Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Bolivar? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Bolivar's most popular destinations.
This recreation area is part of Pomme De Terre Lake
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Masters is a shady campground located on Stockton Lake in the scenic Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri. The lake and surrounding landscape offer countless recreational opportunities along its nearly 300 miles of shoreline, providing visitors with many ways to explore one of the most sought-after natural areas in the state. Natural Features: The land surrounding the lake contains hundreds of acres of native prairie grasses, rolling hills and thick forests that turn crimson in autumn. An abundance of wildlife lives both in and around the water, including wild turkey, great blue heron, deer and bald eagles. Visitors can learn about the lakes bald eagles by attending an annual eagle-watching event during the winter. Recreation: Boating is always a popular pastime at the lake. Sail boating is especially popular and the lake hosts several races each year. Masters Campground provides a boat ramp for easy access to the water. The waters of Stockton Lake are home to several species of fish including small and largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, walleye, catfish and sunfish, making it an ideal area for anglers. Several trails wind around the lake shore and through the landscape. The Stockton Lake Equestrian Trail continues approximately 15 miles between Hawker Point and Orleans Trail Campgrounds. Facilities: Masters Park offers 66 campsites, each with a lantern hanging post, picnic table and campfire ring. Nearby Attractions: There are three full-service marinas located around the lake, which offer a wide range of services and supplies, including boat rentals, fuel, fishing tackle and restaurants.
This recreation area is part of Pomme De Terre Lake
14 acres with approximately 10 large camping sites. By invitation only.
Bledsoe Ferry Park sits below Harry S. Truman Dam in the hills of western Missouri. Visitors enjoy fishing, hunting, swimming and boating. Click here for the Harry S. Truman Lake virtual tour.
Bledsoe Ferry is an excellent fishing location. Anglers find crappie, largemouth bass and blue and flathead catfish. Truman Lake is also a popular destination for tournament fishermen.The park also offers an excellent location to view the Harry S Truman Dam and one of the few Class A Visitor Centers.
This year-round day-use area contains four group picnic shelters. Amenities include flush and pit toilets, drinking water, an accessible boat ramp and fishing dock.
Harry S Truman Reservoir lies among the rolling hills and rocky bluffs of the Ozark Plateau. Mature hardwoods of Oak and Hickory with cedar trees mixed in cover the area.__ Wildlife such as whitetail deer, turkey, hawks, ospreys, eagles, and many different water birds can be found in and around the park.__ An abundance of fish such as crappie, bass, walleye, paddlefish, blue and channel catfish can also be found in Harry S Truman Reservoir. Approximately 8,800 acres of standing timber were left in the lake to provide quality aquatic habitat.__
The 950 miles of shoreline around Truman Lake provide plentiful opportunities for fun in the outdoors. Many parks surround the lake, including Harry S. Truman State Park. The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center sits atop Kaysinger Bluff and provides a spectacular view of the dam and reservoir. Exhibits provide information about the rich history of the Osage River Valley from pre-civilization to modern day. Waterfowl, bald eagles and turkey vultures are commonly seen from the observation deck.
$30 / night
Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area is in north-central Lawrence County, 12 miles northwest of Mt. Vernon. In 1980, the Conservation Department purchased 246 acres to maintain and protect riparian habitat along Spring River. Between 1980 and 1986, an additional 4,113 acres were purchased from six landowners, increasing the area to its present size. Originally named after Spring River, which flows unchannelized through the area's southern portion, the area was renamed in 1983 in honor of the late conservation commissioner, Robert E. Talbot from Joplin.
Talbot CA lands vary from the rich bottomland soil along Spring River to rocky, upland soils. Presently, the area is 69 percent open land and 31 percent wooded. Fishing opportunities can be found at the four acre or seven acre lake. Numerous smaller ponds can also be found on the area. The Conservation Department has sharecrop agreements with local farmers to provide food for wildlife. Harvested crops also benefit the local farm economy. Some of the timbered areas on Talbot CA have been thinned in recent years to restore the savanna and woodland natural communities that historically existed there. Periodic prescribed burning is used to maintain these restored natural communities. Prescribed burning is also an important management tool used on the area to benefit quail, rabbit, wild turkey, and a host of other wildlife species.Cattle grazing occurs from April - August on portions of the area. The grazing program is used to improve habitat for grassland obligate wildlife including Bobwhite quail.
Along with high quality upland habitat, visitors will find several miles of multiuse trails that are open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Camping is allowed only in the spot designated on the area map. No facilities are provided at the campground. The campground is best suited for tents or small travel trailers/RVs.
Brochure: https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/mo_nature/downloads/conservation-areas/8037.pdf
Camping is allowed only as designated in the "Things To Do When You Visit" section for this department area. If camping is not listed as an activity in this section, camping is prohibited on the area. Designated camping areas may or may not have defined campsites. Seasonal closures and restrictions may apply to all camping on department areas. On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section. Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m. On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.
