Tent camping in Clinton, Missouri offers several primitive camping areas with basic facilities. The region sits on the western edge of the Lake of the Ozarks watershed at approximately 800 feet elevation, creating varied camping terrain from flat grasslands to riverfront sites. Seasonal flooding can affect accessibility at lower elevation campgrounds, particularly in spring months when rainfall increases water levels at riverside camping locations.
What to do
River access fishing opportunities: Fiery Fork Conservation Area provides direct access to the Niangua River where campers can wade from the shoreline for fly fishing or conventional fishing. Shannon M. notes it's "a nice place if you're on a budget and just need a get away," with riverside sites allowing for easy fishing access.
Trail exploration: Fiery Fork Conservation Area offers hiking trails, though seasonal maintenance varies. Chrischelle N. warns that "the road nearest the first camp site leads to the River Glade trailhead. I don't recommend taking it until it gets some maintenance. It is overgrown and HIGH tick contact probability."
Wildlife observation: The conservation areas near Clinton provide opportunities to spot native Missouri wildlife. Amanda notes at Fiery Fork, "we were able to see some wildlife while staying there as well. Armadillos, deer, and a few different bird types could be found easily."
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: Most tent sites offer ample spacing between campers. At Farrington City Park, Mike G. found that "the camping area is near a road, so there was some light traffic overnight, but it was not distracting to sleep," and noted the pavilion near the campground adds usable space.
Shade availability: Many campsites feature mature trees providing natural shelter. Whitney L. appreciated that Fiery Fork had "shade, grass for dogs to play frisbee, parking right beside your spot, trails, access to the river, good hammock trees, flat-level surface!"
Basic amenities: While facilities are minimal, most campgrounds maintain functional necessities. Mike G. noted at Farrington that "the shower and bathroom facilities were basic, but more than adequate," and Whitney L. mentioned Fiery Fork has "a rock fire place, concrete picnic tables, a vault toilet."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent at many campgrounds. Erick H. warns at Fiery Fork Conservation Area to "be prepared to have no cell signal...had to drive a couple of miles for a signal. That is with Spectrum I believe they use Verizon."
Road conditions: Access roads to more remote sites can be challenging for standard vehicles. Ry M. noted, "The road down was very sketchy for my 2008 Mazda 3," while Chrischelle recommends "smaller RVs due to the 2 miles of gravel and high water areas you go through to get there."
Trash management: No waste disposal facilities exist at most sites. Erick H. cautions, "There is no dumpster so be prepared to take your trash with you," and Wally B. advises to "bring extra trash bags!" as they found "much of the area was covered in trash."
Tips for camping with families
River play areas: Bledsoe Ferry provides family-friendly water access. Sarra W. simply describes it as "awesome" and "a great place for the family" without elaborating on specific features.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Conservation areas offer educational encounters with local fauna. Amanda found Fiery Fork "would be a nice place to bring our kids since there is quite a bit of 'beach' at the river access for them to play and see nature."
Seasonal planning: Avoid peak seasons for quieter family experiences. Nick G. reports, "I stayed here for a few days in April. There were a few campers, but I'd be very surprised if this place isn't loud and packed in the summer."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Large RVs have limited options near Clinton. Jenny D. indicates Fiery Fork Conservation Area can accommodate some RVs but notes, "If the waters too high, there's a bridge into the site that could be flooded so watch the weather."
Level parking areas: Finding flat surfaces for parking can be challenging. Chrischelle N. recommends "the first set of camping spots which were about 5/6" at Fiery Fork as they provide more reliable parking surfaces away from potential flooding.
Generator etiquette: In primitive camping areas without hookups, generators may be necessary but should be used considerately. Whitney L. noted even with distance between sites, they "could see them with our eyeballs but they were perfect neighbors and we didn't hear a peep other than their generator for a bit."
