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Rymers Backcountry Camping along the Jacks Fork River permits pets throughout its pristine riverfront sites. Located near Birch Tree, Missouri, this campground offers primitive tent and small RV camping with vault toilets and picnic tables. The pet-friendly sites sit along crystal-clear blue-green water with swimming areas and tall scenic cliffs. Very cold water and some rocky terrain characterize the campground, which becomes considerably busy during summer months but offers peaceful solitude in off-season periods. Campground access requires navigating a narrow road unsuitable for motorhomes over 20 feet or large campers due to limited turning space.
Blue Spring Backcountry Camping provides another pet-friendly option with primitive sites along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. Camping spots cost $10 per night through an on-site QR code payment system, though weekends tend to attract numerous visitors and river traffic. The area features excellent swimming opportunities despite the extremely cold spring water. Sites can be challenging to locate and somewhat rocky but manageable for tent camping. Nearby Shannon County offers fishing for crappie and catfish in addition to paddleboarding access. Weather conditions fluctuate dramatically throughout the seasons, with summer temperatures reaching 109 degrees with high humidity while winter brings freezing conditions. Eminence serves as the nearest town for supplies, but cell phone signal remains unreliable throughout the area.
"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."
from $20 - $140 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $20 - $140 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $5 / night
Check Availability"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."
"I love the shaded tent campsites and easy access to firewood, boat dock and open area perfect for large family gatherings"
"I hiked from McCormack Lake to here, which is only about 4 miles (unfortunately, though, some of the trail is quite overgrown.) However, most people just park at their campsite."
from $55 - $70 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
Check Availability"We had a local with his hounds running around with a flashlight looking up trees for about an hour around 9PM. I'm guessing he was raccoon hunting...?"
"Totally alone with a gorgeous lake."
"Dean an Erma are wonderful people that I enjoy talking to and being around. They have totally changed the campground!"
from $10 - $90 / night
RangerThis is on the Jacks Fork River, blue green crystal clear water, vault toilets only, in October after closing can be solo camping. 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.
Shannon County, Missouri Address: Birch Tree, MO 65438 Phone:(573) 323-4236
Free in off season
TravelerWe stayed at this campground 1 night on our way between COVID-19 quarantine locations. We found the park easy to navigate (no tight turns). Large semi paved spaces (I say semi paved because the concrete pads were crumbling at least in our spot). Good separation between sites with picnic tables, no shade but they do have a dog park. Hookups were easy to reach and appeared to be in good repair. Decent water pressure. Many of the spaces were permanent campers or long term workers but it felt safe and appeared well maintained.
LegendThe people of Missouri gave a wonderful gift to the people of the United States. A gift I did not know about or had never heard of till we made the decision to camp in Missouri.
Big Springs was Missouri's first state park. The CCC did a lot of construction on the park and so much of the buildings are still there. In much need of repair and I do hope the federal government will restore. Big Spring is off of Missouri Highway 160. Turn onto State Route 103 to Big Spring. The spring has a wheelchair accessible pathway that will lead right to the spring.
The campground is large and open. Tent sites along with with RV sites but the RV sites are small and very close together. Some RV sites had electric but no water or sewer. There is a dump site. During the summer I think I would get a reservation for the RV sites if you need electric. If you have the ability to generate your own electric stay in the open tent site area. The tent site area is large and open to the sun. Big Springs has flush toilets and hot showers.
There are picnic areas with tables and grills scattered throughout the park along with two group shelters.
The Ranger programs are well worth checking out. Take advantage.
The Current River makes a wonderful backdrop for nature lovers. You have the options of hiking, biking, fishing, camping, floating, kayaking, and all sorts of boating with a ramp in the park.
Have Fun - Stay Safe
Leave No Trace
Better Than When You Found It
ScoutGreat place to take the family. Water hook ups , electric , dumping station . Camp in tents , rvs. No pets. Camping along the Spring river with excellent waterfront views. Small store on the campground for necessities and close enough to local shopping in town.
ScoutWe spend the whole summer here and couldn’t ask for a more friendly place! It’s perfect, from being right on the water to allowing pets! They provide everything needed to float but your cooler and food! They will carry you up river and your float ends at the campground! Been coming here 30 years and counting!
LegendLarge campground on Spring River with lots to offer. Cabins, Camper Cabins, RV sites with water & elec and tons of primitive sites. You can also take float trips down the river with this place. Camp store onsite, but only open during busy season. No pets allowed at this campground. This place is packed during warmer months. Make a reservation!
GuideI totally recommend this place ! It’s really nice place and the owners were really nice. We had a whole entire camp area to ourselves ! It’s right on the river. They have a little store, running water, decent bathrooms with hot showers and a playground. It’s an affordable place and family/pet friendly and the have horse stables there for your use if needed.
