Bunker, Missouri sits at an elevation of around 1,200 feet in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest. The region features numerous spring-fed rivers, including the Current and Black Rivers, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-90°F. Fall camping season extends through late October with cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, while spring camping begins in mid-April when wildflowers bloom along the waterways.
What to do
Cave exploration: 5 miles from 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. Reservations recommended for these ranger-led experiences.
Stargazing: Open fields at Twin Rivers Landing provide exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "If you love to stargaze then head out to open land and enjoy the night sky and bring a telescope," suggests Jeff P. This area has minimal light pollution, making it ideal for viewing constellations and occasional meteor showers.
River fishing: Black River access points at Parks Bluff Campground provide easy fishing opportunities. "You can drive your vehicle right up to the river and play. The river makes this worth the camp," explains Cathy S. The crystal-clear waters host various fish species including smallmouth bass, with best fishing conditions in early morning or late evening.
Wildlife observation: Wild horses and river otters frequent the areas near Round Spring. "We saw a bald eagle and a very curious little otter down by the river. Close proximity to the ozark trail," shares Theresa H. Morning visits to springs often provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Crystal clear rivers: Spring-fed waterways maintain consistent temperatures and remarkable clarity. "The current river provides some of the best canoeing anywhere in America as well as good fishing for Smallmouth Bass," says Marty C. about Round Spring Campground.
Secluded tent sites: Walk-in tent camping areas at Echo Bluff State Park offer privacy not found at standard sites. "Love tent camping! Secluded and shaded," reports Denni G. These sites require a short walk from parking areas but reward campers with quieter, more natural settings.
Modern amenities: Full-service options at multiple locations support longer stays. "This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities," notes J K. about Echo Bluff State Park.
Hot showers: Clean shower facilities make extended stays more comfortable. "Fantastic water pressure," mentions Lea B. about Round Spring's shower house. Several campgrounds offer family-style shower stalls rather than communal shower rooms.
What you should know
Flood risk: Flash flooding potential exists at several campgrounds near rivers. "It rained on us all weekend and I tried not to freak out because this area is known for flash floods," warns Gwenn W. about Red Bluff Campground. Many sites have elevation markers showing potential flood levels.
Limited cell service: Communication blackouts are common throughout the region. "There is no cell service available, so make sure you have made reservations before you get here. Closest cell service is up the road at Echo Bluff State Park," advises Lea B. Download offline maps before arrival.
Aggressive wildlife: Raccoons can become problematic at some campgrounds. "The raccoon population is out of control," notes Gwenn W. about Red Bluff. Use secure food storage and dispose of trash properly to minimize encounters.
Reservation timing: Popular weekends fill months ahead for premium sites. "The only negative is that we have experienced are that you need to reserve your site months in advance because this campground is so popular," explains J K. Weekday visits offer better availability.
Tips for camping with families
River safety: Sudden depth changes in waterways require supervision. "Parents take caution, the water can be very shallow in some spots and suddenly drop off to six or seven feet deep," warns Lea B. about Round Spring. Life jackets recommended for children near water.
Kid-friendly activities: Ranger programs provide educational entertainment. "Nightly fun activities, close to many different hiking trails, and an on-site general store," describes Shona H. about Pulltite Campground. Check with rangers upon arrival for current schedule.
Family shower facilities: Single-stall shower options at several campgrounds offer privacy. "Clean and well maintained. Bathrooms available on the upper camping loop, but the showers are located on the bottom loop (three family style showers)," notes Lea B.
Short hiking options: Kid-appropriate trails under one mile offer manageable adventures. "Hike the quarter mile trial to the springs (one of my son's favorites, he likes to search for the water bubbling out of the ground)," says Kyle H. about Montauk State Park.
Tips from RVers
Reservation-required RV sites: Electric hookups at most developed campgrounds require advance booking. "As a child my family camped at Twin Rivers annually so it was really fun to go back in June. It is a popular spot for people who are there to float the Black River," mentions Shawn M. about Twin Rivers Landing.
Site selection: River views vs. shade coverage affects comfort levels. "Super clean campground. Great swim area. Shower house is basic. We stayed in our RV on a spot with river view," reports Laura about Circle B Campground. Sites closest to water typically have less shade.
Dump station locations: Limited waste disposal options require planning. "There is a dump station," notes Joel R. about Round Spring, but some campgrounds lack this amenity, requiring trips to nearby facilities.
Spring and fall RV camping: Moderate temperatures make shoulder seasons ideal. "We spent 3 week days camping here in our camper van. We snagged a spot with a river view," shares Theresa H., recommending April visits for fewer crowds.
