The best mountainous campgrounds near Steelville, Missouri

Steelville draws campers looking for rugged, mountainous terrain and plenty of space to roam. With over 80 mountain-area campsites, you’ll find tents pitched on rocky ridges and tucked away in quiet hollows. Average nightly rates hover around $40, but you can snag a spot for as little as $25 if you’re quick. Campfires are allowed at most sites—perfect after a day spent on horseback, casting a line, or cooling off with a swim. Showers and pet-friendly policies make life easier for travellers who want a few comforts. For a site with a proven track record, check out Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (546 reviews), Hagood Farms and Trails (66 reviews), or Crooked Creek Ranch (60 reviews). This is mountain camping in Missouri—no frills, just solid sites and open skies.

98% (797)

Top-rated campgrounds

Steelville draws campers looking for rugged, mountainous terrain and plenty of space to roam. With over 80 mountain-area campsites, you’ll find tents pitched on rocky ridges and tucked away in quiet hollows. Average nightly rates hover around $40, but you can snag a spot for as little as $25 if you’re quick. Campfires are allowed at most sites—perfect after a day spent on horseback, casting a line, or cooling off with a swim. Showers and pet-friendly policies make life easier for travellers who want a few comforts. For a site with a proven track record, check out Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land (546 reviews), Hagood Farms and Trails (66 reviews), or Crooked Creek Ranch (60 reviews). This is mountain camping in Missouri—no frills, just solid sites and open skies.

98% (797)

Top-rated campgrounds

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!

2. Crooked Creek Ranch

99%

(83)

14mi from Steelville · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.

3. Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

96%

(27)

45mi from Steelville · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Berger, MO

Sage Mountain is a recreational area located in the heart of Missouri wine country. Located between Hermann and Washington on the south side of the Missouri river. Our 50 acres of virgin forest is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, 3.6 miles of hiking trails, bolted climbing and bouldering routes established, and a large impressive cave. We are located near the Katy trail for more hiking and biking. Access to the Missouri river for boating and fishing. On site we have an abundance of areas for back country camping, or we allow car camping in our open parking lot.

4. Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

35mi from Steelville · 4 sites · Lodging · Saint Clair, MO

Lost Hill Lake is the perfect place for a glamping getaway. Surround yourself with the great outdoors but spend the night with all the comforts of home. We feature 6 unique glamping accommodations all around a private lake. We can't wait to see you out at the resort!

5. Water Mountain

94%

(57)

35mi from Steelville · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · Belle, MO

Ive own this land since 2005 and have used it for camping, parties, and venue.Learn more about this land:This is a 180 acres of camping along the Gasconade River. Lots of great spots for camping, hiking, and UTV/ATV riding. 50% forest, 10% trails, 20% along river, 10% bluffs, and 10% flat with grass field.

6. Hagood Farms and Trails

98%

(92)

26mi from Steelville · 8 sites · Tents · 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.

7. Big Rock Candy mountain

100%

(9)

41mi from Steelville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

8. Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%

(10)

26mi from Steelville · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

Camper favorites near Steelville

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Lost Hill Lake Glamping Resort

35mi from Steelville · 4 sites · Lodging · Saint Clair, MO

Lost Hill Lake is the perfect place for a glamping getaway. Surround yourself with the great outdoors but spend the night with all the comforts of home. We feature 6 unique glamping accommodations all around a private lake. We can't wait to see you out at the resort!

Water Mountain

94%

(57)

35mi from Steelville · 30 sites · Tents, RVs · Belle, MO

Ive own this land since 2005 and have used it for camping, parties, and venue.Learn more about this land:This is a 180 acres of camping along the Gasconade River. Lots of great spots for camping, hiking, and UTV/ATV riding. 50% forest, 10% trails, 20% along river, 10% bluffs, and 10% flat with grass field.

Hagood Farms and Trails

98%

(92)

26mi from Steelville · 8 sites · Tents · 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.

Big Rock Candy mountain

100%

(9)

41mi from Steelville · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

95%

(10)

26mi from Steelville · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.

