1 campground with availability this weekend
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.
"Loggers Lake, in the Mark Twain National Forest, is about 7 miles west of Bunker, Mo. Spring fed lake, no electric or water campsites."
"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."
"It is only tent sites, no RV's, campers or pop ups. I prefer setting up my tent and sleeping under the stars so I loved camping here."
"This is a very remote primitive campsite along the river and down seven and a half miles rough gravel roads. Site has access to the river and pit toilets. No other services are provided."
from $5 / night
"She just wasn't there when we arrived, and we had a hard time determining property boundaries, tent site locations, etc. on our own."
"Firewood is sold on site as well."
from $15 - $30 / night
"Campground is very primitive you have to walk up a large Hill to get to the porta potty and is sometimes noisy with all the floaters but all in all a great place to go."
"OZARK TRAIL: I backpacked 50 miles during spring break on the Ozark Trail between Council Bluff Lake and Johnson Shutins State park."
"My ONLY complaint is that they never seem to cut the grass close to when we come. It's not terrible, just a weedy and a little longer than I'd like it to be for tent camping."
Available this weekend
from $25 / night
"Took a trip through the campground, tent camping only and it looked like most sites had platforms and a picnic table. I seen one or two restrooms. Looked nice and wasn’t crowded."
GuideIt's off grid, quiet, and free. Not many spots and it looked like a couple of people had been there a while but everyone kept to themselves and I got a good night's sleep. This isn't luxury and there are no hookups. It's a great getaway for some solitude and to untether from the rest of the world.
TravelerTent to electric to full hookups available. multiple shower toilet facilities throughout campground. All sites with nice concrete parking pad.
RangerYes, the road was a bit bumpy, but worth navigating if you can claim a spot. I scored what I would argue is the second best spot - right on the creek just feet from the flowing water. The spot to the right appeared larger and had a rope for the kids (and cool adults) to utilize for launching into the water. The family occupying this space was in ear shot, but I had total privacy aside from a couple groups checking out the the water during the day. The creek had super cool rocks and the water was perfect for casual wading, but too low to swim in the area I was in. No amenities nearby, so pack in and pack out. I did not have any Verizon coverage, so it was two full days of off-the-grid bliss. I would’ve stayed here a a few more days if I had prepared.
GuideQuiet like the night. Clean well groomed spaces are about average size. Off season sure is nice.
ScoutWe stayed at Broken Arrow Campground in Eminence, MO just after peak season. This location was perfect due to the fact we were kayaking about 7 miles of the Jacks Fork River. We started at Alley Springs and pulled out at Broken Arrow Campground.
The campground could use some TLC, but you can quickly tell by the cheaper rates that it is more of a party campground in the summer months. The bathrooms work (bring your own TP), electric and water worked, and the sites have plenty of shade. There are a few walnut trees so be careful where you set your camp in the early fall months.
Is the place a little rough? sure, but it's priced reasonably...and you're camping. We will stay here again.
GuideSuper clean campground. The host is really welcoming and answers any questions you have. Some amazing views of you pick the right spot.
TravelerThe camp sites are full hook up with good size lots. Lots of room for dogs to run. They have hiking trails, lake for paddle boarding or kayaks( free to use on site), mini golf( have to supply own balls they have putters) 9 hole golf course,and Disc golf. The pool and shower house with game rooms are clean and showers open 24/7. Grounds keepers go a fantastic job
LegendA little road noise but otherwise nice. We arrived on Sunday and only a few people camping other than us. Nice clean cool Creek. Was pretty hot when we arrived,so nice to have.
ScoutStopped for a night on the way to AZ from NY. Very nice quiet spot to get some rest.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Bunker, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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