Missouri's Ozark region offers several glamping options close to Edgar Springs, with elevations between 900-1,200 feet across forested terrain. The area features karst topography with numerous springs feeding the Current River watershed, creating excellent fishing and floating conditions. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder camping weather with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 50s.
What to do
Trout fishing access: 4 miles Montauk State Park Campground offers premier trout fishing at the headwaters of the Current River. "This is one of Missouri's trout parks you will find a majority of campers are there to fish. You can purchase a trout tag at the lodge for $3.00, and it will allow you to keep 4 trout per day with a possession limit of 8," explains Kyle H. The park staff stocks the river nightly based on fishing tag sales.
Explore natural springs: 12 miles Round Spring Campground provides excellent opportunities to view the area's signature blue-green springs. "The color is just as vibrant and turquoise in my photo as if I was standing there looking at the spring. There is also a bridge the water flows under. Pretty neat!" reports Sunshine W. Spring tours are offered from June through October for $5 per person.
Water recreation: 2-8 miles Red Bluff Campground sits along the Huzzah Creek with multiple swimming areas. "The Huzzah creek is rocky but beautiful. You have to be careful because there are sudden drop-offs, it can be two feet deep and then you take a few steps and it's seven feet deep," warns Gwenn W. Several campgrounds offer river access for canoeing, kayaking and tubing with rental options between $20-45 per day.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lane Spring Recreation Area provides secluded camping spots with natural separation. "I stayed the night here in late April, and it was absolutely gorgeous. The campground is in the middle of a forest with a large creek running around it...The sound of the creek running right behind my camp site felt so soothing," writes Erin. Sites typically include fire rings with cooking grates and picnic tables.
Lodge dining options: Montauk State Park Campground offers alternatives to camp cooking. "You can also rent modern hotel suite-style cabins and eat in the dining hall so you don't have to cook. Nice general store too," shares Dan N. The lodge restaurant features a diner-style counter and buffet options on certain days, plus sack lunch service for taking to the river.
Off-season tranquility: The campgrounds near Edgar Springs have distinct seasonal patterns. "We camped at Red Bluff at the beginning of the off season, so it was a lot quieter than I bet it can be in full swing. As everyone else will tell you, the sites on the bluff provide a fantastic view!" notes Jennifer G. Late September through April offers more solitude at most campgrounds in the region.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many glamping accommodations near Edgar Springs require advance planning. "The campground host is diligent but he slips around like a shadow in the night, don't let it freak you out," mentions Gwenn W. about Red Bluff. For electric sites at popular locations, reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance, especially for weekend stays.
Flash flood zones: Some camping areas sit in flood-prone locations. "There are flood level signs everywhere and you could see where flash floods had happened on the lowest level of camp, our site was high enough to not need to worry," reports Jennifer G. at Red Bluff Campground. Always check weather forecasts during your stay and select higher elevation sites when possible.
Wildlife encounters: Local campsites often have animal visitors. "The raccoon population is out of control," notes Gwenn W. about Red Bluff. Multiple reviewers mention raccoons, ticks, and occasional bear sightings across several campgrounds. Properly securing food and using tick prevention is essential throughout the camping season.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground offers safe river entry points. "If you decide not to fish, there are things to do such as take a tour of the mill when the naturalist does one of their demonstrations, hike the quarter mile trial to the springs (one of my son's favorites, he likes to search for the water bubbling out of the ground)," suggests Kyle H. about nearby attractions.
Multi-generational appeal: Timbuktu Campground at Echo Bluff State Park caters to families seeking comfort. "This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities," explains J K. The park features various accommodation levels from primitive camping to full-service cabins, making it suitable for families with different comfort needs.
Organized activities: Several campgrounds offer structured recreation for children. "We didn't take advantage of it, but there were a lot of activities aimed at kids. Great mix of modern campground and nature experience," shares Dan N. about Montauk State Park. Ranger programs at Round Spring include cave tours and nature presentations at the amphitheater throughout summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Doolittle Acres RV Park and Campground offers practical amenities for larger vehicles. "Good area only a mile off the highway so it made a great night stopping point. Had great access for our starlink. They have a little dog park, kids park, and it was all clean and well maintained. Easy access and some nice pull through spots," reports Kelsey S. Premium spots with full hookups run approximately $57 per night.
Elevation variations: Echo Bluff campsites have different characteristics based on location. "Campsites are all well manicured and offer everything from basic sites to full RV hook ups. The only negative is that we have experienced are that you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular. And the only other negative is that all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade," reports J K. Many RVers recommend bringing portable shade structures during summer months.
Road access limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted access for larger rigs. "Sites 1-18 are fairly small and not very level. Sites 19-29 have larger, more level areas. 30-39 are kind of mixed. Many sites have steps up of down to the site from the road," warns Lea B. about Round Spring Campground. Big rig owners should call ahead to confirm access and site dimensions before booking.
