The best waterside campgrounds in Missouri

If you want to camp waterside in Missouri, you’re spoiled for choice—there are over 4,800 options, from lakeside clearings to tucked-away riverbanks. Average price runs about $39 a night, and you’ll find spots for as little as $8. Toilets, showers, and campfires are standard at most sites. Wildlife-watching, fishing, and hiking are the main draws here. Top picks include Spring Lake Ranch (840 reviews), where campers rave about sunrise paddles and quiet mornings; Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (546 reviews), known for its winding creek trails; and Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground (528 reviews), a spot families love for easy fishing and plenty of space to roam. Don’t forget bug spray—Missouri’s waterside sites are as lively at night as they are by day.

95% (7.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

If you want to camp waterside in Missouri, you’re spoiled for choice—there are over 4,800 options, from lakeside clearings to tucked-away riverbanks. Average price runs about $39 a night, and you’ll find spots for as little as $8. Toilets, showers, and campfires are standard at most sites. Wildlife-watching, fishing, and hiking are the main draws here. Top picks include Spring Lake Ranch (840 reviews), where campers rave about sunrise paddles and quiet mornings; Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (546 reviews), known for its winding creek trails; and Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground (528 reviews), a spot families love for easy fishing and plenty of space to roam. Don’t forget bug spray—Missouri’s waterside sites are as lively at night as they are by day.

95% (7.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

97%

(232)

57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Tiff, MO

Escape the city! We have a very special property that nourishes the soul and provides space to roam and breathe fresh air. We have 460 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available. Ask us about our kayaking options!

2. Spring Lake Ranch

93%

(1979)

43 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Potosi, MO

Spring Lake Ranch boasts countless trails and lake activities. Formerly known as Sayersbrook Bison ranch, at one time it was one of the largest Bison ranches in the world. This property is filled with amazing things to see and explore. Nothing like it in Missouri. Lake is 60+ acres and is spring fed. Amazing fishing, swimming and kayaking. We are pet friendly. You will have amazing lake views and will be close to hiking trails, horseback riding, and wine tasting at Edge Cliff Wineries which is next door to us. The beautiful shower house is super clean, has restrooms and hot showers and it is within walking distance. Firewood and ice are available to purchase; kayaks and fishing poles are available for rent. If you forget something at home stop by our little country store, we might have it! :) The sites are about 20 ft from each other - if you are looking for more privacy please check out the secluded site or the peninsula. **The pool on property is reserved for the lodge guests only, it is not open to the public.

3. Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

99%

(1020)

33 sites · Tents, RVs · Wellington, MO

Harmony 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 bathroom with shower, trash bins, and an outdoor grill house.

4. Lake Life

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Fredericktown, MO

Lakefront property with gravel road entrance. Trail down to dock at waterline. Fishing from dock or anywhere at lake. Community beach. 120v Electricity on site with extension chords. 3 Community shower houses around lake are full bathroom. (Shutdown in freezing temperature months)

5. Four Creeks Ranch Campground

97%

(438)

19 sites · Tents, RVs · Ellington, MO

Three crystal clear creeks to swim, wade, hunt rocks, or just relax. We have several tent sites right on the creeks and RV sites close for just a short walk for swimming fun. Close to Mark Twain National Forest, for hiking Rocky Creek trail Head, Blue Springs trail to Rocky Falls, Black River and the Current for floating, Kayaking or fishing. Clearwater Lake for boat rentals or Jet skies. Sites to see, Blue Springs, Big Springs Johnson Shut Inns, Elephant Rock, Rocky Falls, and many state parks to explore. We are also only three miles from the town of Ellington, MO for your shopping needs, several restaurants and antiquing.

Public campgrounds in Missouri

100%

(5)

Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail

1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(5)

Wallace Campground

81 sites · Tents, RVs · in Wallace State Park

100%

(2)

Silver Mines Campground

48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(2)

Bell Mountain Wilderness and Trail

1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(2)

Loggers Lake Recreation Area

28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(1)

Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail

1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(1)

Greer Crossing Recreation Area

19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Lane Spring Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(1)

Lane Spring Recreation Area and Campground

1 site · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(1)

Berryman Campground

8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(1)

Red Bluff Campground

21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(1)

Trail of Tears Campground

52 sites · Tents, RVs · in Trail of Tears State Park

Courtois Creek Section of the Ozark Trail

100%

(1)

Courtois Creek Section of the Ozark Trail

1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Jaren

1 week ago

Tent

With kids

1 night at Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

We loved it! Beautiful site and kind hosts. My kids had a blast. We'll come again!

The animals on site were so cool to hang out with!

