Best Tent Camping near Alton, MO
Mark Twain National Forest surrounds Alton, Missouri with several primitive tent camping options along the Eleven Point River. Boze Mill Float Camp offers tent-only camping with walk-in sites accessible via a 2-mile gravel road or by kayak from the river. Turner's Mill provides a small collection of tent campsites in a secluded setting with only 3-4 sites available on a first-come basis. The Irish Wilderness area supports backcountry tent camping with access to the 20-mile Whites Creek Loop trail. Whitten River Access and McCormack Lake Recreation Area round out the dispersed camping options with level tent sites in more remote settings.
Most tent campgrounds feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and some have picnic tables, but facilities remain minimal. Vault toilets are available at most locations, though they may be a short walk from actual campsites. Access roads are predominantly gravel and can be rough or steep in places, particularly at Whitten River Access. Water sources are limited, with campers advised to bring their own drinking water. The ground at riverside campsites can become muddy after rain, making site selection important for tent placement. All areas operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.
Fall brings ideal conditions for primitive tent camping in the region. According to one camper at Boze Mill Float Camp, "The water may be chilly, but the views and fishing are perfect in fall when the leaves begin to change." Visitors to Turner's Mill noted the crystal clear springs and shallow river that's "perfect for wading across and cooling off." The sites provide excellent access to fishing, with trout being particularly popular in the cold waters of the Eleven Point River. Weekday visitors often report having entire campgrounds to themselves, especially at McCormack Lake where one camper described the experience as "peaceful and full of chirping birds and frogs." Mosquitoes can be problematic in summer months, particularly near the river areas.
