Best Tent Camping near Doniphan, MO

Recent Tent Reviews near Doniphan, Missouri

309 Reviews of 22 Doniphan Campgrounds

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  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

• A

  Anthony

  Scout

  

  May. 9, 2022

  Crowley's Ridge State Park Campground

  Good Day Hiking

  Stayed one night tent camping. We enjoyed that the park had several different short hiking trails of various length. Only downside was I wish the tent camping spots were spread out a little further, you can hear eachother's conversations because they are all side by side, maybe 15 yards a part.

• 

  Dave

  Guide

  

  May. 2, 2023

  Four Creeks Ranch Campground

  Looked OK

  Shelly seemed like a very nice person via text. She just wasn't there when we arrived, and we had a hard time determining property boundaries, tent site locations, etc. on our own. Unfortunately, the tent site we did find was pretty washed out, and we ended up leaving and camping elsewhere. If you have an RV/trailer, ATV's, etc. this place is probably a hoot. Best of luck.

• J

  James W.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 20, 2024

  Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

  Quiet by the lake

  Tent camped here during the week in June and the campground was only about 1/3 full. Quiet and the restrooms and showers were very clean.

• A

  Amy J.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 5, 2021

  Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Oh-Ozarks

  We enjoyed clean well-maintained bathrooms. Men’s showers were hot and the women’s were cold! The grass was mown well, so it was easier to tent camp. Staff was very helpful and accommodating. Scenery was spectacular.

• 

  Mark B.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 31, 2018

  Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

  Clean Sites, perfect for family.

  Sam A Baker has a large selection of sites. Perfect for tent camping or Campers of any size. Great trail selection, many moderate trails, but there are many options for those with young children as well.

• 

  Richard

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 12, 2021

  Crowley's Ridge State Park Campground

  Nice park near Jonesboro

  I didn’t get to spend much time here but I tent camped for 1 night in November. Beautiful park with lots of trees. Clean bathrooms. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to do anything but the park looks great.

• A

  Angela F.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 17, 2018

  Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

  Our favorite place to camp

  We typically camp just at the end of season and have this is our favorite place to camp. We always tent camp with minimal supplies. It is has always been clean and even during peak season I felt there was plenty of space between campsites.

• A

  Ashley W.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 1, 2019

  Greer Crossing

  Love love love this area!

  The eleven point river is a Hidden Gem. I love the campsite and the cleanliness of the bathrooms. I love the shaded tent campsites and easy access to firewood, boat dock and open area perfect for large family gatherings

• 

  J K.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 6, 2019

  Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

  All that you need!

  This is a great little state park that has plenty of options whether you enjoy tent camping or enjoying your Rv. Some of the144-151 sites can be pretty tight to get into because there are so many trees so double check the pictures on the reservation website to make sure you can get yours in. Ours is 40’ and it was pretty hard to get in but we managed. Nice shower facilities and laundry as well as river access within walking distance

• 

  Amy S.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 24, 2019

  Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

  Simply Stunning

  If you are looking for a beautiful RV or tent site on the water, look here. There is a massive lake, perfect for a quiet day on the water. We kayaked out to an island and did some fishing. We didn’t catch anything, but it was relaxing. Campground was oddly quiet, especially after dark... we were the only site with a fire going.

  Hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Boat and jet ski rentals in season.

• M

  Madelyn H.

  Traveler

  

  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!

• L

  Lindsey P.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 5, 2022

  Crowley's Ridge State Park Campground

  Nice small park

  The park was great. The tent sites were very close together but still enough room (just no privacy.) There were a significant amount of mosquitoes. I was not expecting this 🤣 we are from Southern part of the state so we didn't think it would be any worse. IT WAS. We toughed it out, I would definitely say make sure to bring firewood to keep a fire going. It seemed to help. We loved the fact that there were 4 easy/short trails that we enjoyed with our kids and the swimming area was very refreshing after a morning of hiking.

• 

  ODM F.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 10, 2023

  Crowley's Ridge State Park Campground

  We Love Crowleys Ridge

  Everything about this park is amazing. They recently redid the swimming area and cleaned and refilled with better water. They have paddle boats you can rent from Memorial Day through Labor Day. We have stayed many trips in this park. Site 1 is our favorite. Features pull through with a large area including tent pad and nice gathering area. We glamp camp and we’re able to set up a 16x20 tent, but the tent did go over the size of the pad. All sites have water and electricity, except for a few primitive sites. There is a nice campground and walking area. Also a great hiking trail which isn’t too hard. The park is close to Paragould with a Walmart and a dollar general is a couple miles away. The only site I wouldn’t recommend is site 9. It has a very steep hill and would only be good for very small campers or tent camping.

• J

  Jeff C.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 2, 2021

  Mark Twain National Forest Float Camp Recreation Area

  Nice quiet campground

  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. I’ve had good Verizon signal here.

  Currently has 8 electric only sites, and 12 tent sites. All are first come, first serve. There are water spigots available for fresh water. The only dump station is in town at the Rocky River Resort, $10. The host told me that the three year plan is to have all sites set up for water and electric, with a dump station at the top of the hill. I’m staying here 5 days, spot #4, and the campground hosts are a nice couple. I’d recommend it.

