- Waterside Camping
The best waterside camping near Steelville
98% (2.9K) • 59 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Steelville
Spring Lake Ranch
1. Spring Lake Ranch
93%
(1983)
24mi from Steelville · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$17
/ night
Hawks Bluff Farm Campground
2. Hawks Bluff Farm Campground
97%
(232)
39mi from Steelville · 57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape the city! We have a very special property that nourishes the soul and provides space to roam and breathe fresh air.
We have 460 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available.
Ask us about our kayaking options!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$20
/ night
Mark Twain National Forest
3. Mark Twain National Forest
88%
(21)
National forest 29mi from Steelville · 452 sites
Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
98% (2.9K) • 59 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Steelville
Spring Lake Ranch
1. Spring Lake Ranch
93%
(1983)
24mi from Steelville · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$17
/ night
Hawks Bluff Farm Campground
2. Hawks Bluff Farm Campground
97%
(232)
39mi from Steelville · 57 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Escape the city! We have a very special property that nourishes the soul and provides space to roam and breathe fresh air.
We have 460 acres to explore. A beautiful creek running through our property. We have cows, mules, goats, dogs and cats. We are on a bluff so if you are rock hunters you have come to the right place. We offer rock hunting. and we have extra buckets. We have the best Drusy (lots of colors), Crazy Lace Agate, Calcite, Chalcedony, Quartz, Chert, Barite, Bladed Barite, Iron Ores and more. Check us out on Facebook Hawks Bluff Farm Rocks and Drusy. We have firewood, ice, eggs, ground beef, propane exchange and new propane tanks available.
Ask us about our kayaking options!
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$20
/ night
Mark Twain National Forest
3. Mark Twain National Forest
88%
(21)
National forest 29mi from Steelville · 452 sites
Missouri’s only national forest has 1.5 million acres of wilderness to explore.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
K.A.
November 2025
Tent
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.
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Courtney
November 2025
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
November 2025
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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J
Justin
November 2025
With kids
The farm and staff are absolutely fantastic! We had an issue with charges, which they resolved with some investment of time on their part. They all I’ve and beyond in service. Helping us find our site in the dark, making sure we had enough supplies and even throwing a pair of jeans in the dryer for our teenager 😁
Truly kind people!
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Zoe
November 2025
Tent
Always a great time at hawks bluff! This land is truly a blessing and I am grateful Elizabeth shares it with us ! Much comfortability in knowing I’m safe and if I need anything I can always ask :) also, awesome rocks!!
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A
Andros
November 2025
Tent
The owners are amazing, the property is very cool, and close enough to town to get supplies. Breathtaking views and a welcoming community at this location!
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B
Brian
November 2025
30 ft travel trailer
With kids
Great place! Tons of stuff to do. Owners are very sweet and hospitable. I plan to go back and would recommend everyone to stay. Camping or RV. I pulled a 35’er and had zero issues.
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N
Nathan
November 2025
25 ft Class C
Secluded location. Several options are available for sites depending on services. Rock hunting is fantastic.
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Alan
November 2025
Tent
Stayed here for a second time, so beautiful in the Fall. Highly recommend! Elizabeth is so helpful and accommodating, and answered all my questions very quickly.
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A
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
See moreH
Hope
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Our host was so kind and generous. The land was well-kept and peaceful. Rock hunting as part of the stay was delightful. It was so fun to be around the farm animals and be greeted by the dogs and cats. Definitely a spot worth visiting!!
See moreT
Taylirre
October 2025
16 ft car
This was the most beautiful camp site I have stayed at. I've been an avid user of Hipcamp for a few years and frequented many camp sites but this one surpasses all others. First, the hospitality of the owners, they are super responsive and the kitchen area has everything needed to make it comfortable stay. Our tent site was private and quiet and very beautiful to observe the meteor shower. It's set on the side of a large hill where there is a scenic view and grounds full of crystals that can be collected. It felt safe and we did not observe any wild animals other than the farm animals they have onsite. The host was welcoming and knowledgeable of the land and we will be returning with our whole family next time.
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J
Jessica
October 2025
Tent
Tent camping is wonderful. Gorgeous views and great shower/bathrooms.
See moreC
Camiel
October 2025
Tent
With pets
I absolutely love this place!! The property is amazing and the people are great. My site was level and even with heavy rain there was only minimal mud. The farm animals are friendly and if you’re lucky the mule will serenade you while you use the facilities :) I look forward to going back many more times!!
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D
Debbie
October 2025
19 ft travel trailer
A beautiful campground with lots of animals and a beautiful lake.
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Sarah
October 2025
Tent
With kids
Beautiful place to camp. Kids loved all the animals. The rock hunting was so much fun and everyone was so knowledgeable. My husband took the rock cutting class and had good things to say. They had an outdoor kitchen and served meals.
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Whitney
October 2025
Tent
With kids
What a great place. Everyone we encountered who lived or worked there was so nice and helpful and we never felt like they were bothered by us. (We had a group of 13, 6 adults and 7 kids ages 8 and younger so we were a lot).
We loved getting to visit the farm animals all day. It was nice to just let the kids run around visiting the dogs, cows, goats, the very chatty donkey.
We had 3 large tents and easily found space to accommodate them. Elizabeth was kind enough to set our group up next to the pavilion which helped tremendously in the rain!
My only big note that I wish someone would have told me prior to going is the creek access is hard to get to. Most people go for rocks so not a big deal but my kiddos love to play in water. We had to drive a couple minutes but then we had to hike down a steep hill to get to the creek. And hike back up. My 5 year old had zero problems with it so no issues for bigger kids and adults. But it took me 25 minutes to get back to my car with my 2 year old and it wasn’t fun for either of us. Great creek area to play! Just wish it was easier to get to.
Would definitely recommend to others to stay.
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W
WAYNE
October 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
I’ve been on the road for about 4 months and Elizabeth’s place was a very welcome break from the state parks and private campgrounds I’d been staying at. Nice, quiet (not crowded) farm atmosphere and a great place to rockhound with other places to go rock collecting nearby. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Can’t wait to go through the 50+ pounds of really nice druzy quartz I’m bringing home.
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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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K
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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The best waterside camping 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.