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Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
$250 / night
Small family owned and operated campground on the Gasconade River in Richland, Missouri. We built our business in 2019 and officially opened in 2020. Our property consists of 27 acres with 2 stocked ponds. Most of our primitive tent sites are located right on the river bank. If you’re a tent camper but need electric, let us know and we will try to hook you up! Have an RV? No problem. We have back in full hookup (water, electric and sewer) sites or pull through water and electric sites. Water and electric sites are closer to the tents along with the river, but full hookups aren’t far from the water either!
$5 - $100 / night
There are five primitive camping areas. One is for groups by special use permit only and one is only open October 1 through January 15. The main campground has 51 sites with 26 of them able to accommodate trailers. Camping is all on a first come first served basis. Lead Mine Conservation Area is in northeastern Dallas County, 40 miles south of Lake of the Ozarks, 12 miles north of Bennett Springs, five miles east of Tunas, and 21 miles northeast of Buffalo. The area provides about two miles of Niangua River frontage and has a 3.5-mile stretch of Jakes Creek running through it. The area also has several wildlife watering ponds and seven springs and is composed mainly of forest land. The Conservation Department purchased the original 600 acres for the Lead Mine Conservation Area in 1965 through a University of Missouri land grant. Additional land was acquired with Pittman-Robertson and Dingell-Johnson funding, and the state conservation sales tax, increasing the area to 7,761 acres. During early settlement in the late 1800s and early 1900s, some lead mining did take place near the area. However, evidence of this is hard to find. Many people made their living and raised their families on small farms that now make up Lead Mine Conservation Area. The town of Lead Mine, just one-quarter mile west, is a small community known for its country atmosphere, hand-made goods and horse drawn buggies. Lead Mine Conservation Area contains many excellent examples of dolomite glade communities, oak-hickory uplands, and clear running springs. Deer, turkey, raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, coyote, and many other small animals and birds are commonly seen from the gravel roads and forest trails. Wildlife habitat management includes the creation of watering ponds and manipulation of fields within the forest to provide added food sources. Timber harvesting is also an important element in habitat management. It produces forage and cover for forest wildlife. There are five primitive camping areas. One is for groups by special use permit only and one is only open October 1 through January 15. The main campground has 51 sites with 26 of them able to accommodate trailers. Camping is all on a first come first served basis. This area has an unmanned shooting range. The Range is Closed on Monday's for Maintenance.
Shawnee Bend Park sits on the shores of Harry S. Truman Lake in the hills of western Missouri. Visitors enjoy fishing, hunting, swimming and boating. Click here for the Harry S. Truman Lake virtual tour.
Shawnee Bend is an excellent fishing location. Truman Lake is also a popular destination for tournament fishermen.A playground and sandy beach make the area perfect for families.
This year-round day-use area offers a large group picnic shelter. Amenities include flush and pit toilets and drinking water.
Harry S Truman Reservoir lies among the rolling hills and rocky bluffs of the Ozark Plateau. Mature hardwoods of Oak and Hickory with cedar trees mixed in cover the area.__ Wildlife such as whitetail deer, turkey, hawks, ospreys, eagles, and many different water birds can be found in and around the park.__ An abundance of fish such as crappie, bass, walleye, paddlefish, blue and channel catfish can also be found in Harry S Truman Reservoir. Approximately 8,800 acres of standing timber were left in the lake to provide quality aquatic habitat.__
The 950 miles of shoreline around Truman Lake provide plentiful opportunities for fun in the outdoors. Many parks surround the lake, including Harry S. Truman State Park. The Harry S. Truman Visitor Center sits atop Kaysinger Bluff and provides a spectacular view of the dam and reservoir. Exhibits provide information about the rich history of the Osage River Valley from pre-civilization to modern day. Waterfowl, bald eagles and turkey vultures are commonly seen from the observation deck.
$30 / night
$10 - $25 / night
Scout
My family and I come here every year the owners are great. Camp ground is quiet and family friendly.
GuideThe manager/owner went above and beyond. We called and said we would be there at around 6:30 (the office closed at 6) and arrived a little later than that. He was waiting for us.
We got a spot down by the river, started a fire, had dinner and went to sleep to the sound of the river running. The place is beautiful and I wish I had more time to spend there. I will definitely be going back when I can spend three of four nights.
TravelerI stayed in the tent camping area. The host was very helpful with everything. I was right next to the river, and the sounds of the water made everything tranquil. There is a ton of space for tents and RVs, and the road in is well paved. In the morning, a bald eagle flew up the river.
TravelerThis great little campground on the Gasconade River was a delight. I had a camper and the full hook up was awesome. They have a cabin, a little retro camper and a large guest house for those who don’t have a camper or want to tent.
Firewood brought to your campsite upon request. Shower house. Open spaces. Katie and her crew are awesome.
Float this great river and end up at your camp. Beautiful river that does not have any jet boats. Make this one of the places to visit for sure.
Guide
Campground is on a short gravel road and sites are gravel. Sites are pretty level and WiFi is good. Contactless checkin is a bit confusing from map provided. There are a lot of long term users. Bathhouses are pretty new and adequate but a pretty long walk from the transit sites. I don’t think the baths are cleaned daily.
LegendThis was a good stopover site on our journey. The campground reps were kind and great to work with. The registration online was seamless. We submitted an inquiry online, they replied within a day with the invoice to confirm our site and sent us confirmation details via email. Checkin was simple. The lots felt a bit tight but no big deal since it was just a stopover. It appeared there may be permanent residents who stay so if you’re looking for that, it might be an option based on the setups and work trucks parked at a few. Everyone was friendly, quiet and seemed to keep to themselves. Nice pond onsite that you can fish. We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in. Our truck and camper was covered with gravel dust. So if you had anything exposed, it’ll get a bit dusty. But again overall a nice stopover and the employees were great to work with.
