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Best Tent Camping near Thayer, MO

247 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tent campsites near Thayer, Missouri cluster primarily along the Eleven Point River, offering primitive camping experiences in the Mark Twain National Forest. Several float camps including Boze Mill Float Camp and Turner's Mill provide designated tent sites with varying amenities. Most locations are accessible via gravel roads or by paddling along the river, creating opportunities for both drive-in and boat-in camping experiences.

Most tent camping areas feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and some have picnic tables, but facilities remain limited. Vault toilets are available at several locations including Whitten River Access and McCormack Lake Recreation Area, though campers should bring their own drinking water as few sites offer potable water. The primitive nature of these campgrounds means tent campers should prepare for minimal services, particularly at float camps which may only be accessible by water or hiking trails.

The Eleven Point River provides a scenic backdrop for tent camping with clear, cold water and forested surroundings. McCormack Lake Recreation Area offers a different experience with lakeside tent sites that provide a peaceful setting away from river traffic. Sites along the river allow easy access for fishing, swimming, and paddling, with several featuring distinctive natural attractions. Tent campers at Boze Mill can explore a blue spring that emerges from a pool formerly used to power the mill. "Beautiful secluded area with river access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear," noted one visitor about Turner's Mill. The Irish Wilderness area provides opportunities for multi-day backpacking with tent camping allowed along the 20-mile Whites Creek Loop trail.

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Best Tent Sites Near Thayer, Missouri (23)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Thayer, MO

247 Reviews of 23 Thayer Campgrounds

  • 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

  • Renee H.
    Mar. 26, 2024

    Dam - Quarry

    Clean campground, nice location

    Average space between sites. Level paved sites with gravel picnic area including picnic table, fire ring, lantern hanger. Some sites had covered picnic area. Limited shade, most sites don’t have trees. Good access to sites. Clean and private bathrooms. Each room had its own lockable bathroom with toilet, sink and shower. Garbage cans were outside of bathrooms, as well as dumpsters near the registration building. Friendly staff upon check in. Campground was patrolled regularly. No laundry or recycling. Nearby road with little road noise. Verizon cell signal was excellent. There is a dump station and potable fill station. No store or food for purchase on site. No hiking in campground, but multiple trails nearby. Boat ramp at campground and lots of wading fly fishing in river. Fish hatchery across from campground.

  • 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.

  • 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. 11, 2021

    Deer Leap

    Leaping Lizards, it's Free

    Five miles north of Doniphan, MO on State Hwy 160 Hwy Y head north for about five miles take a left on Forest Road 4349.  Continue down and veer to the left to go to the boat ramp and day use area.  Go right to the Deer Leap Campground.

    ON the east bank of the Current River you will find dispersed camping.  There are seven campsites with fire ring, table and lantern post.  No trash service but there is a pit toilet and water.  Campsites are First Come, First Served.  No fireworks allowed.

    The campground and boat launch is located in the Mark Twain National Forest under the Eleven Point Ranger District.  The district is named after the Eleven Point River which was designated a National Scenic River in 1968.  The Eleven Point District provides a plethora of fishing, tubing and all kinds of boating options.

    Take the time to float some of the rivers for a vision of rocky bluffs, springs, birds, wildlife and local vegetation.  You are permitted to camp on the gravel bars found along the rivers and there are several primitive float camps while you are floating.

    There are so many activities that go hand in hand with fishing and tubing such as horseback riding, hiking, hunting, mountain biking and just gazing at the stars.

    At the launch site there is limited parking for floaters.  You can launch tubes, motorized and non motorized boats here.  There is also a pit toilet.  Be very careful because on the fourth the area was very crowded.  There is a vendor in the area to rent tubes and kayaks and provide shuttle service.

    The water is so beautiful, clear and moving along.  The clear, green water has the power to entice just about anyone to dip their toes in.  Remember that during the summer this river will be very crowded but even with the crowds there was more than enough room.  During the spring or fall this would be a great to kayak.  Floater access in the campground is from 4/1 - 10/1.  Boat ramp is open all year.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It

  • A
    Nov. 4, 2024

    Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Small sites with little privacy - campground fine, but not great

    I'd seen a lot of great reviews for this campground, so I had high expectations when we arrived for a night in early November. We reserved a spot in the 900 loop, just to be safe - a few of the camping loops allow reservations, and the rest are walk in. The loop was very open, spaces all fully visible to each other. The bathrooms were locked for the season after 10/15. 

