98% (694) • 59 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Blackwater
Selby Farm Horse Retirement
1. Selby Farm Horse Retirement
99%
(697)
27mi from Blackwater · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Summary:
Easy access from I-70
Great views.
Usually very quiet except for wildlife sounds
Portapottie at both camping areas
Great star viewing.
Excellent conditions for pets
Hosts live nearby and are good communicators via text or phone.
Hosts can direct you to several local attractions and shopping options.
Hosts are happy to take questions before, during, or after your stay.
Narrative about Selby Farm:
Selbys have lived on this 75 acre farm since 1990. Doug and Brenda are retired from teaching at nearby public schools. Our Farm is now dedicated to boarding retired horses for their owners. Feel free to review the Selby Farm Horse Retirement webpage if you are a horse fan.
We encourage you to visit our business website where you will see more farm pictures, videos, and where you will learn more about us. We practice rotational grazing for the health of the horses and the health of our pastures. The horses live in a herd as they would in the wild. Basically, they are hanging out with their friends! They also get regular care and feed and so are VERY happy. You will see and probably interact with the horses if you wish. They are guaranteed to come closer if you have treats like carrots and apples slices.
Our quiet county road used to be the main road along the river. A hundred years ago it was called "Shanty Road". The shacks that were along it housed workers that harvested food from farms in the river bottom. The only evidence of those shacks now is perrenial flowers growing in unusual places. The area is inhabited by professionals working in nearby towns and cities. In fact there are only five homes along our 1.5 mile section of Copps Chapel Road.
The native Americans who used this area did so because of the great diversity of wildlife and availability of water. Also the view is amazing in all directions. Was using this ridge top encampment for security, or just because the view is so satisfying?
The Missouri River is on the far side of the bottoms now, but has been very close historically. There is also a large spring flowing from a cave nearby. Witness the flint chips when you walk through our barn lot. You are likely to see a broken stone tool that was once worked on by a native American. These river hills are composed of soils blown in from the end of the last ice age. Being near the river, erosion has cut down the surrounding area making the scenic topography associated with Missouri River valleys and river hills.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$24
/ night
Little Cabin On The Farm
2. Little Cabin On The Farm
98%
(30)
30mi from Blackwater · 1 site · Lodging
Natural cabin for nature lovers on a little homestead. This cabin was built using local wood and is situated in a grove of mature oak and persimmon trees. Relax on the porch, sit around the fire, or enjoy looking out the window at wildlife (lots of birds!) and livestock.
The cabin has a loft, galley kitchen, and a small bathroom with shower. Less than 20 minutes away from I-70, just over 30 minutes from Columbia, MO. Located close to Missouri river access at Lupus, and is approx 10 minutes away from Plowboy Bend Conservation Area, Prairie Home Conservation Area, and Big Muddy NWR.
There is one twin bed on ground level and a twin and full bed in the loft, option to move full mattress to the floor. Family friendly, lots to see on the farm (we have katadhin sheep, Irish Dexter cattle, plus many more).
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$65
/ 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
Arrow Rock State Historic Site
4. Arrow Rock State Historic Site
100%
(3)
47 sites · Arrow Rock, Missouri
Explore a unique park that encompasses part of an 18th-century river town.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Van Meter State Park
5. Van Meter State Park
21 sites · Miami, Missouri
Native American history comes to life in this scenic state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Big River Ranch
6. 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
Von Holten Ranch Century Ranch
7. Von Holten Ranch Century Ranch
100%
(98)
30mi from Blackwater · 40 sites
Von Holten Ranch was originally in 1906 by David Von Holten's great grandfather. David is the 4th generation to own the family farm. David and Brandy married in 2005. Brandy Von Holten is an avid horsewoman. They quit their jobs, bought the family farm, and opened an equine trail riding facility and fully functioning camping facility.Learn more about this land:Winery nearby, horses and mules visible, heated and air conditioned guest shower house, creek that runs year round, mostly wooded, private firepits.Von Holten Ranch is on a century farm, meaning that the land has been in the same family for over 100 years. It is also home to a rustic wedding barn and an equine trail riding facility. We are considered the gateway to the Ozarks. The deer are plentiful and easily viewable, especially in the open fields.
