The best forest camping near Dexter

·

In Dexter, forest camping isn’t just about pitching a tent under the trees—it’s about real woods, thick with oaks and maples, and waking up to the sound of songbirds, not traffic. With over 160 forest campsites around Dexter, you’ll find spots where the air smells like damp earth, and the trails head straight into the trees. Average prices hover around $45 a night, but you can snag a site for as low as $20. Want a quick start? Check out Fredrock Waterfront Glampground (48 reviews), The Holliday Landing on the Lake (29 reviews), or Oak Grove Tiny Home Community (22 reviews). Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly policies are common, so you don’t have to rough it. Trails wind through the woods for hiking, fishing spots dot the lakes, and it’s prime territory for wildlife-watching. If you love forest air and quiet mornings, Dexter delivers.

95% (146) 68 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dexter

2 Broke Girls Glampground

1. 2 Broke Girls Glampground

100%
(8)
20mi from Dexter · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to 2 Broke Girls Glampground at Wappapello Lake. We are a small, privately owned campground, surrounded by nature and wildlife. We offer unique vacation rentals, annual, monthly and nightly campsites. Each of our vacation rentals and campsites are uniquely designed and conveniently located just seconds away from Rockwood Beach and Boat Ramp.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

2. Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

99%
(63)
45mi from Dexter · 20 sites · RVs
Fredrock is a small privately owned glampground on crystal clear 12mile Creek. It is located about 15 minutes from the nearest town on 33 beautiful acres. Enjoy one of the 7 themed stays or bring your own RV and stay in one of only 5 RV spots. It is just a few minutes walk to 12 Mile Creek which runs through the property. Enjoy the beautiful bluffs, shut-ins, gravel river beds and crystal clear water. Swimming, hiking, stargazing, and horseshoes are all available at Fredrock!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$50
 / night
The Holliday Landing on the Lake

3. The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%
(65)
30mi from Dexter · 44 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Holliday Landing Resort & Marina offers a variety of beautiful campsites to meet your camping needs. There are 11 sites with water, electric, and sewer hook-ups, 28 sites with water and electric, there is a secluded mini-loop where tent campers can enjoy the same access and amenities. All water and electric campsites have 30/120 amp electric service and frost-free water. Guests may use the modern restroom facility with showers. A dump station is available for your use. Each non-primitive site has a gravel pad for RV campers and parking, a grassy area for tent camping, visiting, or playing, a picnic table, and a fire ring with grill. Each primitive site has a grassy area, picnic table, and fire ring with no designated parking area. For your convenience, camping guests may use the boat ramp and may rent a boat slip for a $10 nightly fee.  Kids and adults alike can play together at our playground area. Camping guests also have access to an inground swimming pool at no extra charge.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Mark Twain National Forest

4. 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
Lake Wappapello State Park

5. Lake Wappapello State Park

100%
(3)
74 sites · Puxico, Missouri
Soak up the summertime vibe at Southeast Missouri’s largest lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Izzos orchard

6. Izzos orchard

31mi from Dexter · 1 site · Lodging
Place to set up for a camper up to 40’ water electric and sewer . Kiener springs 1 mile black river less then 1 mile close to two large lakes for fishing boating
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$30
 / night
Saco Valley Farm, LLC

7. Saco Valley Farm, LLC

98%
(26)
48mi from Dexter · 4 sites · Tents
Camp, Swim, BBQ, wade the creek, enjoy the campfire! Primitive Camping. Very Private. Water is cool and clear. Open to the stars. A great place to commune with nature, or enjoy some peace and quiet! 12 mile creek runs directly through our property. Shallow and deep all throughout. Great for wading, swimming, floating, kayaking. Great small mouth fishing! We are approximately one mile by water from the St. Francois River. We have kayaked down the creek to the river for many years. The farm is very rural. We are 16 miles to the closest gas station, and 25 miles to town. There is no internet. Cell phone service is spotty at best. Currently a working farm, we have 2 high tunnels on the property behind the house, and our original market garden. Across the creek we are finishing up our 5 acre agroforestry planting. 3 acres of elderberries and 2 acres of blackberries. 28 acres, 3 on one side, and 25 on the other. The farm is located approximately 2 hours south of St. Louis. Fredericktown is 30 mins away. Food, Drinks, Golf, and Lalo's Mexican Restaurant! There are a ton of local antique shops, and outdoor activities. Local places of interest: Amidon Arcadia Valley Black River Bonne Terre Mine Elephant Rocks Johnson Shut Ins Mill Stream Gardens One Nation Paintball Park Sam A. Baker State Park Saco Valley Farmstand Sherpher Mountain Bike Park Silvermines Taum Sauk Mountain
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$25
 / night
Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

8. Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

100%
(12)
36mi from Dexter · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch.  Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly).  If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands.  The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers!  We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$24
 / night
Oak Grove Tiny Home Community

