Top Tent Camping near Carthage, MO
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Carthage? Find the best tent camping sites near Carthage. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Carthage, Missouri's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Carthage, MO (9)
1. Prairie State Park
10 Reviews•19 Photos•21 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
2. Schifferdecker Park
2 Reviews- Pets
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
3. Gibson Spring Back Country Site - Fort Crowder Conservation Area
1 Review•11 Photos•15 Savesort Crowder Conservation Area, located in southern Newton County, was once part of the old, World War II Camp Crowder Army Base. The U.S. Army selected the Neosho site for the base because of its proximity to water, railroads, and highways. Visitors to the area can still see foundations, fruit trees, open fields and other remnants of many of the hundreds of small farms purchased by the federal government for the 60,000-acre base. Camp Crowder was named for Judge Advocate General and U.S. Ambassador to Cuba Enoch H. Crowder. Thousands of soldiers went through basic training here before the camp was decommissioned in the mid 1950s, including Mort Walker, who immortalized the Camp as Camp Swampy in his syndicated comic strip, Beetle Bailey. Fort Crowder Conservation Area, encompassing 2,362 acres, is approximately 60 percent forested. Primary species include white, black, post, blackjack and red oaks, hackberry, elm, black cherry, black walnut, and ash. The remainder of the area is open and includes 200 acres of native warm-season grasses, 100 acres of crop fields and 600 acres of fields maintained in an early successional stage. The area hosts various game species, including quail, rabbits and doves in the open areas and large numbers of deer and squirrels. Turkeys have been stocked here and are now present in good numbers. During your visit to Fort Crowder Conservation Area you may view various forest and wildlife improvement projects in progress from the 11 miles of multiuse trails that wind through the area. These trails are open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Area map: https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/mo_nature/downloads/conservation-areas/6510map.pdf
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Trash
- Picnic Table
4. Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area
Be the first to review!•6 SavesRobert 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.
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
5. Oak Point Campground
1 Review•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
6. Mined Land Wildlife Area
Be the first to review!•3 Saves- Electric Hookups
- Tents
7. Masters Park
1 ReviewMasters 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Showers
8. Osage Bluff Primitive Campsite
Be the first to review!•1 Save- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
9. Rocky Cove Campground
Be the first to review!•1 Save- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
Recent Tent Reviews In Carthage
236 Reviews of 9 Carthage Campgrounds
- II W.
Traveler
Prairie State Park
Tent camping
Lots of ticks. Good clean campground. Bathroom. Bison roam the park. Ticks also roam the park. Found a burnt guitar. Wooden pole hit truck. Prarie walk had lots of ticks, but no tick dogs.
Justine S.Traveler
Zans Creekside RV Park
Pretty good last minute find
The river is pretty, seems like great fishing opportunity. We were just passing through so we didn't fish. The shower and bathrooms left a lot to be desired. Only one shower and indoor toilet on the side we stayed on and it was just kind of gross. We did find 2 outside stalls with toilets but not until the next morning so that helped. Overall it was a nice place to stop and sleep for the night. Friendly people. Cameras in the campground so it feels safe.
- JJim W.
Guide
Osage Prairie RV Park
Lovely little campground. Old but well kept bathrooms & laundry.
Delightful office staff. We did not make advance reservations, but called when we were about an hour away and insured they had sites available. Long pull-thrus with full hookups. For an overnight stay, this is a nice campground.
Kelsey S.Guide
Joplin KOA
Great spot!
We were just passing through and stayed for a night. We had sewer, water, and electric hookup. A nice dog park, and even found some 4 leaf clovers!
Jason M.
Scout
Roaring River State Park
Nice
Campground was nice and maintained. Showers in campground 2 were dirty.
Fred S.
Legend
Crabtree Cove
Free Off Season Camping (review of Loop B only)
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.
- Mychele B.Scout
Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park
Adorable campground that feels cozy and friendly
I love everything about this campground from the open space, to the front manager to the friendly guests. Near enough to town to enjoy the museum and pop in for lunch, far enough away to feel detached. There's also an old Drive in movie next door! Makes you want to get an airstream and cruise down Route 66
- lluke S.Traveler
Hillside RV Park
Passing through
This place was very quiet. We arrived and the owner was extremely helpful and nice. We were passing through town and found this place. Full hookups and level spots. Would recommend.