Mark Twain National Forest
8. Mark Twain National Forest
88%
(21)
452 sites · Bunker, Missouri
Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
98% (694) • 59 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Blackwater
Selby Farm Horse Retirement
1. Selby Farm Horse Retirement
99%
(697)
27mi from Blackwater · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Summary:
Easy access from I-70
Great views.
Usually very quiet except for wildlife sounds
Portapottie at both camping areas
Great star viewing.
Excellent conditions for pets
Hosts live nearby and are good communicators via text or phone.
Hosts can direct you to several local attractions and shopping options.
Hosts are happy to take questions before, during, or after your stay.
Narrative about Selby Farm:
Selbys have lived on this 75 acre farm since 1990. Doug and Brenda are retired from teaching at nearby public schools. Our Farm is now dedicated to boarding retired horses for their owners. Feel free to review the Selby Farm Horse Retirement webpage if you are a horse fan.
We encourage you to visit our business website where you will see more farm pictures, videos, and where you will learn more about us. We practice rotational grazing for the health of the horses and the health of our pastures. The horses live in a herd as they would in the wild. Basically, they are hanging out with their friends! They also get regular care and feed and so are VERY happy. You will see and probably interact with the horses if you wish. They are guaranteed to come closer if you have treats like carrots and apples slices.
Our quiet county road used to be the main road along the river. A hundred years ago it was called "Shanty Road". The shacks that were along it housed workers that harvested food from farms in the river bottom. The only evidence of those shacks now is perrenial flowers growing in unusual places. The area is inhabited by professionals working in nearby towns and cities. In fact there are only five homes along our 1.5 mile section of Copps Chapel Road.
The native Americans who used this area did so because of the great diversity of wildlife and availability of water. Also the view is amazing in all directions. Was using this ridge top encampment for security, or just because the view is so satisfying?
The Missouri River is on the far side of the bottoms now, but has been very close historically. There is also a large spring flowing from a cave nearby. Witness the flint chips when you walk through our barn lot. You are likely to see a broken stone tool that was once worked on by a native American. These river hills are composed of soils blown in from the end of the last ice age. Being near the river, erosion has cut down the surrounding area making the scenic topography associated with Missouri River valleys and river hills.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$24
/ night
Little Cabin On The Farm
2. Little Cabin On The Farm
98%
(30)
30mi from Blackwater · 1 site · Lodging
Natural cabin for nature lovers on a little homestead. This cabin was built using local wood and is situated in a grove of mature oak and persimmon trees. Relax on the porch, sit around the fire, or enjoy looking out the window at wildlife (lots of birds!) and livestock.
The cabin has a loft, galley kitchen, and a small bathroom with shower. Less than 20 minutes away from I-70, just over 30 minutes from Columbia, MO. Located close to Missouri river access at Lupus, and is approx 10 minutes away from Plowboy Bend Conservation Area, Prairie Home Conservation Area, and Big Muddy NWR.
There is one twin bed on ground level and a twin and full bed in the loft, option to move full mattress to the floor. Family friendly, lots to see on the farm (we have katadhin sheep, Irish Dexter cattle, plus many more).
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$65
/ 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
Arrow Rock State Historic Site
4. Arrow Rock State Historic Site
100%
(3)
47 sites · Arrow Rock, Missouri
Explore a unique park that encompasses part of an 18th-century river town.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Van Meter State Park
5. Van Meter State Park
21 sites · Miami, Missouri
Native American history comes to life in this scenic state park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Big River Ranch
6. 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
Von Holten Ranch Century Ranch
7. Von Holten Ranch Century Ranch
100%
(98)
30mi from Blackwater · 40 sites
Von Holten Ranch was originally in 1906 by David Von Holten's great grandfather. David is the 4th generation to own the family farm. David and Brandy married in 2005. Brandy Von Holten is an avid horsewoman. They quit their jobs, bought the family farm, and opened an equine trail riding facility and fully functioning camping facility.Learn more about this land:Winery nearby, horses and mules visible, heated and air conditioned guest shower house, creek that runs year round, mostly wooded, private firepits.Von Holten Ranch is on a century farm, meaning that the land has been in the same family for over 100 years. It is also home to a rustic wedding barn and an equine trail riding facility. We are considered the gateway to the Ozarks. The deer are plentiful and easily viewable, especially in the open fields.
