The best waterside 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.

95% (1.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rolla

1. Spring Lake Ranch

93%

(1983)

46mi from Rolla · 43 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

2. 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

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.

95% (1.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Rolla

1. Spring Lake Ranch

93%

(1983)

46mi from Rolla · 43 sites · Tents, RVs

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.

2. 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 Rolla

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

KA

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

My second time visiting this camp site. I’m a novice at camping. Each time that I visited, I was impressed: friendly staff, helpful fellow campers, and aesthetically pleasing environment, e.g, lakefront view, farm animals, swimming pool, hot tubs available in select rentals and renovated bath houses. Very safe setting for solo campers, couples and families.

Courtney

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Such a great spot for a getaway! The campground was peaceful, well-kept, and had everything we could’ve needed for a perfect tent camping weekend. The lake views were absolutely stunning—especially with all the fall colors reflecting on the water. The bathhouse felt luxurious for camping! We loved every minute of our stay and can’t wait to come back next time to stay in one of the cabins!

Courtney

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

We absolutely loved our stay here! The campground was beautiful—tucked right by a gorgeous lake surrounded by stunning fall colors. It felt like an adult summer camp in the best way possible! Everything we needed was right on site, from fire pits to picnic areas. The bath and shower house was impressively clean, warm, and one of the nicest we’ve seen at a campground. You can tell the owners put a lot of care into maintaining the place. We had such a peaceful, cozy stay and can’t wait to come back again next season!

A

Alyson

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

I’ve stayed at this site twice now and will continue to return. This is a great place to visit in the fall, the trees look beautiful. The cleanliness of the bathrooms is a great feature. The trails are also nice but the red trail needs to be marked better, it’s easy to get lost in that area. Overall a fun time. My one complaint - people need to STOP LITTERING!!! The amount of litter on the red trail is in my opinion unacceptable. If you are visiting/enjoying nature..why are you littering!?? Be better people and stop littering

J

Jessica

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Spring Lake Ranch

Tent camping is wonderful. Gorgeous views and great shower/bathrooms.

D

Debbie

October 2025

19 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

A beautiful campground with lots of animals and a beautiful lake.

Lynne

October 2025

13 ft pop-up camper

With kids

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

We have been here a couple times before. We love the land and the lakes. The updated bathroom is nice and clean. The only area they could improve on is to have someone that actually works in the office. This happens every time we stay there. You have to call to get someone to the office. This time it was 10 minutes for one wait and over an hour for another. This is unacceptable in my eyes. Their service is lacking. Lynne Duggan

K

Kenneth

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

What's not to love. First time there and it was a great experience. You'd have to check it out to appreciate it.

V

Vanessa

October 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Beautiful lake, accessible bathhouse, and wooded RV sites. It was a great get-a-way and fun to be on a farm with gorgeous horses. The nearest town is about a 17 minutes drive away, so bring plenty of food or block out time to drive into town.

Tatevik

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Really lovely lans. Beautiful views, good hiking and peaceful lake. We enjoyed the farm animals and great birdwatching.

P

Patrick

October 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Second time at spring ranch with our travel trailer, so it’s kind of obvious that we like the location and the amenities. Staff at the main building are excellent and very helpful, bath house is clean and nice. Kayak rental is perfect and a nice way to spend a fall day, and a good 2 mile loop trail for hiking is enjoyable.

B

Bob

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at Spring Lake Ranch

Electric power available as needed. Tent site was flat and the tent stakes easily penetrated the surface as need. Surrounding trees sheltered from the winds. Good tent site camping if electricity availability is desired.

T

Theresa

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Spring Lake Ranch

Beautiful and peaceful campsite with clean facilities! We go every year.

M

Michelle

October 2025

18 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

The lake and views were beautiful. Quiet and clean. We will definitely go back to try out the tree houses.

J

Jon

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Great place! Heading back soon. Loved the beach, docks, and BBQ pit. Bathrooms were clean. Recommended!

E

Ernest

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Complete hook ups. Very pretty lake. Wooded. Dog friendly. Big thumbs up.

T

Taylor

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Just visited last weekend for a birthday camp out with my wife and son. The view from the campsite was beautiful! The lake was like glass, and both morning and evening "golden hour" were so stunning, it was hard to do anything besides simply sitting and watching the changing colors. Only five campsites in Site A, so no way for it to get too crowded.

G

Gregory

September 2025

17 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Nice environment and amenities. We caught some nice size bluegill on the lake.

N

Noel

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

This is a beautiful place. I will definitely be back again. The staff and the other campers very nice and welcoming.

E

Elkyne

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Spring Lake Ranch

Very beautiful location on the secluded peninsula. Heard an eagle in the trees the first night, as well as some owls once nighttime arrived. The stars were absolutely stunning! We also felt like we were in a magical landscape when we saw the firefly larvae around the edge of the water. At first it was just a couple and then as the night went on we felt like it was an avatar scene and the landscape was aglow. The next morning we saw the most colorful sunrise and fog over the water. As we had breakfast we were blessed to witness a bald eagle hunting over the lake for its own meal! Then we went on a wonderful hike with tons of beautiful flowers along the way. We saw a herd of goats, some skinks, a chipmunk, a couple of sweet kittens by the General Store, I caught a frog, and watched some pigs bathe in the lake shores edge. The bathrooms were honestly extremely nice, I was expecting the standard raccoon and wasps nest scenario. Inside though is lovely granite countertops, and heavy wooden stalls. It was also clean at multiple intervals throughout the day. A magical place for anyone that loves nature and camping. Will 100% recommend to anyone interested in camping. The site itself was large, well maintained, and pretty private. Also has a lovely wooden bench under some trees, perfect for watching the sunrise/set

Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near Rolla

88%

(21)

Mark Twain National Forest

Bunker, Missouri

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside 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.