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Best Tent Camping near Black, MO

844 Reviews

State parks and national forests surrounding Black, Missouri offer several tent-only camping options, with Taum Sauk Mountain State Park providing one of the region's most distinctive tent campgrounds. Located at Missouri's highest point, this park features 12 basic tent campsites with no electrical hookups, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Along the Ozark Trail, primitive tent camping areas like Padfield Branch, Ottery Creek, and Panther Branch provide backcountry tent sites for hikers seeking more remote experiences. Courtois Creek offers dispersed tent camping with creek access, while Loggers Lake Recreation Area in Mark Twain National Forest provides established tent campsites near a spring-fed lake.

Most tent campsites in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with payment via honor system envelopes. The terrain varies considerably, with Taum Sauk sites featuring rocky ground that requires careful tent placement. Walk-in tent sites typically require a short hike from parking areas, with distances ranging from 50-100 feet at Taum Sauk to longer hikes for backcountry sites along the Ozark Trail. Amenities are minimal, with most primitive tent camping areas lacking potable water, requiring campers to either filter from streams or bring their own supply. Vault toilets are available at some locations like Taum Sauk, but many backcountry sites have no facilities whatsoever. Cell service is unreliable throughout the region, making physical maps essential for navigation to remote tent sites.

Tent campers frequently report exceptional solitude at these locations. According to one visitor at Taum Sauk, "The sites are all secluded from each other by trees and are very beautiful." The campground's location provides access to several hiking trails, including the path to Missouri's highest point and Mina Sauk Falls. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer frequently approaching tent sites. During weekdays and off-season periods, tent campers often find themselves alone or with just a handful of other visitors. The primitive nature of these sites appeals particularly to tent campers seeking to disconnect, with one camper noting that Brazil Creek offers "a crystal clear stream just deep enough to dangle your tired legs in" despite having "no facilities, no water, no bathroom, no lights."

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Best Tent Sites Near Black, Missouri (24)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Black, MO

22 Photos of 24 Black Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Black, MO

844 Reviews of 24 Black Campgrounds

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Memories of Days Gone By

    The 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

  • S
    May. 26, 2022

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Dry camping dispersed NF campground

    There are 15 paved sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring and a pole to hang a lantern. Some sites are double width. There are two (nice & clean) vault toilets, one in the campground near the entrance and the other at the day use/boat launch site, no electric, water, dumpster or garbage. Pack it in and pack it out. There's a 1.3 mile paved trail along the lake and a dock. There is some noise from 60 but it's hardly noticeable. My time here has been quiet except for some drunken yahoos one night.

    The only negative is there are a lot of ticks! They are easy to spot on my white dog but I have to do a tick check every time he goes outside, and I always find some. Avoid the vegetation and you'll see less. Make sure you check yourself.

  • Mike V.
    Aug. 3, 2016

    Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground

    Camping, hiking, sightseeing, & birding at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park in Missouri

    Gave this campground a 5-star rating, but it probably should only be a 4 star. It only has about 12 basic tent campsites, no water or electrical at the sites. The campsites were nicely spaced, most have a lot of shade, each has a picnic table and a place to make a fire. No trailers allowed at camp sites, just tents. There is one or two special-use camping areas that can be used for groups such as boy scouts, etc. It appears you can pay in advance and reserve some campsites, so that you be sure to get one for your trip. I went in late May on the Mon-Tue of-after Memorial Day weekend and was able to find an available campsite even though I did not have a reservation. Camping fees/rates were posted on a board near the restroom building by the honor system camping fee pay station.
    The restroom bldg only has pit toilets, not flush toilets. But they were cleaned very well by the workers on the 2nd day I was there. Also worth noting is that there is water faucet an a drinking fountain next to the restroom bldg, so you can get fresh water if needed. OK, so this sounds normal to average, so why give this campground a good rating? Because of location to the great stuff near-by on this mountain.
    Missouri's High Point is here on this mountain. There is a very nice overlook w/ viewing platform w/ handrails very close to the campground. Some awesome hiking trails are worth checking out, although they are a bit rugged in places where you could twist an ankle. One of the trails will take you to a nice waterfall, which is Missouri's highest falls. Note that I would not call it MO's largest waterfall. Further to all of this great stuff is that the birds were plentiful and quite active when I was there. Easy to watch and listen to them at the camping area, and at the overlook viewing platform. Birds were pretty much everywhere. There is also a look-out tower up on the mountain, which is probably used as a fire watch tower. A few pictures attached.

  • L
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Peaceful

    Just off highway, it is dispersed camping in a park that no longer charges, blacktop pad, lantern hook, picnic table, fire ring w cooking grate at ea site, vault toilets.

    There was a fire a few years ago so some burned out areas, lots of firewood, small lake for fishing no motorized boats, great hike/walk around lake.  There is a gas station/truck stop near.   Great stop to regroup on a long road trip.

