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Best Tent Camping near Doniphan, MO

318 Reviews

Tent campsites near Doniphan, Missouri offer primitive camping along rivers and within Mark Twain National Forest. Float Camp Recreation Area provides dedicated tent sites from May to October, with electric hookups available at some locations. Turner's Mill and Boze Mill Float Camp feature riverside tent camping with direct water access for swimming and fishing in clear, cold Ozark streams.

Most primitive tent areas require campers to bring their own water, as drinking water is scarce at these sites. The Eleven Point River corridor offers several designated tent camping locations with minimal facilities. Fire rings are available at many sites, including Boze Mill Float Camp where each campsite includes a fire ring, shepherd's hook, and picnic table. Vault toilets are present at some locations like Turner's Mill and Whitten River Access, though they may be a short walk from actual tent sites. Access roads to these primitive tent campgrounds often involve gravel routes that may be challenging for low-clearance vehicles.

Areas along the Eleven Point River provide excellent bases for kayaking and fishing trips. A camper wrote, "The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people." Many of these tent-focused sites remain uncrowded even during peak seasons, with campers frequently reporting having entire areas to themselves. Turner's Mill offers particularly scenic tent camping with three to four sites directly beside the river, providing easy access to freshwater springs and cave features. Several primitive tent areas allow fishing directly from camp, with trout being a common target in the cold, clear Ozark waters. Boze Mill Float Camp, accessible by a two-mile gravel road, offers secluded tent camping with beautiful water features including a blue spring emerging from a former mill pool.

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Best Tent Sites Near Doniphan, Missouri (23)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Doniphan, MO

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Tent Camping Reviews near Doniphan, MO

318 Reviews of 23 Doniphan 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

  • S
    May. 26, 2022

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Dry camping dispersed NF campground

    There are 15 paved sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring and a pole to hang a lantern. Some sites are double width. There are two (nice & clean) vault toilets, one in the campground near the entrance and the other at the day use/boat launch site, no electric, water, dumpster or garbage. Pack it in and pack it out. There's a 1.3 mile paved trail along the lake and a dock. There is some noise from 60 but it's hardly noticeable. My time here has been quiet except for some drunken yahoos one night.

    The only negative is there are a lot of ticks! They are easy to spot on my white dog but I have to do a tick check every time he goes outside, and I always find some. Avoid the vegetation and you'll see less. Make sure you check yourself.

  • M
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

    Gorgeous in the Fall

    My group and I camped in two of the basic sites in Asher Creek campground and we couldn’t get enough of the front-row lake view! The sites closest to the lake are very level, and everyone in the campground is only a short walk from the cleanest park restrooms I’ve ever seen. If you’re like me and are just doing basic tent camping, I’d recommend a pop-up canopy for the table area since there is not a lot of tree cover in those sites. Overall, an excellent place to camp!

  • 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

  • L
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Peaceful

    Just off highway, it is dispersed camping in a park that no longer charges, blacktop pad, lantern hook, picnic table, fire ring w cooking grate at ea site, vault toilets.

    There was a fire a few years ago so some burned out areas, lots of firewood, small lake for fishing no motorized boats, great hike/walk around lake.  There is a gas station/truck stop near.   Great stop to regroup on a long road trip.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Jon L.
    Aug. 4, 2020

    Piedmont Park

    Family weekend

    My family and I had a fun time at Piedmont Park. The swimming beach was the main attraction for us. The beach has a designated swimming area that boats can’t access. Due to the water level the beach had a bit of an incline. The water was a great temperature and the sand was clean. No alcohol allowed on the beach. We stayed right next to the beach in site A15. Spot was lacking shade but made up for it with the view. Site includes concrete picnic table, pavilion over said table, fire pit, 30 amp electric, and paved pad (very roomy). Only one shower house for all 3 loops. 4 shower stalls (one ADA) and 2 flush toilets. There are latrine style toilets throughout the park but they smelled like they needed to be pumped.

Guide to Doniphan

Tent campsites around Doniphan, Missouri offer primitive camping within the rolling terrain of the Ozark Highlands. The area features numerous clear, spring-fed streams with water temperatures averaging 58°F year-round. Camping locations are primarily concentrated along the Eleven Point River, a designated National Wild and Scenic River that flows through Mark Twain National Forest.

What to do

Kayaking entry points: Multiple river access points serve paddlers exploring the Eleven Point River. Whitten River Access provides convenient boat launching facilities. "It has river access via a boat ramp and 'dock'. There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for RVs," notes Ralph S. about Whitten River Access.

Spring exploration: Several campgrounds offer access to natural springs. At Turner's mill, campers can explore freshwater springs near the historic mill site. "The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear. The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in," reports Jared G.

Wilderness hiking: Primitive trails wind through dense forest areas near several campgrounds. "A long enjoyable hike with a beautiful cave to see, you could spend several days and not experience it all," writes Glen T. about hiking opportunities in Irish Wilderness.

What campers like

Uncrowded camping: Many sites remain quiet even during summer months. "Spent 3 nights here and the area is beautiful! The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear... No other campers that we saw while there," reports Jared G. about his experience at Turner's mill.

Swimming opportunities: Natural swimming areas with clear, cool water appeal to summer visitors. "There's a nice river next to the campground for swimming and boating. The whole place is a nice quiet setting. The sites themselves are not on top of each other," explains Jeff C. at Mark Twain National Forest Float Camp Recreation Area.

Cold water fishing: Trout fishing remains popular in the area's spring-fed streams. "There is great trout fishing and several real good swing holes," notes Glen T. The consistent water temperatures create ideal conditions for trout fishing year-round.

What you should know

Access road conditions: Many campgrounds require travel on rough gravel roads. "The road in is rough gravel and a big RV will be slow going," cautions Ralph S. about Whitten River Access. Another camper notes, "Access road is steep but not rough," regarding winter conditions.

Limited amenities: Most sites offer minimal facilities beyond the basics. Linda C. describes her experience at Whitten River Access: "Found a level spot by the river, ground was frozen or it would have been muddy. No one around on this 5 degrees F night."

Seasonal closures: Some developed campgrounds operate only during warmer months. Float Camp Recreation Area operates from May 1 to October 1, offering 8 electric-only sites and 12 tent sites. Outside these dates, only dispersed camping options remain available.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming safety precautions: River currents can be swift after rainfall. "The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people," notes Ralph S. Families should monitor water levels and avoid swimming during high water periods.

Cave exploration opportunities: Several natural caves near campsites appeal to children. "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!" shares Kaylee D. about Boze Mill Float Camp.

Bug protection essential: Insect activity intensifies during warmer months, especially near water. "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 Charlotte B.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup availability: Electric sites are scarce in the region. Jeff C. reports about Float Camp Recreation Area: "Currently has 8 electric only sites, and 12 tent sites. All are first come, first serve. There are water spigots available for fresh water."

Dump station location: RVers must plan for waste disposal off-site. "The only dump station is in town at the Rocky River Resort, $10," notes Jeff C. Campers should factor in this additional trip when planning multi-day stays.

Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at dispersed camping areas. "Two pull in spots with concrete picnic tables in the woods. Quiet, rural area," describes Kevin S. about Greene Road Camp Dispersed, noting the limited developed spaces suitable for RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Doniphan, MO is Mark Twain National Forest Float Camp Recreation Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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