Lake Camping Near Salem, Missouri, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2026

Looking to camp by the water near Salem? You’ve got over 230 lakefront campsites to choose from, with prices averaging $30 a night and some spots dipping as low as $20. Swim straight from your tent, spot herons at sunrise, or follow hiking trails hugging the shoreline. Campers rave about Spring Lake Ranch (840 reviews), Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (546 reviews), and Four Creeks Campground (302 reviews) for their easy water access and relaxed vibe. Most sites welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer showers—so you don’t have to rough it. Expect days filled with swimming, hiking, and wildlife-watching, and nights under an open sky just steps from the lake.

96% (1.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Salem

Looking to camp by the water near Salem? You’ve got over 230 lakefront campsites to choose from, with prices averaging $30 a night and some spots dipping as low as $20. Swim straight from your tent, spot herons at sunrise, or follow hiking trails hugging the shoreline. Campers rave about Spring Lake Ranch (840 reviews), Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (546 reviews), and Four Creeks Campground (302 reviews) for their easy water access and relaxed vibe. Most sites welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer showers—so you don’t have to rough it. Expect days filled with swimming, hiking, and wildlife-watching, and nights under an open sky just steps from the lake.

96% (1.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Salem

1. Spring Lake Ranch

93%

(1983)

42mi from Salem · 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. Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%

(841)

48mi from Salem · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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!

3. Four Creeks Ranch Campground

97%

(438)

43mi from Salem · 19 sites · Tents, RVs

Three crystal clear creeks to swim, wade, hunt rocks, or just relax. We have several tent sites right on the creeks and RV sites close for just a short walk for swimming fun. Close to Mark Twain National Forest, for hiking Rocky Creek trail Head, Blue Springs trail to Rocky Falls, Black River and the Current for floating, Kayaking or fishing. Clearwater Lake for boat rentals or Jet skies. Sites to see, Blue Springs, Big Springs Johnson Shut Inns, Elephant Rock, Rocky Falls, and many state parks to explore. We are also only three miles from the town of Ellington, MO for your shopping needs, several restaurants and antiquing.

4. 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

5. Cardin’s Lake

88%

(29)

37mi from Salem · 2 sites · Tents

Learn more about this land:We offer a peaceful setting with a wonderful lake view. You can fish for crappie, bass, catfish, blue gil, goggleye and perch. Take a hike around the farm and maybe see some cows and wildlife. Or sit around a camp fire telling stories and enjoying the stars.

6. 1855 Campground

100%

(71)

33mi from Salem · 7 sites · Tents

Hosts News: Hope everyone has a Very Merry Christmas. We will be opening the season mid April. 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.

7. Lakeside Tipi Retreat

100%

(7)

43mi from Salem · 1 site · Lodging

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.

Public campgrounds near Salem

Lane Spring Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(1)

Lane Spring Recreation Area and Campground

20mi from Salem · 1 site · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(2)

Loggers Lake Recreation Area

23mi from Salem · 28 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(1)

Red Bluff Campground

24mi from Salem · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Kaintuck Hollow Trail

27mi from Salem · 2 sites · in Mark Twain National Forest

Big Piney Trail Camp

28mi from Salem · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Paddy Creek Recreation Area

28mi from Salem · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Big Piney Trail

30mi from Salem · 1 site · in Mark Twain National Forest

Paddy Creek Wilderness

31mi from Salem · 2 sites · in Mark Twain National Forest

Sutton Bluff Recreation Area and Campground

31mi from Salem · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Hazel Creek Campground

31mi from Salem · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Courtois Creek Section of the Ozark Trail

100%

(1)

Courtois Creek Section of the Ozark Trail

32mi from Salem · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

100%

(1)

Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail

32mi from Salem · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

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.

B

Brett

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Great spot. Close to the mountain, beautiful site.

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!

C

Chelsea

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

We camped in the safari tent and had a cozy lovely time. Although it was in a loop with other campsites it felt plenty private, set back from the road and separated from the other sites by plenty of trees. Didn't end up trying the tub, but it looked nice. The wood stove kept us warm throughout the night, and the solar power bank and water pump were a nice touch.

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

e

erica

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

I had a fantastic stay! Amazing views, and a great place to explore

J

Javon

October 2025

Tent

3 nights at Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

I loved camping here . Love the amenities but I would have to say the roads and lighting here are a downside. The potholes are crazy and the "solar lights" are so dim it's so hard to see anything

Skip

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cardin’s Lake

The hosts were wonderful! We arrived late, after dark, and a campfire was already made for us. They provided firewood which was a very nice surprise. The property was peaceful and perfect.

M

Mike

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

A great place for tent camping in a quiet setting within a short distance of town. Sites are clean and ours was layered with mulch. Will visit again.

V

Victoria

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Arcadia Valley Outdoors was the best camping experience I’ve had! It was so easy to enter the campground and find our site, Old Country. Old Country was secluded from the other sites, which we LOVED! It was good to know we had neighbors nearby, but good we had our own space. Old Country was very clean and it was plenty of space for all our camping needs! It was so perfect :) We will be coming back!

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

Chelsie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Awesome as always. I've loved seeing this place evolve over the last few years, with extra amenities and many thoughtful touches that add to the experience. We'll be back!

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.

M

Madison

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Me and my girlfriends had an amazing trip at Arcadia Vally! We were worried about the campsites being too close but we were not interrupted by any of the other noise. To anyone staying, I highly recommend this campsite over the others in the area! Lots of room for a big tent and even trees very suitable for a hammock. One thing I would like to mention, the road is gravel on the way to the campsite. Be aware if your vehicle is not suitable on rougher terrain.

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.