Wheelchair-accessible camping near Piedmont

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With a name that translates to the “foot of the mountain,” Piedmont is on the southern edge of the Ozark Mountains. While Southeast Missouri is known for its crystal-clear rivers and the rollicking hills of the Mark Twain National Forest, it is also home to some scenic lakes. Clearwater Lake is just one of many elements that bring visitors to Piedmont. The Army Corps of Engineers operates five campgrounds along the shores, some with electric and water hookups. Many of the region’s private RV parks are also found near the lake.

96% (497)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sinking Creek Ranch RVs & Glamping

2. Sinking Creek Ranch RVs & Glamping

100%
(3)
41mi from Piedmont · 30 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bunker, MO
Creekside camping with miles of trails — dirt bike, SxS, ATV, and Horse friendly. Simple, Transparent Pricing At Sinking Creek Ranch, what you see is what you pay — no hidden fees or surprise add-ons. Full-Hookup RV Sites: $40–$50 per night Dry RV Sites: $20–$25 per night RV All-inclusive pricing — covers up to 4 adults, 8 kids, multiple vehicles, and pets at no extra charge. Primitive (Dry) Camping: $15–$20 per night Luxury Glamping Tents: $100–$120 per night The Ranch Welcome to Sinking Creek Ranch, a one-of-a-kind RV campground and glamping destination in the Missouri Ozarks. Set on 277 private acres just minutes from the Current River and Mark Twain National Forest, it’s the perfect mix of peace, adventure, and convenience for riders and RV travelers. RV Camping That Delivers Full-hookup RV sites (30/50 amp, water, sewer) — ideal for trailers, motorhomes, and large rigs Level, private pads with creekside and forest views Pet-friendly **Plenty of space for extra vehicles **and trailer parking in the field. Enjoy the quiet beauty of creekside RV camping in the Ozarks — complete with the utilities and space RVers expect. Ride, Ride, Ride Bring your own dirt bike, side-by-side, or horse — the adventure starts at your campsite. Over 7 miles of single-track trails for dirt bikes, horses, small ATVs, hiking, or mountain biking (under 50in vehicles) A 4.5-mile side-by-side loop located entirely on the property (Over 50in vehicles) Direct access to miles of Ozark forest roads and backcountry trails with proper permits If you’ve been searching for Missouri trails with camping or SxS, ATV, dirt bike, and Horse friendly RV parks, this is it. Please note: We do not offer rentals — guests must bring their own machines or horses. If you plan on bringing a horse please just call us prior. (573-282-6203) Luxury Glamping No RV? No problem. Stay in a luxury canvas glamping tent surrounded by nature — complete with a real bed, cozy lighting, and private fire pit. It’s the perfect Ozark glamping getaway for couples, families, or small groups. Amenities & Highlights Clean bathhouse with hot showers Picnic areas, fire pits, and gathering spaces Pet- and horse-friendly (bring your horse, tack & trailer) Located along Sinking Creek and a short drive from the Current
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

3. Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

98%
(30)
37mi from Piedmont · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · MO
Learn more about this land: You'll have a private place of your own, with access to some of Missouri states most hidden springs, rivers, waterfalls, fishing, hunting, hiking, (some of the best) horseback riding trails, and historic landmarks.  Rather you're after solitude or sport, this area has you covered.  Kayak, canoe, and shuttle rental, service is available at hufstedlers.com and is a short 11.5 mile drive.  Beautiful eleven point river offers blue, red, and white ribbon, spring fed trout/walleye water.  If you're looking to float the river, be sure to research the many springs on the way down your trip and the historic mill communities that once flourished there.  These are perfect opportunities to take a break, eat a meal, and explore the area.  Most also will have public bathrooms.  Unless there are multiple reservations, you will be allowed to hookup/stay at whichever site is the easiest for you to get parked at.  Maps of the area and things to do will continue to be updated as they are developed.  In the mean time, a great resource is MissouriScenicRivers.com. We do not live near this site so this is an exclusively non-hosted listing.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
The Holliday Landing on the Lake

