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Best Campgrounds near Thayer, MO

302 Reviews

The Thayer, Missouri area includes numerous campgrounds along the Spring River and nearby waterways, providing options for tent, RV, and cabin campers. Established campgrounds such as Riverside Campground and Canoe and Spring River Trout Shop offer riverside sites with amenities like showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Many Islands Campground and Richard's Canoe Rental & Campground provide both developed and primitive camping areas, with some sites featuring electrical hookups and water access. Several facilities also rent canoes, kayaks, and other watercraft for river exploration, making these locations popular for combined camping and water recreation trips.

Road conditions remain generally accessible for most vehicles, though some campground entrances may require careful navigation for larger RVs. Seasonal considerations affect camping in the region, particularly during holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. "This campground is not for everyone. During busy holiday weekend this campground is a PARTY and a half," noted one camper about Many Islands Campground. Summer brings higher temperatures and increased river traffic, while spring offers cooler weather but potential for higher water levels. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though services may be limited in winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day, as riverside sites are particularly popular.

Water access represents a primary attraction for campers in the region, with Spring River known for its consistent 50-degree water temperature flowing from natural springs. Fishing opportunities abound, particularly for trout near Mammoth Spring. Campers mention the family-friendly atmosphere at certain campgrounds while others cater more to adults looking for a lively social scene. "We love this campground. Quite time at night which is great if you have kids," shared a visitor about Riverside Campground. Bathroom and shower facilities vary significantly between locations, with some receiving praise for cleanliness while others are described as basic. Most developed campgrounds provide amenities like trash collection, potable water, and camp stores selling essentials, though availability may be seasonal.

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Best Camping Sites Near Thayer, Missouri (128)

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Recent Camping Photos near Thayer, MO

78 Photos of 128 Thayer Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Thayer, MO

302 Reviews of 128 Thayer Campgrounds

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Free during winter season; otherwise, $10

    Camped for one night at site #7 on Oct 23, 2025. It turned out that this was the first night that camping fees were suspended for the winter season. This National Park Service campground has mostly walk-in tent sites - a few near the river were difficult to find. I parked my van in a small parking lot which serves sites 6 & 7 - just up the hill from the campground loop and vault toilet. The campsites include a table, metal fire ring and lantern pole. Sites 6 & 7 are close together, actually just one site with 2 tables and fire rings, good for a group campout. Except for a few fishermen who fished for a little while, I had the campground all to myself. Very quiet, peaceful night. I enjoyed fishing for smallmouth bass here. There is no potable water, and no hookups. Hammock camping and limited Starlink connectivity may be possible depending on the site. There is a his/hers vault toilet located in the center of the loop; it was clean and supplied with tp. Except for a small trash container in the vault toilet, there is no trash service at this campground; I took out the trash that I created as well as trash left by previous users. The gravel roads accessing this campground were in good condition during my visit. This is a beautiful location. There was some AT&T and T-Mobile service.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2025

    North Fork

    Large sites, good separation

    Camped at site #4 in the Dogwood Loop in Oct 2025. Paid $5 with senior pass. Previous review applies. Trash service available. Vault toilets (3) were open; clean with tp. Water was turned off for the season. There are a couple of hiking trailheads in campground. The Blue Spring Trail was really nice; it was moderately difficult in a few areas. Nice views of the North Fork River along this trail. Bank fishing possible in the nearby day use area. The campsites were large with good spacing between them. There is no privacy, however, between sites. My site was level, but can't say that for all sites. The campsites and roads were paved. The campground appeared well maintained during my stay.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Noblett Lake

    No Camping - Day Use Only

    Camping is still not allowed here. The campground itself is overgrown. Did not see any dispersed campsites. This recreation area, however, is a beautiful day use area. Appears to be maintained. Vault toilets in the picnic area were open during my visit. Did not find any potable water. Fishing is permitted at the lake, but I had no luck.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Robinson Point

    Clean, well maintained campground

    Camped at site #8 in Oct 10-11, 2025. Our site was on a wooded loop, the first camping section on the left after entering the campground. Good spacing between sites. Our campervan fit nicely on the site; level. Shared water faucet between sites 7 & 8. Our site had 20 and 30 amp power. There was a partial view through the trees of Norfork Lake from the backside of the site. Walked down to the bank of the lake to fish and caught a bass. Sites 5, 7 & 8 are really nice on this loop. Campground is clean and well maintained. AT&T and T-Mobile service. I normally do primitive and dispersed camping, but occasionally use established campgrounds, such as this, for replemishing water and power, and to take a shower. I was very pleased with our campsite and the campground. Did some hiking on the campground trails. The person working the entrance gate wad very nice and helpful. I would stay here again.