John M.Scout
Kamp Siesta
Nice, quiet campground with lots of parking spots
We camped here in October 2021 to close out our season and as a waypoint to Beaver Lake. This is a very nice, quaint little municipal campground. The shower house was clean enough, the spots were all well-maintained, and everything worked as advertised. There is a city park right around the bend that has all kinds of stuff, and there are basketball courts, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits within short walking distance.
It may have been because of the time of year since the campground was about to close, but we were the only campers there for the whole week, which was totally awesome. There are 42 spots at Kamp Siesta, three of which are pull-through, so you cannot possibly beat this place for $10 a night.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the wooded trail right behind the campground. You definitely forget you're in Kansas back there!
MCBScout
Stockton State Park Campground
Nice primitive campsite in loop 1
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.
- DAVEScout
Lamar City Park
Free city park campground
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.
- Melissa T.Traveler
Gopher Valley Campground - Twin Bridges Area - Grand Lake State Park
End of summer camping
Went camping with our adult daughter and her boyfriend. I am glad that we were the only ones camping because the spots were very small and close together. We had a hard time securing the tent because the ground was so rocky. The bathroom had 2 toilets but no doors and the exterior door didn't have a lock on it. The sink was so close to one of the toilets that you could have washed your hands while sitting on the toilet. The power supply was next to the road and not next to where you would put your tent so I am very happy that we had brought extra extension cords. All of the camping spots had a fire ring, BBQ grill and a picnic table. There was no clear shot to the water from any of the camping sites from what I could tell. We did however go to Anglers Paradise to see how the water was and it wasn't as clear and swimmable as I would have wanted. We did however find a nice little spot called Sycamore Creek on #10 and it is the clearest water you could amagine! Swimming was amazing there and it was only about 7 minutes away! Over all we had a great time camping!! Oh yeah, I did try fishing but didn't have much luck.
- JJulie F.Guide
Coachlight Campground
Quiet friendly and easy
We called on our way and the woman said they had plenty of space and since we were arriving after hours to just come in and pick any available spot and pay in the morning. It was near the highway but oh so quiet. Checkout in the morning was easy and Mike at the office was so friendly. Excellent place to stay!!
Rhonda D.Guide
Crawford State Park
Huge Sites
This place was easy, pretty and well appointed. Great site next to river, across from bath, laundry and showers. Quiet and easy access. Highly recommend.
- Carl E.Guide
Zans Creekside RV Park
Down by the river
Nice Shady spot overlooking the river. My spot was shaded by black walnut trees. With the sound of the river in the background. Totally relaxing.
Austin H.Scout
Beagle Bay RV Haven Campground
Beautiful place & very sweet people!
They have everything you could want! Arcade, swimming pool, kids playground and a pond to fish. On top of those they have bathrooms & showers with a sauna in each and a laundry unit which are all very nice! I wouldn’t even call them owners because they definitely do not act like it, they’re the sweetest people you could meet along the way. They offer firewood to buy from them and propane as well if you run out on site and don’t want to drive anywhere. This is the best place we’ve stayed at yet!
- Les W.Guide
Osage Prairie RV Park
So nice stayed two nights
Stopped for the night and stayed two!
Jess T.Scout
River Ranch Resort
Overpriced/Bad customer service/uniformed staff
I hate this place and will never go back. I did primitive tent camping for 2 nights with my 5 kids and a 5 mile float in a raft. It was over $500. The raft, by design, took on several inches of water so we couldn’t keep anything dry. Then, they didn’t have a pick up bus. We had to walk down the highway back to the office after floating for 6 hours and then waiting for an hour and even calling twice. The kids behind the counter don’t have a clue what is going on and are completely unapologetic when they mess everything up (our reservations, the float instructions, the pick up bus…). They made zero effort to make anything right and the counter girl even laughed at me for being upset. When I got mad and asked to speak to someone who knows how a business is supposed to operate she called security to throw my son and I out. We left early, ate the money and paid a different campsite down the street where the staff are friendly and helpful.
- WWarren H.Scout
Roaring River Hills Campground and Cabins
Thanks Charles
We stayed here for a quick weekend getaway trip and it was fantastic. All the sites are gravel so when we had a few rain showers it did not cause a muddy mess for our campfire evenings. The owner was super nice and very communicative ensuring we had everything we needed. He delivered firewood we purchased to our tent while we were at the park and, he even stayed up past midnight to see us in as we drove up from Oklahoma. New camp store, nice clean bathrooms, new showers, and a quiet stay with amazing star gazing. Lastly the campground is 5 minutes to the river to fish. Would highly recommend.
