Mark Twain National Forest

One of the best trails in the state, this section of the Ozark Trail passes through Devil’s Tollgate, Bell Mountain Wilderness, and two state parks: Johnson Shut-ins and Taum Sauk Mountains. You’ll pass uniqe rock formations, springs, grand vistas, and an awesome swimming hole on the Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail. Find a nice shady spot and Read more...

Hey campers and backpackers, you can pitch your tent along the Bell Mountain Wilderness and Trail in the St. Francois Mountains. If you’re driving through, leave time for a long day hike to explore the beautiful and rugged landscape of rock outcrops, granite glades, forest streams, and gorges. Don’t miss the views from Bell Mountain and Lindsey Mo Read more...

Boating and fishing deep in the quiet and scenic forest for a few days? Yes, please! Bring your tent or RV to Loggers Lake and spend the day paddling through the 22-acre lake in your canoe. Or, try your hand at fishing for bass, sunfish, or catfish from the banks. Day hikers will enjoy Loggers Lake Trail, which passes through forests and over cree Read more...

There are great options for trailside camping while on your backpacking trip on the 220-mile trail across Missouri. The Courtois Creek Section of the Ozark Trail is a 45-mile path known as the “Gateway to the Ozarks. ” The trail begins at Onondaga Cave State Park, and winds through Huzzah State Forest and Conservation Area to the Mark Twain Nation Read more...

Backpackers—need a place to stop on your trek across the Ozark Trail? Day hikers, want to spend a night in the wild ruggedness of the Ozarks? After exploring the hollows, ridgetops, and creeks of the Trace Creek Section of the Ozark Trail, head at least 100 feet off the path and pitch your tent for the night. The trail is 24 miles long, and crosse Read more...

Come and get your remote solitude in the Ozarks at Berryman Campground. This small primitive area sits at the trailhead to the multi-use Berryman Trail with 24-miles of woodsy Ozark scenery to feed your hungry, nature-loving soul. Bring your own drinking water to your campsite and something to cook over the campfire while you’re at it. Hey, why no Read more...

Lane Spring Recreation Area offers peaceful campsites surrounded by lush plantlife, birds, wildflowers, and a nearby creek for swimming and fishing. No it’s not a fairy tale! Its got all that as well as hiking trails and freshwater springs calling you to visit. This peaceful spot has something for everyone, and lots of space for the next family ou Read more...

Wild Boar Campground is a large, developed spot for camping in the Council Bluff Recreation Area. The campground sits on the shores of Council Bluff Lake near a sandy beach. Bring the kids—there’s a play area on the beach, along with a concession stand and showers. Visitors love boating on the 440-acre lake, and if you don’t have your own canoe an Read more...

Huzzah! Red Bluff Recreation Area sits along the banks of Huzzah Creek with towering red bluffs high above. Bass and sunfish are common catches here, so bring your fishing pole. There is a short, 1. 2-mile loop trail for hikers, and swimming and tubing are popular in the creek, so don’t forget your swimsuit, tube, or raft. Read more...

Sutton Bluff Campground has spacious campsites in an open lawn with partial shade. Some sites sit right alongside the West Fork of the Black River. Anglers can catch bass and bluegill, and waders can cool off in the refreshing waters. Hikers and mountain bikers have access to the Karkaghne section of the Ozark Trail, less than one mile away, so ge Read more...

Hazel Creek Campground is a great spot to pitch your tent and hitch your horse for the night as you follow the Ozark Trail through Missouri’s rugged backcountry. Some sites have fire rings and tables, and horses are welcome. The trailhead leads to the 24-mile Trace Creek section of Ozark Trail, great for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to Read more...

You’ll meander through forests and river valleys as you hike on this 25-mile section of the Ozark Trail. Dispersed camping is allowed near the Karkagne Section of the trail, so find a flat, shady spot to set up camp. Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians all use this trail that passes through the forested watershed of the West Fork of the Black Read more...

The Silver Mines Campground sits on historic mining land along the banks of the St. Francis River. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are popular, especially in the spring. An annual kayaking competition is held on the river on the third week of March (depending on water levels), so come cheer on the athletes! Swimming, fishing, and hiking are also p Read more...

Brazil Creek Recreation Area is the trail camp for the 24-mile Berryman Trail and the 40-mile Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail. Pitch your tent and hitch your horse at this campground. If you’re lucky, you might nab a spot with a fire ring and table. Hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can all follow the trails to explore rugged forests, w Read more...

When you come down to the Eleven Point National Scenic River for some fishing and boating, why not stay a few nights and turn it into a lil’ vacation? C’mon, you deserve it. At the Greer Crossing Recreation Area you’ll have access to the river via a nearby boat launch and a riverside trail. Spend your days floating, swimming, and fishing for trout Read more...