Stories from the community

B

Brett

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Water Mountain

I went looking for remote, and remote is what I got. This places was absolutely fantastic! I stayed down by the river and had an amazing time. The road down can be a bit rocky but easily doable in just about any vehicle. Lance was a great host and shared a lot of knowledge about the property and surrounding area. I'll definitely be back!!!

Dylan

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

3 nights at Crooked Creek Ranch

we love this place!! what crooked creek lacks in amenities it makes up for in peace, solitude and outdoor fun!! my pack of dogs love the freedom to be wild while their parents sit by the fire. the trail around the property is lovely too. thank you to ross for sharing this slice of heaven!!

C

Chris

November 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mountains, feilds, and wooded areas

We love camping @ Heidi's place. They are very friendly and the property is very well taken care of.

D

Dena

November 2025

24 ft Class B

3 nights at Crooked Creek Ranch

This was our second time back and it was just as wonderful as the first. Ross's place is so peaceful and secluded, you will not be disappointed. Ross is a wonderful host and great at communication. We will be coming back again and again.

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

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!

M

Megan

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Water Mountain

We loved tent camping out here on Lance's land, it was beautiful, the woods are lovely and secluded which is exactly what we were looking for. Lance is a wonderful host and very accommodating. We will definitely be back in the future for a longer stay, 5/5 stars!

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!

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.

C

Christy

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hagood Farms and Trails

2nd time camping! Always hospitable, and a great place to peacefully relax.

K

Kylie Jane

October 2025

16 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Water Mountain

Hosts were so wonderful! Such a great place to get away from the crowds. Beautiful property, perfect for us and our 3 dogs.

A

Amie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Water Mountain

I live in a rural area and this is VERY RURAL, and that’s just fine. The hosts are very nice and accommodating. We could have stayed up top but wanted a view of the river so we braved the rustic trail to the secluded river spot. We both had AWD and were glad we did because it was a bumpy ride. However, totally worth it. The site faced west over the river and we got to see deer run across the low river and heard owls and coyotes. It was 100% primitive camping down there but we had brought water and a portable toilet so we were prepared. If you have a vehicle that can make the trek down and you don’t mind primitive and secluded, then this is a spot for you.

K

Kelli

October 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Crooked Creek Ranch

Loved the privacy and star gazing! Definitely going back!

F

Francesca

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Great tent camping spot! Being able to take the kayaks out was a fun addition and convenient proximity to lots of hiking trails. We’ll be back.

L

Lawson

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

Beautiful spot. Very private with tons of space. Arthur communicated well too.

A

Amanda

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

Awesome spot! Well kept sites that are secluded from each other. So nice being able to get firewood on site all night. Only stayed 1 night but would’ve loved to try out the free kayaks. I’d recommend this place to family and friends for a great getaway!

C

Curt

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

This place couldn’t have been better for our small group of campers. Highly recommend, hot tub, sauna and bathrooms were all very nice comforts while “roughing it”. There was ample space between campsites to make the place feel private. Great hiking trails on property with a beautiful lake to watch the sunset. Thank you AVO for a great setting for a weekend away from the city.

J

Joe

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

AVO was awesome. We stayed at the 1st Place campsite and loved the layout of area. The tent pad was fairly flat and located a nice distance from the fire pit. I also appreciated that the site had its own dedicated trail leading to the showers and restrooms. AVO offers free kayaks for use in the Shepherd Mountain reservoir, which are definitely worth a try. I didn't try the hot tub or sauna, but they looked like very neat amenities. We stayed during the off season, so there were very few fellow campers (none at all on Sunday night). Very nice. I only have mild criticisms. I recommend bringing your own fold-up grill plate. One was located at the campsite, but it was pretty rusty. Restrooms are pretty primitive but are kept relatively clean. However, the water for the sink ran empty and was never refilled. This may be maintained more consistently in the busy season though. In general, I would highly recommend this camp ground. I would love to stay here again.