Charles S.ScoutRoaring River Hills Campground and Cabins
Stay here!!
Amazing summer night stay. Sunset, frogs chirping, a field of fireflies and relaxing by a campfire. This brand new campground is amazing.
Charlie D.Traveler
Shady Beach Camp & Canoe
Great Campground
I've camped here several times with friends and love how nice everyone is.
Alex B.TravelerBeagle Bay RV Haven Campground
Wonderful place to relax
Tent area is undeveloped, but the lawn is fairly level, bathrooms and showers are only a short walk away. Nicole showed me to the site and was a wonderful help. Great spot that most people might pass up because its right next to the highway, but honestly you can barely tell aside from the hum of trucks. Bathrooms are beautiful and clean, 2 toilets, 2 showers and a sauna in each. The place is quiet and seems like a lot of people here are long term residents. We are in a tent on the back lawn by a small fishing lake. Nice playground for younger kids and you cant beat the atmosphere and the birds. Free on-site laundry which I took advantage of when I needed to wash and dry my blanket on a cold night. Unfourtunately no campfire for tent camp sites, but bring a camp stove and you'll be fine. They are actively doing renovations and the office isnt open yet, so you have to call the park manager, Kim, for info and she is wonderful. All the staff is. Kim came by and took my son and 2 other kids on a golf cart ride on the trail behind the lake and they had a blast. We are loving it here and are sad to be leaving after the weekend. Update: I have just been informed they have a Willie Nelson impersonator doing a show here tonight, this place would get 6 stars if I could.
Jennifer O.LegendMonkey Island RV Resort
Close to lake, little shade
This is a great RV resort close to the water but with very little shade. It is right across the street from Tera Miranda that has a cool restaurant on the water though. There are park models and group houses as well as RV pads. Nice central location on Monkey Island.
- John C.Scout
Coachlight Campground
Nice place to stay
We booked a spot for a month. The place is well kept and nice. The people in the office are very nice and helpful. I would have rather been in one of the sites closer to the office. As they have nice trees and shade. This is the only reason for 4 stars.
cathy G.GuideZans Creekside RV Park
Last minute spot
John was super helpful n a last minute tight. Nice campground just wish we would of had more time to visit.
Dan N.ScoutBeagle Bay RV Haven Campground
Off of 44
Very nice campground, great owners, friendly atmosphere 👍
Paula P.GuideBeagle Bay RV Haven Campground
Awesome customer service
Pulled in here on a cross-country trip. They’re flexible, personable and responsive. Definitely recommend
Guide to Carthage
Camping near Carthage, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers. One visitor at Roaring River State Park Campground said, "Great place to fish. Nice open camp spots, easy access to hiking trails and great fishing!"
- Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. A reviewer from Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground mentioned, "The surrounding area and hiking are nice."
- Wildlife Watching: Campers at Dam Site Lake Campground have spotted deer and other wildlife. One camper shared, "The local deer greet you at breakfast from across the street."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Springfield - Route 66 KOA noted, "Bathrooms appear to have been updated."
- Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Wanderlust RV Park said, "Owner and his staff are second to none."
- Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One guest at Lost Bridge North mentioned, "Lost Bridge North campsites all have views of the water."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper at Prairie Creek (AR) mentioned, "There is no water hookups on this loop."
- Noise from Trains: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, like Springfield - Route 66 KOA, are near train tracks. One camper said, "The proximity to train crossing ruins the visit."
- Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Dam Site River - Beaver Lake noted, "The sites were nicely spaced out away from everyone."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A reviewer at Wanderlust RV Park mentioned, "They have a small gated dog park and a huge open field."
- Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One family at Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground enjoyed fishing and exploring the shoreline.
- Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Lake Leatherwood City Park appreciated the "wood and snacks for sale."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Lost Bridge North mentioned, "Not many sites will accommodate large RVs."
- Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A visitor at Wanderlust RV Park said, "Full hookups on nice gravel lot."
- Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A camper at Dam Site River - Beaver Lake noted, "Cell phone coverage was not great."
Camping near Carthage, Missouri, has something for everyone, from fishing and hiking to family-friendly activities. Just be sure to check the amenities and plan accordingly for a great experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carthage, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carthage, MO is Prairie State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Carthage, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Carthage, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.