The best campgrounds near Dexter, Missouri with swimming

In Dexter, finding a campsite with swimming access is easy—there are over 260 options tailored for water lovers. Expect everything from shaded lakeside spots to camps nestled by slow-moving creeks, with average nightly prices landing around $45 and some sites dipping as low as $15. Campers rave about the setup at Fredrock Waterfront Glampground (48 reviews), the long dock and easy lake entry at The Holliday Landing on the Lake (29 reviews), and the riverbank privacy at Saco Valley Farm, LLC (15 reviews). Most sites allow campfires and offer toilets and showers—bring your swimsuit, a rod if you fish, and enjoy a cool swim after a day on Dexter’s trails.

96% (112)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Dexter, finding a campsite with swimming access is easy—there are over 260 options tailored for water lovers. Expect everything from shaded lakeside spots to camps nestled by slow-moving creeks, with average nightly prices landing around $45 and some sites dipping as low as $15. Campers rave about the setup at Fredrock Waterfront Glampground (48 reviews), the long dock and easy lake entry at The Holliday Landing on the Lake (29 reviews), and the riverbank privacy at Saco Valley Farm, LLC (15 reviews). Most sites allow campfires and offer toilets and showers—bring your swimsuit, a rod if you fish, and enjoy a cool swim after a day on Dexter’s trails.

96% (112)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%

(65)

30mi from Dexter · 44 sites · Tents, RVs · Greenville, MO

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.

2. Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

99%

(63)

45mi from Dexter · 20 sites · RVs · Fredericktown, MO

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!

3. Saco Valley Farm, LLC

98%

(26)

48mi from Dexter · 4 sites · Tents · Fredericktown, MO

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

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

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

6. 13 Oaks Farm

94%

(9)

24mi from Dexter · 2 sites · RVs · Poplar Bluff, MO

Learn more about this land:We are a working farm and welcome you to dry camp in our pasture. Deer frequently graze passed. Fall asleep to the sounds of frogs and nature. The Black River public access is 1 mile away where you can put a boat in or fish from the banks. The gateway to the Ozark and the three rivers, our area provides a great spot to get to your next camp.

7. Leo's Cabin

100%

(2)

48mi from Dexter · 1 site · Lodging · MO

Our mid-size cabin sits on a horse ranch near the beautiful Current River. A 2 bedroom, one bath with sink, shower and compost toilet, full kitchen, and comfortable living area. The property features a very large wrap-around deck with stunning views of our horse pasture that is perfect for relaxing and entertaining. A short drive will gain you access to all there is to offer in the area. Whether you are looking to enjoy Current River or just want a getaway, we have you covered! If you happen to be looking for a place to view the eclipse next April, you couldn't find a better location!

8. Reelfoot Lake State Park

100%

(3)

86 sites · Tiptonville, Tennessee

Birdwatchers and boaters love this park’s unique environment.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

9. Columbus-Belmont State Park

100%

(1)

34 sites · Columbus, Kentucky

Discover Columbus-Belmont State Park's rich history and scenic trails.

Pets

Electrical Hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Dexter

Wappapello Section of the Ozark Trail

23mi from Dexter · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(3)

Lake Wappapello Campground

23mi from Dexter · 74 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Wappapello State Park

Beaver Lake Recreation Area

37mi from Dexter · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

Markham Springs Campground

37mi from Dexter · 11 sites · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(3)

Reelfoot Lake Campground

42mi from Dexter · 86 sites · Tents, RVs · in Reelfoot Lake State Park

100%

(1)

Columbus-Belmont Campground

47mi from Dexter · 34 sites · Tents, RVs · in Columbus-Belmont State Park

Stories from the community

V

Valerie

October 2025

28 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

Very well taken care of campground and Misty and her staff were a delight! There are so many little hidden spots they have setup to just relax in the woods by the creek. The road noise is noticeable, but the area makes up for it for sure!!!