Mark Twain National Forest
8. Mark Twain National Forest
88%
(21)
452 sites · Bunker, Missouri
Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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.
See more
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 more
G
Gabrielle
November 2025
Tent
With kids
Doug and Brenda were amazing host! They were flexible with our late evening arrival time and checked on us every day. We learned a lot about their farm from themselves and their farm hand, Johnny. We got to feed all the animals, pick and keep chicken eggs and venture around the whole farm each day. We went when it was very cold and they made sure we had enough firewood to stay warm. They were wonderful to meet and get to know! We were inspired to eventually have a farm and animals of our own one day when we can settle down. Also, the stargazing was amazing!
See moreS
Scott
November 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a great time camping around the giant oak tree, which is scenic and impressive. There was plenty of room on level ground to set up our tents. Doug was an attentive host, too. We appreciated the Solo Stove campfire setup on a cold night. The whole area is beautiful in the fall. I wish we had more time to explore. Maybe next time!
See more
J
Jay
November 2025
21 ft campervan
Great scenic quiet camping with the horses! Doug and Brenda are great hosts and have a beautiful property. I walked the trails and the gravel road and had a great time.
I would definitely stay here again!
See more
Mary Beth
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
We loved our stay and at this gorgeous place! So many fond memories! Stunning views and great amenities!
See more
M
Mark
October 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
Shelby Farm was very relaxing and tucked away just far enough to feel the solitude with nature. No road noise, horns beeping, or distant sirens. Great spot to just sit back and take it all in. Doug was very responsive and although we didn’t get a chance to meet, I felt he went out of his way to make sure my stay met expectations.
See more
Adilah
October 2025
38 ft travel trailer
With kids
Amazing views along with beautiful horses! I enjoyed my stay at the Shelby Farm Horse Retirement Stables! Such beautifully maintained grounds and an extremely nice host! Truly an amazing helper Johnny who was a life saver ❤️ we needed a jump and he was there to help! Doug and Brenda are very responsive and helped me get my questions answered swiftly! We really enjoyed our stay and especially felt at home. If your looking for a quiet place to camp with a beautiful view, come here! We can't wait to come again!
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hugh
October 2025
16 ft car
I pulled up for the night here and loved it. I was the only one, just me and the horses. Beautiful property and so so quiet
See more
A
Aubrey
October 2025
21 ft Class B
With pets
Very quiet and pretty place to stay! We got there very late and it was pretty easy to find. Easy for a class B RV to get to. Doug and Brenda were so nice and accommodating! There were other campers there, but it was still peaceful. Would definitely stay again!
See moreJ
Julie
October 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
Beautiful location. Very peaceful. Lovely countryside.
See more
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.
See morel
liam
September 2025
Tent
Directions are clear and the property is really lovely. Great stars!
See moreD
Diana
September 2025
20 ft campervan
With pets
The Selby Horse Farm is great! Doug and Brenda are fabulous hosts and the horses are beautiful! We thoroughly enjoyed our short stay and recommend this HipCamp highly! Everything went smoothly, instructions were clear, and amenities were accurate.
See moreA
Alvina
September 2025
21 ft Class C
With pets
As an animal lover just wow. Amazing way to wake up hearing the horses. You got water and electricity what more can you ask for?!
See moreM
Michael
September 2025
30 ft travel trailer
With pets
This place is a hidden gem. Water and electricity on site were easy and accessible. Horses were friendly and the view was amazing. Owner met us on site and was extremely nice to talk with and accommodating. If we have to go back to Columbia we will hang out here.
See moreL
LIANNA
September 2025
Tent
Had a great overnite stay on the property and really appreciated the host's helpfulness and hospitality. Upon arrival we got to see dozens of horses welcoming us for the nite - was a real treat on a beautiful nite! Stayed at the Oak tree site which had a great view of the surrounding area. Very Peaceful. Would definitely stay again!
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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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Dana
September 2025
Tent
What a peaceful place just a short drive off the interstate. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise over the farm. Doug and Brenda made me feel welcome and at ease. I highly recommend camping under the big oak tree.
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Sheryl
September 2025
Tent
Every thing is just perfect anytime I stay. Tracey is an exceptional host!
See more
