What are Missouri's laws about camping?

Missouri laws on camping vary depending on the location and type of land. Here are some general guidelines to follow: For state parks, follow the rules and regulations set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. These typically include restrictions on the number of people per campsite, quiet hours, and campfire regulations. For national forests, like the Mark Twain National Forest , follow the guidelines set by the U.S. Forest Service. Dispersed camping is allowed in certain areas, but campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and are not allowed to camp near developed recreational areas or private property. For private campgrounds, follow the rules set by the individual campground operator or Hipcamp Hosts. Camping on private property without permission is considered trespassing and is against the law. Always check local regulations and guidelines for the specific area where you plan to camp, and be aware that some areas may require permits or reservations.

Camping in Missouri

Q: Is primitive camping allowed in Missouri?

Yes, primitive camping is allowed in Missouri , namely in the Mark Twain National Forest and on some private Hipcamp lands . The national forest allows dispersed, primitive camping as long as campers set up more than 100 feet away from any established administrative sites.

Q: Where can you camp for free in Missouri?

In Missouri , you can find free camping in the Mark Twain National Forest , which allows dispersed camping. Amenities are generally not available, so be prepared for dry camping.

Q: Is boondocking legal in Missouri?

Boondocking, or dispersed camping, is legal in Missouri , particularly in the Mark Twain National Forest . However, it's essential to follow the rules and regulations of the specific area where you plan to camp. Make sure to camp at least 100 feet away from any established administrative sites and respect the environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles.

Q: Is it legal to camp anywhere in Missouri?

No, it is not legal to camp anywhere in Missouri . Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds, national forests, state parks, and on private lands with the owner's permission. When camping in public lands like the Mark Twain National Forest , you must follow the rules and regulations set by the managing agencies. Always check for specific regulations and restrictions before setting up camp.

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

United States
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Missouri

Camping in Missouri

Missouri’s natural landscapes are as entertaining as its fun-loving cities.

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12' Climbing wall and climbing rope 10' x 10' net ( 400 lb limit ) hangs from the ceiling for climbing around in mid-air.

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B Berry Farms & Co.

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Elkland, MOWhy not try something different than your everyday routine? Come on out to a little place we have and unplug, unwind, or just enjoy a life that's all around you at B Berry Farms & Co. We are a 40-acre family Berry farm and 24-hour Campground with several RV Spots and 2 RV spots with 20 amp or 30amp your choice. And we are right in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks with over 4,000 you-pick Berry bushes on 7 acres we have something for almost everyone. If you want cleaner health products in your life than we can help you with that as we are also a natural skin care product manufacturer. Either Bonding by the wood-fired stove or cuddling up in the chairs outside enjoying hot coco as it snows. Or looking off into the distance and seeing the sun setting with bursting colors as you're looking over the berry rows. Experience a darker night sky than most are used to. Or walk the many acres of diverse trails, enjoy 2 horseshoes pitching areas, picking delicious berries, play in the water cube as it sprays in all directions, throw axes at a target, swing on several adult swings, climb a 12-foot high wall, 10' bouncing net hanging from the ceiling, play in the many sandboxes, 35' Volleyball net and so many more things to do. 2 shower houses 1 solar, 2 restrooms, hand washing station, and hand laundry tube. We sell farm fresh eggs as well.

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The Grove at North River Ranch

6 sites · Lodging, Tents2200 acres · Shelbyville, MOSettle into The Grove at North River Ranch, a lovely glampground on our 2200 acre working regenerative ranch. Look out on the pond, under the shade of oak, maple and honey locusts. Hike a trail through forested paths, around beautiful wide pastures. Look for protected birds on our Audubon Certified property, and observe deer, fox, beavers and other wildlife in their natural, balanced environment. Enjoy quiet, restful sleep in furnished platform tents with quality linens and handcrafted quilts under beautiful, unobstructed starry skies.

