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Bear Creek Conservation Area

The best camping in Bear Creek Conservation Area, MO

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Stories from the community

Emma

1 week ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Ozark Hills Honey Farm

My fiancé, our dog, and I had the best time tent camping on Travis’s land. He was extremely welcoming, which made our stay that much better. Travis was also very communicative and his directions made finding the site easy as pie. We weren’t entirely sure what to expect as first time Hipcampers, but I don’t think we will ever tent at a state park again. It was so quiet and peaceful! Needless to say, the next time we make it down to the Ozarks, we will be tenting here again!!

Sheryl

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

I've tent camped at D'Ranch several times. Ted and Tracey are always the best! Chose a cabin this time. Perfect for my needs. Basic with no electric or running water. Port a john nearby. Great place to relax. Good place to see some wildlife.

Joy

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Riverbend RV Park and Campground

Had a great experience at this campground! We originally reserved spot 12 but got upgraded to 13 (closer to the river) by the owner, due to not many campers being out there! It was a beautiful private spot. Appreciated the facilities and amenities and enjoyed the views immensely.

Hong Geun

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to D'Ranch at Clearwater

It was a fantastic camping trip with dogs, cats, and animals. The children really enjoyed it. Thank you!

Chris-Riise

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

3 nights at The Campsites At Haywire Acres

Not our first time here. Great host! Perfect area to getaway! It’s peaceful and quiet.

Amanda

November 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at B Berry Farms & Co.

The farm was such a peaceful spot to stay on our way down Route 66. I’m glad we found it not too far off of the beaten path. Teresa and her family were very accommodating and respectful of our privacy. The campsite was private and comfortable. And there were so many things to do for fun! Definitely recommend to anyone!

Sheldon

November 2025

19 ft campervan

1 night at B Berry Farms & Co.

Teresa was very friendly and professional upon our arrival. We felt quite welcome. We would definitely stop at this Hipcamp again.

November 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Riverbend RV Park and Campground

I loved the view, easy to find out spot and clean showers and restrooms. Such a beautiful place and hope to visit again! I recommend this so much you’ll enjoy every second. Thank you Steven for having us. It was better then I imagined

Eric

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Stairway to Heaven

I spent the day hiking the trails around Ha Ha Tonka State Park and wanted to find a campsite nearby. I am not a fan of large campgrounds that cater more to RVs - which is why I was searching Hip Camp for other options. Diana’s place was exactly what i was looking for… a nice quiet place, off the beaten path. The bathroom was nice and the water was hot!

Matthew

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at B Berry Farms & Co.

Nice little spot. Cozy and wild but next door to amenities.

JOSEPH

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Riverbend RV Park and Campground

The campground was clean and in a quiet country setting. Steve was very nice and called us a few minutes after we arrived to if we had any questions. Definitely follow Steve's directions to get to the campsite. We made the mistake of following Google's directions on our way in. Didn't do that again! I would recommend this campground and we'll definitely stay there again in the future.

Luke

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Ozark Hills Honey Farm

Travis was an amazing and accommodating host. He was very kind, and his property is nice and private in the countryside. We hiked at HaHa Tonka nearby and had a wonderful time.

Drew

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

Jon + Kass have a great property and were excellent hosts. I would highly recommend if you are in the area. Thank you!

Mandy

October 2025

3 nights at Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

The view of the cabin was absolutely breath taking. The cabin overlooks the beautiful big piney river and outlooks large rocks and Missouri hills. We stayed here from 10/23-10/26 so the vibrant fall leaves painted the backdrop. Even just sitting on the patio drinking coffee was very tranquil. We could not kayak due to the weather since it was raining on and off during our stay. Lacy was so kind to give us a full refund and a discount code for next time! Outside the cabin there is a huge fire pit where we roasted marshmallows and stargazed. We recommend buying some fire wood from Lacey and utilizing the bonfire grill and regular grill. Lacey offers so many amenities that made home cooking meals super easy and enjoyable. We made some really amazing meals that we enjoyed by candlelight on the picnic table. The aesthetic of the cabin was 10/10 and super hippie/boho and cozy. Which we absolutely loved! Our dogs had a wonderful time playing fetch outside the cabin. One of the best parts was taking a hot shower while it was chilly outside. This was the perfect and most romantic trip for my boyfriend and I to celebrate his 30th birthday. It is our tradition to go Glamping for our birthdays. We’ve been to a few different airbnbs but we both agreed that this has been our fav.Lastly but most importantly, Lacey was an extremely hospitable host, really quick to answer any questions I had and went out of her way to accommodate us several times. Thank you so much Lacey we will be back:)

Robyn

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to River Bluff Woods

This campsite was awesome! It was very private while still having plenty of space for everything and then some. It also was stocked with everything you could need for a successful camping trip! Would definitely recommend!

