The best mountainous campgrounds near Rolla, Missouri

This small college town is located approximately halfway between two of Missouri’s largest cities, St. Louis and Springfield. Venture off of Interstate 44 to explore the natural areas surrounding the town. The Meramec and Gasconade Rivers are nearby, with rambling waters offering prime places to paddle, fish, and float. Missouri’s version of MIT, Missouri S&T is home to a nuclear reactor, a replica of Stonehenge, and one of the state’s best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Several private RV parks offer a full suite of amenities, including full hookups and free wifi. Venture out to the nearby national forest and state parks for scenic public campgrounds.

97% (196)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rolla

This small college town is located approximately halfway between two of Missouri’s largest cities, St. Louis and Springfield. Venture off of Interstate 44 to explore the natural areas surrounding the town. The Meramec and Gasconade Rivers are nearby, with rambling waters offering prime places to paddle, fish, and float. Missouri’s version of MIT, Missouri S&T is home to a nuclear reactor, a replica of Stonehenge, and one of the state’s best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Several private RV parks offer a full suite of amenities, including full hookups and free wifi. Venture out to the nearby national forest and state parks for scenic public campgrounds.

97% (196)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rolla

1. Crooked Creek Ranch

99%

(83)

27mi from Rolla · 1 site · Tent, RV

Once a portion of a hunting preserve, Crooked Creek Ranch is located deep in the Missouri Ozarks, within walking distance of Mark Twain National Forest. We've owned and managed Crooked Creek Ranch for many years now, building and maintaining trails, planting trees and working to make the place as beautiful as it can be for all who visit. We hope that you will be as refreshed and revitalized as we are when you set foot into this wonderful forest. It is a lot of very hard work, and totally worth it. If you enjoy it, it will make it that much more worth it! Thanks for reading! Learn more about this land: 100% PRIVACY. 35 private wooded acres all to yourself with a totally private one-mile intermediate level mountain biking-hiking loop trail! Hike peaceful trails, exploring the wooded hills until you find the perfect spot for your tent. If you select a spot near the clearing, you will have access to the picnic table and fire circle. Spend your days mountain biking, hiking, fishing and watching wildlife on a private ranch in the Ozark Mountains, less than a quarter mile from the Mark Twain National Forest. Less than five miles from Indian Trail State Forest (Indian Trail Conservation Area) with beautiful Blackwell Lake. Canoeing and kayaking are less than an hour away (Meramec River, Current River and Jacks Fork River), as well as trout fishing at scenic Meramec Spring Park or Montauk State Park. Peaceful wilderness will inspire artists, writers, musicians. Quiet, secluded, beautiful, and rugged. If you do not want to see anyone, you don't have to. You will have 35 private acres. You will be 100% secluded. If you want amenities, this is not the place. If you want complete privacy, this is the place! Bear and mountain lion have been seen in the area, so please keep this in mind.

2. Big Rock Candy mountain

100%

(9)

38mi from Rolla · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

Developed in 2000 and renovated in 2020 you will find this campground to be an unexpected pleasure. Located 1.5 miles from the beautiful Current River and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways come and enjoy the remoteness and amazing scenery of this region.Learn more about this land:Located 1.5 miles from the Current River @ Cedar Grove. We have a Restaurant and bar, tons of trees, pool, large grass event area,hiking, biking, and horse trails, fishing, floating, Bo’s Hallow, Mauntauk State Park, Upper Current River, and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and good vibes.

3. Water Mountain

94%

(57)

30mi from Rolla · 30 sites · Tents, RVs

Ive own this land since 2005 and have used it for camping, parties, and venue.Learn more about this land:This is a 180 acres of camping along the Gasconade River. Lots of great spots for camping, hiking, and UTV/ATV riding. 50% forest, 10% trails, 20% along river, 10% bluffs, and 10% flat with grass field.

