Top Tent Camping near Bourbon, MO

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Bourbon? We've got you covered. Find the best tent camping sites near Bourbon. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Bourbon, MO (22)

    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Brazil Creek

    1. Brazil Creek

    5 Reviews
    21 Photos
    28 Saves

    The Brazil Creek Recreation Area serves as a trail camp for the 24-mile Berryman Trail and the 40 mile Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail. The Berryman Trail traverses 24 miles of scenic Ozark countryside starting at the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp of 1937 and winding through timbered stands and fields. This section of the Ozark Trail is part of the over 200 mile through-trail. For more information about these sections of trail, visit www.ozarktrail.com . Camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding here offer the recreationist a pleasant measure of solitude and quiet.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek  Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek  Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek  Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Courtois Creek  Dispersed

    2. Courtois Creek Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    4 Photos
    110 Saves

    This section is the gateway to the Ozarks--starting at Onondaga Cave State Park and winding through the Huzzah State Forest/Conservation Area, opening into the lead district of Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest, view variegated wildlife, flora, and scenery and end up at Hazel Creek on the south. This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead. It is part of the over 220 mile continuous through-trail. Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous. This section of trail includes springs, creeks and other water locations, as well as some popular places for trailside camping. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you! Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered. Pack out all of your garbage.

    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

    3. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

    22 Reviews
    108 Photos
    158 Saves

    Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offers basic, walk-in campsites and two special-use camping areas. The campsites allow for tent camping only. Pop-up or other trailers are not allowed. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no showerhouse or dump station. Water and a vault toilet are available in the camping area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    4. FS-2363 Dispersed Camping - Murphy Overlook

    10 Reviews
    29 Photos
    258 Saves

    Many people enjoy the solitude and peaceful experience of camping away from large groups of people. Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you! Picking a Campsite If you are going to an area where others have camped, pick a site that's been used before. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines: Camp on bare soil if possible, to avoid damaging or killing plants and grass. Camp 100 feet away from any water source - plants near water and water sources are fragile. Camp 100 feet away from any administrative site (Trails, Recreational Areas and/or Building). Campfires Many wildfires are caused by human activity, including escaped fires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect-know before you go! Use camp stoves when possible Use existing fire rings if they exist; NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED. When ashes are COLD and DEAD OUT, scatter outside of the campsite before you leave. If you don't bring wood, collect only dead/downed wood. Please never cut any live trees.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    4 Reviews
    9 Photos
    33 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove

    6. Old Cove

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    8 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $50 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain

    7. Water Mountain

    1 Review
    8 Photos
    18 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $20 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Paydown Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Paydown Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Paydown Access

    8. Paydown Access

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    11 Saves

    Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Helds Island Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Helds Island Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Helds Island Access

    9. Helds Island Access

    1 Review
    3 Photos
    12 Saves

    Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Panther Branch Primitive Campground

    10. Panther Branch Primitive Campground

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    8 Saves

    Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out.

    • Pets
    • Tents
Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Bourbon

604 Reviews of 22 Bourbon Campgrounds


  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    Quiet during the off-season but expect it would be poplular in the summer!

    General: Very large state park with six separate loops/areas:

    • Loop 1: 10 Equestrian sites with water and electric (50 amp)

    • Loop 2: 20 FHU sites (50 amp)

    • Loop 3: 21 Sites with electric only (50 amp)

    • Loop 4: 14 sites with no hookups

    • Loop 5: 14 walk-in sites plus three special use sites

    • Six cabins 

    Site Quality: We stayed in Loop 3. Each site was very generous in size and reasonably distanced from each other. Most had foliage separating them. All sites looked to be level, and the camper pads were either all concrete or concrete/macadam and in very good shape. A large wooden picnic table, lantern/garbage hook, and fire pit complete each site. 

    Bath/Shower House: The one closest to our site (and I’m assuming others are the same) had three toilet/sink combos and one family restroom/shower. On the other side of the building were three shower rooms. While they were clean, the floors were concrete, and the walls cinderblock and there was a bit of a musty odor. 

