The best cave campgrounds near Lebanon, Missouri

Surrounded by expansive forests and unique geology, Lebanon is set in the heart of Missouri. Discover local history with a visit to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, where campers can visit the ruins of a stone castle nestled among the trees. Bennett Spring State Park offers fishing and fun on the water, as well as plenty of space for tent and RV camping. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the perfect place to explore inside one of Missouri’s famous caves, where guided tours take campers through the vast unlit cavern. Discover RV and tent campsites along the rivers and lakes, as well as hidden gems like campsites on one of Lebanon’s local farms.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Lebanon

Surrounded by expansive forests and unique geology, Lebanon is set in the heart of Missouri. Discover local history with a visit to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, where campers can visit the ruins of a stone castle nestled among the trees. Bennett Spring State Park offers fishing and fun on the water, as well as plenty of space for tent and RV camping. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the perfect place to explore inside one of Missouri’s famous caves, where guided tours take campers through the vast unlit cavern. Discover RV and tent campsites along the rivers and lakes, as well as hidden gems like campsites on one of Lebanon’s local farms.

99% (96)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lebanon

1. D'Ranch at Clearwater

100%

(149)

46mi from Lebanon · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

D'Ranch at Clearwater is a small, 40 acre hobby farm located on the north side of the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri. What started as a simple love of backyard chickens has now become a dream farm for Tracey Durant and her husband Theodore. Nestled in the valley between two forest covered hillsides, and running adjacent to Clearwater Creek on the east and the lake on the south, D'Ranch could not have been a more perfect location for the Durants to plant their roots and get their feet wet. While they continue their love of backyard chickens with their small egg and hatchery operation know as HeebyJeeby Chickens, they have expanded their interests to an array of friendly farm animals including horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and an occasional turkey or two. 

2. Lake of the Ozarks State Park

83%

(6)

189 sites · Osage Beach, Missouri

Explore a gem of a lake in the middle of the state.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

3. 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

Public campgrounds near Lebanon

83%

(6)

Lake of the Ozarks Campground

29mi from Lebanon · 189 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Big Piney Trail

33mi from Lebanon · 1 site · in Mark Twain National Forest

Paddy Creek Wilderness

34mi from Lebanon · 2 sites · in Mark Twain National Forest

Big Piney Trail Camp

35mi from Lebanon · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Paddy Creek Recreation Area

35mi from Lebanon · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Kaintuck Hollow Trail

42mi from Lebanon · 2 sites · in Mark Twain National Forest

Lane Spring Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(1)

Lane Spring Recreation Area and Campground

46mi from Lebanon · 1 site · in Mark Twain National Forest

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Lebanon

83%

(6)

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Osage Beach, Missouri

88%

(21)

Mark Twain National Forest

Bunker, Missouri

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best cave camping near Lebanon guide

Where to go

Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Discover a unique view of Missouri history with a walk up to Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins, where hikers can explore the ruins of a 1905 stone mansion. Geological attractions like caves and sinkholes draw campers in, while an assortment of tent campsites allow for overnight stays within the park. For a stunning view, follow the trail up the bluffs to look over Lake of the Ozarks. Campers can also swim, boat, fish, hike, or picnic around Ha Ha Tonka’s lakes and forests.

Bennett Spring State Park

Twenty minutes west of Lebanon, Bennett Spring State Park is a perfect getaway. Fishing for rainbow trout in the freshwater spring is one of the park’s primary attractions, while hiking trails along the stream, in the forest, and through a natural tunnel make Bennett Spring a diverse hiking destination. Hipcampers can make a reservation to stay at one of the park’s many tent and RV campsites—book early to secure a site with water, firewood, or a dump station.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Drive 30 minutes north of Lebanon to discover Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Following the shores of one of Missouri’s largest lakes, Lake of the Ozarks pairs miles of waterfront with beautiful oak-hickory forests. Explore hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, and stay at one of the park’s campsites, which include outpost cabins, yurts, and traditional tent campsites. Make the most of the lake with swimming, fishing, and boating, or discover a unique Missouri natural wonder with a guided tour through Ozark Caverns.

When to go

Spring and fall are the most popular times to camp in Lebanon, MO, with the warm, rainy spring extending from March to May. The summer months are hot, with highs near 90°F in July and August. Vibrant leaf colors and temperatures in the 70s make Lebanon an ideal camping destination in the fall, with the best colors presenting from early to mid-October. Winter camping is available in the region and boasts snowy weather with smaller crowds. The Missouri Department of Conversation advises a sleeping bag rated -20°F for campers exploring Lebanon in winter.