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Camping near Mark Twain National Forest

523 Reviews

Mark Twain National Forest has several good camping options nearby for visitors. Echo Bluff State Park is well-liked for its clean facilities and trails you can access right from your campsite. Just down the road, Current River State Park gives you a quieter spot where you can easily go canoeing or catch some fish. You'll find decent bathrooms and showers at both parks, which makes longer stays more comfortable. It's smart to book ahead, particularly in summer when sites fill up fast. Make sure to look up any current fire rules before lighting a campfire. The roads leading to these campgrounds are generally good, though you might want to check conditions after heavy rain. You won't need a truck or SUV to reach either park - regular cars do just fine. Both parks have water available, but bringing extra is always a good idea. While camping is available all year, winter campers should know that some services may not be running. Keep in mind these parks limit stays to 14 days max. These campgrounds work well for short or longer trips while you check out Missouri's woods and rivers.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mark Twain National Forest (143)

    1. Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    28 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $20 - $140 / night

    "Chose this location to be our hub while completing a Missouri springs tour. Visited 8 springs in total. Checked out the camping facilities at every spring that offered camping."

    "At this campground you have walking distance access to the river and a rental place nearby. Check out the Alley Mill while your there."

    2. Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

    37 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 751-5211

    "This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete."

    "Echo Bluff State Park is nestled in the heart of Missouri's Ozarks. This natural haven offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers."

    3. Round Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    16 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $20 - $140 / night

    "There is a herd of wild horses that frequents the area (as evidenced by mounds of horse poop in an adjacent field!) and you can easily walk over to the beautiful round spring."

    "There's a sign to keep car tires on pavement, but I wasn't able to and parked the Jeep on the grass next to the trailer."

    4. Harveys Circle B Campground

    5 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    5 miles
    +1 (573) 226-3618

    "The campsites are a little close together but no one was at the one next to us so it did not feel so bad. Staff was very nice and friendly."

    "People were wonderful and you are right next to the water. Pickup for float trips is nice too

    If the facilities are great it would be five stars."

    5. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    8 Reviews
    Mountain View, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    "We visit this campground multiple times a year and it's always a positive experience. My parents have ano rv and they allow us to camp in a tent next to them!"

    "Stayed at site 9 next to the river. No need to go find the scan and pay by the vault toilet all the sites have QR codes at the sites for scan and pay."

    6. Pulltite Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    12 Reviews
    Hartshorn, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $20 - $140 / night

    "You also have a trail that leads down to a little private beach area on the river but this past year the campground was so full, people were camping right on the beach."

    "There is a very nice trail with the trailhead near the group sites. It goes through different terrains, including along the river bank."

    7. Two Rivers Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    4 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $10 - $45 / night

    "We took a last-minute trip on a beautiful weekend in June 2020 to get outside (responsibly) during the pandemic. Two Rivers campground did not disappoint!"

    "Be sure to visit the nearby springs and sites of the recreational area.  The springs are so deep blue and dramatic against the rocky cliffs."

    8. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    10 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    16 miles

    "There must be an ATV trail close by because Sunday evening we had about 20 side-by-side show up to hang out by the river all in all just a great place"

    "This area has access to the shores of the current river. No campsites, just the open rocky shores. You can park right on the shores and set up camp. Beware!"

    9. Jacks Fork Canoe Rental and Campground

    2 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 858-3224

    $10 - $90 / night

    "Dean an Erma are wonderful people that I enjoy talking to and being around. They have totally changed the campground!"

    10. Rymers Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    2 Reviews
    Birch Tree, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $5 / night

    "Long beautiful drive in, narrow road would not reccomend for motorhome over 20' or any large camper as there is no backing up or turn arounds. "

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Recent Camping Photos near Mark Twain National Forest

195 Photos of 143 Mark Twain National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mark Twain National Forest

523 Reviews of 143 Mark Twain National Forest Campgrounds

  • Overland O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Piedmont Park

    Beautiful Place

    This is a beautiful campground. It is an older campground but very well maintained and very clean. The view from my camp is spectacular. I have electric, water, a covered picnic table, a fire ring and all for $8/night with my pass discount. Only negative thing I can say is the long hike to the bathrooms, but not really all that bad. Wonderful campground, will stay here again

  • Overland O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Mark Twain National Forest Markham Springs Campground

    Beautiful out of the way spot.

    This is a very clean, well kept campground in Mark Twain National Forest. It has electric, vault toilets showers and a potable water spigot. Very reasonably priced. The water was cut off for repairs shortly after I arrived but, no problem, stuff happens. Been here 12 days and it has been very enjoyable. I did a field report and it tested my "cell" reception but I have no signal here so I am using Starlink and have a great connection so that will skew the test results. They need to ask if using Starlink before doing that test.

  • J
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Beautiful but not free

    Stunning views. Multiple spots. All have a picnic table and fire ring. They have a QR code on each picnic table so you can book your site through the state and pay $10 to Camp but there's no service in that area so I'm not sure how they expect us to be able to do that. There's two camping sections. One is about halfway down the road. It's grass and trees and it's across from a vault toilet and a trash bin. If you go all the way to the end of the road it rocks and sand and you're right on the water but there's no toilets or trash.

    The coordinates for this place just takes you to the start of the road not to the actual campsites. So once you get to the road just drive down it. It's not too far and car could make it.

