Looking for the best options for tent camping near Bull Shoals Lake? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Bull Shoals Lake campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Drury-Mincy Conservation Area is in southern Taney County, southeast of Branson, off of Route J. The area, located in the heart of the White River glade region, was the Conservation Department's first deer refuge. The area is named for early landowner Frank Drury and the settlement of Mincy. The Commission leased the land in 1939, then purchased it in 1987. At present, the area is comprised of 5,599 acres which includes a portion of Bull Shoals Lake managed lands. By the turn of the century, deer numbers had dwindled to the point that Missouri could claim only 14 herds. One of these lived in the Drury-Mincy area. The area was purchased by a private landowner in 1929, who worked with the Department to increase deer numbers. From 1939 through 1959, Drury-Mincy deer were successfully used to restore populations statewide. The Drury-Mincy area, one of three areas that supported flocks of native wild turkeys, provided 300 turkeys for statewide restoration projects during the 1960s. Bluestem glades and post oak woodlands dominated the rolling hills. Mincy, Fox, and Bee creeks meander through stands of wild cane on their way to Bull Shoals Lake. Purple beardtongue, fringetree, and Ashe juniper are among the unusual plants found on the area.
Primitive camping is permitted in designated camping area only. Campers are limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. Groups of more than 10 campers are required to obtain a special use permit.
Rush Campground is a first come, first serve campground in the lower district of the park. Rush has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities and no flush restrooms. Drinking water is available when fees are collected March 15 - November 14. It is free to camp at Rush in the winter. All sites are limited to 6 people per site and each site is $16 per night. This is a pack in/pack out facility, trash collection is not available.
$25 - $45 / night
Spring Creek Campground is a first come, first serve campground near Harriet, AR. Spring Creek has 12 tent only sites with no electrical amenities, no flush restrooms, and no water.
$5 - $245 / night
Carver is a first come, first serve campground in the upper district of the park. It has 8 tent only sites with potable water, but no electrical amenities. A vault restroom is available. This is a pack in/pack out facility with no trash service.
Swan Creek is an 8,488 acre area that provides for year-round nonmotorized dispersed recreation use as it is a designated Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized (SPNM) Area. There are approximately 20 miles of moderately used riding, hiking, and mountain bike trails available. Swan Creek itself offers swimming, fishing, and a non-potable water supply. For more detail of the trail visit Map of the Trail System. Trail System Map (printable) and Trail System Map GEO Referenced for use with Map Apps
Guide
The campground in nestled in the Buffalo National River Wilderness offering many options on the river or hiking the mountains and bluffs. There are several river access spots throughout the campground.
There are floating outfitters in the area that will drive you up river to float back down toward the campground.
The bathrooms are on the smaller side, but the showers were clean.
Traveler
We stayed here over Thanksgiving. The campground was about 1/3 full . The people working here are very nice! I think the campground would get a 5 if there were more pull-thru sites and the bath houses were a little more updated. We will definitely stay here again when in Branson.
Traveler
Quiet in December. Good shower and laundry facilities.
Scout
Blue Heron cabin was awesome! It was so so clean, and beautiful! Over looking the water can’t get any better! The cabin was so nice! Michael was great to work with and very professional and very nice! Can’t wait till next time ❤️
Guide
Right in town but actually quite. Bathrooms very clean nice laundry area and cheap.
Guide
Stayed 3 nights. Weekend had a few family gatherings near us, but the weekdays we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Campground is well maintained with beautiful views of Table Rock Lake. We were in upper section (electric only) - the lower section next to the marina has full hookups. There are a few pull-through, but most sites are back-in and long enough for al most any rig.
Scout
While it was pretty last year (the reason it was my first pick this year) the owner uses Marissa, Jamie and Serena as his own personal shield to avoid taking responsibility for his business, and all of them are rude as all get out. Marissa promised multiple times that the owner would call me, and kept changing when exactly that would be. Two days later, I have NEVER heard from him, despite him being fully aware he needed to contact me. I ended up having the credit card company cancel the charge.
And omg, the shower house. Bring a space heater. It's an open air shed with exposed pvc and no drain. I can't imagine how it operates in the winter.
If you come in October, expect loud screaming, gun shots and chainsaws for THREE HOURS at night from one of their events your probably won't be told about til you arrive. Greg deserves to have this place fail.
GuideGreat trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
Guide
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
Guide
Right on Highway good for campers
Guide
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
ScoutThis campground had the potential to be amazing- it's beautiful, is right next to the river with amazing views of the stars, and has several hikes close by. But the camp hosts and rangers don't enforce any sort of quiet time or people capacity rules. So unfortunately my partner and I had a group of probably 20 people camping next to us. They brought in a DJ car(open the trunk and it had huge speakers and running lights) to bump techno music during the day, and at night they set up a movie projector and large screen and watched horror movies late into the night. It's not serene when there are 8 tents, a crowd of people, and horror movie screaming right beside you all day and night. I even went and talked to the camp hosts but nothing was done. So, I don't recommend this place. Usually I camp to unwind and chill, but I left the weekend more frazzled and exhausted than I came.
ScoutYou will love this campground. It's a beautiful rv resort next to the water. Step out of your rv and you will see some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the United States. Michael is the director of the campground and he is so very helpful and congenial. We travel to many states but this campground is our very favorite and if you like or love to fish, this is your place! Go see for yourselves and we will probably see you there!!