5. The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%
(65)
17mi from Piedmont · 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
Quiet Ozark RV/Tent Camping

6. Quiet Ozark RV/Tent Camping

100%
(12)
21mi from Piedmont · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Van Buren, MO
Looking for a quiet, peaceful private RV site? This site is on a 1 lane county road, 1 mile from Current River and 3 miles from Big Springs (see pics). The country setting is ideal for anyone interested in fishing, floating, hiking or other outdoor activities. No worries about flooding at this location! The small rural town of Van Buren, Missouri is 1 mile away for supplies. A must see is Big Springs in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park 3 miles away. Full hook up (water/elec/sewer/trash) located at 136 Harner Holler in Van Buren, Missouri. Only a three other RV sites on the property. Sites listed are 136A and 136 B is on the shared acre. The other two sites are approximately 50 yards away, 209 being one of these sites. The total property area is 30 acres with rarely any traffic on the country road. Note: A large Class A RV would not be able to make the curve in the county road. 2 night minimum preferred, but not required. Weekly/monthly rates available. Contact owner. Weekly and monthly rates will have additional electric charge based on usage.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Front entrance

7. Pine Valley at Dillard Mill

99%
(42)
49mi from Piedmont · 5 sites · Lodging · Davisville, MO
Pine Valley is located in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest and sits just a short walk away from historic Dillard Mill. Book the entire Farm or stay in an Airstream or Cottage. Group rentals Welcome! Pine Valley is on 43 acres of beautiful green pasture and woodland. Take a hike on one of the trails around the property or go fishing or wading on the Huzzah Creek. Spend your evening roasting marshmallows around your private campfire. Guests will have access to the 40 acres of land surrounding them. There are two ponds on the premise. Enjoy the quarter-mile walk to the old Dillard Mill Store, displayed in museum fashion at the entrance of Dillard Mill State Historic Site. Tour the old grist mill in working form, fish for sunfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass at the Mill, and take memorable photos. Just across from our main entrance take the half-mile trail through Mark Twain National Forest and skip rocks on the Huzzah Creek! Ask us about access to our private gravel bar on the Huzzah. You will pass it, and the private parking, on Dillard Mill Rd on your drive into Pine Valley We may or may not be on the premise during individual rentals. If there are any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out. Other things to note While this space provides most utilities and amenities you'd find at your home, it is important to note it is still a camping-style getaway. We do our best to treat the area, but you will encounter insects. AT&T has limited cell phone reception in the area, Sprint is very spotty, and Verizon is pretty much unavailable for service. We provide the best free wifi available to help with communication back to the real world, but it is rather slow. The best wifi reception is near the General Store/Courtyard. We try and keep the area well maintained. You may see ATVs/tractors on our property and on the gravel road. Pets are welcome for an extra $50 per stay. Please note our dogs may be on the property. They are friendly and well-behaved, although sometimes curious. Other guests may have no-leash pets as well. Park right next to your glamper. Arrive anytime after 4pm, just give us an eta to know when to expect you. If your glamper is not ready upon your arrival, feel free to explore our farm, visit Dillard Mill or head down to the Huzzah while we make it ready for your stay. Self Check-In is always the norm for added privacy. We won't bother you except to wave or maybe say hello if you're out and about. Please feel free to approach us with questions, niceties, or needs.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$117
 / night
This is campsite 2 located near the creek not on it like 1 is. It’s the smallest of them all but surrounded by woods an closest  to the outhouse.  It can hold 2 maybe 3 small size tents.