    Activities/Amenities: We were there during the week in May and the visitor center and both stores (one in the campground and one by the Shut-Ins) were only open on the weekends. There was a laundry room with very reasonably priced machines ($1 each for the washer and dryer), a playground, and an amphitheater (which also was not in use when we were there). There is a gravel path that bisects each of the loops providing a nice way to walk/run throughout the campground. The signage in the park is good so even though no one was at the check-in station, it was easy to find our site and other facilities. The big draw for this park is the shut-ins (narrow constriction or gorge in a stream) where people can swim/slide from one to the other via small waterfalls into pools of water. We did see a few hearty souls in the water when we were there, and I can only imagine what it would be like on a hot summer weekend! 

    We had almost the entire Loop 3 to ourselves, so it was a very quiet stay for us (except for the cicadas)!.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pin Oak Creek RV Park
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Pin Oak Creek RV Park

    Old and shows wear

    This is an older RV park and campground, and the age shows. We spent several nights here due to engine problems with our tow vehicle. The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. (One advantage of being an older park.) But everything is just a little run down. The sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy. They come with water, sewer & electric. There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics. The bathroom and showers were clean, but dated. Not all facilities were in working order. Two of 6 washers were out of service, one bathroom stall was out of order, pot holes in the road. There are also cabins, and RVs available to rent. There is quite a bit of traffic noise from I-44 and there are a lot of excess lights kept on all night long. The staff was friendly and check in was easy. Many of the sites are occupied be semi-permanent residents. They have internet, but it is weak and spotty. Saturday night they had a band making noise for 3 hours!

  • Justine S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Candy Cane RV Park & Campground
    Sep. 23, 2024

    Candy Cane RV Park & Campground

    Adorable campground

    We found this place after hours and Shirley still answered the phone and had a spot for us. Both Shirley and Kevin were super nice. The campground is unique and adorable. Very cute and clean bathrooms, plenty of toilets and shower space. It seems like they are doing some updating of things so that's why the 4 stars, once they finish their updates I'm positive it will be 5 star worthy.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Onondaga Cave State Park
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Onondaga Cave State Park

    Clean and quiet park

    We stayed one night on our way through Missouri. It’s only about ten minutes south of I-44. The campground was only about half full, so it was nice and quiet. All sites have a concrete pad for the RV and for the picnic table. Includes water and electric. Playground, laundry room, and dump station. Hiking trails available from the campground and cave tours on weekends. We stayed at site #65 which is close to the entrance/restrooms and has no campsite on either side.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Francois State Park
    Sep. 9, 2024

    St. Francois State Park

    Peaceful

    I stayed from 9/4/24-9/8/24. I stayed in the primitive campground. It was very quiet and peaceful. My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean. There is a handicap shower unit as well that had a bench and hooks and a shelf to keep your things dry. The bathrooms were separate from the showers with 4 locking stalls. These too were kept clean and toilet paper was always full. Four sinks and mirrors and one outlet close to the sinks for hairdryer etc. The grounds were clean and grass was nicely cut. My campsite had a picnic table a campfire with grill grate and a light post to hang a lantern. The camp host were very friendly and drove around often on golf carts to make sure ppl were ok or needed anything. There was a place to fill your bottled water containers. The checkin office sold ice, campfire wood and a variety of ice creams, stickers and t shirts and sweatshirts. The park has trailheads to hike and an equestrian area. River access for swimming and fishing. There is a separate area with electrical sites and also handicap sites in the electrical and primitive campgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and will be returning often.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Onondaga Cave State Park
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Onondaga Cave State Park

    Great campground. Great cave. Fun river. Avoid campsite 65

    We stayed one night in campsite 65. Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened July 4, 2024. The river is still fantastic fun, especially for our grandkids ages 9 and 12.

    Avoid campsite 65 when it rains. We had over an inch of standing water on the concrete pad when we arrived. 18 hours after it stopped raining, we still had some water on the concrete pad.

    Other than the water, Onondaga Cave SP has been one of my favorite places to camp in Missouri for more than 20 years.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Daniel Boone Conservation Area
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Daniel Boone Conservation Area

    Peaceful dark skies

    I stayed one night in the RV campsite. There was only one other camper. The grass had been mowed recently so the path around the pond was easily walkable.