Powell’s Creekside Haven Campground

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Kingsville, MOPowell’s Creekside Haven Campground and RV Park We are the nearest accommodations to beautiful Powell Gardens, Kansas City’s Botanical Gardens! Come experience the peaceful serenity of Powell’s Creekside Haven! Powell’s Creekside Haven is both a convenient, safe place for RVers on the road and a great destination for families looking for a clean, affordable camping experience. We focus on providing a reasonably priced, friendly and relaxing destination. We are family and pet friendly,* with a playground, walking trail and a creek to explore. WE ARE OPEN during development. Easy access and fast driving distance to many popular local and Kansas City attractions. Within a half hour from many communities, including Kingsville, Holden, Odessa, Warrensburg, Lee’s Summit, Bates City, Oak Grove, Peculiar, Pleasant Hill, Pittsville, Blue Springs. *Some of the cabins are pet friendly.

Eminence Cottages and Camp

45 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Eminence, MOWelcome 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!

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Ironton, MOA wooded, more private camping experience with unique site designs and natural elements. 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, open the "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!

Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

25 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Wellington, MOHarmony Lake welcomes you to our Farm. We are proud to be a registered member of Missouri Agritourism. Agritourism connects our guests with the great outdoors via Farm Stay. We hope you enjoy your stay at Harmony Lake Farm. We are walking distance to Harmony Lake: a private 12-acre lake for fishing, swimming and paddle boats. Our lake is home to record large-mouth bass and Missouri's longest free-floating walkway leading to a private island. We are located just 15-minutes from the highway and one hour to sites and attractions of Kansas City. We are 15-minutes to Lexington historic district or Odessa. We have a variety of tent and RV sites for your party to choose from so just reach out if you would like clarification on anything. Campfires and pets are allowed and all sites have access to bathrooms, a shower, bins, and an outdoor grill house.

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Centerville, MOWelcome to our extraordinary property, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts! Situated amidst breathtaking natural beauty, our site is a paradise for hiking, biking, off-roading, and star gazing. Choose from spacious RV and tent campsites or indulge in the comfort of our cozy cabins for rent. Our community pavilion is perfect for gatherings and events. Immerse yourself in the wonders of nature, explore scenic trails, conquer thrilling biking routes, embark on off-road adventures, and marvel at the celestial spectacle above. Create cherished memories in this outdoor lover's paradise!

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Noel, MOMy wife and I noticed that there are not many options for clothing optional camping in our area, so we made a place. Sunset Mountain is a private nudist campground. We have rv sites and tent camping available also a bathroom facility with indoor shower and two outdoor showers. We have a hot tub guests can use along with hiking trails and a propane grill. Sunset Mountain is near the Elk River in Noel Missouri and close to Northwest Arkansas where there are mountain biking trails, museums and many other activities. Sunset Mountain is listed on the Monarch Butterfly Waystation registry as well.

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Chadwick, MOHere at Dockley Ranch, guests can enjoy 80 acres of Missouri Ozarks. Features include a waterfall and hiking trails, peaceful vistas and goats, alpacas, and chickens to entertain. Rent a 1-room cabin or pitch a tent, watch the stars from the hillside stage, grill at the covered pavilion and enjoy the sounds of the countryside. *JANUARY 2023 update! It's time for our annual kidding season, when all our spare energy goes to caring for adorable kids - goat kids that is! Our goats are raised to sustainably clear the land of invasive flora, or more simply, "brush eaters." ALL BOOKINGS INCLUDE FREE BABY GOAT CUDDLES!*

Rootwad RV Park and Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · MOOur small owner operated campground sits high above the Niangua River. Situated below Tunnel Dam and the locally famous Whistle, we have 300’ of Big Niangua River frontage. We offer several full hook-up RV spots and ultra secluded primitive spots and anything in between. We have a bathroom/shower house for campers’ convenience.

D'Ranch at Clearwater

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Gravois Mills, MOD'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.

12 sites · Tents153 acres · Eolia, MOPeaceTree Farms is a charming Event Venue and Organic Farm hosting everything from weddings, fall and holiday festivals to off-grid camping. Our 153 acre farm has been in our family since the 1970's and has been generally preserved as a wildlife and conservation farm. Your hosts, Katie and Steve are excited to share PeaceTree Farms with fellow nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

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All camping options

Whether road-tripping along part of the historic Route 66, vacationing at the Lake of the Ozarks, or following in the footsteps of homegrown hero Mark Twain—Missouri is made for traveling. From Kansas City to St Louis, you’re never far from a state park—there are 38 to choose from—while the vast Mark Twain National Forest encompasses 1.5-million acres spread across seven different wilderness areas. Plan your camping trip from May through October to make the most of the forests, lakes, and wilderness areas, or cozy up in an RV through the snowy winter months.