  • Leah H.
    Jul. 18, 2017

    Silver Mines

    Great Camping Near the River

    This camp site has RV hook-ups and tent camping. There are trees throughout the campground if you're looking to set up a hammock. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table and is a mix of grass and light gravel. Pit toilets, no showers. Water spigots throughout the camp ground. Keep an eye out for snakes though! I nearly stepped on a copper head in the outhouse! Camp sites are a 2 minute walk to the St. Francois River. Great hiking along the river and good fishing, swimming and kayaking in the river! Also not to far from the Castor River Shut-ins if you're looking to pack two rivers into one trip. We just celebrated my husband's birthday here last weekend, though we have been a few times before. Always a blast!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Watercress

    Joy on the Twain

    Mark Twain National Forest in Van Buren, Missouri along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway.  During the 2017 flood there was some damage to a group shelter so be careful walking.  The ground is uneven and there are a lot of blocks.

    Watercress sits along side the Current River and the river is a beautiful emerald green where you can see the bottom.  The river is prime float territory whether it be by kayak, boat, tubes, just whatever.  On the weekend it will be very busy so prepare for full parking spots.  What better way to see an untouched landscape as you float along the river.  No need to paddle the river does all the work.

    First getting to the Watercress was a bit confusing to us.  We drove pass the Forest sign and had to come back and start over.  On Highway 60 turn onto Business 60 through Van Buren.  When you see the National Park Service sign on the left had side of the road you will turn onto Watercress Road.  That road will take you right into the park.  The day use area will be on the left side and the campground will be on the right.

    Van Buren is a small town and worth the very short drive to the courthouse.  If you love ice cream and amazing burgers stop by the Jolly Cone.  It was established in 1953 and still going strong.  Our chocolate malt was so thick we had to lick it off the straw.  Can't wait to go back.  YUM!!!  The day we were there the Jolly Cone had sponsored a car show held around the courthouse square.  These small towns offer so much history.  Stop in.

    Watercress has 17 campsites for RV and tents.  This is a First Come - First Serve.  Watercress offers each site with a picnic table and campfire ring.  No electrical or water at the sites.  Campground is open May 1 - October 1.  A trash dumpster is located on site during that time frame.  Vault toilets and drinking water available.  Fees are $10 - $20 depending on site  or type of pass you have.  There is a fee station.  The group shelters are not open at this time.  Sites are large and paved.

    The Current River is a beautiful river to boat or float.  Great for kayaks or tubes.  While on the river drop a line to try your hand at fishing.  Catfish, sunfish, bass and walleye.

    You will find the Songbird Trail for hiking 1.2 miles long to the Watercress Spring.  You will even run across a Civil War earthworks on the trail.  Boat launch is open and offers vault toilets and trash dumpster.

    Check out Big Spring while in the area.  It is Missouri's largest spring.  There are three springs in the United States that lay claim to being the largest in the US and at different times of the year I am sure that each one is the largest.  Beautiful spring.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Mark Twain National Forest Watercress Recreation Area

    Same - Same Watercress

    Watercress and this campground is the same.  Mark Twain National Forest in Van Buren, Missouri along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. During the 2017 flood there was some damage to a group shelter so be careful walking. The ground is uneven and there are a lot of blocks. Watercress sits along side the Current River and the river is a beautiful emerald green where you can see the bottom. The river is prime float territory whether it be by kayak, boat, tubes, just whatever. On the weekend it will be very busy so prepare for full parking spots. What better way to see an untouched landscape as you float along the river. No need to paddle the river does all the work. 

    First getting to the Watercress was a bit confusing to us. We drove pass the Forest sign and had to come back and start over. On Highway 60 turn onto Business 60 through Van Buren. When you see the National Park Service sign on the left had side of the road you will turn onto Watercress Road. That road will take you right into the park. The day use area will be on the left side and the campground will be on the right. Van Buren is a small town and worth the very short drive to the courthouse. If you love ice cream and amazing burgers stop by the Jolly Cone. It was established in 1953 and still going strong. Our chocolate malt was so thick we had to lick it off the straw. Can't wait to go back. YUM!!! The day we were there the Jolly Cone had sponsored a car show held around the courthouse square. These small towns offer so much history. Stop in. Watercress has 17 campsites for RV and tents. This is a First Come- First Serve. Watercress offers each site with a picnic table and campfire ring. No electrical or water at the sites. Campground is open May 1- October 1. A trash dumpster is located on site during that time frame. Vault toilets and drinking water available. Fees are$10-$20 depending on site or type of pass you have. There is a fee station. The group shelters are not open at this time. The Current River is a beautiful river to boat or float. Great for kayaks or tubes. While on the river drop a line to try your hand at fishing. Catfish, sunfish, bass and walleye. You will find the Songbird Trail for hiking 1.2 miles long to the Watercress Spring. You will even run across a Civil War earthworks on the trail. Boat launch is open and offers vault toilets and trash dumpster.   Sites are large and paved.

    Check out Big Spring while in the area. It is Missouri's largest spring. There are three springs in the United States that lay claim to being the largest in the US and at different times of the year I am sure that each one is the largest. Beautiful spring. 

    Have Fun- Stay Safe 

    Leave No Trace 

    Better Than When You Found It.