9. Oak Grove Tiny Home Community

95%
(29)
21mi from Dexter · 21 sites · RVs
Since 2018, we have traveled full time and stayed at cramped, noisy RV parks that had poorly engineered utilities.. These experiences along with the rising cost of housing and full campgrounds, have motivated us to build our quiet, private, and safe community. We welcome all those who choose to live by the words "Home is where you park it." Oak Grove offers many stay options, full hookups, and more. Make no fuss, come stay with us at your home away from home!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$37
 / night
Rocky Creek Camp

10. Rocky Creek Camp

100%
(1)
24mi from Dexter · 1 site · Tent, RV
This site has beautiful views of the forest as well as Rocky Creek Spring. Secluded area. Beautiful clear view of the sky. Sit next to the creek and listen to nature. You can tent camp or a small camper. You will need an suv or 4x4 to reach the destination. Come stay, play and relax. You will be able to watch the stars at nigh
Pets
Campfires
from 
$48
 / night
Myc’s Forest

11. Myc’s Forest

42mi from Dexter · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
You can enjoy your time at Myc’s Forest by wandering through the trees, fishing at the pond, or chatting with friends by the fire. During spring there is a wide variety of wildflowers along with edible berries. There are three primitive campsites on the property. Each campsite is provided with a fire pit and trash can. We do not provide bathrooms so either dig a hole or bring your own portable toilet. Five of ten acres are open for campers to roam while the other five is where my partner and I have our off-grid home, garden, and pets. PROPERTY RULES: -Wear swim shoes in the pond -Leave no trace -Keep pets on leash -Fires only in designated pits -No glass bottles
Pets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Rock Ridge

12. Rock Ridge

24mi from Dexter · 1 site · Tent, RV
This site is secluded and will have you surrounded with trees and the relaxing sound of nature. Listen to the birds and other wildlife that may go by. The terrain around is rocky. There are trails to follow for hiking. Enjoy time out in nature with your family or out by yourself for a great getaway.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Castor River DD Highway Campground

13. Castor River DD Highway Campground

43mi from Dexter · 2 sites · Tents
Exclusive camping , swimming and fishing on the Castor River...........Awesome Beach___ Float Trips ___ Awesome Bathrooms____ Primitive Tent Camping Sites next to River,______ Rv/Camper/ Motor Home sites with full hook-ups, Water, sewer, 50 and 30 amp on all RV sites. All campsites include a fire ring and picnic tables. In addition, we also offer 4-mile and 8-mile Kayak or Tube floats. Alternatively, if you have your own kayak, canoe, Tube, or Raft, we also provide a shuttle service for your Equipment. For both services, we will shuttle our guests up the river, and they float back to our campground.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

In Dexter, forest camping isn’t just about pitching a tent under the trees—it’s about real woods, thick with oaks and maples, and waking up to the sound of songbirds, not traffic. With over 160 forest campsites around Dexter, you’ll find spots where the air smells like damp earth, and the trails head straight into the trees. Average prices hover around $45 a night, but you can snag a site for as low as $20. Want a quick start? Check out Fredrock Waterfront Glampground (48 reviews), The Holliday Landing on the Lake (29 reviews), or Oak Grove Tiny Home Community (22 reviews). Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly policies are common, so you don’t have to rough it. Trails wind through the woods for hiking, fishing spots dot the lakes, and it’s prime territory for wildlife-watching. If you love forest air and quiet mornings, Dexter delivers.

95% (146) 68 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dexter

2 Broke Girls Glampground

1. 2 Broke Girls Glampground

100%
(8)
20mi from Dexter · 5 sites · RVs, Lodging
Welcome to 2 Broke Girls Glampground at Wappapello Lake. We are a small, privately owned campground, surrounded by nature and wildlife. We offer unique vacation rentals, annual, monthly and nightly campsites. Each of our vacation rentals and campsites are uniquely designed and conveniently located just seconds away from Rockwood Beach and Boat Ramp.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

2. Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

99%
(63)
45mi from Dexter · 20 sites · RVs
Fredrock is a small privately owned glampground on crystal clear 12mile Creek. It is located about 15 minutes from the nearest town on 33 beautiful acres. Enjoy one of the 7 themed stays or bring your own RV and stay in one of only 5 RV spots. It is just a few minutes walk to 12 Mile Creek which runs through the property. Enjoy the beautiful bluffs, shut-ins, gravel river beds and crystal clear water. Swimming, hiking, stargazing, and horseshoes are all available at Fredrock!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$50
 / night
The Holliday Landing on the Lake

3. The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%
(65)
30mi from Dexter · 44 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Holliday Landing Resort & Marina offers a variety of beautiful campsites to meet your camping needs. There are 11 sites with water, electric, and sewer hook-ups, 28 sites with water and electric, there is a secluded mini-loop where tent campers can enjoy the same access and amenities. All water and electric campsites have 30/120 amp electric service and frost-free water. Guests may use the modern restroom facility with showers. A dump station is available for your use. Each non-primitive site has a gravel pad for RV campers and parking, a grassy area for tent camping, visiting, or playing, a picnic table, and a fire ring with grill. Each primitive site has a grassy area, picnic table, and fire ring with no designated parking area. For your convenience, camping guests may use the boat ramp and may rent a boat slip for a $10 nightly fee.  Kids and adults alike can play together at our playground area. Camping guests also have access to an inground swimming pool at no extra charge.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Mark Twain National Forest