  • R
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Robinson Point

    Fantastic and beautiful

    We stayed for 3 nights on sites 64 and 65. Absolutely beautiful views. Some damage from flooding but didn't really notice. Bathrooms and bath house were clean. Stay if you get a chance.

  • T
    Oct. 3, 2025

    cranfield park

    Everything you need plus beauty

    I don’t think there is a bad site in the large campground. Most sites have at least some lake view. Roads are paved and can accommodate large rigs. Most sites are pretty level. Usual tables and fire rings plus lamp poles and some sites have covers for the tables if there are no trees. The sites that don’t have a lake view and nestled in woods and are more private. Though we don’t find a hiking trail the road around the park offered plenty of mileage for us. There is also a marina and access to the shore line for fishing. We were here the first weekend in October and it was a third to half full.

  • Jeffrey H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Rockin’ Bell River Resort

    Very Nice Campground

    We called to spend one night as we were passing through the area. Amanda & Dusty were very friendly & helpful. The facilities are very clean and in a beautiful setting. We definitely would come back here when in the area

Guide to Thayer

Camping near Thayer, Missouri, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Echo Bluff State Park. One visitor shared, "The hiking trails like the Signal Hill Trail and Current River Trail offer stunning vistas and the chance to encounter local wildlife."
  • Fishing: The Alley Spring Campground is a great spot for fishing. A reviewer noted, "Rocky Falls is scenic and great to cool off in the summer."
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: The Current River is perfect for water sports. As one camper mentioned, "Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are popular activities, and the park provides easy access to the river."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Round Spring Campground. One review stated, "The host was great, did a nice show at the amphitheater about the local area; bathrooms and showers are great."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Big Spring Campground. A visitor remarked, "The campground is beautifully manicured and has spacious sites and many options."
  • Natural Beauty: The stunning landscapes at Gunner Pool Recreation Area are a big draw. One camper said, "This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Missouri Alley Springs, have little to no cell service. A camper advised, "I highly recommend you take a weather radio."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Bull Shoals-White River State Park can fill up quickly. One reviewer noted, "Reservations recommended, especially on weekends."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A visitor at Round Spring Campground mentioned, "You may get lucky and see otters on your way to the spring."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas, like Crowley's Ridge State Park. A family shared, "We enjoyed the little lake and playground for the kids."
  • Pack Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance. One camper at Lake Charles State Park warned, "There were a significant amount of mosquitoes."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals and snacks. A camper at Pinewoods Lake Rec Area mentioned, "Free wood laying all over the place, when the management team cut trees down they leave them there for campers to use."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Round Spring Campground noted, "I was able to get my 28' trailer in site 37 and managed to level it."
  • Bring Extra Water: Some campgrounds, like Gunner Pool Recreation Area, don’t have water hookups. A camper advised, "Bring everything. There are no stores in the camp."
  • Use Solar Power Wisely: If you’re using solar panels, be aware of tree cover. One RV owner at Big Spring Campground mentioned, "The large shading tree kept them from charging the batteries."

Camping near Thayer, Missouri, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful campgrounds to choose from. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy your time in nature!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Camp Thayer?

The Thayer area offers several camping options with varying amenities. Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway provides primitive camping with vault toilets, well-maintained grounds, and walking distance access to the river. The grounds are well-kept with knowledgeable staff. Nearby, Fourche Lake Rec Area features a boat launch with good road access. Most campgrounds in the area are primarily primitive, though some offer basic facilities like pit toilets and water access. Many serve as excellent bases for exploring the region's natural springs and rivers.

How can I contact Thayer property management for camping reservations?

For camping reservations near Thayer, you'll need to contact specific campgrounds directly. Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway is managed by the National Park Service and can be reached through recreation.gov or the park's visitor center. Ozark Riverfront Campground has helpful staff that manage reservations and can provide assistance with bookings and river information. For most public campgrounds in the Thayer region, contact the managing agency (typically National Park Service or Forest Service) through their official websites or visitor centers for the most current reservation information.

Are there RV camping sites available at Thayer?

Yes, the Thayer area has RV camping options. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway accommodates RVs and allows tent camping alongside them. Spring River Oaks is big-rig friendly with water and toilet facilities. However, some locations like Rymers Backcountry Camping have narrow access roads not recommended for motorhomes over 20' or large campers due to limited turning space. When planning an RV trip to Thayer, check specific campground restrictions and access limitations in advance, as many campgrounds in this region have varying degrees of RV accessibility.

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