165 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Ellington, Missouri serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences within the Ozark region. The area features both established campgrounds and dispersed camping options, with Log Yard Campground providing backcountry camping along the Current River. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Echo Bluff State Park, and Big Spring Campground offer developed facilities with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Several campgrounds in the area provide electric hookups, water access, and basic amenities while maintaining proximity to the natural features that define the Ozarks, including spring-fed rivers and forested hillsides.
Camping facilities remain open year-round at several locations, though some sites like Piedmont Park operate seasonally from April through September. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for RV sites with hookups, while backcountry areas sometimes operate on a first-come basis. The region's varying terrain includes riverfront locations with rocky beaches and forested campgrounds with more shade coverage. Visitors to dispersed sites should be prepared for primitive conditions, as a review noted: "No campsites, just the open rocky shores. You can park right on the shores and set up camp. Beware! The gravel settles if wet and many trailers and campers have gotten stuck here. 4WD is recommended."
Riverfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with the Current River providing swimming and fishing opportunities at several access points. Campers frequently mention water access as a primary consideration when choosing sites. The established campgrounds generally offer more amenities, including showers, toilets, and electric hookups, while dispersed areas provide greater privacy and immersion in nature. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "This was definitely one of, if not my favorites campsites I've stayed at! There is a small campground by the bathrooms with designated sites, and then dispersed camping on the beach." Some popular areas can become crowded on summer weekends, particularly at boat access points where local traffic may impact the camping experience with noise and activity.
"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
from $15 - $80 / night
Check Availability"It is still possible to enjoy the area and there are places to get away from the crowd. In 2017 the area had a major flood and renovations are slow."
"Big Spring is a great, quiet spot to take in some hiking with access to the Current River."
from $20 - $140 / night
Check Availability"lots of space on the bank to have privacy from other campers, the river was blue and super pretty, and the area was very clean. i didnt see litter anywhere. there is no cell service so youll have to drive"
"There must be an ATV trail close by because Sunday evening we had about 20 side-by-side show up to hang out by the river all in all just a great place"
"State Park in Southeast Missouri along Big Creek. Well maintained campsites with electric hook ups. Water and dump stations, but no water hook up sites."
"Shower houses were conveniently located in camping area. Big River was just a small walk away from the campsite. I know they had been flooded, but I am still cleaning rocks and dirt from the camper."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete."
"Echo Bluff State Park is nestled in the heart of Missouri's Ozarks. This natural haven offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers."
from $15 - $39 / night
Check Availability"this campground is totally off the beaten path. a great place to relax and unwind. this is also a good place if your new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society. the"
"She just wasn't there when we arrived, and we had a hard time determining property boundaries, tent site locations, etc. on our own."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"We stayed right next to the beach in site A15. Spot was lacking shade but made up for it with the view."
"Very easy to drive to and plenty of parking! Definitely recommend and would stay here again!"
from $14 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Only site 3 has direct access to the river with a view, but we just walked down behind the site to the water. The trail to Blue Spring was rough."
"If you want to do some stargazing, you cannot find a much better place in Missouri than the Power Mill Campground. It is an NPS site so it very well maintained."
"The Sutton Bluff Recreation area is really beautiful, surrounded by bluffs and in a really great location."
"This campground is definitely off the beaten path so make sure that you have the majority of your necessities before setting up camp."
from $10 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Now I opt for a site as far away from the stage as possible and do not bring my children here lol. Nice facilities, no real complaints. I bet weekdays are a lot more serene."
from $12 / night
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TravelerThe camp sites are full hook up with good size lots. Lots of room for dogs to run. They have hiking trails, lake for paddle boarding or kayaks( free to use on site), mini golf( have to supply own balls they have putters) 9 hole golf course,and Disc golf. The pool and shower house with game rooms are clean and showers open 24/7. Grounds keepers go a fantastic job
TravelerWhat a wonderful place to venture to with a young family. The people that run the campground are beyond generous and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The farm animals were a huge hit with the kids and they loved petting and feeding them. We will surely be back!
TravelerThe road leading in had downed trees that were cut back, the road itself was tolerable for my 2 wheel drive dodge journey. Some of the sites were grown over but one a few sites were usable with fire rings. Wood in the area was mostly dead. There was a decent area for us to put the tent out. Overall a good stay.