8. 1855 Campground

100%
(71)
31mi from Piedmont · 7 sites · Tents · Black, MO
Hosts News: And just like that are camping season is at a close. I want to thank ALL my campers for making this a record year! Also a very big thanks for LEAVING NO TRACE. TIRED OF NOISEY OVERCROWDED CAMP GROUNDS, give us a try! 1855 Campground is 45 acres of private property, dedicated to the natural Ozark experience. We border the Mark Twain National Forest, enjoy the outdoors at its best. Our space offers 7 large campsites to provide privacy & serenity. Site 1, Little Brushy Creek with parking. Site 2, Nancy’s Landing, smaller site close to the creek with parking. Site 3 Bills Hill, located high up in the woods. Sites 4 & 5 Walnut Grove, large flat grassy sites in a meadow with wildflowers. Site 6 Hidden Hollow, located in a private cove. Site 7 Roberts Mountain located high up in the woods. Sites 3-4-5-6-7 are remote wooded campsites. Accessible by foot only & upon request a free shuttle of your camping gear. MUST arrive before 8pm when booking these remote sites. Bordering the National Forest, so hiking is abundant & encouraged. Far from the city is ideal for star gazing & amazing photo ops. There is a year round freshwater spring flowing nearby.  Enjoy fishing, swimming in the pond or babbling brook that runs alongside the property. Close by attractions: Floating along the Black River Johnson Shut Ins State Park Bell Mountain Hiking Trails  Elephant Rocks State Park Counsel Bluffs Lake Tip Top Park Taum Sauk State Park Historic town of Caledonia  Clearwater Lake Shepard Mountain bike trail Campsites can accommodate multiple tents. All sites have fire pits, first bundle of wood provided, & BBQ grills and tables (except sites 3 & 7).  Bring charcoal. Outhouses & outside shower are available. Parking lot provided, after check in & assistance to campsite.  NO vehicles, guns or loud music allowed in campground   “ Leave No Trace Principles apply, take out what you bring  in. The office is open 9 to 9 daily through the season. It’s worth noting that the office/ house is “off grid”. Bill, the manager of the campground has been living full time off grid for over 8 yrs & loves to share his experiences & encourages others to ask questions on the subject during normal business hours.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$18
 / night
Van Buren River Fun - RV & Campsite

12. Van Buren River Fun - RV & Campsite

79%
(7)
20mi from Piedmont · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Van Buren, MO
Van Buren River Fun RV & Campsites opened for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 with a sold out campground! It was an awesome experience to see the beautiful Eclipse!! Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a ton of fun! This campground is unique because it comes with private access to 1 mile of river access at Shote Hole Bluff there's a shallow gravel bar for swimming, lounging in the sun in your chair, cooking out, a boat dock, you can set up a canopy for the day and have fun in the sun in the pristine crystal clear gorgeous spring fed Current River! The RV and camp sites have access to a potable water spigot, a porta potty all season long from May 24th through September 3rd, a sewer dump site and the RV and campsites have their own fire rings. The river is directly across the road from the campground. This is the quietest campground that is close to the river and it is very close to Van Buren. It is a rare luxury to have walking access to the Current River. Please contact us with any questions - seasonal rates being May 31, 2024 through Labor Day, September 3, 2024.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

With a name that translates to the “foot of the mountain,” Piedmont is on the southern edge of the Ozark Mountains. While Southeast Missouri is known for its crystal-clear rivers and the rollicking hills of the Mark Twain National Forest, it is also home to some scenic lakes. Clearwater Lake is just one of many elements that bring visitors to Piedmont. The Army Corps of Engineers operates five campgrounds along the shores, some with electric and water hookups. Many of the region’s private RV parks are also found near the lake.

