97% (2.3K)
Top-rated campgrounds
97% (2.3K)
Top-rated campgrounds
Public campgrounds near Salem
Stories from the community
Courtney
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
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!
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Courtney
3 weeks ago
Tent
Group trip
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!
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Alyson
November 2025
Tent
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
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Jessica
October 2025
Tent
Tent camping is wonderful. Gorgeous views and great shower/bathrooms.
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Debbie
October 2025
19 ft travel trailer
A beautiful campground with lots of animals and a beautiful lake.
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Lynne
October 2025
13 ft pop-up camper
With kids
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
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Kenneth
October 2025
Tent
What's not to love. First time there and it was a great experience. You'd have to check it out to appreciate it.
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Vanessa
October 2025
20 ft pop-up camper
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.
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Tatevik
October 2025
Tent
Really lovely lans. Beautiful views, good hiking and peaceful lake. We enjoyed the farm animals and great birdwatching.
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Patrick
October 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
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.
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Bob
October 2025
Tent
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.
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Theresa
October 2025
Tent
Beautiful and peaceful campsite with clean facilities! We go every year.
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Alyssa
October 2025
Tent
193889/10 awesome experience! Even though the waters were low due to the drought, the swimming holes were still deep and clear enough to do a couple laps. There were also several cool rocks/crystals that I spent my time hoarding 😅 I will most likely be back in the spring to fill another shelf. Michelle was also super sweet, and I could text her no matter what and she was very prompt with answering. She also gave me fresh eggs! Which with current grocery prices came at a perfect time to save my bank account 😂 Highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a secluded retreat with nature. The noises from the other campsite didnt bother me, and I could even comfortably stargaze from a hammock i set up in the trees 🙏🏾
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Michelle
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
With pets
The lake and views were beautiful. Quiet and clean. We will definitely go back to try out the tree houses.
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Jon
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Great place! Heading back soon. Loved the beach, docks, and BBQ pit. Bathrooms were clean. Recommended!
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Ernest
October 2025
16 ft travel trailer
Complete hook ups. Very pretty lake. Wooded. Dog friendly. Big thumbs up.
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Taylor
September 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
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Gregory
September 2025
17 ft travel trailer
Nice environment and amenities. We caught some nice size bluegill on the lake.
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Noel
September 2025
Tent
This is a beautiful place. I will definitely be back again. The staff and the other campers very nice and welcoming.
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Elkyne
September 2025
Tent
With pets
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
See moreNearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
The best waterside camping near Salem guide
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.