G

Glenn

1 week ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

Absolutely beautiful land‚ very peaceful to sit by the lake after a long day of driving. The hosts were very kind and welcoming and I definitely plan on staying here again in the future.

H

Hanna

1 week ago

14 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

We loved our stay! The hosts were very kind, even helping us late at night with some of our electrical issues. The property is beautiful and has so much to offer. We will definitely be back!

B

Brianne

3 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

We loved Harmony Lake! The property is well equipped with everything you need for a great stay. The animals were a favorite! The peacocks and geese are a great touch. Thank you to Joan and Kenny for a wonderful time! We will be back!

Courtney

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Such a great spot for a getaway! The campground was peaceful, well-kept, and had everything we could’ve needed for a perfect tent camping weekend. The lake views were absolutely stunning—especially with all the fall colors reflecting on the water. The bathhouse felt luxurious for camping! We loved every minute of our stay and can’t wait to come back next time to stay in one of the cabins!

Courtney

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

We absolutely loved our stay here! The campground was beautiful—tucked right by a gorgeous lake surrounded by stunning fall colors. It felt like an adult summer camp in the best way possible! Everything we needed was right on site, from fire pits to picnic areas. The bath and shower house was impressively clean, warm, and one of the nicest we’ve seen at a campground. You can tell the owners put a lot of care into maintaining the place. We had such a peaceful, cozy stay and can’t wait to come back again next season!

J

Justin

3 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The farm and staff are absolutely fantastic! We had an issue with charges, which they resolved with some investment of time on their part. They all I’ve and beyond in service. Helping us find our site in the dark, making sure we had enough supplies and even throwing a pair of jeans in the dryer for our teenager 😁 Truly kind people!

B

Bob

3 weeks ago

16 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

This was probably our favorite Hipcamp stay! Gorgeous layout with all the amenities you could ever need. The hosts were amazing and truly a pleasure to work with. We don't usually leave reviews, but this experience more than deserved one! We will absolutely be back!

Zoe

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Always a great time at hawks bluff! This land is truly a blessing and I am grateful Elizabeth shares it with us ! Much comfortability in knowing I’m safe and if I need anything I can always ask :) also, awesome rocks!!

A

Andros

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

The owners are amazing, the property is very cool, and close enough to town to get supplies. Breathtaking views and a welcoming community at this location!

B

Brian

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Great place! Tons of stuff to do. Owners are very sweet and hospitable. I plan to go back and would recommend everyone to stay. Camping or RV. I pulled a 35’er and had zero issues.

N

Nathan

November 2025

25 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Secluded location. Several options are available for sites depending on services. Rock hunting is fantastic.

Alan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Stayed here for a second time, so beautiful in the Fall. Highly recommend! Elizabeth is so helpful and accommodating, and answered all my questions very quickly.

A

Alyson

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

I’ve stayed at this site twice now and will continue to return. This is a great place to visit in the fall, the trees look beautiful. The cleanliness of the bathrooms is a great feature. The trails are also nice but the red trail needs to be marked better, it’s easy to get lost in that area. Overall a fun time. My one complaint - people need to STOP LITTERING!!! The amount of litter on the red trail is in my opinion unacceptable. If you are visiting/enjoying nature..why are you littering!?? Be better people and stop littering

A

Angie

October 2025

15 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

This is such a lovely property to visit when you need to hit “pause” in a busy life. Ken and Joan are welcoming and helpful. We will certainly be back!

H

Hope

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

Our host was so kind and generous. The land was well-kept and peaceful. Rock hunting as part of the stay was delightful. It was so fun to be around the farm animals and be greeted by the dogs and cats. Definitely a spot worth visiting!!

T

Taylirre

October 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

This was the most beautiful camp site I have stayed at. I've been an avid user of Hipcamp for a few years and frequented many camp sites but this one surpasses all others. First, the hospitality of the owners, they are super responsive and the kitchen area has everything needed to make it comfortable stay. Our tent site was private and quiet and very beautiful to observe the meteor shower. It's set on the side of a large hill where there is a scenic view and grounds full of crystals that can be collected. It felt safe and we did not observe any wild animals other than the farm animals they have onsite. The host was welcoming and knowledgeable of the land and we will be returning with our whole family next time.

J

Jessica

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Spring Lake Ranch

Tent camping is wonderful. Gorgeous views and great shower/bathrooms.

C

Camiel

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hawks Bluff Farm Campground

I absolutely love this place!! The property is amazing and the people are great. My site was level and even with heavy rain there was only minimal mud. The farm animals are friendly and if you’re lucky the mule will serenade you while you use the facilities :) I look forward to going back many more times!!