96% (497)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sinking Creek Ranch RVs & Glamping

2. Sinking Creek Ranch RVs & Glamping

100%
(3)
41mi from Piedmont · 30 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bunker, MO
Creekside camping with miles of trails — dirt bike, SxS, ATV, and Horse friendly. Simple, Transparent Pricing At Sinking Creek Ranch, what you see is what you pay — no hidden fees or surprise add-ons. Full-Hookup RV Sites: $40–$50 per night Dry RV Sites: $20–$25 per night RV All-inclusive pricing — covers up to 4 adults, 8 kids, multiple vehicles, and pets at no extra charge. Primitive (Dry) Camping: $15–$20 per night Luxury Glamping Tents: $100–$120 per night The Ranch Welcome to Sinking Creek Ranch, a one-of-a-kind RV campground and glamping destination in the Missouri Ozarks. Set on 277 private acres just minutes from the Current River and Mark Twain National Forest, it’s the perfect mix of peace, adventure, and convenience for riders and RV travelers. RV Camping That Delivers Full-hookup RV sites (30/50 amp, water, sewer) — ideal for trailers, motorhomes, and large rigs Level, private pads with creekside and forest views Pet-friendly **Plenty of space for extra vehicles **and trailer parking in the field. Enjoy the quiet beauty of creekside RV camping in the Ozarks — complete with the utilities and space RVers expect. Ride, Ride, Ride Bring your own dirt bike, side-by-side, or horse — the adventure starts at your campsite. Over 7 miles of single-track trails for dirt bikes, horses, small ATVs, hiking, or mountain biking (under 50in vehicles) A 4.5-mile side-by-side loop located entirely on the property (Over 50in vehicles) Direct access to miles of Ozark forest roads and backcountry trails with proper permits If you’ve been searching for Missouri trails with camping or SxS, ATV, dirt bike, and Horse friendly RV parks, this is it. Please note: We do not offer rentals — guests must bring their own machines or horses. If you plan on bringing a horse please just call us prior. (573-282-6203) Luxury Glamping No RV? No problem. Stay in a luxury canvas glamping tent surrounded by nature — complete with a real bed, cozy lighting, and private fire pit. It’s the perfect Ozark glamping getaway for couples, families, or small groups. Amenities & Highlights Clean bathhouse with hot showers Picnic areas, fire pits, and gathering spaces Pet- and horse-friendly (bring your horse, tack & trailer) Located along Sinking Creek and a short drive from the Current
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

3. Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

98%
(30)
37mi from Piedmont · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · MO
Learn more about this land: You'll have a private place of your own, with access to some of Missouri states most hidden springs, rivers, waterfalls, fishing, hunting, hiking, (some of the best) horseback riding trails, and historic landmarks.  Rather you're after solitude or sport, this area has you covered.  Kayak, canoe, and shuttle rental, service is available at hufstedlers.com and is a short 11.5 mile drive.  Beautiful eleven point river offers blue, red, and white ribbon, spring fed trout/walleye water.  If you're looking to float the river, be sure to research the many springs on the way down your trip and the historic mill communities that once flourished there.  These are perfect opportunities to take a break, eat a meal, and explore the area.  Most also will have public bathrooms.  Unless there are multiple reservations, you will be allowed to hookup/stay at whichever site is the easiest for you to get parked at.  Maps of the area and things to do will continue to be updated as they are developed.  In the mean time, a great resource is MissouriScenicRivers.com. We do not live near this site so this is an exclusively non-hosted listing.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
The Holliday Landing on the Lake

5. The Holliday Landing on the Lake

94%
(65)
17mi from Piedmont · 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
Quiet Ozark RV/Tent Camping

6. Quiet Ozark RV/Tent Camping

100%
(12)
21mi from Piedmont · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Van Buren, MO
Looking for a quiet, peaceful private RV site? This site is on a 1 lane county road, 1 mile from Current River and 3 miles from Big Springs (see pics). The country setting is ideal for anyone interested in fishing, floating, hiking or other outdoor activities. No worries about flooding at this location! The small rural town of Van Buren, Missouri is 1 mile away for supplies. A must see is Big Springs in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park 3 miles away. Full hook up (water/elec/sewer/trash) located at 136 Harner Holler in Van Buren, Missouri. Only a three other RV sites on the property. Sites listed are 136A and 136 B is on the shared acre. The other two sites are approximately 50 yards away, 209 being one of these sites. The total property area is 30 acres with rarely any traffic on the country road. Note: A large Class A RV would not be able to make the curve in the county road. 2 night minimum preferred, but not required. Weekly/monthly rates available. Contact owner. Weekly and monthly rates will have additional electric charge based on usage.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
Front entrance

