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Best Tent Camping near Aurora, MO

706 Reviews

Dispersed tent camping options surround the Aurora, Missouri area, with several primitive sites within an hour's drive. Notable locations include the Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area, which provides basic tent sites in a natural setting, and Busiek, offering walk-in tent sites approximately 40 minutes south. Most tent camping areas in this region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with varying levels of accessibility depending on recent weather conditions.

Tent campsites throughout the region typically feature minimal amenities, with most providing fire rings but lacking potable water. Many conservation areas require campers to pack in their own water and supplies. At Busiek, camping requires a permit that must be obtained in person from the Missouri Department of Conservation office. The Swan Creek area offers free dispersed camping with creek access, though campers should note there is limited cell service. Drury-Mincy Conservation Area provides approximately 13 primitive tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, plus vault toilets, but the access road can be challenging with its steep, graveled surface.

The walk-in tent sites at Busiek offer a more secluded experience among forested terrain. The area features multiple hiking trails and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it popular with tent campers seeking a more immersive outdoor experience. Big Bay on Table Rock Lake provides primitive tent camping with sites that back directly to the lake, though facilities are limited to portable toilets. Gibson Spring Back Country Site in Fort Crowder Conservation Area is accessible via a short hike and provides multiple tent sites with picnic tables. A visitor commented, "This site would be great for someone just getting into backpacking as it is a short hike to the campsite from the closest trailhead."

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Best Tent Sites Near Aurora, Missouri (14)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Aurora, MO

4 Photos of 14 Aurora Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Aurora, MO

706 Reviews of 14 Aurora Campgrounds

  • Matt S.
    Jul. 23, 2017

    Lost Bridge South

    Stay at South Bridge for Lakeside camping and beautiful scenerey

    I really like Lost Bridge South and Lost Bridge North. They are on the banks of Beaver Lake and are beautiful. The only downside is both campgrounds are built on the slopes of a hill. The RV and camper pads are level with asphalt, but to pitch a tent can be a bit tricky to find level ground.

    Personally I do not like pitching my tent on concrete or rock pads, I prefer good old grass and dirt. Both my tent and my back last a little bit longer when on soft ground versus rocks.

    The facilities were clean nice. The showers and bathrooms were pretty good. The only problem was there were no soap dispensers, so bring your own if you like clean hands.

    This is a solid four star campground. I highly recommend getting a campsite next to the lake. We had a lot of fun with some great views.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Drury-Mincy Conservation Area

    Gem in Missouri

    Lovely spot in Missouri. Passing through to Tennessee and found this gem of a spot with 2 vault toilets, trash and it’s free! Arrived at sunset in a Wednesday and only 2 other campers. There’s about 6 spots to pull in with a camper/ RV then at least 6 tent spots. Most spots have a fire ring and picnic table. 2-3 bars of LTE with AT&T. Little bit of road noise but no issues sleeping in my van. Everyone we came across was kind. No electric or water so come prepared. Closest town for supplies is around 25 minutes. Would definitely stay here again!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2024

    Crabtree Cove

    Free Off Season Camping (review of Loop B only)

    Camped in Loop B on Oct 4, 2023. Camping was free at this Corp of Engineer campground since off season began on Oct 1st. The Loop B campground has several RV/tent sites arranged in sub-loops in an open field; some trees for shade. Sites are close to each other; no privacy between sites. Sites appear to be level. Each site has a metal fire ring, table and lamp pole. The loop road is paved and the sites were gravel. There were no hookups in Loop B. The water station was shut off, but the vault toilet, which wasn't very clean, was open. No camp host on duty during our stay. There is access to Stockton Lake from the loop road. There was nothing special about this campground, but has good lake access for boats.  Otherwise this campgrund is suitable for an overnight stay.

  • M
    Mar. 6, 2022

    Lost Bridge North

    Off Season Perfection

    Visited here in early spring and were spoiled with amazing lake views and not many neighbors. When the trees leaf out I’m guessing you still would have good privacy. No water hook ups at the site (if you need to fill your tank the water next to vault toilet by the lake is the most flat) but 30 amp hook up made it very comfortable. Large concrete picnic tables and fire rings (some also have grills) at each site. Close enough to Bentonville to spend a day in town or exploring Crystal Bridges!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Cobb Ridge

    Oasis in the Woods

    Open:  year round

    Reservations:  877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

                               Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance

    Fees:  $15.00 single with electric

                $10.00 single no electric

                $45.00 group site

                Passes honored

    Bear Aware.  Beautiful fence around campground with the road and pads all paved.  Nice.  Complete campground is well maintained.  Camp host on duty, no gate house.  Sites are very large and spaced out well.  Some pull thrus.  Picnic table, fire ring, toilets, showers, water, trash.  There are nearly 80 miles of inter connected loops that go from easy to hard terrian, winding in and out of forested hollers and along ridge tops.  ATV must be 50 inches wide or less.