4. Hagood Farms and Trails

98%

(92)

47mi from Rolla · 8 sites · Tents

We have 172 acres of trails with scenic waterfalls and trees. A pond for fishing and conveniently located with in 8 miles from sevetal state parks and 2 miles from 300 acers of off road trails. We have owned and lived on tje property since 1999 .Learn more about this land:We are a fully functioning farm with Longhorn cattle, horses, mini donkeys and goats that are very friendly. We have 164 acres that have trails for horseback riding and ATVs. We are located 8 miles from Mermac River and Washington State park where you can rent canoe's and go hiking. We are an hour from St. Louis and Elephant Rock State park as well as Johnston shut ins. We are also with in 8 miles of ROMP dirt bike trail and 1 mile from Moonlight trails and racing that is 400 plus acers of ATV and jeep trails. We have a few waterfalls on the property and lots of areas to hike as well. Several areas of camping to choose from, you can be in the woods or out in the open. Spring and Summer months we offer farm fresh eggs and there is always plenty of firewood. We recently added a pond area as well. We now have Electric and water as well.

5. Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%

(10)

47mi from Rolla · 18 sites · Tents, RVs

We have owned the property since the early eighties. We have been a working farm for the last 6 years. We have hosted rrail rides and atv rides for several years and are planning on adding Historically correct Old log cabins as well as a wedding venue in the near furture.Learn more about this land:We are locted between two state parks Mermac and Washington state park. There is ATV and off road trails 2 miles down the road. We have trails throught thw property where you can hike, ride horses or take ATVs. There is lots of wildlife as well as farm animals. We have a waterfalls and streams you can walk in or just sit by and enjoy.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

B

Brett

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Water Mountain

I went looking for remote, and remote is what I got. This places was absolutely fantastic! I stayed down by the river and had an amazing time. The road down can be a bit rocky but easily doable in just about any vehicle. Lance was a great host and shared a lot of knowledge about the property and surrounding area. I'll definitely be back!!!

Dylan

November 2025

20 ft campervan

3 nights at Crooked Creek Ranch

we love this place!! what crooked creek lacks in amenities it makes up for in peace, solitude and outdoor fun!! my pack of dogs love the freedom to be wild while their parents sit by the fire. the trail around the property is lovely too. thank you to ross for sharing this slice of heaven!!

C

Chris

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

We love camping @ Heidi's place. They are very friendly and the property is very well taken care of.

D

Dena

November 2025

24 ft Class B

3 nights at Crooked Creek Ranch

This was our second time back and it was just as wonderful as the first. Ross's place is so peaceful and secluded, you will not be disappointed. Ross is a wonderful host and great at communication. We will be coming back again and again.

M

Megan

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Water Mountain

We loved tent camping out here on Lance's land, it was beautiful, the woods are lovely and secluded which is exactly what we were looking for. Lance is a wonderful host and very accommodating. We will definitely be back in the future for a longer stay, 5/5 stars!

C

Christy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

2nd time camping! Always hospitable, and a great place to peacefully relax.

K

Kylie Jane

October 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Water Mountain

Hosts were so wonderful! Such a great place to get away from the crowds. Beautiful property, perfect for us and our 3 dogs.

A

Amie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Water Mountain

I live in a rural area and this is VERY RURAL, and that’s just fine. The hosts are very nice and accommodating. We could have stayed up top but wanted a view of the river so we braved the rustic trail to the secluded river spot. We both had AWD and were glad we did because it was a bumpy ride. However, totally worth it. The site faced west over the river and we got to see deer run across the low river and heard owls and coyotes. It was 100% primitive camping down there but we had brought water and a portable toilet so we were prepared. If you have a vehicle that can make the trek down and you don’t mind primitive and secluded, then this is a spot for you.

K

Kelli

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch

Loved the privacy and star gazing! Definitely going back!

B

Brianna

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

Aaron and Heidi were incredibly accommodating and kind. We felt safe, and had a wonderful time. There is tons to do on the property, and in the area, as well. They have adorable farm animals, and a beautiful piece of land.

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

As always it was peaceful and relaxing time. Great hosts.

A

Asher

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch

Wonderful spot. Really enjoyed it. Easy to find. Very well maintained.

H

Holly

September 2025

35 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Big Rock Candy mountain

Where to begin!!??? We absolutely loved our stay at BRCM!... we stayed in our camper on an electric site and it was fantastic from start to finish. Roger and Lela are just incredible people who have created a very special place. Between the swimming pool, bar and grill, playground, dogs, and general vibe, this place is a one of a kind getaway- more of an experience really. We loved it. And it's minutes away from the Current river where we set up for a few hours to have some river fun. It's truly a family place- we met other campers/lodgers who had already been there several times, which i absolutely understand! This is a place you keep coming back to because Roger and Lela make it feel like home. We can't wait to come back!!!!