4. 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
Lake Wappapello State Park

5. Lake Wappapello State Park

100%
(3)
74 sites · Puxico, Missouri
Soak up the summertime vibe at Southeast Missouri’s largest lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Izzos orchard

6. Izzos orchard

31mi from Dexter · 1 site · Lodging
Place to set up for a camper up to 40’ water electric and sewer . Kiener springs 1 mile black river less then 1 mile close to two large lakes for fishing boating
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$30
 / night
Saco Valley Farm, LLC

7. Saco Valley Farm, LLC

98%
(26)
48mi from Dexter · 4 sites · Tents
Camp, Swim, BBQ, wade the creek, enjoy the campfire! Primitive Camping. Very Private. Water is cool and clear. Open to the stars. A great place to commune with nature, or enjoy some peace and quiet! 12 mile creek runs directly through our property. Shallow and deep all throughout. Great for wading, swimming, floating, kayaking. Great small mouth fishing! We are approximately one mile by water from the St. Francois River. We have kayaked down the creek to the river for many years. The farm is very rural. We are 16 miles to the closest gas station, and 25 miles to town. There is no internet. Cell phone service is spotty at best. Currently a working farm, we have 2 high tunnels on the property behind the house, and our original market garden. Across the creek we are finishing up our 5 acre agroforestry planting. 3 acres of elderberries and 2 acres of blackberries. 28 acres, 3 on one side, and 25 on the other. The farm is located approximately 2 hours south of St. Louis. Fredericktown is 30 mins away. Food, Drinks, Golf, and Lalo's Mexican Restaurant! There are a ton of local antique shops, and outdoor activities. Local places of interest: Amidon Arcadia Valley Black River Bonne Terre Mine Elephant Rocks Johnson Shut Ins Mill Stream Gardens One Nation Paintball Park Sam A. Baker State Park Saco Valley Farmstand Sherpher Mountain Bike Park Silvermines Taum Sauk Mountain
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$25
 / night
Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

8. Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

100%
(12)
36mi from Dexter · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch.  Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly).  If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands.  The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers!  We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$24
 / night
Oak Grove Tiny Home Community

9. Oak Grove Tiny Home Community

95%
(29)
21mi from Dexter · 21 sites · RVs
Since 2018, we have traveled full time and stayed at cramped, noisy RV parks that had poorly engineered utilities.. These experiences along with the rising cost of housing and full campgrounds, have motivated us to build our quiet, private, and safe community. We welcome all those who choose to live by the words "Home is where you park it." Oak Grove offers many stay options, full hookups, and more. Make no fuss, come stay with us at your home away from home!
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$37
 / night
Rocky Creek Camp

10. Rocky Creek Camp

100%
(1)
24mi from Dexter · 1 site · Tent, RV
This site has beautiful views of the forest as well as Rocky Creek Spring. Secluded area. Beautiful clear view of the sky. Sit next to the creek and listen to nature. You can tent camp or a small camper. You will need an suv or 4x4 to reach the destination. Come stay, play and relax. You will be able to watch the stars at nigh
Pets
Campfires
from 
$48
 / night
Myc’s Forest

11. Myc’s Forest

42mi from Dexter · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
You can enjoy your time at Myc’s Forest by wandering through the trees, fishing at the pond, or chatting with friends by the fire. During spring there is a wide variety of wildflowers along with edible berries. There are three primitive campsites on the property. Each campsite is provided with a fire pit and trash can. We do not provide bathrooms so either dig a hole or bring your own portable toilet. Five of ten acres are open for campers to roam while the other five is where my partner and I have our off-grid home, garden, and pets. PROPERTY RULES: -Wear swim shoes in the pond -Leave no trace -Keep pets on leash -Fires only in designated pits -No glass bottles
Pets
Campfires
from 
$20
 / night
Rock Ridge

12. Rock Ridge

24mi from Dexter · 1 site · Tent, RV
This site is secluded and will have you surrounded with trees and the relaxing sound of nature. Listen to the birds and other wildlife that may go by. The terrain around is rocky. There are trails to follow for hiking. Enjoy time out in nature with your family or out by yourself for a great getaway.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Castor River DD Highway Campground

13. Castor River DD Highway Campground

43mi from Dexter · 2 sites · Tents
Exclusive camping , swimming and fishing on the Castor River...........Awesome Beach___ Float Trips ___ Awesome Bathrooms____ Primitive Tent Camping Sites next to River,______ Rv/Camper/ Motor Home sites with full hook-ups, Water, sewer, 50 and 30 amp on all RV sites. All campsites include a fire ring and picnic tables. In addition, we also offer 4-mile and 8-mile Kayak or Tube floats. Alternatively, if you have your own kayak, canoe, Tube, or Raft, we also provide a shuttle service for your Equipment. For both services, we will shuttle our guests up the river, and they float back to our campground.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field