Tess

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

Rain or shine, this cabin is a great stay. Beautiful view. Peaceful environment. Wonderful experience. 10/10.

Ken

October 2025

With kids

3 nights at Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

Lacey was a fantastic host, and made us feel very at home and made sure we had everything we needed. Will definitely stay again in the warmer months!

Ron

October 2025

10 ft campervan

7 nights at B Berry Farms & Co.

This was my second trip to B Berry Farms and I enjoyed it as much this time as I did the first time. The farm is peaceful and it was easy to relax and as a remote worker that is important to me. Thanks to Teresa and crew for providing such a great stay!

Marcin

October 2025

Tent

9 nights at Hipcamp Bossmareranch and horse par

Clean, private, and spacious. The host was great and accommodating, the property and views were beautiful, and there was even some wildlife. Note that the ground is quite rocky when hammering in stakes. You do hear animals at night (coyotes, dogs, and a rooster) and planes fly overhead (I guess the site is near an airport), but I slept well with earplugs. I had good mobile service in some spots.

Bethany

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Riverbend RV Park and Campground

The host was great, the bathroom was clean, site 8 was nice and sunny, and we had the best guard dog that the kids adored (named temporarily snowball). Will be back!

Top-rated campgrounds

Rte 66 Bennett Springs Farm I-44

97%

(17)

12mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · Phillipsburg, MO

Great for dry camping OR Parking near the front of the property (with a hose and electrical with extension cord connected to 15-amp standard household outlet - you need an adapter). Small functional farm for animal lovers - goats, sheep, ducks, turkeys, guinea fowls, chickens (animals vary by time of year). Pond has fish. Short drive to Lebanon (all amenities), Bennett Spring State Park, and Springfield. 1.5 hours to Branson, Table Rock Lake, and other state parks. Fresh eggs with advance request (subject to availability). Vehicles + trailers (combined) greater than 30 feet not recommended when grounds are wet. May be difficult to turn around. Comments: 1) Please excuse the mess - we have many projects in progress in the front of the property. The back of the property is private. 2) We recommend repellent for ticks, chiggers, mosquitos, and other bugs during warm season. 3) The Cicada season usually starts in May. We recommend earplugs if that sound bothers you. 4) During heavy rain, there is a seasonal creek leading to the back of the property that can be difficult to pass without a 4X4. If you aren't driving a 4x4, park closer to the house on the gravel driveway. 5) There is a walking trail around the perimeter of the property.

Riverbend RV Park and Campground

94%

(267)

21mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 15 sites · Tents, RVs · Macks Creek, MO

Our small owner operated campground sits high above the Niangua River. Situated below Tunnel Dam and the locally famous Whistle, we have 250’ of Big Niangua River frontage. We offer several full hook-up RV spots and ultra secluded primitive spots and anything in between. We have a bathroom/shower house for campers’ convenience.

Natural Farms - Campground

100%

(18)

25mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 52 sites · Tents, RVs · Niangua, MO

Your Tent, RV, or Camper Trailer camping experience at Natural Farms could be one of your life's ten most-memorable events. Your host is a world renown preparedness expert, and widely popular nationally syndicated radio broadcaster - You will most likely meet him. We are so confident that you will be delighted with your camping experience we back it with a money-back Guarantee (If you leave before noon of the first day). Situated on 241 Acres, Natural Farms is UNIQUE in the world of camping - Serenity, Tranquility, Fun, and Educationally focused. Almost 1,000,000 square feet are dedicated to camping - A private campground on an all-natural cattle farm. Settled six years before the Civil War, the farm has remained natural - No pesticides, insecticides, nor commercial fertilizer. This is a Closed-Herd farm where all cattle are born and raised on this farm. Each campsite is in a pasture along a wooded creek and is approximately 100' wide with it's own fire pit. Drive right up to your campsite. Hiking trails, fish-feeding pond, Children's playhouse with swings and slide, tire-runs, and horseshoes for the adults are included. Guests may also enjoy the Scavenger Hunt list and a take-home rock of their choosing (up to a softball size) to remember their visit. Guests may purchase Natural Farms USDA inspected beef patties, steaks, beef sticks, and beef jerky – And grill over the wood-fire at your campsite – free grills grates are available for your use. Free tree-limb pickup wood is available or buckets of clean and dry oak is available for purchase. Our pasture-raised and free-range chickens lay the finest brown and blue eggs for our Guests. Have you ever eaten a blue egg? Nature in it's full glory is always on display at the farm. The sounds of nature are soft and omnipresent. And, just in case, Natural Farms has a Full - Service Automotive Repair and Tire Shop - We can service you vehicle while you camp - Jump-starts are free.