J

Justina

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch

A wonderful experience camping under the stars! Definitely loved the seclusion and being able to enjoy the great outdoors like we are supposed too! Super grateful for the experience and being able to explore the trail, but might’ve destroyed some spider homes along the way. Thank you Ross for keeping the land beautiful and having a perfect clearing to spend the night under the stars. Perfect for hammocking if you prefer to sleep outside!

M

Metehan

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

We had such a wonderful experience at this campsite! The location is peaceful and tucked away, making it feel private and cozy. At night we were able to enjoy a campfire, and the hosts went above and beyond by providing us with fresh eggs (including duck eggs) and firewood. They were incredibly kind, welcoming, and full of helpful suggestions about the area. We also enjoyed fishing in the small pond on the property and taking walks around the grounds. Our dog had the best time running free and exploring the nature around us. Everything about this place made us feel relaxed and connected to the outdoors. We absolutely loved our stay and will definitely be coming back!

E

Eric

July 2025

20 ft campervan

3 nights at Big Rock Candy mountain

The Big Rock Candy Mountain was a great spot for a long weekend with our RV, motorcycles and a float trip on the Current. We absolutly enjoyed the pool, the bar and grill for both a dinner and a breakfast, and some fantastic live music on the deck Saturday night! Great spot, we'll be back!

M

Mark

July 2025

16 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Water Mountain

Awesome property. Loved the freedom to enjoy the land. Road a little rough to the river but that’s what makes it fun. Atv heaven. A little shooting if you like. Lance and Patricia some cool cats. Anyways we roamed into to the town of Linn. Nice place called Ozark View. Golf course swimming pool bar eats and other things. Also went to the town of Belle shot some pool at the local pub good eats. Float was awesome Lance took us up river about 5 miles. Fun getting out at his place a little creek off the river. Love adventures. Welp a must hang out. Plenty of wood to burn.

Ben

July 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Water Mountain

Lance is a super cool guy. Lots of land to explore.

E

Emily

June 2025

11 ft toy hauler

2 nights at Big Rock Candy mountain

As previously mentioned, the shower house is amazing (and has AC) but they also have a great set up around camp. You can be as primitive or comfortable as you'd like and the host family is incredibly welcoming and friendly. They went over and above and helped us with a couple small issues we were having. Would definitely recommend!

N

Nick

June 2025

13 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch

Ross land was well maintained and very little road traffic/noise . The dogs had a great time running around while we relaxed. Definitional will be booking this site again.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best mountainous camping near Rolla guide

Where to go

Mark Twain National Forest

Mark Twain National Forest covers 1.5 million acres in Missouri, and Rolla provides a great jumping off point for exploring this wilderness. Lane Spring Recreation Area is just 13 miles south of town, yet feels worlds away, thanks to the bubbling waters of Lane Spring and Little Piney Creek, which is designated as a Blue Ribbon Wild Trout Stream (a rare find in Missouri). Fishing, swimming, tubing, and hiking can all be enjoyed in this scenic slice of the Missouri Ozarks. Campsites for tents and RVs are available, with some electric hookups.

Meramec State Park

This state park gem is 40 minutes northeast of Rolla. Hike or fish along the Meramec River. Float trips outside of the park are a popular way to spend a lazy afternoon in the summer—grab an inner tube and set sail. Rippling springs and towering limestone bluffs line the waterway. For a unique adventure, book a tour of Fisher Cave. The state park campground features basic, electric, and full hookup sites.

Montauk State Park

A Missouri favorite for those looking for a peaceful retreat, Montauk State Park is less than an hour south of Rolla. It is located on Pigeon Creek near the headwaters of the Current River. Seven springs in the park cool the waters to the chilly temperatures where trout thrive, making this a popular park for fly fishing. History buffs won’t want to miss the historic Montauk Mill, built in 1896. Hiking, biking, and camping can all be enjoyed in the park. Basic and electric sites are available—some are right on the waters.

When to go

If the waterways are the heart of your adventures, summertime is THE time to visit, as waters warm enough to take a splash. Daily temps can top out over 90 degrees, with high humidity. In spring, the weather is generally pleasant, though leaves don’t fully bud out until May. The rolling Ozarks hills around Rolla are especially scenic in fall, as the trees erupt in an array of colors. Temperatures are mild—providing prime campfire weather.