Where to Go

North Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri’s largest city, is best known for its jazz scene and BBQ restaurants, but there are also plenty of natural attractions to explore in the north. Head to nearby Weston Bend State Park to camp along the Missouri River, or go biking and horseback riding along the multi-use trails of Crowder State Park. Over on the eastern state border, Wakonda State Park has six lakes to choose from, while the Mark Twain State Park has family campgrounds in the Salt River Hills.

Central Missouri

State capital Jefferson City lies at the heart of Missouri, and just to the north, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park provides tranquil camping amid a backdrop of natural caves, streams, and woodlands. Summer campers flock to the Lake of the Ozarks region, where the huge reservoir is fringed with sandy beaches, golf courses, and restaurants. If you tire of the Ozarks camping resorts, Bennett Spring State Park makes a worthy alternative, renowned for its trout fishing.

St Louis and Southeast Missouri

At the meeting point of the Mississippi and the Missouri Rivers, St Louis is home to one of Missouri’s most visited attractions, the Gateway Arch National Park. Nearby, hikers can enjoy full-amenity camping at Meramec River State Park, while Castlewood State Park is renowned for its mountain biking trails, and Sam A Baker State Park is one of the region’s most visited. Alternatively, escape to the wilderness of the Mark Twain National Forest, where you can choose between tent/RV sites, cabins, or dispersed camping in the woods.

Southwest Missouri

Bordered by Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, the southwest is Missouri’s wild frontier. Venture into the Mark Twain National Forest to enjoy backcountry camping in the wilderness, rev up your OHV and tackle the off-road trails of St Joe State Park, or fish for rainbow trout in the stocked waters of Roaring River State Park. Finally, don’t miss the hike to Grand Falls. The 163-foot wide waterfall is Missouri’s largest, and lies just outside of Joplin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, primitive camping is allowed in Missouri, namely in the Mark Twain National Forest and on some private Hipcamp lands. The national forest allows dispersed, primitive camping as long as campers set up more than 100 feet away from any established administrative sites.

In Missouri, you can find free camping in the Mark Twain National Forest, which allows dispersed camping. Amenities are generally not available, so be prepared for dry camping.

The best months for camping in Missouri are in late spring and fall thanks to moderate temperatures. The summer months get progressively hotter and more humid between June and August, with September ushering in cooler temperatures. Fall brings a colorful explosion for leaf peeping, while winter season is less hospitable for camping, with freezing temperatures and occasional snow in December, January, and February.

Yes, nearly 40 Missouri state parks offer camping for both tent and RV campers. Dry camping, partial hookups, and full hookups are commonly available, with options varying at each location.

Yes, Missouri is an excellent destination for camping. The state offers a diverse range of landscapes, including forests, lakes, rivers, and rolling hills. With numerous state parks, the Mark Twain National Forest, and private campgrounds available, Missouri caters to various camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping, and primitive camping. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching while camping in Missouri. Check out Missouri State Parks on Hipcamp to explore camping options.

Boondocking, or dispersed camping, is legal in Missouri, particularly in the Mark Twain National Forest. However, it's essential to follow the rules and regulations of the specific area where you plan to camp. Make sure to camp at least 100 feet away from any established administrative sites and respect the environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles.

No, it is not legal to camp anywhere in Missouri. Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds, national forests, state parks, and on private lands with the owner's permission. When camping in public lands like the Mark Twain National Forest, you must follow the rules and regulations set by the managing agencies. Always check for specific regulations and restrictions before setting up camp.

Missouri laws on camping vary depending on the location and type of land. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

For state parks, follow the rules and regulations set by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. These typically include restrictions on the number of people per campsite, quiet hours, and campfire regulations.
For national forests, like the Mark Twain National Forest, follow the guidelines set by the U.S. Forest Service. Dispersed camping is allowed in certain areas, but campers must follow Leave No Trace principles and are not allowed to camp near developed recreational areas or private property.
For private campgrounds, follow the rules set by the individual campground operator or Hipcamp Hosts.
Camping on private property without permission is considered trespassing and is against the law.

Always check local regulations and guidelines for the specific area where you plan to camp, and be aware that some areas may require permits or reservations.