- Salem
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12 top mountainous campgrounds near Salem
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Crooked Creek Ranch
1 site · RV, Tent35 acres · Salem, MO
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.
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Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land
26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Ironton, MO
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!
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Big Rock Candy mountain
4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Raymondville, MO
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.
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Creekside Farm on Sinkin' Creek
1 site · Tent40 acres · Salem, MO
Creekside Farm is a 40 acre farm on a spring fed stream in the Missouri Ozarks. Beautiful wooded property with cattle pasture and plentiful wildlife. Creekside Farms on Sinkin’ Creek, near Echo Bluff State Park, is nestled in the beautiful foothills of the Ozark Mountains. Stay at our secluded campsite by the spring fed, crystal clear waters of Sinkin’ Creek. Creekside Farms is a working farm with cows, chickens, and produce gardens. Janet’s family settled here in 1908. The property is surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest and near the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry and the Sunklands. See nature at its best by visiting Round Springs, Pulltite Spring, Alley Spring and Mill, Blue Spring, Welch Spring, Devils Well and Rocky Falls. Do not forget the beautiful wild horses and stunning float trips! The most popular activity for visitors is taking a float trip down the Current River or Jack Fork's River in the National Scenic Riverways. These float trips can be taken by using canoes, kayaks, and/or rafts. Running River Canoe Rental is only a short tripaway.
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$35
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99%
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Hagood Farms and Trails
8 sites · Tents164 acres · Sullivan, MO
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.
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96%
(37)
Itzawayzback Farm
2 sites · Lodging8 acres · Salem, MO
Half way between Salem and Eminence, in the heart of the missouri ozarks is itzawayzback farm. . We are conveniently located near the upper current river and the ozark national scenic riverway where many come to float or paddle. In addition to the river, there are many other nearby things to see and do- Echo Bluff State park, Current River State Park, Montauk trout park, the wild horses of Shannon county, Alley Spring and Mill as well as other cave/rock/water attractions. Our location is also great for dark sky viewing. Horse back riding (rental) is also available nearby. The area is truly an outdoor lovers paradise.
The Dogwood cabin is a hand built, tiny cabin (204 sf) perched on the glades of Conway hollow. If you have ever wanted to experience tiny house living or life on a small homestead, this cabin is for you. This is a grid tied solar cabin with a single conventional outlet, poor or no cell phone coverage or tv's. There are, however, usb ports in the cabin for your gadgets but wifi access is weather permitting and much slower than in most places!
Everything but food and drink are provided for you! All linens, soaps, shampoos, dishes and utensils are provided. There is a small fridge, microwave and coffee pot in cabin as well as indoor bathroom/shower. There is a queen bed in the loft and full size day bed on main floor. Charcoal grill on deck with nearby fire pit /grill
A reasonable amount of charcoal and firewood, downfall is free and extra wood can be purchased for $10 an arm load. All you need to do is bring food and drink! Farm fresh eggs (seasonal) and breakfast basics (pancake mix, oatmeal, eggs) are provided Although, we are very rural there is a small convenience store/ canoe kayak rental 1.5 miles away.
Come enjoy all the beauty that the local area (Shannon county and the Ozark National Scenic Riverways has to offer then retreat to the cozy cabin and the quiet of the forest. we are MJ friendly Ask about use of outdoor kitchen or hot fresh breakfast options
NO RUNNING WATER FROM 10/16-4/30
awd or 4wd is recommended
4 people can be in cabin -
we are a working/growing farm with a working dog and other animals. There will be work noises 8am-5 pm weekdays and animals noises may happen at any time, day or night. This includes the dog barking.
No Pets- No exceptions
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$140
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Booked 4 times
Not Mushroom But She Cute 80 acres
1 site · Lodging80 acres · Steelville, MO
TLDR: seriously remote location with a view of the stars but also a wheelchair accessible curated home. 20ish minutes from swimming holes.
We've dubbed this place the Mushroom House because of the seasonal abundance the woods provide. This is a place for nature lovers to bask in the forest and all she has to offer. You can see all the stars! We're fairly close (about 20 minutes) to many swimming holes, floating outfitters, etc. There is a cafe about 5 minutes away. It's a tranquil, remote location.
This is a great place for hiking, foraging, plant/fungi/animal ID'ing, forest meditations, relaxing by a fire, working on art, writing, or self-reflection.
We have taken over this property to preserve the forest and all the nature within it. We plan to continually improve the site with more wildflowers, food trees, shelter for wildlife, marked hiking trails, etc. The mushroom house and the 80 acres surrounding it are a work in progress.
Wheelchair accessible 700 sq ft home with a queen-size bed, a twin pull-out couch, and a queen air mattress.
Decor: MO Nature with a touch of vintage charm and maximalism.
The mushroom house is about 700 sq ft, fully accessible, and has everything you expect a house to, including wifi. It has a wonderful wrap-around porch on 3 sides with plenty of seating and lounging areas. There is a primitive fire pit area with access to a hose. We ask that fires not happen on very dry, windy days as we are in the middle of the woods.
You can hike the 80 acres or just lounge around and watch the wildlife from the porch.
Property Rules:
✨Just be respectful and have a great time!
✨Dogs must remain on a leash while outside. This is for their safety. The forest is huge and we don't want anyone getting lost.
✨No smoking or vaping indoors
✨No trespassing on others property.
✨Leave wild animals be.
