The best lakeside camping near Ironton

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Lake camping in Ironton means waking up to the slap of water on the shore and watching mist lift off the lake before breakfast. With over 600 options in the area, you can pitch your tent right by the water or tucked under pines, all at an average of $45 a night—and some spots start as low as $20. Anglers cast out early, swimmers claim their stretch of water by midday, and horseback riders follow trails that skirt the lakeshore. Showers, toilets, and campfires are standard at most sites, so you won’t have to rough it. Local favorites include Spring Lake Ranch (840 reviews), Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (546 reviews), and Four Creeks Campground (302 reviews). Book ahead if you want a prime lakeside spot, especially in peak season.

97% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

1. Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%
(840)
1.7mi from Ironton · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Spring Lake Ranch

2. Spring Lake Ranch

93%
(1982)
32mi from Ironton · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$17
 / night
The Magic Land Homestead

7. The Magic Land Homestead

94%
(16)
45mi from Ironton · 4 sites · Lodging · Grubville, MO
The Magic Land Homestead is our 70 acre wooded private retreat. We are about an hour from St. Louis, Missouri, on a beautiful country drive. We rent our Enchanted Treehouse that sleeps up to 9 guests for those who enjoy a more pampered getaway with a real bathroom and shower, and we also rent out a Rustic A-Frame that's a little more primitive with a composting toilet and a hose shower out back. Our four free range lovable dogs, colorful chickens, silly geese and goofy turkey Hammerstein, are usually part of the fun of your stay. We have a 3 acre lake with kayak and paddle boat and dock as well as a spring fed wet weather creek. Our mission is to grow our own organic food and to live as sustainably and mindfully as possible in connection with Mother Nature. So the guests we attract are looking for a sacred more quiet getaway. If you wish to throw a big party another place would be best. There are some trails and open areas to play, along with fun swings and an opportunity to reconnect with your soul. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$70
 / night
Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

8. Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

100%
(12)
38mi from Ironton · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Glen Allen, MO
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night
Chambourcin berries during veraison.

13. Monarch Hill Vineyard

99%
(93)
27mi from Ironton · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ste. Genevieve, MO
Welcome to Monarch Hill! Tucked away in the hills of Ste. Genevieve County, we enjoy watching the sun rise and set over our secluded pastures and vineyards.  Our hilltop sites offer an open area with fire rings and picnic tables, great for groups or social butterflies. These offer well water at the nearby barn for drinking and showering.  The Seclusion sites are private escapes for those who want to immerse themselves in the sounds of nature. Take in the chirps of frogs, birds and crickets at these isolated sites.  We offer a complimentary wood basket with every booking, and have additional fire-building supplies available. Be sure to check out our experiences to make the most of your stay, and don't forget to reserve a s'more kit! *** April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse *** We are excited to be located in the best viewing path for this year's total eclipse! We will be preparing additional sites as needed for this weekend, so if we are fully booked check back soon or message us to reserve a spot. More information to come as we approach the date.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
The Holliday Landing on the Lake

15. The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%
(65)
40mi from Ironton · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Lakeside Tipi Retreat

16. Lakeside Tipi Retreat

100%
(7)
19mi from Ironton · 1 site · Lodging · Potosi, MO
Welcome to Your Lakeside Tipi Escape! From the moment you pass through the stone gate guarded by gargoyles, you’ll feel it — the energy shifts. You’ve entered a truly special place. Nestled within the Ozark National Forest, our 42-acre sanctuary is designed to help you relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature—and yourself. Whether you're fishing on our private lake, hiking nearly a mile of marked trails, kayaking, swimming, or simply lounging beside the soothing waterfall, there are countless ways to enjoy the peaceful beauty of this land. Nearby attractions like Elephant Rocks, Johnson Shut-Ins, and Council Bluff Lake offer even more adventures just a short drive away. You will also enjoy the beautiful countryside drive to the property. As you drive in past the lake, you will find the tipi lightly tucked into the pine trees. It is close enough to the lake, waterfall and creek that you can hear it at all hours, day and night. Inside, you'll find two cozy beds (one queen, one full), ambient lighting, electricity, and a propane firepit for a cozy atmosphere. Just steps away is our shared gathering cabin, which includes a shower, kitchenette, and restroom facilities. We live on-site and love to share the land with our guests. Cindy is a Master Gardener, and Jim is a spiritual life coach and energy worker—both are happy to offer sessions upon request. Feel free to wander through our garden and sample seasonal organic veggies, or check out the progress on our innovative underground greenhouse. Friendly visits from our two dogs and horse are common—they love people! But if you'd prefer no animal interaction, just let us know in advance. You’ll also find yourself close to charming wineries, antique shops, and unique boutiques like The Old Village Mercantile. We're always happy to provide recommendations to help you make the most of your stay. Bonus: A portion of every stay supports Old Man River Nature Retreat, our nonprofit offering nature-based healing retreats for veterans and first responders with PTSD. https://oldmanriver.org https://www.facebook.com/OMRNRetreat Come experience the peace. The magic is real here.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$100
 / night

Lake camping in Ironton means waking up to the slap of water on the shore and watching mist lift off the lake before breakfast. With over 600 options in the area, you can pitch your tent right by the water or tucked under pines, all at an average of $45 a night—and some spots start as low as $20. Anglers cast out early, swimmers claim their stretch of water by midday, and horseback riders follow trails that skirt the lakeshore. Showers, toilets, and campfires are standard at most sites, so you won’t have to rough it. Local favorites include Spring Lake Ranch (840 reviews), Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (546 reviews), and Four Creeks Campground (302 reviews). Book ahead if you want a prime lakeside spot, especially in peak season.

97% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

1. Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%
(840)
1.7mi from Ironton · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Spring Lake Ranch

2. Spring Lake Ranch

93%
(1982)
32mi from Ironton · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$17
 / night
The Magic Land Homestead

7. The Magic Land Homestead

94%
(16)
45mi from Ironton · 4 sites · Lodging · Grubville, MO
The Magic Land Homestead is our 70 acre wooded private retreat. We are about an hour from St. Louis, Missouri, on a beautiful country drive. We rent our Enchanted Treehouse that sleeps up to 9 guests for those who enjoy a more pampered getaway with a real bathroom and shower, and we also rent out a Rustic A-Frame that's a little more primitive with a composting toilet and a hose shower out back. Our four free range lovable dogs, colorful chickens, silly geese and goofy turkey Hammerstein, are usually part of the fun of your stay. We have a 3 acre lake with kayak and paddle boat and dock as well as a spring fed wet weather creek. Our mission is to grow our own organic food and to live as sustainably and mindfully as possible in connection with Mother Nature. So the guests we attract are looking for a sacred more quiet getaway. If you wish to throw a big party another place would be best. There are some trails and open areas to play, along with fun swings and an opportunity to reconnect with your soul. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$70
 / night
Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

8. Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

100%
(12)
38mi from Ironton · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Glen Allen, MO
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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night
Chambourcin berries during veraison.

13. Monarch Hill Vineyard

99%
(93)
27mi from Ironton · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ste. Genevieve, MO
Welcome to Monarch Hill! Tucked away in the hills of Ste. Genevieve County, we enjoy watching the sun rise and set over our secluded pastures and vineyards.  Our hilltop sites offer an open area with fire rings and picnic tables, great for groups or social butterflies. These offer well water at the nearby barn for drinking and showering.  The Seclusion sites are private escapes for those who want to immerse themselves in the sounds of nature. Take in the chirps of frogs, birds and crickets at these isolated sites.  We offer a complimentary wood basket with every booking, and have additional fire-building supplies available. Be sure to check out our experiences to make the most of your stay, and don't forget to reserve a s'more kit! *** April 2024 Total Solar Eclipse *** We are excited to be located in the best viewing path for this year's total eclipse! We will be preparing additional sites as needed for this weekend, so if we are fully booked check back soon or message us to reserve a spot. More information to come as we approach the date.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
The Holliday Landing on the Lake

15. The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%
(65)
40mi from Ironton · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Lakeside Tipi Retreat

16. Lakeside Tipi Retreat

100%
(7)
19mi from Ironton · 1 site · Lodging · Potosi, MO
Welcome to Your Lakeside Tipi Escape! From the moment you pass through the stone gate guarded by gargoyles, you’ll feel it — the energy shifts. You’ve entered a truly special place. Nestled within the Ozark National Forest, our 42-acre sanctuary is designed to help you relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature—and yourself. Whether you're fishing on our private lake, hiking nearly a mile of marked trails, kayaking, swimming, or simply lounging beside the soothing waterfall, there are countless ways to enjoy the peaceful beauty of this land. Nearby attractions like Elephant Rocks, Johnson Shut-Ins, and Council Bluff Lake offer even more adventures just a short drive away. You will also enjoy the beautiful countryside drive to the property. As you drive in past the lake, you will find the tipi lightly tucked into the pine trees. It is close enough to the lake, waterfall and creek that you can hear it at all hours, day and night. Inside, you'll find two cozy beds (one queen, one full), ambient lighting, electricity, and a propane firepit for a cozy atmosphere. Just steps away is our shared gathering cabin, which includes a shower, kitchenette, and restroom facilities. We live on-site and love to share the land with our guests. Cindy is a Master Gardener, and Jim is a spiritual life coach and energy worker—both are happy to offer sessions upon request. Feel free to wander through our garden and sample seasonal organic veggies, or check out the progress on our innovative underground greenhouse. Friendly visits from our two dogs and horse are common—they love people! But if you'd prefer no animal interaction, just let us know in advance. You’ll also find yourself close to charming wineries, antique shops, and unique boutiques like The Old Village Mercantile. We're always happy to provide recommendations to help you make the most of your stay. Bonus: A portion of every stay supports Old Man River Nature Retreat, our nonprofit offering nature-based healing retreats for veterans and first responders with PTSD. https://oldmanriver.org https://www.facebook.com/OMRNRetreat Come experience the peace. The magic is real here.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$100
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field