Mountainous camping in Missouri

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

96% (1647 reviews)

United States
—
Missouri

96% (1647 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Missouri

Community favorites in Missouri

Stories from the community

Site 2 back in rv site in front of this canoe behind The Jesus Bus

Weekend Trip to Sunset Mountain

Another great stay at beautiful sunset mountain. Our first stay so far this season. James has been hard at work over the winter. Love the new pool, ice and really appreciate the new wash basin.

Weekend Trip to Saco Valley Farm, LLC

Stayed at Site 3 and it was awesome. Had a blast with the dogs. You are camping in the woods for sure. It is super rocky and in the wooded areas there’s a ton of ticks so just come prepared and you’ll have the most peaceful time. Private and perfect for swimming.

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

Very secluded and close to Ironton and state parks. Lots of wildlife to enjoy- plants, cool looking bugs, beautiful butterflies and moths, and there were thousands of lightning bugs in the field by the pond as it was getting dark which was magical. Thanks for a great spot

1 night at Water Mountain

Private and the dog is the best. The trail in is a little rough but was able to navigate in a civic just fine.

Glenn

2 weeks ago

1 night at Howler Bike Park Stays

Howler Bike Park and the glamping set up is super cool. Easy access to the basecamp, and set in such a gorgeous spot. Coffee, beers, and a rad food truck all right there!

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

This was our second trip at Arcadia Valley. Such a well-kept and beautiful site! Even though the rain kept us from using most of the amenities this trip, I appreciate that they have kept improving their property with new things to do. Looking forward to our next visit!

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

The camp site was clean and peaceful ! Just so beautiful out there ! Any questions we had where responded to quickly and effective . Defiantly will be back with my family . ( the boys loved fishing on the spill way ! )

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

This campsite was well taken care of with fun little extras that made the experience unique! The kids loved the play area and we all enjoyed the sauna and jacuzzi! There were also kayaks and paddles available but the weather wasn't cooperating! Overall, very nice campground.

Weekend Trip to DnD Lakefront Campground Lake Ozark

Nice quite cove great for fishing my son and I enjoyed our stay

Weekend Trip to DnD Lakefront Campground Lake Ozark

This campground was one of the cleanest and well kept campgrounds I’ve been to in a LONG time. It was very rocky with minimal grass around the tent sites which was fine by me! Because, the hosts provided large plots of turf! The turf was a nice touch and kept our tent dry when it rained and comfortable from rocks digging in your back or feet. The lake was very accessible and we had an amazing view of it! The boat launch was narrow even for our aluminum bass tracker but really nice! Be warned for larger boats-but still nicer than most resorts. The portapotty on site was clean and stocked. The hosts were very kind and great to work with. There aren’t many campgrounds on the lake but this one was worth every penny!

Michelle

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Howler Bike Park Stays

John and Jennifer's place was amazing! The accommodations were top notch and the location was beautiful! The hospitality and riding was five stars. We will be back for sure!

1 night at DnD Lakefront Campground Lake Ozark

What really made my camping trip special was meeting the owners of this beautiful spot. They were genuinely nice people, and you can tell they put their heart and soul into creating a wonderful experience for their guests. The campground is located in a stunning spot on Lake of the Ozarks, with breathtaking water views and a perfect spot to swim, fish, or kayak, and relax!!! I highly recommend this campground to anyone looking for a memorable and personal camping experience.

1 night at Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

The itsy bitsy home kept me and my dog out of the rain. It’s like a large doll house - the front door is very little but if you walk around back there’s a much larger access. It was quick over night stay, but for what it was - beautiful area with great access to trails.

Weekend Trip to Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

Our camping experience was great! The site was clean, quiet, and comfortable. We enjoyed hiking on the property and exploring the 2 caves. Beautiful area! We will be back to camp again.

Weekend Trip to Sudden Valley Ranch

The property is beautiful. The sites are excellently maintained and even have some kitchen items in case you forgot something. The sites are very private and secluded, which is very nice. We woke up to horses at the fence each morning. We will definitely be coming back.