    The only annoying thing was that when I stayed with my tent on the rocks by the water, all the way at the end, I could still hear the person at the very first campsite with RV generator humming very loudly and it took away a lot of the ambiance of the place. So it's primitive but you may not be alone.

  • Trevor S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Tom Sauk Mountain State Park

    Primitive

    We didn’t camp here but drove up the mountain to check out the look out. Took a trip through the campground, tent camping only and it looked like most sites had platforms and a picnic table. I seen one or two restrooms. Looked nice and wasn’t crowded. Several hiking trails, I think we’ll come back in the future to hike

  • Trevor S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Montauk State Park Campground

    Relaxing

    Very nice campground, tons of shade! My site (206) was very level and was surrounded in trees like basically ever other site which made it comfortable to sit outside all day. We’ve been down here a couple times now and would highly recommend it.

  • Trevor S.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Black River Hideaway Campground

    Clean and neat

    Camp host were very friendly, park is very clean and neat. Nice amenities through the campground; pool, small playground, basketball court and volley ball. Would most definitely stay again.

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Noblett Lake Dispersed Camping

    Actually found it.

    Most of the sites on this app that say there's just first camping this area or wrong. They've been turned into day. Use only areas. We did find this small road with a loop at the end that have pull-in campsites. They're nothing special, some of them are overgrown. Mostly all of them don't have any kind of fire ring. Looks like nobody really ever comes out here. There's a big one at the very end of the road where the circle is. It does have a rock fire ring and it's probably the nicest one available. There was nobody here when I came so it was fun to let the dogs run.

    If you go down the road to what used to actually be the Noblett Lake campground (it is now a picnic area, no overnight camping allowed). They do have vault toilets available but they're gross.

    This road and loop is just straight primitive camping. Nothing special at all.

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Sycamore Loop Dispersed

    Not able to get in.

    Pretty much all the campsites listed in this area have been turned into day use only/ No camping here spots. The gate to go down towards this campsite was locked.

Guide to Mark Twain National Forest

Camping near Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri, offers a fantastic escape into nature with plenty of options for outdoor fun. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the campfire, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. Many campers rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "The hiking trails like the Signal Hill Trail and Current River Trail offer stunning vistas and the chance to encounter local wildlife" at Echo Bluff State Park.
  • Fishing: The rivers in the area are great for fishing. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground mentioned, "This place is perfect for easy stream and running water fishing."
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: The Current River is a popular spot for water sports. One visitor at Pulltite Campground said, "This campsite is great if you are wanting to float on the Current River."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Round Spring Campground stated, "The bathrooms and showers were a 10. Grounds were a 10."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Alley Spring Campground noted, "Nice level sites well spaced. A good size campground."
  • Natural Beauty: The stunning landscapes are a big draw. A visitor at Big Spring Campground said, "The campground is beautifully manicured and has spacious sites."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell service. A camper at Log Yard Campground warned, "NO CELL SERVICE. If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Pulltite Campground advised, "MAKE RESERVATIONS! This campground exploded in the last few years and it's always packed."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Greer Crossing mentioned, "You can jump off the bridge for a swim, but be careful of the wildlife."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. A parent at Montauk State Park Campground shared, "This place is quiet and family-oriented. Showers are full of hot water and very clean."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids near water. A camper at Round Spring Campground noted, "The river is awesome, cold, and a highlight of the campground."
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Pinewoods Lake Rec Area mentioned, "Chiggers and bugs are an issue here so bring plenty of Off."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Pulltite Campground said, "Super easy to get my 28' trailer backed into site 52."
  • Water Access: Know where to fill up your water tank. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground noted, "There was a dump station in loop 4 and another one near the entrance."
  • Bring Firewood: Some campgrounds don’t provide firewood. A visitor at Big Spring Campground advised, "Don't forget to bring in your own firewood."

Camping near Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Mark Twain National Forest campgrounds?

Dogs are generally allowed at Mark Twain National Forest campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Round Spring Campground in the Ozark National Scenic Riverway section of the forest welcomes pets in the campground areas. Alley Spring Campground is another pet-friendly option within the forest. When bringing your dog, remember to clean up after them, keep them from disturbing wildlife and other campers, and never leave them unattended. Some areas within the forest may have specific pet restrictions, especially around designated swimming areas or sensitive natural habitats, so check site-specific rules before arriving.

Can I bring my RV camping in Mark Twain National Forest?

RV camping is available in Mark Twain National Forest, though amenities vary by location. Most forest campgrounds are more primitive without full hookups. For a premium RV experience near the forest, Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park offers full-service sites with 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer connections. All sites have perfectly level concrete pads, though they are back-in only. For those willing to forgo full hookups, Big Spring Campground provides a more rustic RV camping experience. Be prepared for gravel roads accessing many forest campgrounds, which may be challenging for larger rigs.

What are the best campgrounds in Mark Twain National Forest?

Mark Twain National Forest offers several outstanding campgrounds for nature lovers. Loggers Lake Campground stands out with its spring-fed 22-acre lake, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. The campground features a maintained restroom facility, water spigot, and a scenic 1-mile hiking trail with beautiful views. It's ideal for hammock camping with plenty of trees and offers excellent stargazing opportunities. Fourche Lake Rec Area is another top choice, featuring well-maintained facilities and easy lake access. For those seeking riverside camping, the Deer Leap and Watercress recreation areas along the Current River provide beautiful scenery and water recreation options.

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