14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campers exploring the Mark Twain National Forest region near De Soto, Missouri have several established and dispersed camping options within a 30-mile radius. Brazil Creek in the Mark Twain National Forest offers primitive tent sites with streamside camping, while Courtois Creek Dispersed area provides free tent camping alongside a clear creek. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground maintains tent sites at Missouri's highest point, approximately 30 miles south of De Soto.
Access roads to tent campgrounds vary significantly in quality, with some requiring higher clearance vehicles. Brazil Creek features bare-bones tent sites with minimal facilities - just a central fire ring and picnic table, though a vault toilet has been added in recent years. As one camper noted, "No water, amenities, or cell service" at many primitive sites. Courtois Creek access requires navigating rough forest roads that may become challenging after rain. Most dispersed tent camping areas lack amenities like drinking water, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and practice Leave No Trace principles. Seasonal considerations include tick activity in warmer months and potential road closures during wet weather.
The tent camping experience near De Soto offers notable solitude and creek access for many sites. Areas along Brazil Creek provide tent campers with immediate access to cold, clear water - perfect for cooling off during summer camping trips. According to one visitor, "The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing." Primitive tent sites throughout the region connect to hiking trails including sections of the Ozark Trail and Berryman Trail. Sites at Brazil Creek serve as popular basecamp locations for hikers and horseback riders using the nearby trail system. The forest setting provides ample shade at most tent camping areas, though sites vary from creek-adjacent clearings to more densely wooded spots with natural screening between campsites.
"There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings."
"A few drive up sites and lots of hike in spots around a quarry turned lake. Beautiful and clean setting. We stayed in site 24. There were picnic tables and a fire pit at our site."
from $10 - $65 / night
Check Availability"This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail."
"This is a bare bones campground, located in Mark Twain National Forest, it has a place for you to camp and a fire pit, that's it. No facilities, no water, no bathroom, no lights."
"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."
"We arrived on Wednesday and camped for a couple of days, very beautiful and peaceful and just gorgeous, no toilets and no electricity and no cell signal but it was amazing"
"Puddles that could be who know how deep or what's in them (I may be the red flag here)."
from $50 - $75 / night
Check Availability"The campground is located in a gym of a park located along the Missouri River. Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park."
"Stayed at a walk-in site for a night and enjoyed it. Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped."
from $27 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
ScoutMy favorite spot in all of St. Louis! The lady who is the owner and the front desk attendant are wonderful and I have never had a problem here with anything! Free WiFi, laundry, and a public shower and bathroom if needed! There’s also cool walking/biking trails and a park with a children’s playground as well! The gas station is also walking distance for any small necessities
GuideIt appears to be a typical state park. There are lots of old trees. Sites are pretty close together but it is late October so it is not crowded. Each spot has a level gravel spot, electrical hook up (some are 50 and others 30 and ours had a 110 plug in which is what we needed, as well as a picnic table, and a fire pit. There are both pit toilets and a large building that has flush toilets and showers. Everything is old and would benefit from a refresh but it was all clean enough for camping.
TravelerTent to electric to full hookups available. multiple shower toilet facilities throughout campground. All sites with nice concrete parking pad.
GuideYes, the road was a bit bumpy, but worth navigating if you can claim a spot. I scored what I would argue is the second best spot - right on the creek just feet from the flowing water. The spot to the right appeared larger and had a rope for the kids (and cool adults) to utilize for launching into the water. The family occupying this space was in ear shot, but I had total privacy aside from a couple groups checking out the the water during the day. The creek had super cool rocks and the water was perfect for casual wading, but too low to swim in the area I was in. No amenities nearby, so pack in and pack out. I did not have any Verizon coverage, so it was two full days of off-the-grid bliss. I would’ve stayed here a a few more days if I had prepared.
ScoutNice and easy. Good spacing between sites
GuideQuiet like the night. Clean well groomed spaces are about average size. Off season sure is nice.
TravelerTrails in the area re nice but facilities for this many sites are limited. Sites are close to each other.
GuideSuper clean campground. The host is really welcoming and answers any questions you have. Some amazing views of you pick the right spot.
TravelerStayed overnight, got a great site next to the pond, escorted to site by friendly staff…..
Tent camping areas near De Soto, Missouri range from primitive sites at 1,772 feet on Taum Sauk Mountain to creek-side spots at lower elevations in Mark Twain National Forest. This region, located in the eastern Ozarks, experiences humid summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F between June and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for campers with highs averaging in the 70s.
Creek exploration: Courtois Creek Dispersed offers direct water access for fishing and cooling off. "The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing," notes a visitor. This primitive area requires navigating forest roads but rewards with water activities during warmer months.
Hiking on highest peaks: Serious hikers can tackle multiple trail systems that connect camping areas. "Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground has a portion of the Ozark Trail traversing it's highest point. Highly recommend hiking the small ~4-5 mile loop to catch some of the amazing views and rock formations," explains Loren G.
Mountain biking: Technical trail sections near some campsites provide challenging riding opportunities. At Klondike Park, "there are several technical mountain bike sections that are located in the park. Bring your mountain bike and have a go!"
Secluded camping spots: Many campers value the privacy found at primitive sites. "Self-service campsites, the closest you can get to backpacking with access to a toilet! The sites are all secluded from each other by trees and are very beautiful," reports Kelsie L. about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park.
Wildlife encounters: The forest setting provides opportunities to observe native species. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, campers should be prepared: "The only issue is the raccoons. They dont give a darn who you are. They will walk right up to, smile, and take your chips. Scandalous!"
Night sky viewing: Clear skies and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions at several sites. One camper at Courtois Creek Dispersed described "soaking up the stars and the moon and the sound of running water" during their evening at camp.
Road conditions vary significantly: Some dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. At Courtois Creek, a reviewer warns, "make sure your car can handle terrain and you can handle your car. This is barely a road. It's a trail of moguls for your tires."
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites lack facilities. At Brazil Creek, a camper notes it's "a bare bones campground... it has a place for you to camp and a fire pit, that's it. No facilities, no water, no bathroom, no lights."
Seasonal closures: Facilities at established campgrounds often close during colder months. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze is was inconvenient for a spring break trip."
Easier access sites: For family camping near De Soto, choose established campgrounds with amenities. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground "is located off I-64 in the chesterfield area about 30 minutes from Saint Louis. The site provides wood, ice, water, shower house and outhouses."
Kid-friendly water spots: Several campgrounds feature safe swimming areas. As one camper at Klondike Park observed, "We were the only people camping there until the next afternoon when a couple families came down with kids to swim and float."
Tent site selection: Choose sites with natural padding when possible. At Taum Sauk Mountain, "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."
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, "Not all sites are long enough for large RVs and the roads in some loops prevent you from turning around. The camp hosts... have a list of site lengths and can tell you which ones are appropriate for large RVs."
Hookup limitations: Most tent camping areas near De Soto lack RV hookups. One experienced camper notes, "What we liked about this campground was the comfortable feel of being at a state park with plenty of trees, hiking trails, space between sites, but also the convenience of having a level, paved site with electricity and television/phone reception."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near De Soto, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near De Soto, MO is Klondike Park with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near De Soto, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near De Soto, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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