    LNT

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2021

    Drury-Mincy Conservation Area

    Great Deal, Needs some Tender Loving Care

    FREE

    FCFS 

    Sites: 13 

    This is a dispersed campground with picnic table, fire ring and sitting on the top of the mountain giving a great view. NO WATER but there are two pit toilets. When it comes to the toilets I guess you could say

    "any port in the storm" but they could use some TLC. There is also a trash dumpster but trash."  Come on people there is a trash dumpster USE IT. Pads are grass and the road is gravel. The site is situated along side the highway. 

    LNT  

    BTYFI 

    Travel safe

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2020

    Indian Point

    Crowded On Holiday Weekends But Great Campground!!

    CLICK HERE for Info on Branson

    For those looking for a campground near Branson which offers access to top attractions as well as Table Rock Lake, Indian Point is worth a consideration. The park itself is only a short distance from the 76 Strip and has quick access to Silver Dollar City, even sharing a tram system with the park. 

    The campground is well spaced and offers shaded sites for a variety of sizing options from tent camping to larger pull through sites. Each site boasting the standard amenities for travel of a fire ring and picnic table. Many also have connections available and include both water and electrical offerings. 

    The site offers a dump station for those RVers needing the service and day use areas for those wanting to visit for fun day at the lake without the commitment of an overnight stay. Picnic Shelters are available and can also be rented for special events and larger groups. 

    Restrooms here vary and have both standard restrooms and shower houses. The set up itself is very nice and looks to be much more improved than some parks in the area offering a bit more privacy from the typical sites which have only curtain doors. The facilities instead look very well maintained and have private restroom and shower units for those using them. Although they are still recommending as much distancing as possible and use of your own isolated restrooms when applicable. 

    When I visited I noticed the sites are not all created equally in way of parking, some were very lengthy and could easily allow for more than one vehicle while others were lucky to have a small parking area for a car and tent. My advice is to defiantly look and book online before coming to the park before any trip to ensure your spacing. For those not doing so, additional parking is located throughout the park in small pull out areas near restrooms and closer to the boat ramp areas. 

    With recent closures of many outdoor areas, this location has opened its doors to tourists once again for the season and with that it has quickly become a popular destination. For this reason you will want to book ahead of time and be prepared to face larger than usual crowds when using the public spaces. 

    Rains also can dictate your usage of certain portions of the park as the level of the lake can climb and engulf the swimming beach and outlets to the marina. Upon my visit I noticed the swimming beach was completely under water and thus the facilities near it were not able to be used. The marina was very busy despite many of the walkways being underwater slightly or a brief walk through water to get to. 

    The overall feel of this campground is very homey as the people visiting all seem to be very family friendly. The limitation of alcohol keeps man of the party goes away from this park and it allows for quieter evenings and more family based fun inside the park itself with the vast open spaces. 

    In addition to the lake and campground themselves, there is a small general store located just across from the camp to make those last minute pick ups a bit easier to find versus running back into town. This is extremely helpful for those who need something small but don’t want to have to drive far to get it. A small restaurant is also located in this area. 

    Tips: 

    • If you are staying here book online and really look at the map when doing so to ensure your sizing needs are met in way of parking. 
    • Venture into Branson for live shows and music, activities and more!! 
    • Take a hike on one of the many hiking trails in the areas and explore this region of Missouri!! 
    • Check the weather before securing a waterfront site. Lake levels are displayed on the Table Rock website and you will want to make sure you are not visiting when lakes are overflowing to the point of cutting down your adventure. CLICK HERE FOR LAKE LEVEL
  • Rick G.
    Oct. 10, 2021

    Indian Point

    Nice Stay Close to Branson

    Needed a site near Springfield to allow one of us to fly out for a family event. Picked this ACOE campground due to its proximity to Springfield and Branson. Verizon signal was strong enough to stream Hulu, etc. We were in site #35, 30amp, no water. I think our site was the best in the loop for privacy outside with placement of picnic table and fire ring.