Shawnee Bend Park sits on the shores of Harry S. Truman Lake in the hills of western Missouri. Visitors enjoy fishing, hunting, swimming and boating. Click here for the Harry S. Truman Lake virtual tour. Natural Features: Truman Lake lies among rolling hills and rocky bluffs. Dense hardwood forests studded with mature pine trees cover the area. Wildlife is abundant in and around the park. Whitetail deer, turkey, hummingbirds, hawks and ospreys are commonly seen. Bald eagles can be viewed during the winter months. Recreation: Shawnee Bend is an excellent fishing location. Anglers find crappie, largemouth bass and blue and flathead catfish. Truman Lake is also a popular destination for tournament fishermen. A playground and sandy beach make the area perfect for families. Facilities: This year-round day-use area offers two large group picnic shelters. An additional shelter on the beach is available on a first come, first served basis. Amenities include flush and pit toilets and drinking water. Nearby Attractions: The 950 miles of shoreline around Truman Lake provide plentiful opportunities for fun in the outdoors. Many parks surround the lake, including Harry S. Truman State Park. The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center sits atop Kaysinger Bluff and provides a spectacular view of the dam and reservoir. Exhibits provide information about the rich history of the Osage River Valley from pre-civilization to modern day. Waterfowl, bald eagles and turkey vultures are commonly seen from the observation deck.
Ranger
This is a beautiful area with a lot of camping spots. Campground 1 is down by the water and really meant for the big rigs. Most of the other campgrounds (5 total) also have plenty of space to spread out. We saw plenty of 5th wheels up in the other campgrounds. Many had electric, though don't think many have water. Which is fine for a long weeked or something - just fill up the freshwater before heading out.
Of course if you like fishing this is a wonderful place. Not my thing, but I enjoyed people watching.
ScoutAffordable and right on edge of town
Traveler
Found this place on a whim through Missouri. Was looking for dispersed camping and not much popped up in the area. So campgrounds were next up.
This place already had a few good reviews, so I called them up. Immediately knew this was going to be the place. Super nice folks, clear communication, and even showed us the grounds upon arrival.
Lots of amenities for just staying a single night. Everything you need and want in a campground, but not a KOA or Yogi packed site.
Overall 5/5, cheap, friendly, abundance of things to do, and quiet (when I stayed).
P.S. Depending on which site you choose… the cost varies, but still cheap. There is lighting, power outlets, tables, fire rings and outdoor grill, along with many other fun child-friendly things.
ScoutLarge campsites. Quiet at the site. Restaurant on the campground
ScoutMy favorite place to camp!! Can't wait to go again.
Guide
The campground was quiet and low key. No internet available so bring your own or purchase WiFi from their system. Shower house was ok, the smell made me dry heave, smelled like old meat. Small fenced area for dogs to play / go to the bathroom in. No playground for kids. Our site was level, it stormed during our stay but staff was quick to clean up downed trees and regrade the roads. The location was perfect for visiting Branson and its attractions. I got the vibe that it was more of an older generation camping campsite with more long time campers. We’d go back and stay if our focus was the attractions at Branson, not to hangout at the campsite.
Legend
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.
Guide
One night stay. Nice COAE campground. Had trouble getting here from the south because of extensive flooding from the April storms. Amazing bird songs and calls. Busy but quiet.
Guide
Stayed here for 4 nights during a visit with family. Park is clean. Staff is friendly. They make fresh pizza at the convenience store/office and will deliver it to your site. We were there 3 weeks before the pool opens so we didn't get a chance to see that. Nice park that's close to 1-44, James River Parkway, and unfortunately a railroad crossing. So you will hear a train horn on occasion, but no highway noise. We will come back here and stay again.
Scout
Bathrooms were clean but dated. Water spigots were well spaced. Ticks were very bad. Family sites were spacious but laid out like 2 separate sites. Would have been nice to have both tables together. Tent pads were advertised but non-existent.
Ranger
We came just at the start of season, so we took advantage of a family spot to relax and get some extra privacy. There were maybe 5 other campers in Wild Ridge, and it was a ridge coming in, narrow roads leading into the peninsula.
Vault toilets were well kept, and well light at night.
We hiked to check out the other campsites that were also well spaced for privacy.
There was a desire line down to the lake, with a rocky shore to walk, the beaches themselves a bit wider.
We had a nice clearing to set up at our location, likely used for a second tent that lended well to privacy.
LegendPROS
Senior discount
Check-in via text was easy and fast
Beautifully maintained state park
Quiet during week
Pull-thru Site 102 level, concrete pad surrounded by grass
Site sufficient length for trailer and tow vehicle
Metal frame plastic plank picnic table metal fire ring with cooking grate
Dark sky friendly except for campsites 101-106
Trash dumpsters throughout campground 1
Firewood for sale $5 at entrance gate house
Huge park store!
CONS.
1 toilet and 1 shower for 48 campsites in Campground 1. Both door locks did not work. There were lines for the one toilet most of the time!!!