Wanda and Pete Shurow
Guide
Everything about this campground is fantastic. The lake surrounds the point, the sites are cleverly designed, the October crowd is quiet and friendly, it's near Branson, strong Verizon signal.
Guide
This beautiful campground in classic Ozark hardwoods is a haven for things with motors. Bikes, ATVs, gold carts, all manners of off-road thingies, and the louder the better. At the same time, it was clean, folks were respectful, and it was quiet after dark. Enough Verizon signal to get Facebook. Some sites have electricity.
LegendWe loved our stay at Blue Heron. We had a riverfront spot and really just came to chill not fish but it’s a fishing location. White river is trout paradise so if you’re an angler this is where it’s at. Campground was SUPER clean. Best level pads and hookups we’ve ever seen. Firewood and ice for sale. Everything was absolutely perfect except the road noise….which in all fairness we knew about. LOTS of noise. It died down after 8pm and before 8am and we couldn’t hear it in our camper so it’s was ok.
Legend
Decent campground with excellent trout fishing! The campground layout was kinda weird and the dump station was in an odd spot. However, we had a nice river front site that we really enjoyed. Lots of nice people in the campground and on the river. Be sure to visit the hatchery across the street. . Limited AT&T service. Individual Private suite style bathrooms. Playground. No store, no firewood for sale. Level sites. Several sites have covers over the picnic tables. .
ScoutThis location has been a great place. It is clean and well maintained. The staff is friendly and the area is peaceful. We would recommend this place to anyone looking for a campground in Branson Mo. It is also a short and scenic drive to what ever suites you in Branson.
Guide
We really enjoyed our stay here! It was the week after Labor Day and was mostly vacant, making for a quiet stay. Love the amenities for kids! The only reason I give 4 stars is the dog policy— it’s very strict, and there isn’t a dog park type area to let pets off leash to play & get energy out.
GuideAn update since all other reviews are a couple of years old. Nothing has changed. Except I imagine the price! Accurately depicted above. A bit of road noise, which comes with the convenience. Clean. Friendly. A bit packed in there as far as the sites go. Site 42 is empty and looks like a winner to me. Town has plenty to offer for stocking up on a trip. We would stay again if passing through.
Traveler
This was our first time coming to Arkansas and boy was this an amazing spot to camp for the first time. This is a very secluded site and while we were there, only a handful of people were there too. The few hour hike to the two waterfalls was spectacular. It’s definitely not an easy hike but worth it to see what we got to see. So incredibly quiet as well. It’s pretty far out in the middle of nowhere so be prepared. Roads getting there were a little rough so more ideal for trucks or suvs but I saw little cars make it down there just fine just be careful. It’s all gravel and dirt for quite a while. There are bathrooms on site but they are porthole.
Overall a beautiful little place and we plan on going back very soon!
Scout
I have not really been able to use it just checking it out
ScoutThis is our 5-6 year to stay here. Over the years, we have seen so many b improvements to this area.. it’s always a great time. Michael, the host, is just an all around great guy. We are looking forward to our next stay
Guide
Camping Review: A Slice of Paradise
If you're looking for the ultimate escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I can't recommend this camping spot highly enough. Nestled in a remote area, far from the chaos of civilization, this campsite offers a rejuvenating experience that feels like a breath of fresh air.
From the moment I arrived, I was greeted by the serene sounds of nature—the rustling leaves, the distant chirping of birds, and the gentle flow of the Buffalo River nearby. With no cell service, it was liberating to disconnect from the digital world and immerse myself in the beauty around me.
The campsite itself was impeccably maintained, with spacious sites that allowed for privacy and a true sense of seclusion. Each morning, I awoke to breathtaking sunrises that painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, a perfect start to a day filled with adventure.
During my stay, I hiked along the winding trails, discovering hidden waterfalls and panoramic views that took my breath away. The evenings were spent gathered around the campfire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows under a blanket of stars that seemed to shine brighter than ever.
The lack of modern distractions was refreshing, allowing me to fully appreciate the simple pleasures of life—like the crackling fire and the warmth of good company. Whether you're an experienced camper or a beginner, this remote getaway is perfect for anyone looking to recharge and reconnect with nature.
In summary, if you're seeking a peaceful retreat where you can truly escape the world, this camping spot is the best of the best. Pack your gear, leave your worries behind, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in nature's embrace!
Legend
Very small park. Restaurant and store are Nextdoor. Spots are large. We were the only campers in the park.
Traveler
We have stayed with them twice. Spots are strategically placed and surrounded by woods. The owner is very kind and informative guiding you to your spot and helping you park. He will also give his favorite local recommendations for restaurants and attractions. He’s a veteran. Never had any issues with anything.
Traveler
Super friendly people, very accommodating. They offered to help us hookup when we arrived, so sweet, and specially since we are new to this. Gave us advice about where to eat around town. The site was nice and shady. The bath house was excellent - very nice showers and bathrooms, very clean, very private. Such a family feel. Very good value for the price! Thanks for an excellent stay. Would stay here again if we ever return to the area.
Tent camping near Bull Shoals Lake in Arkansas offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you'll find options that cater to different preferences and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bull Shoals Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bull Shoals Lake is Drury-Mincy Conservation Area with a 3.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bull Shoals Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Bull Shoals Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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