✨The garden hose must always accompany your bonfire. Please wet the area down before you start your fire. NO FIRES allowed when it's SUPER DRY. We are in the forest.
✨No cutting trees, destroying plants, etc.
✨5mph on driveway for the sake of your car (and the forest creatures).
✨No animal hunting.
✨No shooting.
✨No commercial photography or filming (contact us)
✨The pole barn and RV are off limits.
Other Considerations:
✨So we are in the middle of the woods with many creatures. Beyond that there are no locks on cabinets and there are tip hazards, non-baby proofed outlets, etc. There are also bodies of water with no barriers.
✨We have a security camera for the driveway and motion sensors (no video/audio) at entrances
Check-In:
Anytime after 3pm We can meet you up the road and guide you in OR we can give you an access code - your choice.
Check-Out:
Anytime before 11am. In general just pick up after yourself.
Nothing fancy.
Just let us know when you're headed out, Thanks.
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$125
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Saved 7 times
Wyvren Estates
4 sites · RVs10 acres · Edgar Springs, MO
Learn more about this land:Mountainous forest environment. Beautiful rocky landscapes. Quiet starry nites. Abundent wildlife. Walking trails. Intimate secluded camping arenas. Something for every wilderness enthusiast.
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$20
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Saved 1 time
Briars to Blessings
1 site · Lodging21 acres · Ellington, MO
We own 21 acres in the beautiful Missouri Ozarks. The campsite is located in the woods on an Ozark mountain.
We are located near the Black River, Current River, Clearwater Lake, Peck Ranch Conservation area, Johnson's shut-ins, Ozark Scenic Riverways, and the Mark Twain National Forest. There are opportunities to swim, raft, hike, and fish all over our region.
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$60
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Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas
18 sites · RVs, Tents163 acres · Sullivan, MO
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.
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$30
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(5)
Bent Tree Farm
10 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Falcon, MO
Learn more about this land:
Stocked pond, shooting range, pedal boat, archery, axe throwing, motorcycle/ATV/UTV/equine trails. River access 2 miles from property. Our property borders thousands of acres of national forest.
A nature lovers paradise. The trails are gorgeous, with plenty of terrain features to satisfy any hiker.
Serene, quiet environment with no light pollution or noise.
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DZ2 PROPERTIES @BORGMANN'S HOLLOW
40 sites · RVs13 acres · Birch Tree, MO
These properties were secured during the COVID LOCKDOWN to provide a safe alternative to lodging, to allow for a safe vacation, and to let people get a change of scenery or to spread out from packed house during covid.Learn more about this land:The best of the forest with lush vegetation, out in nature, With birds, wild turkey, and deer. Pitch a tent by the spring, RV by the entrance, ride 4-whealers, dirt bikes, or bicycles deep into the forest and pitch a tent, drive a car in and build a hut, or drive a van in and create your own little haven.
This property is 13 acres, and provides plenty of privacy, a great place to meditate, host a retreat, boy/girl scout adventure, have a guys/girls weekend, a date night, a honeymoon, a family reunion, a father/son or mother/daughter week, or a family get together. This site can also be used as an alternative to a hotel for travelers, a get away from a packed house during Covid, or a place to stay for traveling essential workers.
We hope you will love Borgmann's Hollow, and stay with us for years to follow.
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Under $50
Available this weekend
Mountainous camping near Salem guide
Overview
Time seems to have stood still in some of the nooks and crannies of the Salem region. A Model A Ford sits beside an “old-timey” gas station, colorful vintage quilts await new owners in antique stores, and landscapes older than civilization beckon. This small town is a scenic home base for exploring the forests and waterways of the Missouri Ozarks. Campers will find tent, RV, and glamping options in Salem and nearby towns like St. James, Rolla, and Lesterville. Patches of the Mark Twain National Forest are also nearby, offering camping within an hour’s drive of Salem.
Where to go
Montauk State Park
Located 30 minutes south of Salem, Montauk State Park is a scenic day trip or camping location. The waters of Pigeon Creek join with the bubbling Montauk Spring, creating the Current River, one of Missouri’s most popular spots for summertime float trips. In addition to paddling, the region is also popular for fishing, thanks to the trout which thrive in the chilly waters created by the park’s seven springs. Hiking and biking trails take visitors through scenic landscapes. Campers will find electric and basic RV and tent campsites, with some offering water views.
Echo Bluff State Park
One of Missouri’s newest state parks, Echo Bluff became an instant favorite, thanks to the abundance of beauty and recreation. Sinking Creek flows through the park, and rising bluffs create majestic views. The campground was built with modern amenities, such as free wifi and full hookups. Those wanting to rough it in a scenic locale can book the walk-in tent sites, which offer elevated, level platforms.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Approximately an hour east of Salem, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is not only a favorite among Missourians, it has received national attention for the unique scenery and well-equipped campgrounds. The East Fork Black River runs through a geologic wonder known as “shut-ins,” created when hard rocks do not erode in the rushing waters. The combination of rocks and waters create a unique playground in the river, with pools and water chutes. The campground offers basic, electric, and full hookup tent and RV sites, as well as special equestrian campsites.
When to go
While summer is humid and hot, it’s a popular time to play in the Missouri waterways near Salem. Spring is cooler, but the water temperatures are too chilly for swimming. While visitors can’t make a splash in fall, the changing of the leaves becomes the star of the show, as the nearby forests and hills erupt in color.
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