7. Pine Valley at Dillard Mill

99%
(42)
49mi from Piedmont · 5 sites · Lodging · Davisville, MO
Pine Valley is located in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest and sits just a short walk away from historic Dillard Mill. Book the entire Farm or stay in an Airstream or Cottage. Group rentals Welcome! Pine Valley is on 43 acres of beautiful green pasture and woodland. Take a hike on one of the trails around the property or go fishing or wading on the Huzzah Creek. Spend your evening roasting marshmallows around your private campfire. Guests will have access to the 40 acres of land surrounding them. There are two ponds on the premise. Enjoy the quarter-mile walk to the old Dillard Mill Store, displayed in museum fashion at the entrance of Dillard Mill State Historic Site. Tour the old grist mill in working form, fish for sunfish, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass at the Mill, and take memorable photos. Just across from our main entrance take the half-mile trail through Mark Twain National Forest and skip rocks on the Huzzah Creek! Ask us about access to our private gravel bar on the Huzzah. You will pass it, and the private parking, on Dillard Mill Rd on your drive into Pine Valley We may or may not be on the premise during individual rentals. If there are any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out. Other things to note While this space provides most utilities and amenities you'd find at your home, it is important to note it is still a camping-style getaway. We do our best to treat the area, but you will encounter insects. AT&T has limited cell phone reception in the area, Sprint is very spotty, and Verizon is pretty much unavailable for service. We provide the best free wifi available to help with communication back to the real world, but it is rather slow. The best wifi reception is near the General Store/Courtyard. We try and keep the area well maintained. You may see ATVs/tractors on our property and on the gravel road. Pets are welcome for an extra $50 per stay. Please note our dogs may be on the property. They are friendly and well-behaved, although sometimes curious. Other guests may have no-leash pets as well. Park right next to your glamper. Arrive anytime after 4pm, just give us an eta to know when to expect you. If your glamper is not ready upon your arrival, feel free to explore our farm, visit Dillard Mill or head down to the Huzzah while we make it ready for your stay. Self Check-In is always the norm for added privacy. We won't bother you except to wave or maybe say hello if you're out and about. Please feel free to approach us with questions, niceties, or needs.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$117
 / night
This is campsite 2 located near the creek not on it like 1 is. It’s the smallest of them all but surrounded by woods an closest  to the outhouse.  It can hold 2 maybe 3 small size tents.

8. 1855 Campground

100%
(71)
31mi from Piedmont · 7 sites · Tents · Black, MO
Hosts News: And just like that are camping season is at a close. I want to thank ALL my campers for making this a record year! Also a very big thanks for LEAVING NO TRACE. TIRED OF NOISEY OVERCROWDED CAMP GROUNDS, give us a try! 1855 Campground is 45 acres of private property, dedicated to the natural Ozark experience. We border the Mark Twain National Forest, enjoy the outdoors at its best. Our space offers 7 large campsites to provide privacy & serenity. Site 1, Little Brushy Creek with parking. Site 2, Nancy’s Landing, smaller site close to the creek with parking. Site 3 Bills Hill, located high up in the woods. Sites 4 & 5 Walnut Grove, large flat grassy sites in a meadow with wildflowers. Site 6 Hidden Hollow, located in a private cove. Site 7 Roberts Mountain located high up in the woods. Sites 3-4-5-6-7 are remote wooded campsites. Accessible by foot only & upon request a free shuttle of your camping gear. MUST arrive before 8pm when booking these remote sites. Bordering the National Forest, so hiking is abundant & encouraged. Far from the city is ideal for star gazing & amazing photo ops. There is a year round freshwater spring flowing nearby.  Enjoy fishing, swimming in the pond or babbling brook that runs alongside the property. Close by attractions: Floating along the Black River Johnson Shut Ins State Park Bell Mountain Hiking Trails  Elephant Rocks State Park Counsel Bluffs Lake Tip Top Park Taum Sauk State Park Historic town of Caledonia  Clearwater Lake Shepard Mountain bike trail Campsites can accommodate multiple tents. All sites have fire pits, first bundle of wood provided, & BBQ grills and tables (except sites 3 & 7).  Bring charcoal. Outhouses & outside shower are available. Parking lot provided, after check in & assistance to campsite.  NO vehicles, guns or loud music allowed in campground   “ Leave No Trace Principles apply, take out what you bring  in. The office is open 9 to 9 daily through the season. It’s worth noting that the office/ house is “off grid”. Bill, the manager of the campground has been living full time off grid for over 8 yrs & loves to share his experiences & encourages others to ask questions on the subject during normal business hours.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$18
 / night
Van Buren River Fun - RV & Campsite

