 2025
Tent
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.
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L
LAUREN
August 2025
Tent
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!!
See moreK
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.
See moreE
Erica
August 2025
29 ft travel trailer
With pets
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.
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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.
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D
Daylin
August 2025
Tent
It’s always a wonderful time staying at D’Ranch! So thankful for such wonderful hosts. Their property is absolutely stunning and well-maintained.
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The best lakeside camping near Blackwater guide
When to go
For the best camping weather, visit Blackwater during spring or fall, when daytime temperatures are good for outdoor recreation and nighttime temperatures are best for campfires. Summertime is generally hot and humid, but many visitors enjoy waterside fun to beat the heat.