  • R
    Nov. 22, 2021

    Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    Late Fall Tent Camp

    We tent camped in loop 3 in late November for one night. The bathroom and showers were still on in this camping area. The spots are slightly close together but still very wooded. Not a lot of people camping at this time of the year even on a Saturday. Camp hosts were fabulous. The sites aren’t really set up for tents. More for Trailers. We had to get creative to find a spot to put up the tent in order to stake it down. Large parking pads, fire rings, and picnic tables at each camp site.

  • Marissa H.
    Aug. 11, 2020

    Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

    Wonderful Swimming Hole

    This is a really nice spot for tent camping - even though it’s clearly geared towards RV camping. Make sure to book a walk-in campsite if you’re tent camping, otherwise you’ll be in the lot with the RVs (no trees, no privacy etc see first picture). You’ll have to carry your gear to your site, but not too far. Each walk in site is fairly isolated and separate from the other site by trees. Each site has a wood tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring with grate. If you want you could even go to the lodge (walking distance) for a meal and skip the cooking! Book your spot in advance as it seems like they fill up quickly.

Guide to Black

Tent camping near Black, Missouri features forested campsites in the Ozark region where elevations range from 600 to over 1,500 feet at Taum Sauk Mountain. The terrain consists of rocky, moss-covered ground that can complicate tent setup, with most primitive sites requiring careful selection of flat spots. Winter camping temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer brings high humidity and temperatures consistently above 80°F.

What to do

Hike Missouri's highest point: A short hike at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park leads to the highest elevation in Missouri at 1,772 feet. "Hike the tallest mountain in MO, not a long hike. Endless green rolling vistas!" shares Loren G., who recommends the "small ~4-5 mile loop to catch some of the amazing views and rock formations."

Spring-fed lake swimming: The spring-fed lake at Mark Twain National Forest Loggers Lake Recreation Area offers a refreshing swimming spot during hot summer months. Brett K. describes it as a "WPA beauty" with a "spring fed lake" that provides relief from summer heat.

Rock collecting: The creek at Four Creeks Ranch Campground provides opportunities for rock hounding. Bedriah A. notes it's a "great place to go hopping and find some cool rocks," making it ideal for geology enthusiasts looking for afternoon activities.

Winter hiking: For experienced hikers, the Ozark Trail sections maintain accessibility during winter months with fewer crowds. Mara F. shares her December experience: "We were the only people in the campground that night, which was a little freaky, but also very peaceful."

What campers like

Off-grid seclusion: Panther Branch Primitive Campground offers true backcountry camping for those seeking isolation. Jeremy G. notes they "withstood a lovely winter storm" and "would recommend if you don't mind primitive to its ultimate."

Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the maintained vault toilets at established campgrounds. One camper at Four Creeks Ranch commented that "the outhouses are comfortable and clean," which can be unusual for primitive camping areas.

Wildlife encounters: Amanda C. mentions that "we stayed here on a Tuesday evening in early November. It was election night so we were happy to not have a cell signal for the night," highlighting the digital detox aspect many campers seek.

Spring water quality: The natural water sources throughout the region receive consistent praise for taste when properly filtered. Matt S. notes when camping on the Ozark Trail: "Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had."

What you should know

Ground conditions: Rocky terrain requires careful tent placement. Amanda C. cautions about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park: "Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent."

Seasonal water access: Water sources at most campgrounds shut off during winter months. Brett K. notes that Loggers Lake has "a water spigot close to the restroom" during operating season, but campers should verify availability before trips.

Navigational challenges: Some primitive sites can be difficult to locate without proper maps. Jeremy G. admits "We could not find the campground" at Panther Branch but successfully created their own site.

Limited cell service: Prepare for no connectivity in most camping areas. One camper notes being "happy to not have a cell signal for the night," making physical maps essential for navigation.

Tips for camping with families

Consider moss-covered sites: Scott M. from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park shares: "Where we camped, the ground was covered in moss. That made for very soft sleeping, except for the few large rocks spread over the area. We had room for two portable canopies and about 35 cub scouts and family members."

Group site availability: Lisa P. recommends the group site at Taum Sauk for larger family gatherings: "We stayed in the group site. It is very close to several points of interest- Fort Davidson in Pilot Knob, Elephant Rocks & Johnson Shut-ins. Super price for the group site."

Educational options: Multiple sites offer opportunities for children to learn about geology and ecology. The trail at Taum Sauk features "educational displays" according to Lynn G., making it ideal for family learning experiences.

Water activities planning: Plan family water activities carefully as options vary by location. Lynn G. cautions that at Taum Sauk there are "no water activities" so families should "plan some time off site" if swimming is desired.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Tom Sauk Mountain State Park restricts camping to tents only. Trevor S. confirms: "Took a trip through the campground, tent camping only and it looked like most sites had platforms and a picnic table."

Test gear before remote trips: Four Creeks Ranch provides a good intermediate option for newer campers. One reviewer notes it's "a good place if your new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society."

Alternative RV locations: RVers should research nearby alternatives when staying in the region. Lynn G. advises: "TENT CAMPING ONLY!!! My friend had been turned away on a previous trip! (There are some other parks nearby if you are in an RV.)"

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Black, MO is Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

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