12. Van Buren River Fun - RV & Campsite

79%
(7)
20mi from Piedmont · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Van Buren, MO
Van Buren River Fun RV & Campsites opened for the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 with a sold out campground! It was an awesome experience to see the beautiful Eclipse!! Everyone enjoyed themselves and had a ton of fun! This campground is unique because it comes with private access to 1 mile of river access at Shote Hole Bluff there's a shallow gravel bar for swimming, lounging in the sun in your chair, cooking out, a boat dock, you can set up a canopy for the day and have fun in the sun in the pristine crystal clear gorgeous spring fed Current River! The RV and camp sites have access to a potable water spigot, a porta potty all season long from May 24th through September 3rd, a sewer dump site and the RV and campsites have their own fire rings. The river is directly across the road from the campground. This is the quietest campground that is close to the river and it is very close to Van Buren. It is a rare luxury to have walking access to the Current River. Please contact us with any questions - seasonal rates being May 31, 2024 through Labor Day, September 3, 2024.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

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Wheelchair-accessible camping near Piedmont guide

Where to go

Sam A. Baker State Park

Located in the St. Francois Mountains, Sam A. Baker State Park is 15 miles northwest of Piedmont. Big Creek and the St. Francois River run through the park, offering bountiful waters for swimming, fishing, boating, and paddling. Trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding meander through the wooded hills. Three campgrounds, including an equestrian park, offer RV and tent camping sites with basic and electric hookups.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Venture into the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways region to hit the waters of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. This area is home to massive springs, which bubble with brilliant blue waters. Picturesque historic mills provide a peek into the past. Public camping options operated by the National Park Service can be found, with a range of services and amenities. Private RV parks and glamping rentals are tucked into the hillsides throughout the area.

Elephant Rock State Park

One of Missouri’s most unique attractions is found at Elephant Rock State Park, set 45 miles north of Piedmont. Massive pink granite boulders seem to have dropped out of nowhere onto this forest landscape. Line up like circus elephants—the rocks are a sight to behold. While no camping is found directly onsite, a number of private and public campgrounds can be found in the region.

Johnson Shut-Ins State Park

Located near Elephant Rocks State Park, Johnson Shut-Ins State Park features another unique geological wonder. Considered Mother Nature’s water park, the shut-ins are a spot on the Black River where hard rocks create pools and chutes in the rippling river. While playing in the water is the prime attraction, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and other activities can be enjoyed in the woodlands. The campground features renovated facilities, with tent and RV sites featuring everything from basic to full hookup services.

When to go

For outdoor adventures, spring and fall provide moderate temperatures. As late spring turns into summer, the trees begin to bud and wildflowers peep through. Fall is made for hitting the trails and for scenic drives through colorful hills. Summer is the best time for watersports, as the daily temperatures reach their peaks. Winter is the quiet season, with cold temperatures and occasional frozen precipitation. Some campgrounds close for the winter, while others provide service year-round.