• 

  Barbara L.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 28, 2016

  Ozark Riverfront Campground

  Current River Campground

  We've stayed here for 3 of our Current River float trips. I LOVE THIS CAMPGROUND!! The tent sites are great, the ground is wonderful and not rocky. It's very well maintained. The little store where you check in is so convenient for anything you may have forgotten...and the staff is friendly and helpful!! You can even have pizza delivered to your site, and are within walking distance to an ice cream shop, yet you don't feel like you're out of town. It's right on the river and next to the float check in area. The bathrooms and showers are clean. There is just so much convenience it's crazy. And the absolute best is that there is campground karaoke on Saturday nights when the sun goes down!! I love how that gets the campground to gather and have some fun together! I honestly wish I could live here for the summer.

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  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.

• N

  N I.

  Legend

  

  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

• 

  Jessica B.

  Guide

  

  May. 17, 2021

  Ridge Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

  Ridge Campround - WORST EXPERIENCE EVER!

  We booked online, from the photos of site 48 at the Ridge Campground loop, there was plenty of space for our tent & to enjoy our weekend camping. We could not have been more WRONG! This site is TINY! Not even enough room for our tent, the fire pit is nearly touching the picnic table & a drainage line runs right through the site. The grass was SO tall, leaves & Brush everywhere. The site & fire pit were full of trash! I pulled countless bottle caps out of my dogs mouth, and had to clean up broken glass as well. We spoke with the host & moved one site over, to #49. This site was bigger & looked more appealing. We were still WRONG! The ticks, ants & mosquitoes were thick (I know were outside, and I understand - but the amount of ticks I picked off ourselves, our tent, our chairs, table etc was more than normal.) when breaking down our tent we found a nest of black ants, millions of them, all through our tarps.

  The bathrooms in this loop are large, but they are much older. They were dirty - constant trash on the floors, including sanitary pad wrappers & bloody tissues. The soap dispenser was broken, and someone had busted the lid off to get to the soap inside. There were dead bugs all over the counter & the showers didn’t drain, they had standing water. When we drove through the Asher loop it was like a different campground! I couldn’t believe the difference and was quite upset. Just because Ridge is the older part of the park doesn’t mean it should be maintained any different. We will NOT return to the Ridge campground, but would love to stay at Asher one day.

• 

  Misty L.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 9, 2021

  Markham Springs

  Great Primitive Camping Week

  Each year I travel to the area to shoot professional fireworks for the 4th of July. I have recently taken up primitive camping (late in life, but love it now) and this campground provided a wonderful experience to accompany my favorite time of year. We found an absolutely beautiful spot along the Black River, for only $10/night! Plenty of space for our sleeping tent and supply tent, a picnic table, lantern pole, and a bench by the river. Showers and bathrooms were clean and plenty of hot water. The few folks we spoke to were friendly and pleasant. We even found a great swimming hole nearby. This was my second week-long primitive camping trip, and far from my last. It was a peaceful and beautiful spot in a lovely part of the Mark Twain Forest. Definitely recommend for primitive camping and/or some great nature activities.

• B

  Brian H.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 23, 2022

  Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

  Float trip

  Camp host was nice and river was also very nice but campground was really tight. We had camper 5 feet off back window and tents on are side not much space

• 

  Brianne Z.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 26, 2018

  Current River Recreation Area

  Great time

  THis is a great campground that is federally taken care of. The ranger come by every evening to check on all campers. Has all the amenities you would need with a camp store within walking distance. Right by the river. Make sure to place your tent on high grounds if rain is in the forecast. Flooding happens a lot.

• 

  Alexis C.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 17, 2019

  Highway K

  So peaceful

  Loved this location and being next to the water. Hard to pitch a tent in some areas if you require stakes.. lots of rock in the more primitive spots. Locals are friendly.

• 

  Anne H.

  Scout

  

  May. 30, 2019

  Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

  Perfect for family camping

  We love it here. Sites that can accommodate tents and/or RVs. Its clean and well maintained. Multiple access points to the water. Educational programs and entertainment of some sort most every weekend. Pet friendly.

• 

  Kurt O.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 26, 2023

  Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

  Quiet and nice

  This was a great stay! Nice and peaceful, great company with total strangers on the next site over. Campsites are spaced out nicely. There are only a handful of sites that are suitable for tents as each site varies on cleared area. No water or electricity that we seen. Boat launch and floating dock are just a short walk from any camp site. We stayed at campsite #5 and it was spacious for our tent. Dumpster for trash is next to the bathrooms across from site #3 & 4. Asphalt road through the camping area and Asphalt pulloffs at each site. Chiggers and bugs are an issue here so bring plenty of Off. We stayed 10 nights and we will definitely mark this one down on our list. Truck Stop 1 mile east for ice, food and drinks. There is a small grocery store about 18 miles west with a great selection. Picnic table and fire pit at each site. Free wood laying all over the place, when the management team cut trees down they leave them there for campers to use.

• 

  Joshua Y.

  Guide

  

  May. 19, 2020

  Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

  Beautiful place to stay

  Will definitely be back here. Clear waters to swim in. Clean restrooms. Spacious tent spaces. Nice trails. We went and saw the park rangers showing us all kinds of different snakes in the area. Kids loved it.

• 

  Becca

  Scout

  

  Jul. 17, 2018

  Rocky River Resort

  The Best Place To Relax!

  Small town Big fun! Right on the Current River, very spacious tent/RV/Camper sites, Very well shaded! They will carry you up river so you can float down, ending at the Campground! They have a small store for all your camping and floating needs! Bathhouse, clean and fresh! We have been going there for 25+ years and will continue every chance we get!