    Since things were pretty empty, we moved to the 500 loop, which was more tree covered, near the river, and next to the shower house, which was the one park bath open for the winter. Bathrooms and showers were clean, though no camp host was present the night we stayed. 

    We were the only people on the 500 loop, so it was fine, but again - sites VERY close together. Some picnic tables were less than 20 feet apart. The 600 loop was the only heavily occupied loop when were there, filled with campers, presumably because of the electric access. 

    This is a NPS campground, so its amenities tend to be fewer than many MO state parks. I have other parks in this area that have more scenic and private tent camping. Just on the other side of the river is the Alley spring and mill, which are lovely - and ironically, some of the picnic sites are more spacious than these tent sites. I wish we could camp on that side!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Needs some State government love

    For Labor Day we stayed at Big Spring State Park CG, near Van Buren, Missouri which is part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. 

    We arrived Friday afternoon and set up camp in the 100 loop, which are primitive campsites with fire ring, picnic table and lantern hook. Nice shady outer ring with plenty of room to set up your area. The inner ring is less private and lacking in shade. There are trails from the back sites to the river and the wading/swimming was nice. Where your hiking shoes to get there, and pack your water shoes you’ll probably want them for the rocky river bottom. 

     In May 2017 the area had major flooding. ( A Park Ranger put on a very informative slide show about it Friday evening) The park is still in the process of rebuilding many of its structures. That being said there are porta pots in two of the campground loops and some of the trails are closed still. The actual showerhouse was extremely busy and not well maintained. Spiders galore, three claustrophobic shower stalls (one was inoperable) with questionable cleanliness and the configuration is just weird. I’ve said it before , it’s unfortunate that the state does not keep these awesome areas maintained. 

    The campground was full but we still had privacy and the noise was never intrusive on our activities. 

    Big Spring is pretty awesome. There is a trail that circles up around the spring to the far side and several areas to take pictures from. It’s worth the visit to see the spring. We will visit again but I think I will take my field shower!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Fourche Lake Rec Area

    Perfection in the Eyes of the Beholder

    From Thayer Missouri travel on MO 142 east, turn onto MO V for several miles and look for the Fourche Lake sign on the right, immediate turn to the right.  No more than a couple of miles down a well maintained gravel road you will see a boat launch.  The road will bear to the left and maybe a tenth of a mile you will see the first campsite.  Total peace and tranquility will invade your senses and take over your being.

    At Fourche Lake you will find dispersed camping at it's best.  A well maintained pit toilet with toilet tissue and a fishing dock.  The fishing dock is handicap accessible along with a small day use area with a picnic table but no camping in that small area.  The pit toilet is handicap accessible.  There are suppose to be six camping sites but we could only work out three.  Picnic table, fire pit, no water, electric or trash service.  Our fire pit had burned items that do not burn.  Please people  PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT.  

    On a calm day you will have wonderful photo ops of a mirror image on the lake.  The trees surrounding Fourche Lake provide a beautiful backdrop of perfection.  This is a very small campsite and for most of our stay we were the only ones there.  Fishermen would come and go and anyone who did camp was very quiet.  Boating in the lake is by paddle or electric motor only.

    Bring all your camping supplies with you otherwise you will have at least a thirty minute or longer trip in front of you.  Remember this roads are narrow, curvy, and hilly.  Typical back roads in the Ozarks.  If you do need anything when you drive back to the highway turn right and just a matter of a few miles you will find a service station and they might have what you need.  They also have gas at a reasonable price considering you are in RURAL Missouri.  

    If you plan to go fishing make sure you have your license because even if this is a dispersed site we saw a ranger at least once every day.  If fishing you will find catfish, bass and panfish.  Good luck.  BTW swimming is allowed.

    The grass was freshly mowed and smelled wonderful.  No mosquitoes, flies, tick or chiggers, course we stayed out of the woods.  Do not know if that is the norm or we were just lucky.  If you hope to use solar and need to recharge the site next to the pit toilet at the round about will give you some sun  No trails to be found.

    The closest actual town would be Doniphan, Missouri.  Check out Doniphan if you are able to pull yourself away from the lake.  It is an older Ozark town and the courthouse with its old jail on the ground floor is rather interesting.  You will also find a great tubing and or kayaking river.  There is a vendor that will rent kayaks or tubes and shuttle you up the river so you can have an amazing time.  Pack a lunch and hang out on one of the gravel bars along the river.

    I listed that this could be a group site and pull through area because the first campsite has it's own road and is a large site.  Easy for more than one rig.