Weekend Trip to Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

Such a cool place! All kinds of rock formations and two caves to explore. Will definitely be back!

Weekend Trip to Saco Valley Farm, LLC

This was our third consecutive year staying at campsite #3 and the site has continued to improve each year. The site is quiet, secluded and beautiful. I can't recommended it enough for a one night or long weekend stay. We will be coming back again with our dogs to enjoy the swimming hole on a warm day.

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Had the best time camping at AVO! We stayed at the Overlook site and it was beautiful! The grounds were well maintained and very easy to navigate. We will definitely be back!

Weekend Trip to DnD Lakefront Campground Lake Ozark

I loved camping on Debra's land. It is very easy to find and so peaceful. Debra responds quickly and effectively to every question I had. I recommend this campsite highly and will stay here again whenever I'm back in the lake Ozark area.

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Great campsites. Enjoyed the peace and quiet. The hot tub was amazing. I saw work being done on the trail. Hope to come back when completed.

12 top mountainous campgrounds in Missouri

98%

(761)

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

37 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!

99%

(230)

Howler Bike Park Stays

26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · MO

Welcome to Howler--the Midwest's Premier Mountain Bike Park! Hospitality means everything to us and we would be honored to have you as a guest on our downhill trails or a guest to the Ozark Mountains looking for a great place to stay--or both! We think we've got some surprises in store for you when you get here. You'll find us located just off Highway 65 in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. We're seven minutes from Branson, one of the busiest tourist destinations in the Midwest, but take the five-minute ride or walk down to Base Camp and you'll feel miles away from it all. Howler is imagined, designed, and maintained by riders who love our unique terrain and wanted to pull the best from it. Our trails are built with all skill levels in mind with a clear goal of rider progression. But Howler Bike Park Stays isn't just for riders! We've got all kinds of things to do for riders and non-riders alike! Start your day in Base Camp, the hub of activity at Howler. If you need a caffeine kick to get you started, we've got you covered with a specialty coffee drink, blended, or smoothie at Howler Coffee Shop! And, Chef Dustin is now serving breakfast with three delicious options to power you up for your day! Around noon and throughout the day, you can enjoy Chef's insanely-delicious food at the Growl Grill. Stop in the Welcome Center for bike passes, Howler merch, and bike gear. Are you shredding with us and need a new tube or tire change? We have got you taken care of in Howler Bike Co. next to the Welcome Center. We have beer and wine available at the Growl Grill, and you’re welcome to take your purchases to your tent to enjoy! New in Spring 2023, is our Skills Park and our Children's Play Area-complete with a mini pump track for Stryders or small bikes--and a beautiful cedar swing set! We also have a mile round trip Hiking Trail through the woods where you can see glimpses of riders shredding the mountain trails. Feel like a break at the top of the hike? We've got a picnic table so you can enjoy the scenery and eat some mouth-watering food from the Growl Grill! We also have our all-new bathrooms and showers, complete with shampoo/body wash and hair dryers. And you can keep all your necessary items near you while you ride with our all-new lockers. They're free and you only need to enter a four-digit code of your choosing to use them.

100%

(71)

Sunset Mountain

28 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Noel, MO

Sunset Mountain is an exclusive reservation only 18+ clothing optional/nudist campground located on my working cattle farm. (Please do not drive up to our gate and try to get in. Please make a reservation in advance.) Although we cater to adults only we follow TNSF and AANR guidelines for social nude recreation. If you are not familiar with TNSF or AANR you can do a quick internet search and see some basic guidelines for social nude recreation. Sunset Mountain does typically operate as a blind service venue meaning we do business online and we and or our maintenance team may not be seen during your stay. We have a good team in place to help your stay be enjoyable please just understand we don’t operate like some of the clubs you may be used to. Sunset Mountain is a nice quiet place to relax and work on your tan. We have RV sites, tent camping areas a bus, container and camper available as lodging options. The campground has a bathroom facility with indoor shower and 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. Come stay on the buff bluff! We are located 1.2 miles away from the Noel city park that has free Elk River access, 4 miles to Mt. Shira free Elk River access near Shady Beach and 5.2 miles to the free Elk River access in Pineville, MO near Shady Beach Pineville.

