1 campground with availability next weekend
Tent campsites in the vicinity of Clearwater Lake, Missouri include several established options for primitive camping experiences. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground offers tent-friendly sites with basic amenities and serves as a popular base for exploring Missouri's highest point. Roberts Field Backcountry Camping within the Ozark National Scenic Riverway provides more remote tent camping opportunities, while Four Creeks Ranch Campground accommodates both walk-in and drive-in tent access.
Most tent sites feature designated tent pads with picnic tables and fire rings, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offers primitive tent camping with no electric hookups and pit toilets rather than flush facilities. Drinking water is available at some locations but not universally present. Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration and payment via honor system envelopes. Surface conditions range from forest floor with moss and rocks to more established gravel or dirt tent pads, with some sites offering platforms. Campers should note that several locations have significant poison ivy present and should plan accordingly.
The terrain surrounding these tent campgrounds provides excellent hiking opportunities with access to notable features like Missouri's highest waterfall at Mina Sauk Falls. Sites are generally well-spaced, offering privacy and natural settings beneath forest canopy. A camper described Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground as having "spacious and distant between sites. The sites were nicely spaced, most have a lot of shade, each has a picnic table and a place to make a fire." Wildlife observation opportunities abound, with many tent campers reporting deer sightings and active bird populations. Primitive tent sites often attract fewer RV campers, making for quieter camping experiences. One review noted, "Even if all sites are taken you'd still feel that there is enough space between you and the next camper."
"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
"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."
from $35 - $50 / 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."
"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
from $30 - $115 / night
"Loggers Lake, in the Mark Twain National Forest, is about 7 miles west of Bunker, Mo. Spring fed lake, no electric or water campsites."
"I grew up going here and it is great , there is great trout fishing and several real good swing holes the campsites are right beside the river which is really nice , the only issue is the restroom is a"
"River access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!"
"Several dedicated camp sites that each have fire ring, shepherds hook, picnic table. There is one pit toilet building."
"Great place to go primitive if the weather is right and no matter the weather, the water is beautiful. Our favorite time to go is in the fall when the leaves begin to change."
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.
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.
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
GuideIf you want to do some stargazing, you cannot find a much better place in Missouri than the Power Mill Campground. It is an NPS site so it very well maintained. We had a spot on the river side of the road but, since there are only eight spots in the whole campground, there is not a bad place to stay. No shade but easy river access. At night, you get the Milky Way and a zillion stars.
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
GuideWe reserved space A14 which is described at 55' length. Our rig is 36' and we could not fit. The host did find us another GREAT, even better spot. Enjoyed our stay, 2 nights. Wish it had water hookup, we may have stayed longer. The views are out of this world. The camp host was wonderful. Very accommodating. Hopefully they update the site details on site A14
ScoutThis campground is very well maintained right off of Current River, with all the basic amenities like restrooms and showers. There are non-electric sites that are cheaper or electrical sites that cost a little more. I really enjoyed my visit!
ScoutOnly 1 other camper here on a Tuesday night. Wonderfully peaceful with a view of the lake. Most sites have electricity and can fit an rv. Restrooms and shower house are very clean.
Tent camping opportunities near Clearwater Lake, Missouri range from primitive river-access sites to established state park campgrounds. The area sits within the Ozark Mountains at elevations between 500-1,700 feet, with terrain characterized by oak-hickory forests and exposed rhyolite rock formations. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with nighttime temperatures that can drop into the 40s.
Explore springs and historic mills: Turner's Mill offers access to crystal clear springs that form individual pools. "Beautiful secluded area. Small (only 3 or 4 sites). River access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!" according to a camper at Turner's Mill.
Kayak the Eleven Point River: Boze Mill Float Camp provides direct river access for paddlers. "Likely the most beautiful float I've done in MO. The Ozarks are incredible. I'll be back," notes a visitor to Boze Mill Float Camp. The camp sits along a section popular for multi-day float trips.
Visit Missouri's highest point: Just a short hike from the campground, visitors can stand at the highest elevation in the state. "Hike the tallest mountain in MO, not a long hike. Endless green rolling vistas! Also had deer at our tent," describes a camper at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Quiet, spacious campsites: The distance between sites at many campgrounds provides privacy rarely found at more developed facilities. "We were the only people in the campground that night, which was a little freaky, but also very peaceful," noted a winter visitor at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground.
Natural tent pads: Several campgrounds feature unique natural surfaces for tent placement. "I like this camp site because you are within the trees the whole time. It is tent camping only. Where we camped, the ground was covered in moss. That made for very soft sleeping, except for the few large rocks spread over the area," explains a group leader who camped at Taum Sauk.
River access: Many tent campsites near Clearwater Lake provide direct water access. "I grew up going here and it is great, there is great trout fishing and several real good swing holes the campsites are right beside the river which is really nice," reports a visitor at Turner's Mill.
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds require specialized vehicles or hiking to access. "I was able to get into this area on foot, but it is surrounded by private property. It is accessible with a 4wd vehicle with decent ground clearance, or on horseback," explains a camper at Roberts Field Backcountry Camping.
Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Clearwater Lake offer minimal amenities. "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," notes a visitor to Jerktail Landing Campground.
Seasonal water availability: Water systems may be shut down during colder months. "We didn't see where the water was but it was supposed to be off for the season anyway so we were prepared," explains a November camper at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Educational farm experiences: Some properties offer unique agricultural activities for children. "We had so much fun playing in the creek learning about as Aztec and their gardening methods. Very adorable, baby goats and baby chicks that were just all over and loving living," shares a visitor to Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm.
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate protection, particularly in warmer months. "I highly suggest this place, but I do suggest lots of bug spray. For some reason, I always get eaten up by mosquitos in this area," warns a camper at Boze Mill Float Camp.
Ground conditions: Rocky terrain can make tent setup challenging in many locations. "Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent," advises a camper at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Size restrictions: Large RVs aren't suitable for most primitive camping areas near Clearwater Lake. "Probably not a good idea to try to bring large camping units to this site," cautions a visitor to Jerktail Landing Campground about the narrow access roads.
Alternative options: Some tent-focused campgrounds may have nearby RV accommodations. "Loggers Lake, in the Mark Twain National Forest, is about 7 miles west of Bunker, Mo. Spring fed lake, no electric or water campsites," notes a camper at Mark Twain National Forest Loggers Lake Recreation Area, providing context about primitive options.
Weekend planning: Remote sites see increased weekend traffic despite their isolation. "Very quiet and lightly used on weekdays but can get a bit busy on Friday and Saturday nights," notes a visitor to Jerktail Landing about camping patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clearwater Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clearwater Lake is Four Creeks Ranch Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Clearwater Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Clearwater Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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