River Bluff Woods

97%

(97)

28mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · Buffalo, MO

Many generations of Native American tribes made these Ozark Mountain river bluffs home, long before settlers came from the east. Listen to the music of the wildlife or play your own music in this remote peaceful paradise.Learn more about this land: Firewood is provided! Camp in a peaceful setting above the Niangua River under the canopy of tall oak trees. Enjoy 25 acres of complete privacy and seclusion! It's a pretty steep trail from the campsite down to the banks of the river, and then a short trail to the canoe put-in spot where a 3-person canoe awaits. Contact me for flexible check in/out times.

Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

100%

(103)

28mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Dixon, MO

Experience the Missouri Ozarks in all it's glory! Our property sits on 7 acres running on both sides of the beautiful, crystal clear Big Piney River. We sit right at the bottom of a beautiful bluff right along the banks of the river! We have a dry cabin, with outdoor water, bathroom and cedar shower house. We have a fully stocked new camper with everything you'll need for up to 6 people, including ice cold A/C! We also own a large beautiful sand bar on the Big Piney River perfect for setting up your tent or hammock camping (only accessible by swimming or kayak, which we can provide for a fee)

Hipcamp Bossmareranch and horse par

99%

(65)

28mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Conway, MO

The highway used to run on the back of the property. In the 1800's there was a church on the back side of the property where one of our campsites is today. The ranch has beautiful scenery, lots of Wildlife, berries and wildflowers. It has always been my dream to share this with others Slice of Heaven with others.Learn more about this land:Come to our beautiful country home and enjoy fishing in our stocked pond. Hiking or horseback riding on our trails. Or just hide away in one of our secluded, quiet camp sights. The main house and barn are just a few minutes from any of our campsites. Niangua river is less than 4 min away. We are 20 min north of I-44.

B Berry Farms & Co.

99%

(215)

31mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Elkland, MO

Would you like to try something different than your everyday routine? Well, then come on out to a little place in the country to unplug, unwind, or just enjoy life that's all around you. Our little spot is called B Berry Farms and Co. We are a 40-acre family U-Pick Berry farm and 24-hour Campground with 5 RV spots with 20 amp, 30 amp or 50amp electricity your choice. And we are right in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks with over 4,000 you-pick Berry bushes (and fresh produce in 24' )covering 7 acres, we have something for almost everyone. If you want cleaner, healthier products in your life, we can also help you with that. We are also a natural skin care product manufacturer. Either Bonding by the wood-fired stove in our bunkhouse or cuddling up in the chairs outside, enjoying hot cocoa as it snows. Just looking off into the distance and seeing the sun setting with bursting colors over the rows and rows of berries. Experience a darker night sky than most are used to. Or walk the many acres of colored coated diverse trails, enjoy 2 horseshoe pitching areas, pick delicious berries, throw axes at our log targets, Glow in the dark frisbee, Play 4 holes of frisbee golf, swing on several adult swings, play an intense game of pool on our table, climb a 12-foot high wall, enjoy our 10' bouncing net hanging from the ceiling, play in the many sandboxes, sweat out a game with a 35' professional Volleyball net (ball provided)and badminton(we have rackets and birdies), Play in the new Waterhole WATERPARK play area day or night which sprays water in all directions with water slide, ( Trampoline, 95' kids Zipline, 9'x9' colored swing net, 2 swings, 14' fireman's pole, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, swing bridges amd forts) and so many more things to do. Cold showers, 2 solar-heated shower houses (seasonal frost to frost), 2 restrooms, and several hand-washing stations, or handwash laundry tub. We sell farm fresh eggs, and baked goods(homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins, and many fresh seasonal vegetables as well as picked to order, and handmade natural products.

Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

99%

(69)

37mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Eldon, MO

This beautiful 60 acre property has plenty of space to explore. Wander the trails, splash in the creek, take a dip in the pond or paddle around in our canoe. If you're feeling adventurous, hike through the creek to a beautiful waterfall. You'll need sturdy shoes! Please note: There is no bathroom on site, so don't forget your camping potty!

Ozark Hills Honey Farm

100%

(17)

39mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Eldon, MO

We are on a country gravel road, 20 Minutes from Osage Beach, 5 Minutes from North Shore Drive (hwy W). It is quiet on our 40 acre place, small self contained RV or tents, Sites are fairly level and easily accessed by cars, If you would like to peek in a hive? We'll suit you up! Landowners are on site along with over friendly family dogs Rudy, Pebbles and three friendly cats, Warrior, Tiger and Spot. There are 8 or more Beehives on our place, 1 within 30 yards of campsite 1 and 2

D'Ranch at Clearwater

100%

(149)

45mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Stover, MO

D'Ranch at Clearwater is a small, 40 acre hobby farm located on the north side of the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri. What started as a simple love of backyard chickens has now become a dream farm for Tracey Durant and her husband Theodore. Nestled in the valley between two forest covered hillsides, and running adjacent to Clearwater Creek on the east and the lake on the south, D'Ranch could not have been a more perfect location for the Durants to plant their roots and get their feet wet. While they continue their love of backyard chickens with their small egg and hatchery operation know as HeebyJeeby Chickens, they have expanded their interests to an array of friendly farm animals including horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and an occasional turkey or two.

The Campsites At Haywire Acres

100%

(17)

46mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Versailles, MO

2 Full hookup campsites located beside a small farm pond. Calm peaceful location in the countryside. Located on a 160 acre family farm. You may occasionally hear the cows, peacocks or roosters in the distance. Come stay for a quiet weekend with the family, or just for a quick stop on your way through. We would love to have you!

The Arbor Cabin At Gasconade Bend

100%

(1)

7.1mi from Bear Creek Conservation Area · 2 sites · Lodging · Richland, MO

Escape to your own private haven in nature at our charming cabin, nestled on 530 acres of pristine forest, surrounded by the Gasconade River, and expansive farm fields waiting to be explored! Whether you're seeking adventure or peace, this property offers the perfect retreat. Hike through serene woodlands, see a stunning view of the River and Valley from a rocky cliff, or spend your days fishing or simply unwinding by the water's edge. The land is rich with natural beauty, offering sitings of deer and other wildlife, natural trails, and river access (subject to flooding and availability). Ask your host for a tour of the Farm, River, and unique features such as a cemetery from the 1800's, and an old Grain Silo from 1928. After a day of exploration, return to the cozy 480 sq ft. Arbor Cabin, where you will have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Guests will have use of the fully stocked kitchen, full shower, Mini-split A/C and Heating. Relax on the back deck overlooking the forest or curl up by the fire in hanging egg chairs and listen to the sounds of nature. This is more than just a getaway - it's a place to reconnect with the land, the river, and yourself. Book the Arbor Cabin and enjoy your stay! The Arbor Cabin is your perfect getaway retreat for 1 - 3 persons. Choose from a King Bed or two twin beds. For a third person, choose either the comfy couch or a twin airbed. Prepare meals in a fully furnished kitchen or outdoor BBQ. Enjoy a peaceful wooded forest view from the back deck of the cabin. At ground-level, relax by the fire pit or play several outdoor games. Our comfortable cabin is nestled in the woods on a 530-acre farm with access to the Gasconade River (Access subject to flooding). Located just minutes from I-44/Route 66, and 30 minutes from Ft. Leonard Wood, and 25 minutes from Lebanon.

The best camping in Bear Creek Conservation Area, MO guide

Overview

About

Nestled in the heart of Laclede County, Bear Creek Conservation Area offers a serene escape into nature's embrace. With 720 acres of mixed oak forests, open fields, and diverse wildlife, it's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can immerse themselves in activities like bird watching, hunting, and wildlife photography, all while traversing the scenic trails that crisscross this tranquil landscape.

When to go

The best time to visit Bear Creek Conservation Area is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural foliage is in full display. Summer brings lush greenery, but also higher temperatures. Winter offers a stark beauty, though some trails may be less accessible.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the season to ensure a comfortable visit.
Be aware of hunting seasons and wear bright colors for safety during these times.
Review the area's regulations on the Missouri Department of Conservation website before your trip.
Remember, the area is open from 4am to 10pm, plan your activities within these hours.
Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities available on-site.

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