    Not many of the RV sites had fire rings and, with all of the fresh cut grass, it would have taken a lot of raking to make a spot safe for a fire anyway.

  • Joseph A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Huzzah Valley Resort
    Aug. 7, 2024

    Huzzah Valley Resort

    Camping at the zoo

    If it's your birthday or a bachelor/Bachelorette party, this is your place. They have a family side and a party side (the zoo). Don't expect to get much rest in the zoo. There are plenty of campsites to enjoy. Reserve yours early they fill up fast in the summer. Huzzah Valley is the know party camp ground if you live in the Saint Louis metropolitan area

  • Allie A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Huzzah Valley Resort
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Huzzah Valley Resort

    Weekend away

    We took a couples float during the week to get away from our busy lives and relax. The huzzah resort is always top notch. Very clean(except the port-potties), great amenities and if you forget something you can always get it at the shop! The river was perfect and we practically had the place to ourselves with only one other tent in view! Not to bad for a Week day camp trip!

  • Allie A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Boiling Springs Campground
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Boiling Springs Campground

    Pretty weekend

    This camp ground is a little hidden gem and so pretty! It has running water bathroom and showers! They are so kind and aware. They make shuttling your personal watercraft SO easy! This camp are is very clean and family friendly! The river was pretty!

  • Taryn S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Springs Resort and Campground
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Indian Springs Resort and Campground

    Family-oriented, ideal for Meramec float trips

    We typically prefer more dispersed-style camping, but this has actually become one of our favorite established sites in the Ozarks. It's VERY family-oriented (probably not for you if you want to party), with tons of games like volleyball and horseshoes, plus onsite programs and activities including scavenger hunts, movie nights, pancake breakfasts, etc. 

    A little of everything when it comes to sites - there are pull-thru sites, full hookups, basic tent sites, you name it. We tent camped in sites 61-64 (now one huge site, but at one time they were three individual), which directly overlooks the river and sits on a very private corner. The sites on this end are a bit of a walk to the bathrooms/showers and camp store, but also extremely spacious and private. 

    Great camp store and a large sandy beach with natural swimming holes, plus a seasonal pool. There's even so-so wifi at the store.

    Float trips are a big deal here, and Indian Springs offers both boat rentals and shuttle services. We used their shuttling one day, then the second day, I drove my husband up to the put-in (less than 10 mins) and he floated back and took out here. The owners are really friendly and accommodating. Our top choice for float/camp trips, especially when we have our kiddos.

  • Nick W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Maramec Spring Park
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Maramec Spring Park

    Great state like park

    Fun trails and fishing from a fresh spring. Great and clean shower house. Well taken care of.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout

    Lots of fun close to home

    Nice rv park. Lots to do. The golf carts are genius. We used all weekend and had a great time. Played in the waterhole, played on the lake w/paddleboats and kayaks. Nice campsites and showerhouse. The bar and store were beautiful. Arcade, pool,games for kids and adults. Loved it

  • Elizabeth E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermann City RV Park
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Hermann City RV Park

    Nice spot

    We stopped here overnight on a roadtrip from Ohio to Colorado. We were able to make a reservation online only hours before we arrived and it was such a simple process. The campsites are in the middle of the city park and it was nice to be able to walk our dogs around the park after a day of traveling. We had full hook ups which is always a relief!! The campsites are quite close together and this is not a forested area. It was perfect for us for a one night stop!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hazel Creek Campground
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Hazel Creek Campground

    Spacious and Beautiful

    We spent a one night get-away at Hazel Creek with our 30 foot travel trailer. The gravel road into the campground was no problem for a pickup with a trailer. It would be fine for a passenger car, too.

    The campsites are large. Several back up to the creek, which is shallow and pretty. The rest are scattered through the wooded campground. Come for the scenery and the hiking. You won't be disappointed.

    There are no amenities other than fire rings, picnic tables, and food posts. There is no cell phone coverage. Follow the USFS directions, not Google Maps. That will put you on good paved roads.