Deer Stand Cabin

1 site · Lodging5 acres · Blue Eye, MO

*Affordable Luxury, all Logs, Pine flooring, Pine walls, Pine Ceiling---no drywall *Huge covered Porches w/ rockers/chairs in back. Picnic Table. * Out where the Coyotes howl & the Hoot owls hoot. Lots of Carolina wren & Cardinal song. And where Woodpeckers peck. Bird Sanctuary feeding all around! *15 min to Branson Shows *Top of the Rock- 4 miles * Beaches (3), parks (2), Marina- 5 minutes *Dogwood Canyon with Elk, Bison viewing- 15 minutes away *Pet Friendly - $85. up to 3 pets The space FULL of Wildlife. I upkeep a natural Bird Sanctuary around the cabin. We are part of the Mark Twain National Forest. Lots of Pine, redbud, and dogwood. Big Forest. Above Lake: 15 minutes down, 40 minutes up. Quiet & Peaceful. Only 15 minutes to Branson strip! 4 mi.s to Top of the Rock, (east)! 10 minutes to Dogwood Canyon (west)! Guest access *Washer, Dryer, Laundry soap & Bleach. Easy entrance for the wheelchair. *PARKING: Plenty of Boat or Pontoon parking, Wheelchair Entrance. *Handicap Accessible on 1st Floor with beds & Bath. Other things to note *NEW in 2019: LED Fireplace with 1100 sq ft additional heat in Living Room !

99%

(181)

B Berry Farms & Co.

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Elkland, MO

Would you like to try something different than your everyday routine? Well, then come on out to a little place in the country to unplug, unwind, or just enjoy life that's all around you. Our little spot is called B Berry Farms and Co. We are a 40-acre family U-Pick Berry farm and 24-hour Campground with 5 RV spots with 20 amp, 30 amp or 50amp electricity your choice. And we are right in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks with over 4,000 you-pick Berry bushes (and fresh produce in 24' )covering 7 acres, we have something for almost everyone. If you want cleaner, healthier products in your life, we can also help you with that. We are also a natural skin care product manufacturer. Either Bonding by the wood-fired stove in our bunkhouse or cuddling up in the chairs outside, enjoying hot cocoa as it snows. Just looking off into the distance and seeing the sun setting with bursting colors over the rows and rows of berries. Experience a darker night sky than most are used to. Or walk the many acres of colored coated diverse trails, enjoy 2 horseshoe pitching areas, pick delicious berries, throw axes at our log targets, Glow in the dark frisbee, Play 4 holes of frisbee golf, swing on several adult swings, play an intense game of pool on our table, climb a 12-foot high wall, enjoy our 10' bouncing net hanging from the ceiling, play in the many sandboxes, sweat out a game with a 35' professional Volleyball net (ball provided)and badminton(we have rackets and birdies), Play in the new Waterhole WATERPARK play area day or night which sprays water in all directions with water slide, ( Trampoline, 95' kids Zipline, 9'x9' colored swing net, 2 swings, 14' fireman's pole, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, swing bridges amd forts) and so many more things to do. Cold showers, 2 solar-heated shower houses (seasonal frost to frost), 2 restrooms, and several hand-washing stations, or handwash laundry tub. We sell farm fresh eggs, and baked goods(homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins, and many fresh seasonal vegetables as well as picked to order, and handmade natural products.

95%

(117)

DnD Lakefront Campground Lake Ozark

6 sites · Tents15 acres · Sunrise Beach, MO

Pitch your tent in our Lakefront campsites at DnD Lakeside Campground and have access to your own picnic table and fire ring on the shores of the beautiful Lake of The Ozarks, one of the Midwest's premier boating and lake fun destinations. Swim, fish and float in our quiet cove, take walks up our hiking trails and end your day enjoying the night sky sitting next to a fire. We are close to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Bridal Cave, many lakefront bars and restaurants and The Ozark Amphitheater. Make sure to book early for summer holiday weekends. Discounted prices for weekday rentals available. Limited boat slip rentals available for a fee.