  • Natalie C.
    May. 29, 2019

    Indian Point

    Good swimming area

    This is a favorite campground and swimming hole! It is close to Silver Dollar City and other Branson activities. We most recently camped in the far loop which is not waterfront but has nice sites. We could hike down to the waterfront but there really arent designated trails from this area. It was rough terrain. There is plenty of shade and places for the kids to hang their hammocks. We like the bathrooms with the private toilet and shower. No issues with crowding or waiting for one to open up.

    The swim beach is nice and has picnic tables for use. We kayaked around the cove while others swam. No alcohol or pets allowed in the beach area which I appreciated. Family friendly!

Guide to Aurora

Dispersed camping options near Aurora, Missouri range from conservation areas to lakeside sites within a 45-60 minute drive. The region sits in the Ozark highlands with elevations between 1,000-1,400 feet, creating varied terrain for primitive campsites. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions in the 60-75°F range.

What to do

Creek exploration: Swan Creek offers free dispersed camping with creek access for swimming and fishing. "Has great dispersed camping, free, creek is accessible, has equestrian area to camp with horses, bout 45 minutes to a hour from Springfield. No service for ATT," notes one camper.

Wildlife viewing: Busiek provides multiple hiking trails through forested terrain with wildlife spotting opportunities. "The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!" shares Brandon M., who also appreciates the site's diversity: "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source."

Hiking preparation: Trails at Busiek can be weather-dependent as Josh S. advises: "Be wary of the water level, this can impact any hiking you might be looking to do, so be ready."

What campers like

Secluded spots: Drury-Mincy Conservation Area provides a peaceful camping experience with limited crowds. "One of my favorite camping locations. Maybe 12 sites in all, no amenities for the most part but the peace and quiet is worth more," says Lynette.

Lakefront access: Big Bay on Table Rock Lake offers primitive tent camping with direct lake access. According to Sandi C., "It's very wooded and private. Most sites back directly up to the lake. I have accessed camping by water the last few times I've camped there."

Free camping: Many campers appreciate the no-cost camping at several conservation areas. Crystal C. notes about Drury-Mincy: "I always love a good FREE campground and when I stumbled upon this one I was very happy."

What you should know

Permit requirements: Some conservation areas require permits obtained in person. For Busiek, Anthony S. advises: "Camping is by permit only, and permits can not be obtained online or by phone, you have to go in person to the Missouri Department of Conservation office."

Seasonal closures: Big Bay campground has limited availability, with Sandi C. noting: "This is my favorite campground but it usually is closed." The official season runs from mid-May through late September.

Road conditions: Access to some primitive sites can be challenging. Rachel B. warns about Drury-Mincy: "The short 'road' from the street to the campground is pretty steep and graveled and several cars have struggled to make it up though I haven't seen any fail yet."

Tips for camping with families

Beginner backpacking: For families new to backpacking, Gibson Spring Back Country Site offers an accessible introduction. Dexter I. explains: "This site would be great for someone just getting in to backpacking as it is a short hike to the campsite from the closest trail head (took me only seven minutes)."

Bug protection: Prepare for insects, especially during summer months. Linze K. recommends for Busiek: "Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs."

Self-sufficiency: Conservation areas require bringing all supplies. Crystal C. advises: "Because this is a bit more off the beaten path bring everything, there are no stores nearby."

Tips for RVers

Site selection: Limited RV options exist at conservation areas like Drury-Mincy. Abby M. notes: "There's about 6 spots to pull in with a camper/RV then at least 6 tent spots. Most spots have a fire ring and picnic table."

Connectivity: Cell service varies by location and carrier. At Drury-Mincy, Rachel B. reports: "I have Google Fi and Verizon and both had pretty decent signal and fully supported streaming a movie."

Supply planning: RVers should arrive fully stocked, as N I. advises: "NO WATER but there are two pit toilets... Pads are grass and the road is gravel."

The best tent camping near Aurora, Missouri offers primitive experiences with varying accessibility and amenities. From conservation areas to lakeside campsites, each location provides distinct opportunities for outdoor recreation while requiring preparation for minimal facilities and sometimes challenging access conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Aurora, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Aurora, MO is Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area with a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Aurora, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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