  • Christopher W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Osage Campground Retreat
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Osage Campground Retreat

    Cute Little Camping Spot

    Good: It was clean and tidy, had ice and firewood for sale, was close to the boat ramp for the Osage River, and the bathrooms looked to be newly remodeled. Good shaded and flat spot for our tent.

    Bad: No one on-site, no TP, no paper towels, no internet (Other campers said it had been working until the power went out during a storm a few days before; when the power was restored, the internet didn't come back)

    Conclusion: For $44.29/night, I would keep going next time.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Francois State Park
    Jun. 16, 2024

    St. Francois State Park

    RV campsites

    Awesome place to camp. Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups. Staff is super kind. Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule but that’s unfortunate for those of us who still want to listen to music and sit by the fire. Overall great camping spot!

  • Kelsey S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Maramec Spring Park
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Maramec Spring Park

    Wonderful spot!

    We stayed for 1 night, great trails to walk around, don’t forget bug spray! Good lookouts you can walk to as well. We didn’t do any fishing but saw plenty of people out enjoying the day!

  • Allie A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Huzzah Valley Resort
    May. 28, 2024

    Huzzah Valley Resort

    Memorial Day -Camping Trip

    Such a pretty camping sesh. Love this campground and its aminities it’s always cleaner and organized.

  • Gwenn W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Red Bluff Campground
    May. 26, 2024

    Red Bluff Campground

    Not What it Was

    If you’ve been coming to this campground for decades as my family has, prepare yourself. They’ve taken this hidden gem abounding with rustic, quiet character and turned it into a busy RV park. Most spots are not ideal for tent camping. The beaches are too small to accommodate the number of people now coming in. It’s just heartbreaking. It’s our ancestral home and we just don’t know if we can handle going back. The whole vibe is drastically different. It’s looks like every other RV park out there. It used to be a short walk to get to the water. Not anymore. They also got rid of the picnic area close to the water. It was extremely inconvenient getting my elderly mother down to the water (and then finding a beach spot on our side of the creek was impossible).

  • Trenton D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Boiling Springs Campground
    May. 15, 2024

    Boiling Springs Campground

    Nice area

    My family used to stay here every year. Owners are just not very friendly. You get told 2 different prices over the phone compared to when you get there. Overall is a nice camp ground pretty quiet. Pretty river.



Guide to Bourbon

Camping near Bourbon, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore the trails: Many campgrounds, like Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, have great hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, "The Scour Trail was also close and really neat to see."
  • Enjoy the river: At Meramec State Park Campground, you can swim, fish, or just relax by the water. A camper shared, "Plenty to do in the area including hiking, cool restaurants, swimming in the river."
  • Visit the caves: Onondaga Cave State Park Campground is known for its stunning caves. One reviewer said, "Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Montauk State Park Campground noted, "Showers are full of hot water and very clean."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Lazy Day Campground mentioned, "Sites are well laid out and easy to maneuver."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground said, "The staff is very friendly and helpful."

What you should know

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground mentioned, "No connection for any data at our campsite."
  • Crowded during holidays: Some campgrounds can get busy on holiday weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during holiday weekends."
  • Water access varies: Not all campgrounds have water hookups. A camper at Graham Cave State Park Campground noted, "I only give it three stars because there's no water hookups."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One camper at Echo Bluff State Park said, "The park hosts were so friendly, helpful and hard working."
  • Pack games and activities: Bring along games to keep the kids entertained. A visitor at Lazy Day Campground mentioned, "The little details make it very homey."
  • Plan for meals: Cooking at the campsite can be fun. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground shared, "My favorite part of camping is cooking and eating at the site."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site levels: Make sure your site is level for a comfortable stay. A visitor at Meramec State Park Campground said, "Campsites are on top of each other though, so that stunk."
  • Bring extra supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park noted, "The general store has the essentials."
  • Be prepared for wildlife: Keep an eye out for local critters. A visitor at Cuivre River State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site had skunks and raccoons each night."

Camping near Bourbon, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bourbon, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bourbon, MO is Brazil Creek with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Bourbon, MO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Bourbon, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.