The best family-friendly glamping near Steelville

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With several waterways surrounded by the beauty of the Missouri Ozarks, Steelville offers a scenic basecamp for outdoor recreation. The rustic downtown is literally—and figuratively—Main Street America. Antique stores and cozy cafes reflect the slow pace of the region. The real action is found on the waters, with the Meramec River, Huzzah Creek, and Courtois Creek nearby. Grab a canoe, kayak, raft, or tube for a classic Missouri float trip. A number of private RV parks line the waterways and dot the region, offering full hookups, free wifi, and float trip rentals and transportation.

98% (2.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

1. Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%
(839)
46mi from Steelville · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Spring Lake Ranch

2. Spring Lake Ranch

93%
(1979)
24mi from Steelville · 43 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Potosi, MO
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$17
 / night
Lakeside Tipi Retreat

6. Lakeside Tipi Retreat

100%
(7)
32mi from Steelville · 1 site · Lodging · Potosi, MO
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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$100
 / night

With several waterways surrounded by the beauty of the Missouri Ozarks, Steelville offers a scenic basecamp for outdoor recreation. The rustic downtown is literally—and figuratively—Main Street America. Antique stores and cozy cafes reflect the slow pace of the region. The real action is found on the waters, with the Meramec River, Huzzah Creek, and Courtois Creek nearby. Grab a canoe, kayak, raft, or tube for a classic Missouri float trip. A number of private RV parks line the waterways and dot the region, offering full hookups, free wifi, and float trip rentals and transportation.

98% (2.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

1. Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

98%
(839)
46mi from Steelville · 37 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Spring Lake Ranch

2. Spring Lake Ranch

93%
(1979)
24mi from Steelville · 43 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Potosi, MO
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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$17
 / night
Lakeside Tipi Retreat

6. Lakeside Tipi Retreat

100%
(7)
32mi from Steelville · 1 site · Lodging · Potosi, MO
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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$100
 / night

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The best family-friendly glamping near Steelville guide

Where to go

Mark Twain National Forest

The Mark Twain National Forest covers 1.5 million acres of Missouri. For hikers and backpackers, the Courtois Creek Section of the Ozark Trail is a big draw, running 45 miles from its trailhead in Onondaga Cave State Park and connecting with over 200 miles of trail. Public camping can be found in the national forest within an hour’s drive of Steelville, including Red Bluff Campground, Brazil Creek Recreation Area, Council Bluff Recreation Area, and Lane Spring Recreation Area. Tent and RV sites offer dry camping and electric hookups.

Meramec State Park

Just under 30 minutes northwest of Steelville, Meramec State Park showcases landscapes along the waterway. In addition to offering scenery, the river provides recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, and paddling. Explore the onsite cave or hike one of the 13 trails. A campground offers tent and RV sites with amenities including electric-only, water/electric, and full hookups.

Onondaga Cave State Park

The dramatic Onondaga Cave is the focal point of this state park. Named a National Natural Landmark, the cave features massive stalactites and stalagmites with a river flowing through the fascinating structures. While cave tours are a popular activity, the park also features hiking and biking trails, as well as fishing, boating, and paddling in the Meramec River. Basic and water/electric campsites for both tents and RV are available.

When to go

Hiking and biking are most pleasant in the Steelville region in spring and fall, with fall being particularly beautiful as the leaves change. The weather is usually moderate in these shoulder seasons, with occasional rains. Summer is the most popular time for travelers hitting the waterways, as water temperatures warm to comfortable levels, providing cool relief on hot, humid days.

Popular Steelville glamping styles