  • M
    May. 6, 2022

    Twin Bridges Canoe Campground

    Early season, limited services

    Tent camped here with a group of private boat paddlers from all over the country. Campground operations had not really started for the season. I arrived after dark and could not find the tent campsites. Nearly drove into deep mud on gravel road past RV sites. Fortunately had just enough cell signal to access their website. Found a campground map three layers deep on reservation page and located my group. 

    Tent sites were well-located along the river with basic tables and fire rings. I never found the store to be open so paid camping fee at bar and cafe at entrance. Great breakfast. $25/night for tents.  Grass had not been mowed and was deep in tent area. RV sites appear to be a work in progress with much erosion around the new pads and access road. What may have been a shower house had key code locks but there was never anyone to ask. Bathrooms near the entrance lacked tp in some stalls. All one afternoon and evening a group of kids with gas weed trimmers  noisely worked on a slope adjacent to the RV area. 

    This campground should improve over time a the management appears to be developing the grounds.

Guide to Thayer

Tent campsites near Thayer, Missouri are situated within the Mark Twain National Forest where elevations range from 600 to 1,400 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers reaching 90°F and winter temperatures that can drop below freezing. Most primitive sites require campers to pack out trash as collection services aren't provided at remote locations.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide excellent access to trout fishing on the Eleven Point River. The cold, clear waters support a thriving fish population, particularly near Whitten River Access. "It has river access via a boat ramp and 'dock'. The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people," notes Ralph S. about Whitten River Access.

Explore geological features: The area contains numerous springs, caves and historic mill sites. At Turner's mill, campers can investigate unique formations. "Awesome mill you can climb on and awesome spring that makes individual pools," reports Ashley W. The site offers both historical interest and natural beauty.

Swimming spots: The river provides natural swimming areas during summer months. At Barn Hollow Float Camp, visitors can cool off in designated areas along the shore. Some locations feature cliff jumping opportunities, as noted by Glen T. about Stinking Pond Float Camp: "Good place to camp, has a huge cliff you can jump off of, not a bad place to float into and camp overnight."

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Many campers appreciate the remote feel of these sites, particularly at McCormack Lake Rec Area. One visitor, Delanie J., shared: "Some people showed up for day use, but the sites were empty. Totally alone with a gorgeous lake." This location offers a different experience from the river-focused campgrounds.

Crystal clear springs: The natural springs throughout the region are consistently mentioned as highlights. William M. notes about Boze Mill Float Camp: "There is a beautiful blue spring coming out of the bottom of a pool formerly used to power Boze Mill." These springs maintain a consistent cool temperature year-round.

Riverside camping: Sites positioned directly along the Eleven Point River allow for convenient water access. Charlotte B. comments about camping at Boze Mill: "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."

What you should know

Weather considerations: The river area can experience significant seasonal changes. Fall brings colorful foliage but cooler water temperatures. Charlotte B. advises: "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."

Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads that require careful navigation. Linda C. reports about Whitten River Access: "Access road is steep but not rough. No one around on this 5 degrees F night." The remoteness that provides solitude also means limited services.

Trail navigation: Backcountry camping requires proper preparation and navigation tools. Tony R. warns about the Irish Wilderness: "BRING A GPS! The trail is very easy to lose and after 20+ miles you'll want the comfort of knowing where you have been/are going!" Plan routes carefully and carry paper maps as backup.

Tips for camping with families

Best swimming locations: Turner's Mill provides safe water access for children with gradual entry points. Jared G. shares: "The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in. Great spot if you are in the area." The clear water allows for better visibility when supervising children.

Avoid algae-affected water: Some water bodies in the region can develop seasonal algae. Shelly S. cautions about McCormack Lake: "The 'lake' looked sickly, with brown foam looking stuff floating on top." Always check current water conditions, especially during hot summer months.

Plan multi-day adventures: The area supports progressive camping trips that combine hiking and paddling. For families with older children, consider the loop trails at Irish Wilderness. "A long enjoyable hike with a beautiful cave to see, you could spend several days and not experience it all," notes Glen T.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV accessibility: Most tent campsites near Thayer are not suitable for large recreational vehicles. Ralph S. notes about Whitten Access: "The road in is rough gravel and a big RV will be slow going. However, I've seen so good size RVs there." Smaller trailers and pop-ups fare better than large motorhomes on the forest roads.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Thayer, MO is Boze Mill Float Camp with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

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