Camping along the Big Piney Trail is your chance for pure wilderness solitude! If backpacking is your jam, pack up that gear and head out on 17 miles of creek crossings, dense forests, and a place where your cell phone is nothing more than a piece of plastic. Be sure to bring yourself a water source, and step up your cardio game, as the trail here Read more...

Looking for a summertime adventure? Tubing and camping on the Current River is guaranteed to sweep you off your feet. At Watercress Recreation Area you can soak in the sun and float your days away, then reel in your dinner to grill up at your waterside campsite. First-come, first-served sites have basic amenities, so you can get cozy with Mother N Read more...

Before you head out into the backcountry for some hunting or backpacking, treat yourself to a stay at Paddy Creek Recreation area. Here you can soak in the ever flowing, crystal clear creek waters. With campgrounds and picnic areas you may never want to leave this sweetness, but if you do you’ll have access to the adjacent Paddy Creek Wilderness t Read more...

If you’ve got plans to explore the stunning 18 mile Big Piney Trail on foot or by horse, then a night at the Big Piney Trail Camp is the perfect place to start your adventure! This primitive little spot offers nothing more than a few picnic tables, fire pits, and hitching posts. You’ll have to bring water to wet your (and Mr. Ed’s) whistle, but th Read more...

Camp yourself along Kaintuck Hollow Trail and be rewarded with the sights, sounds, and smell of the Miller Creek Recreation area. The 16 miles of trails here can be as short or as long as you like, and allow horseback riders, hikers, and bikers backcountry access. There’s gorgeous Dewitt Pond, a natural bridge, and Wilking Spring to explore. Water Read more...

Backpackers and campers, stop for the night at the Marble Creek/Crane Lake Section of the Ozark Trail where dispersed camping is allowed. Maybe you’re hiking the full 220-mile trail, maybe you drove in and are just enjoying the rugged landscape for a day or two. There is a five-mile loop trail around the lake through forests and fields, great for Read more...

Marble Creek Recreation Area is a small, peaceful spot for camping in the rugged St. Francis Mountains. Pitch your tent next to the banks of Marble Creek, where you can cast a line for smallmouth bass and panfish. Cook ‘em up for dinner at one of the grills onsite. Hikers and mountain bikers can take Ozark Trail eight miles to scenic Crane Lake. O Read more...

Paddy Creek Wilderness is truly special, not only can you hike or horseback ride the 18 miles of trails, but you can also enjoy backcountry camping that is primitive and exhilarating. Both Big and Little Paddy Creek offer water sources and rocky out-crops for group snapshots—you might also catch a glimpse of the forests resident foxes and bobcats. Read more...

Rockpile Mountain Wilderness is named for an ancient circle of granite rocks on top of the mountain. Hikers and backpackers will find dispersed camping opportunities along the trail and off the beaten path. On your trip, you’ll pass by steep and rocky slopes, limestone bluffs, rugged forests, scattered granite glades, and caves along the St. Franc Read more...

Rockpile Mountain Trail is a two-mile maintained trail in the Rockpile Mountain Wilderness. After that, you’ll be cross-country hiking, or wandering along old wood roads. Dispersed camping is allowed along the trail, so find a flat spot and pitch your tent in the rocky, rugged forest. Make sure you bring your map and compass for this trek!Read more...

McCormack Lake Recreation Area is prime primitive camping for those looking to spend time on the water. The lake offers prime canoe and kayak opportunities, and a nearby parking lot makes loading your in your vessels a breeze. Fish for bass right along the wooded shoreline, and your camp dinners will be quite tasty in one of the provided fire pits Read more...

For some outdoorsy goodness with a slice of history on the side, check out Markham Springs Recreation Area. The nearby Black River has got you covered on the boating, tubing, and fishing front. Historic buildings from the early 1900’s, a Civil War era viewpoint, flower studded hiking trails, and bubbling springs give this place some extra flavor. Read more...

It’s said that campers who spend the night out in Irish Wilderness do not remain visitors for long. The primitive camping among scenic bluffs, dense woodlands, and the Eleven Point River is a must see in the Ozark wild land. Backcountry lovers will enjoy being totally self reliant, everything you bring in should be packed out to help preserve the Read more...

Looking for a rustic, quiet campground only accessible by boat? Paddle over to White Creek Float Camp! This campground sits on the Eleven Point National Scenic River. There is a primitive toilet here, and not much else! Spend your days fishing and boating, while enjoying views of the beautiful surrounding river valley. It doesn’t get much better t Read more...

Camp near the Blue Buck Knob National Forest Scenic Byway (can you say that 10 times fast?). Enjoy the stunning drive in through the Mark Twain National Forest, and plan to stop at one of the scenic overlooks (Indian Creek and Blue Buck Overlook are solid choices), or take a hike from the Blue Hole Trailhead and explore the forests, pastures, peak Read more...