TravelerThis is a great state park. Sites are level and have cement pads with full hookups. Not much shade now but they have planted trees between sites. Bathrooms are clean. There is also a lodge with store and restaurant just down the street. There are cabins there that can be rented also. And the real treat is the wild horses. Came right up to our site - but please do not feed or try to pet. The rangers will have to move them if they get to used to people.
Also local river rafting companies will pick you up at your site
TravelerStopped here while passing through Missouri on a Saturday on 4th of July weekend and there were only 3 other campers when we arrived late afternoon. The sites are nice and big with picnic tables and fire rings, even a few “doubles” that would fit two big rigs side by side. The trail around the lake makes for a nice short walk with the dogs and it was surprisingly not terribly buggy for July. No hook-ups, which was the only downside since it was so hot and my Husky demands AC in the summer!
Camping options near Birch Tree, Missouri sit within the rugged Ozark hills at elevations ranging from 800-1,500 feet. The region experiences dramatic seasonal shifts with summer highs reaching 95°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Shannon County's limestone geology creates the distinctive blue-green water coloration found in local springs and waterways throughout the Ozark National Scenic Riverway.
Explore caves and springs: At Round Spring Campground, visitors can tour Round Spring Cave from June through October. "Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5. The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations," notes Marty C. The cave entrance pathway creates a magical atmosphere even outside tour season.
Fishing opportunities: Greer Crossing provides excellent fishing access to the Eleven Point River. "The eleven point river is a Hidden Gem. I love the campsite and the cleanliness of the bathrooms," shares Ashley W. The river holds smallmouth bass and other species, with deeper holes forming natural habitats near bridges and rocky outcroppings.
Wildlife viewing: Keep watch for local wildlife throughout the region. At Round Spring, one camper reported: "We saw a bald eagle and a very curious little otter down by the river" (Theresa H.). Wild horses occasionally appear near camping areas, particularly in meadows adjacent to waterways.
Peaceful off-season camping: Visiting during non-summer months provides a completely different experience. One camper at Alley Spring Campground described it as "Tranquil, peaceful, quiet. I could stay at Alley forever" (Charlotte B.). Fall and spring camping offers significantly fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
Swimming areas: Despite cold water temperatures, swimming remains popular. "A nice place to just get away, a great swimming hole and beautiful scenery with nice tall cliffs it has a couple big rocks out in the water you can swim to and jump off of," notes Glen T. about Rymers Backcountry Camping.
Hiking connections: Several campgrounds connect directly to trail systems. Round Spring Campground offers trail access: "We walked through the campground past the spring and caught a little trail that hooked up with the ozark trail and had a lovely day hike around a loop" (Theresa H.).
Cell service limitations: Connectivity remains extremely limited throughout the region. At Blue Spring Backcountry Camping, "Make sure you get a paper map because phone signal can be iffy" (Shelly S.). Some campgrounds with no service require driving to nearby locations for connectivity.
Payment systems: Camping fees vary by location with different payment methods. Blue Spring has implemented a QR code system: "East access to the water for swimming, paddle boarding etc. 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" (Jeremy S.).
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds require careful navigation. Rymers features a "Long beautiful drive in, narrow road would not recommend for motorhome over 20' or any large camper as there is no backing up or turn arounds" (Lula L.).
Budget-friendly options: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Birch Tree offer affordable family camping. Echo Bluff State Park provides various accommodation types: "This campground has full amenities. Clean bathrooms and showers. Firewood available for purchase and even WiFi. The WiFi doesn't reach the primitive campsites but that was perfect for us to unplug! It was a great place to take our kids!" (Stephanie W.).
Water safety precautions: River and spring waters remain cold year-round. At McCormack Lake, conditions can vary: "Had the whole place to ourselves on a Thursday night, for the most part... the spot was peaceful and full of chirping birds and frogs" (Meghan B.).
Historical features: Several pet-friendly campgrounds feature historical structures that interest children. Alley Spring includes "the Alley Springs Mill that is so beautiful! Sites are well kept and easy to get into" (Maureen L.).
Site selection strategy: For RVers at Harveys Circle B Campground, riverside sites offer premium views but require advance planning. "We stayed in our RV on a spot with river view. Was really nice! Site 148 has standing water when it rains, but that was the only wet spot in the RV areas" (Laura).
Supply planning: Limited services mean preparation is essential. Circle B provides some conveniences: "Very accommodating campground. Has a nicely stocked store when you come in for anything you might have forgotten" (Joshua Y.). Most pet-friendly camping areas near Birch Tree require bringing most supplies.
Hookup availability: Electric options exist but remain limited. At Round Spring, "There are only 50 sites, some have electricity. Most of the campsites are scattered along the road with lots of trees and privacy. The electric sites are in the center of the campground on the road with no shade" (Joel R.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Birch Tree, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Birch Tree, MO is Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.7-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Birch Tree, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 111 dog-friendly camping locations near Birch Tree, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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