97%

(30)

Arcadia Valley BaseCamp

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents68 acres · Arcadia, MO

BaseCamp is s respite nestled into the Arcadia Valley, just miles from Elephant Rocks and Johnsons Shut-Ins State Parks and several conservation areas. With nearly 70 acres surrounded by Mark Twain National Forest, there are many opportunities for hiking, botanical exploration, licensed fishing, mountain biking, equine accessible trails, and much more without ever leaving BaseCamp. There is a small pond on the property with a walking trail and a rock garden that doubles as a small creek when rains are heavy. With camping options ranging from backpacking and tent camping to van dwellers and Tiny House glamping, all are welcome. Adventure begins at Base Camp!

100%

(25)

Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

10 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · MO

Learn more about this land: To view a map of local points of interest, please visit https://bit.ly/WilliamsCampPOI (You will have to copy and paste that link! You'll have a private place of your own, with access to some of Missouri states most hidden springs, rivers, waterfalls, fishing, hunting, hiking, (some of the best) horseback riding trails, and historic landmarks. Rather you're after solitude or sport, this area has you covered. Kayak, canoe, and shuttle rental, service is available at hufstedlers.com and is a short 11.5 mile drive. Beautiful eleven point river offers blue, red, and white ribbon, spring fed trout/walleye water. If you're looking to float the river, be sure to research the many springs on the way down your trip and the historic mill communities that once flourished there. These are perfect opportunities to take a break, eat a meal, and explore the area. Most also will have public bathrooms. Unless there are multiple reservations, you will be allowed to hookup/stay at whichever site is the easiest for you to get parked at. Maps of the area and things to do will continue to be updated as they are developed. In the mean time, a great resource is MissouriScenicRivers.com. We do not live near this site so this is an exclusively non-hosted listing.

97%

(91)

River Bluff Woods

1 site · RV, Tent25 acres · Buffalo, MO

Many generations of Native American tribes made these Ozark Mountain river bluffs home, long before settlers came from the east. Listen to the music of the wildlife or play your own music in this remote peaceful paradise.Learn more about this land: Firewood is provided! Camp in a peaceful setting above the Niangua River under the canopy of tall oak trees. Enjoy 25 acres of complete privacy and seclusion! It's a pretty steep trail from the campsite down to the banks of the river, and then a short trail to the canoe put-in spot where a 3-person canoe awaits. Contact me for flexible check in/out times.

99%

(74)

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.

98%

(128)

Explore the Ozarks - Dockley Ranch

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Chadwick, MO

Here 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. PROPERTY MAP: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/dashboard/land/2565/map

99%

(246)

Sudden Valley Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents138 acres · Warrenton, MO

Our home was built shortly after the couple married in 1904. We were fortunate enough to begin our adventure here in 1999. We appreciate all this place has to offer - from the hay fields to the woods and everything in between. It is a peaceful paradise we enjoy sharing with others. Please come and relax, read a book, draw a picture, or simply let the sounds of nature lull you to sleep. We believe you will leave rejuvenated!

Other options in Missouri

100%

(4)

Holler Back Trails LLC

7 sitesPineville, MO

We bought our land in 2004 for riding and getting away. Built a cabin for us and our 6 children to stay in, when we came riding. We have been told that these hills were once used as strawberry farms. We still find wild strawberries growing. The hills we ride and hike in, were once used by Jessie James and his gang. They robbed the local bank in Pineville, MO. And the first Jessie James movie, filmed in 1939, with Tyrone Power as Jessie James and Henry Fonda played Frank James.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

81%

(8)

Connies Camp

4 sites33 acres · Branson, MO

Branson View Campground has some of the best views in Branson. The overlook view of the Branson Ferris wheel on one side and the sunset View at Table Rock Lake on the other side are incredible. Clean bathhouses, awesome people, close proximity to everything in Branson are what make BVC special!!

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Mountainous camping in Missouri guide

Overview

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.