John J. Audobon Trail is a 12-mile loop trail in Mark Twain National Forest. You can pitch your tent along the trail, and spend the night in the quiet, rustic land. You’ll cross Bidwell and Coldwater Creeks on your trip. Make sure you bring a map and compass, as some parts of the trail are not well marked—all part of the fun!Read more...

If you’ve got a hankering for lakeshore camping and fishing, Beaver Lake Recreation Area will fulfill that camping fantasy! Wonderfully wooded, camping along the shores or trail is primitive and delightful. Spend your days catching bluegills and drinking brews. Nights can be enjoyed under the stars cooking up s’mores, the day’s catch, and trading Read more...

Tubing down a river pretty much screams summer vacation, and if you have access to a river for tubing you damn well better get in on that action! Well. . . tadaaa! The Deer Leap Recreation Area! Here you’ve got a small primitive camping area along the banks of the Current River where you can float the days away on the water with pleasant gravel si Read more...

There is dispersed camping along the North Fork Section of Ozark Trail, great for backpackers and campers looking for a rustic scenic getaway. Hikers and mountain bikers can explore the trail along the ridges and hollows of oak hardwood and southern pine. Bring your camera to capture panoramic views!Read more...

When you camp at Float Camp Recreation Area, you might as well be staying at a place called “Guaranteed to have a rad summer vacation” area. This place is prime for tubing and boating trips down the Current River, which is basically Mother Nature’s water park. The open camping area is perfect for making friends with fellow campers who will surely Read more...

There are dispersed camping spots near Swan Creek in the Mark Twain National Forest. The creek is popular for swimming and fishing, so don’t forget your swimsuit and fishing pole. There are twenty miles of trails for hikers, bikers, and equestrians nearby, so be prepared to explore the park. Bring your camera for the many scenic vistas. Read more...

Campers and backpackers can pitch their tent near the Ridge Runner Trail in Mark Twain National Forest. Hikers, bikers, and equestrians can enjoy the trails. We recommend a day hike along the Ridge Runner Trail to the Blue Springs Trail, to experience the majestic forests, sparkling lakes, rock outcrops, and majestic bluffs. Read more...

Camping along the Wappapello Section of the Ozark Trail doesn’t just mean you get to experience the best of this forested beauty, but it offers the chance to get out with your crew and experience some serious backcountry fun! Camping along the trail is available to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Ponies will love the many creeks along the wa Read more...

Fourche Lake Recreation Area has a small, dispersed campground ideal for visitors who love the water. The recreation area is conveniently located just off of the highway. There is a beautiful dock on the lake perfect for fishing, or just sit back and enjoy the views. This 49-acre lake is filled with catfish, panfish, and bass. Bring your canoe if Read more...

If floating and hiking is on your agenda then you will be stoked when you camp at the North Fork Recreation Area along north fork of the White River. This cold, clear waterway is the stuff dreams are made of. Perfect for canoeing, fishing, and wading, you could even start a float trip through the Devil’s Backbone Wilderness from here. Combine that Read more...

Stay in the Devils Backbone Wilderness for the rugged and scenic landscape, or just for the cool name. You can pitch your tent in the dispersed camping area, and spend your days exploring the Missouri Ozark's flora and fauna. Hike along ridges, or take an adventure into the deep and wooded canyons. You’ll see wildlife like deer, eagle, fox, and wo Read more...

Adventure time basecamp, aka Pine Ridge Recreation Area, is a quiet forested campground under the shade of pines that can be your crash pad before or after a wilderness backpacking trip. Since the trailhead to the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail meets here, it is a primo location to park and gear up for adventures in the woods. Tables and fire rings mea Read more...

Sometimes you just need to grab your horse and retreat into the forest. For times like these you’ve got Dry Fork Recreation Area. This first-come, first-served, donation only campground can accommodate 30-foot trailers and has hitching posts for your four legged companion. No horse? No problem! Bring your mountain bike or boots and hit the 36-mile Read more...

Round Prairie Interpretive Site is popular for its seclusion and picture perfect views of the tall-grass prairie. There’s no water or restrooms here and only one fire pit and picnic table, but we think that just means you’ll make new camping pals with other outdoor lovers camping in the area! Who knows maybe you can trade a brew or two for some ta Read more...

Break out the cowboy boots and grab your saddle. Oh, and your horse while you’re at it. When you camp at Bar-K Wrangler Camp you will likely be rubbing elbows with fellow salt-of-the-earth horse ridin’ nature lovin’ folk. This primitive campsite has hitching posts, fires ring (bring the steaks and cowboy beans!), and places for stock trailers. Mos Read more...

Adrenaline junkies, rev up those engines and get fired up about Cobb Ridge Campground. It is smack dab in the middle of Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV use area with 80 miles of rugged trails that weave through the forest. The campground has lots of space for your RVs and toy haulers (34 feet or less) and your friends, plus its got showers so you can Read more...