$6.50 Reservation Fee
Site 102 had a wonderful view of the entrance gatehouse that had blaring lights all night, the one lane dump station and a dumpster
Campground 101-106 sites slammed together; our campfire ring was 15 feet from neighbors sewer outlet
Site 102 campfire ring was 2 feet from site unmovable picnic table
No privacy from any other sites
No security overnight gate closures
Would not recommend Park restaurant
Scout
1st night free, $20 donation after. register with Holly, 30 & 50 amp at only 3 poles, free water and dump on site. The only problem was train traffic 200' away 24/7.
TravelerFriendly owners. Very clean park. Shower units are new and spacious.
GuideEverything you would expect from KOA Holiday. Bathrooms appear to have been updated. Wifi test, 34 down, 25 up. Verizon spotty but ATT seemed good. Gravel site. Concrete pad with metal dinette. Firepit. Clean. Friendly staff. Premium sites had porch swings, grills and umbrellas
TravelerOur little family of 2 humans & 3 dogs had THE BEST first stop in our adventures. We are terrible planners but The B Berry Farm welcomed us late at night and last minute. The whole B Berry family are great people. They helped us get in and told us all the fun & exciting things around the farm to do. The clubhouse is so convenient for any camper with supplies, games, lawn chairs to watch the sunset! Even if you aren’t going to see the lakes around (we didn’t) there is plenty to entertain you right on the Farm. There is an abundance of wildflowers, walking trails, chill zones, a water park, outdoor solar shower, bugs, a friggin Berry field. WITH PINK BLUEBERRIES!!!! They taste like cotton candy — you have to ask about them. There’s a store of goodies that we bought from on the website; we got some Mint Tea, chapsticks, massage oil, soaps, and deodorant because we’re total hippies and won’t wear store bought —- all smell AMAZING and taste AMAZING and feel AMAZING. Highly recommend. The weather was beautiful the whole time; bees buzzing, grasshoppers that look like a hybrid of butterfly’s, butterflies that fly in wolf packs. We left full hearted, happy bellied, and so thankful for The B Berry Family.
ScoutWe stayed this past Memorial weekend. We had excellent wifi and T-mobile cell service with 5G while we stayed there, Very clean.They were pretty full with it being a holiday weekend.
Guide
My boyfriend and I stayed here for one night at the beginning of may for our first camping trip together. It was at one of 2 basic tent sites. Ours was just a short walk on a (likely camper-made trail) down to the water. The water seemed clean enough to swim but there was a lot of floating moss and seaweed right along the shore. So we opted to just fish even though we were unsuccessful. There were plenty of trees to hang out hammock, a grill grate over the fire, and a decent amount of shade. There were two flat sites for a tent. We chose one that was slightly more on a slope because it was less rocky. Spotted a few poison ivy plants and 2-3 brown recluses but we’re in their habitat so that is to be expected. Not ideal but not unexpected lol we definitely plan to return!
Guide
If ticks bother you this may not be your best choice. We had them dropping onto us at the picnic table. Otherwise, it's a really nice state park with lots of sites, as cheap as $15 if you don't need hookups. There are 3 shower houses, all free, but I can imagine a lineup if the campground is busy. We had our pick of spots in early May. The bassholes start trying to prove they have the fastest boat around 5:30 am though, so no sleeping in.
Guide
When you get here be sure to know which site you are at, the Hermitage site is right on the water but no water hookups, we set up “The big Kahuna” our rig here on the 30amp hookup with water. Nice and spacious. Peaceful and two great hikes within 10 minutes of each other.
ScoutTeresa was very attentive, guided us to our drive in site, gave us several options, explained the features, gave us a map, and was cordial. Also the price is way below average. Beautiful view of the stars since it’s out of town. Lots of wildlife and birds.
It was early in the season, but still, it would have been nice if the grass in the site had been mowed. Toilet and shower are more rustic than I am used to. But they have showers!
Legend
Large wide driveways small loops. Would be good for large groups as the loops have a pavilion. Just a spot in the woods with a great beach and day area with boat launch.
Traveler
I stayed here for a few days in April. There were a few campers, but I'd be very surprised if this place isn't loud and packed in the summer. Other than that the restrooms were well kept up and it was free. I just pulled right up to an established fire pit and pitched my tent.
ScoutWe were passing through and just finished a 12 hour drive when we arrived. The owners are friendly and really want make the camp a nice experience. We stretched our legs on the trails and got a very peaceful nights rest.
ScoutNice grounds with friendly staff. Spacious places. Unfortunately close to railroad crossing. Luckily few trains are passing.
TravelerEverything is great. Clean. But proximity to train crossing ruins the visit.
GuideWe stayed in a pull through spot with full hook ups for a week. They have spots for any size of rig. Relatively quiet with some road noise but a pretty view of the water. The shower houses were in good shape, but the shower doors were a little low to cover everything if someone else were to walk into the restroom. Laundry room is available if you request it be unlocked the night prior. We stayed in late October if you do the same just know you might see some people skinning deer in the middle of the campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bolivar, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bolivar, MO is Hermitage State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bolivar, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Bolivar, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