ScoutQuiet peaceful place for our overnight stop, would like to have extended stay to enjoy all the amenities. Friendly staff, very clean facilities, wonderful natural location.
LegendThis is a Good Sam campground.
Good for an overnight stay. Came in late, called number & lady gave us instructions to find site. Beautiful campground.
GuideThere is some good hiking here. There is a dispersed spot and a formal campground. The formal campground is the better spot to stay at
ScoutClose to Route 66, easy turn off …5-6 minutes up the road.
Great service, quiet. By a lovey pond and down a ramp to the river for canoeing or tubing. Nice shower house. Good stay!
TravelerWe called ahead and arrived 45 minutes after their closing time. The gentleman at the office cheerfully guided us to our campsite. It is blissfully quiet. Nothing but icadas, crickets and quiet laughter from the camp next to us.
Scout
Enjoyable stay at this COE campground with plenty of lake views and access. Sites are level, electric only with easy access to fresh water and dump station as you enter the facility. Camp ground host friendly. Right across from the marina.
TravelerPeaceful campsites. They have added the sites in 300’s and 500’s this year. The 100’s and 200’s have been established for 3 years or so. Staff is excellent and do everything to help make sure you’re stay is enjoyable. Our site is a newer one so it’s got some final touches to be done but when I mentioned it they came right out to help. Super friendly! I will update this as we venture out to see the see entire resort soon.
Ranger
This was our go to campground for years. But the last few times have been subpar. Dirty campsites. Old flood debris in some site next to water. There trying to fix it up but at the time of this review I would recommend long shoal or truman state park.
Scout
Great place to camp out and have a float trip. The next time we go we will be bringing our own grill as they did not have many options on site. The staff was friendly and helpful.
ScoutEasy parking with convenient hookups. Primitive camping would be awesome because your closer to the river.
ScoutSuper friendly people and plenty of things to do!
GuideWe love this campground. The staff is great and the campground is beautiful. It offers direct access to the Niangua River, and it is only a short drive from Bennett Springs State Park, where you can fly fish and pull trout from the river from dawn until dusk.
The float trips on the Niangua are gorgeous. I recommend going on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Our most recent trip was in the beginning of June. It was a little muddy. Our fall trips to this location were absolutely gorgeous.
TravelerAlway have a fantastic time here- the staff is amazing, the place is great. We return every year and can’t say enough good things about them!!!
LegendDue to a family issue we needed to make the drive home (about 1,100 miles) in a few days. Hit the road and decided we’d had enough for the day. Called to confirm a site was available for one night. Drove down a dirt road to arrive to a fairly unlevel gravel pad. Sites are crowded with a shared water hookup. Wanted to pitch our trash in the morning, but no can, dumpster, bin, etc. was available. Just expected a lot more for $50/night!
TravelerWe enjoyed a weekend there and can't wait to go back. Hopefully for longer than a weekend. The lake was great, the sites were level and not too close together, shaded and beautiful. I saw my first armadillo too!
ScoutVery clean and nice campground. Steps from the lake. Staff was friendly.
RangerNestled in the woods just beyond Bennett Springs State Park is just a slice of camping heaven! Lower campground area is just a picture perfect as the campground winds along a section of the Niangua River. Campground supports any type of camping. Upper level has new full service sites. Great Owners run the well stocked store and see to your needs. Camping cabins for rent. Great shower house. Loved this place we will be back soon. Definitely a 12 out of 10!
RANGER REVIEW: I had the opportunity to review the GCI Slim Fold Cook Station. Wow what a great addition! Totally loved it. Spacious room on top. Found it to be pretty stable. Sever hooks for hanging items for quick access. Made from sturdy material. Set up and take down super easy. We used iron grill with it and found it to be a match. Also used as a buffet for feeding larger number. Very versatile . Definite 10
ScoutI’ve camped all up and down the river for 20 years now, and the folks at Riverfront are hands down my favorite. They take care of there customers and they have so many employees I see year after year I know they take care of them too. It’s nice to see familiar faces.
They do a great job of keeping it quite there at night and the grounds stay clean. The small store has good hours and all the staples you need if you forget something.
GuideOh my as we drove in this place was amazing There were fishing ponds a retreat center and cabins Hiking trails Rv park w laundry Over 160 acres of land to explore on!!! A must stop if you are in Columbia MO
GuideWe have camped here several times and always love it. Level concrete pads on most sites. The sites are fairly large so you’re not on top of your neighbor. It has a playground and a large area in the middle of the loop for playing. The river has a couple nice gravel bars for swimming. All the RV sires are electric/water so you have to use the on site dump station.
Ranger
First off there is camping here!!!! This Missouri Conservation area is a Swiss Army knife of rugged of the path camping. Rivers, Lakes, Gun range, Horses and hiking can all be enjoyed here. First come first serve basic camp area on the river. It has 1 fire ring in a gravel turnaround. Don’t let this fool you. This area has an abundance of wildlife equestrian trails and hiking. Getting too hot paddle on the lake located on the left Forck after entering. The area has a handgun, and rifle range with vault toilets. The pictures speak for themselves. Love this spot and will be planning another trip soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Eldon, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Eldon, MO is Scrivner Road Conservation Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Eldon, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Eldon, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