B

Bryan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Saco Valley Farm, LLC

Site #3 was an awesome, serene spot. We went in October, so the water is a bit cold. We waded around with the dogs, and THEY had a blast swimming here, but we mostly enjoyed the view. It was extremely secluded and a perfect getaway. We WILL be returning next year during the summer to take advantage of that swimming hole.

G

Greg

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Saco Valley Farm, LLC

We absolutely loved this spot! We made it back to the camp spot in a two wheel drive highlander but we left a little early due to a storm coming and we were nervous we may not make it back out without 4 wheel drive. We swam and had a great time. It's a beautiful secluded places and that's exactly what we wanted. We will definitely come back.

B

Bobby

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Saco Valley Farm, LLC

We had such a wonderful experience tent camping at Melissa’s land. The property is peaceful and spacious, with plenty of room to set up comfortably. The highlight for us was the beautiful, clear water nearby—perfect for cooling off and just soaking in the natural beauty. Evenings were just as magical: sitting around a crackling campfire under a clear night sky full of stars made the whole stay unforgettable. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway where you can connect with nature, this is the perfect spot. We’ll definitely be back!

Kristin

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Saco Valley Farm, LLC

Another perfect weekend! We loved the site so much this is our 2nd trip in one month!

Kristin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Saco Valley Farm, LLC

Absolutely perfect secluded primitive swimming hole spot, just as described. Loved it so much we immediately booked it again for our next camping weekend! Be aware gps may take you to the owner’s home on the opposite side of the creek from the campsites. The correct road into the site has a hipcamp sign clearly displayed.

I

Its

July 2025

37 ft Class A

2 nights at The Holliday Landing on the Lake

Beautiful campground,from what I could tell the RV and camp spots were not super close and right on top of one another like some camp grounds, we enjoyed our stay ,staff was friendly,I would stay again and recommend it. Walter Smith

C

Christopher

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Saco Valley Farm, LLC

Another great stay. Road in was mowed which was nice. Very enjoyable weekend.

A

Anna

July 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at The Holliday Landing on the Lake

MY HUSBAND AND I LOVED CAMPSITE 31! IT WAS SECLUDED, SHADED, AND HAS GREAT VIEWS. YOU ARE NOT ON TOP OF YOUR NEIGHBORS. THE BATHROOMS WERE CLEAN. WE DIDN'T GET TO SWIM BUT THE POOL WAS CLEAN AND VERY INVITING. DOG FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT. STAFF WAS EASILY REACHED AND NICE ABOUT ME CALLING TO GET FIREWOOD AND STAY AND EXTRA NIGHT. WE VISITED STATE PARKS CLOSE BY, THERE WERE PLENTY OF SWIMMING HOLES WE ENJOYED. THEY HAD A STORE YOU CAN CALL STAFF TO MAKE A PURCHASE, LIMITED MERCHANDISE. WE WERE ABLE TO RELAX AND ENJOY OUR TIME AND PLAN TO GO BACK AS SOON AS WE CAN!

N

Nicolas

June 2025

Tent

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.

J

Jim

May 2025

Tent

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.

Andrew

May 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

Great spot, beautiful scenery, hosts are very accommodating. Not a big fan of RV parks, but this place is an exception. Would be great for family get together

Billy

May 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fredrock Waterfront Glampground

We love this campground. We've stayed 3 times now and defiantly will be back. Perfect atmosphere and great swimming hole.

s

shadrick

May 2025

Tent

2 nights at Saco Valley Farm, LLC

Very secluded, lovely camping spot. Cant wait to go back.

M

Marina

March 2025

22 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at The Holliday Landing on the Lake

Such a beautiful site! The staff was amazing definitely 10/10 recommend. They have a kids park, stor, shower area, full hook ups and a boat ramp and dock.

C

Cody

March 2025

21 ft Class C

With kids

1 night at The Holliday Landing on the Lake

Private place good for stop a long your route. Was not crowded but could be depending on your timing