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Best Tent Camping near Bunker, MO

739 Reviews

Tent campers find multiple primitive options near Bunker, Missouri, in the Mark Twain National Forest region. Loggers Lake Recreation Area, about 7 miles west of Bunker, offers tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables in a secluded, heavily wooded setting. Several backcountry camping areas along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway provide additional tent camping locations, including Jerktail Landing and Cedar Grove, which offer more remote experiences.

Many tent sites in the area feature basic amenities with fire rings and picnic tables, but limited services overall. Loggers Lake provides vault toilets and drinking water from a spigot near the restroom facilities, while backcountry sites along the Ozark Trail offer more primitive conditions with no drinking water. Access varies significantly, with some sites requiring several miles of travel on rough gravel roads. Most primitive campgrounds operate seasonally, with Loggers Lake open from April 1 to October 31. Campers should bring water filtration equipment when heading to backcountry locations, as water sources may be untreated.

The Ozark Trail provides numerous primitive tent camping opportunities with established backcountry sites. These locations are typically situated near water sources and offer flat areas for pitching tents. Sites like Padfield Branch, Ottery Creek, and Panther Branch serve as popular stopping points for backpackers traversing longer sections of the trail. While most backcountry sites lack amenities, they compensate with solitude and natural surroundings. Spring-fed creeks and rivers provide both water sources and recreational opportunities. According to one camper, Jerktail Landing is "a very remote primitive campsite along the river and down seven and a half miles rough gravel roads" with river access and pit toilets.

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Best Tent Sites Near Bunker, Missouri (29)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Bunker, MO

23 Photos of 29 Bunker Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Bunker, MO

739 Reviews of 29 Bunker Campgrounds

  • Kelsie L.
    Sep. 18, 2020

    Loggers Lake Campground

    Nice camping right on the lake

    Loggers Lake campground runs along the 22 acre Loggers Lake near Bunker, MO in the Mark Twain National Forest.

    Be prepared for a decent amount of driving on gravel county roads. The route from bunker itself has a bit less while the route to Salem is longer on gravel with a handful of water crossings.

    There are 14 sites which all have parking, picnic table, and fire ring. Most have lantern poles. Most back right up to the lake. Most have back in parking which can accommodate a vehicle with trailer. The first few sites have split parking, which can house your trailer in one spot and vehicle next to it, but not long enough to back in without disconnecting. At the beginning of the campground there is a swimming area with picnic tables, grills, and a vault toilet. After this, there are the sites mentioned above with split parking. Tent sites and tables are down a hill from the parking spots here. There is a small fork with a parking lot and a handful of sites - while we were here there was an RV in this area. I believe this would be the only place a full RV could park in the campground. Finally is the main campground loop. There is another vault toilet at the beginning of the loop. Both vault toilets were relatively clean. One had air fresheners in it. There is water access near the vault toilet. On the loop, all exterior sites back up to the lake. There are two sites on the center of the loop which would be very nice for a large group. The lake itself is beautiful and easy to access. There is a boat ramp at the campground loop and a spot at almost every site to put in a kayak or canoe.

    There is a 1.5 mile trail along the lake which begins at the campground loop. There is a spur to the spillway. The trail does not seem to be very heavily traveled, expect to walk through brush and spider webs!

  • 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.

  • b
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Mark Twain National Forest Loggers Lake Recreation Area

    WPA beauty!

    Loggers Lake, in the Mark Twain National Forest, is about 7 miles west of Bunker, Mo. Spring fed lake, no electric or water campsites. There is a maintained M/F restroom on the site, and a water spigot close to the restroom. All sites have a fire ring and a picnic table. GORGEOUS!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Bunker

Bunker, Missouri sits in a heavily forested region of the Mark Twain National Forest at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. The surrounding area features spring-fed creeks and rivers cutting through the hilly terrain of the Ozarks. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures between 45-75°F.

What to do

Hiking to viewpoints: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground offers access to the highest point in Missouri with multiple trail options. "The overlook to the valley is beautiful, especially for sunrise, and another short walk will take you to the marker for MO highest point," reports camper Kelsie L. The park has both short and long hiking options.

Fishing opportunities: Cedar Grove/Dee Murray Backcountry Camping provides access to excellent fishing spots along the Current River. "Nice Scenic remote area, good for wading and trout fishing. It is also a beautiful place to float with the family," according to Lisa S. Bring fishing gear suitable for river conditions.

Rock collecting: Four Creeks Ranch Campground offers unique geological features for rock enthusiasts. "The river is beautiful. Great place to go hopping and find some cool rocks," notes camper Bedriah A. The site sells firewood on-site, saving you the trouble of gathering your own.

What campers like

Natural water features: Loggers Lake Recreation Area offers camping beside a spring-fed lake. "Spring fed lake, no electric or water campsites. There is a maintained M/F restroom on the site, and a water spigot close to the restroom," shares Brett K. The lake provides a pleasant backdrop for camping.

Privacy between sites: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park features well-separated tent sites. "The sites are all secluded from each other by trees and are very beautiful," says Kelsie L. Another camper notes, "Very simple campground lets you feel close to the lovely nature here."

Open spaces for groups: Akers Group Campground features large sites that accommodate multiple tents. "Group site three is HUGE, and nice and level. There's a great big fire ring and lots of wood available for gathering," according to Aimee T. A short path leads from the campsite to the Current River.

What you should know

Weather variability: Winter and early spring camping requires preparation for unexpected conditions. "We were expecting temperatures in the 50's to 60's and ended up getting snowed on several days. It slowed us down tremendously," reports Matt S. about Peter Cave Hollow Creek.

Road conditions: Jerktail Landing Campground requires traveling on unmaintained roads. "This is a very remote primitive campsite along the river and down seven and a half miles rough gravel roads," warns Marty C. Large camping units may have difficulty accessing this location.

Water availability: Most backcountry sites require water purification equipment. "Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had," recommends a backpacker about Ozark Trail campsites. Many campgrounds have seasonal water availability or no water sources at all.

Tips for camping with families

Rocky terrain preparation: Pack appropriate footwear and tent protection for rocky sites. "Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent," advises Amanda C. about tent camping at Taum Sauk. Consider bringing foam pads or thick sleeping mats for comfort.

Group camping options: Cedar Grove offers space for families to spread out. "Campground is very primitive you have to walk up a large Hill to get to the porta potty," notes Lisa S., which parents should consider when camping with young children.

Best seasons: Plan family trips during early fall for comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. "Camped for a couple days during fall. The scenery was gorgeous!" reports Clayton R. about tent camping near Bunker. Late September through October typically offers pleasant camping conditions.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most campgrounds near Bunker limit the size of camping units. Jerktail Landing notes "Probably not a good idea to try to bring large camping units to this site," according to visitor reports. RVs under 24 feet typically have more options in this region.

Off-grid preparation: Four Creeks Ranch Campground offers RV sites with basic amenities. "This is also a good place if your new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society," suggests one reviewer. Bring sufficient water and power backup for extended stays.

Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close facilities seasonally. "The water was turned off at the time of year we were there and the pit toilets were pretty full," reports one off-season camper at Taum Sauk. Call ahead to verify open facilities when planning non-summer visits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bunker, MO is Mark Twain National Forest Loggers Lake Recreation Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

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