GuideMake sure to set your route to the road entrance of 2363. Don’t rely on the pin through the app, as it brings you to a house not the road. The road is a little bumpy to enter. There is also only a couple spots along the road to pull off and camp. The one we stayed at had a prebuilt fire pit, but sadly the previous people left trash. So please remember to PICK UP your trash. other than that beautiful place to camp.
RangerFollowing the coordinates led me 6 miles down CR-2363, and the road became rough at the end so I couldn't make it all the way to the coordinates. However, there are a few spots on this road before you get to the FS road. There are some dirt paths that lead to a spot for camping. There was one pull- thru spot with a fire ring. Not many spots from what I saw, and they are truly dispersed. The road is narrow gravel and there are a few rough spots.
RangerThere are a few loops to park in, and a couple of spots are right on the river. I drove back in my truck scouting for future spots to bring my trailer. This is not a spot I'll bring my camper.
The road is very narrow and there are washed out spots, and one area that is just large rocks. It was too rough for my camper. My Tacoma was fine, though. If you're driving a high clearance vehicle, you'll be okay. Bugs were bad, as expected for August.
GuideI stayed the weekend at Patt’s place and absolutely loved it the atmosphere accommodations the owner she was more than helpful. I’m a solo camper female in my stay there was awesome.
ScoutWe got our F350 with a slide in camper down to the creek. About a mile off the main road but it was super tight. Would recommend having a saw in case tree is down: def scraped some branches but it was nice at the end with the creek there. Very peaceful
TravelerGrounds were quiet, level and we had quite a bit of space on either side of us. We were on site 28 and had the seclusion we were hoping for. The only negatives for us were the grass was pretty long. We have a small dog and it was over his shoulders in places. Also, the fire pit is very small and the picnic table was pretty run down. These aren’t things that will deter us from returning but just to be aware of.
The camping spots near Ellington, Missouri provide access to the Black River and multiple spring-fed waterways within the Mark Twain National Forest. Situated at an elevation of around 800 feet, this southeastern Missouri region features rocky terrain and limestone formations that create unique water features. Winter camping options remain accessible with temperatures rarely dropping below 20°F, while summer brings consistent 80-90°F days with high humidity.
Swimming in natural waterways: At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, the unique rock formations create natural water slides and pools perfect for summer cooling. "The setting at this state park is the draw. The river and the trails are well worth the trip. It snowed on our last visit in March," shares Chad K.
Hiking through diverse terrain: Multiple trails connect campgrounds to natural features. At Johnson's Shut-Ins, "There is a beautiful bike trail connecting the campground to the rest of the park. They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt," notes Charlotte B.
Rock hunting along riverbeds: The Current River at Log Yard Campground offers excellent opportunities for finding interesting rocks. "This place is like a hidden treasure. Lots of space on the bank to have privacy from other campers, the river was blue and super pretty, and the area was very clean," reports Malayna F.
Spacious campsites: Sam A. Baker State Park offers well-maintained sites with good spacing. "My group and I stayed in Campground 1 and we were so pleased with how well-kept our sites were. Even during the last weekend of September, it was hot out, so we were glad there were plenty of trees around," writes Madelyn H.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain good bathroom and shower facilities. At Big Spring Campground, "Loop 200 offers a restroom with flush toilets. Hot showers are less than 10 minute walk. We enjoyed the trail the follows the river right behind the campground," according to Jason F.
Water access: Most popular campgrounds feature direct river or lake access. At Big Spring, "Came here for a solo winter camping trip with my dog. It was really nice. The spring was beautiful and the campsites and amenities were very well kept," notes Kristin A.
Seasonal considerations: While some campgrounds operate year-round, others have limited seasons. At Piedmont Park, which operates from April 15 to September 30, one camper noted, "We stayed here when the Clear Water Lake was at record flooding level, boat docks were cut off from any foot traffic. So we had the campground mostly to ourselves."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require crossing water or navigating rough terrain. At Log Yard, one camper advised: "The coordinates for this place just takes you to the start of the road not to the actual campsites. So once you get to the road just drive down it. It's not too far and car could make it."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. At Johnson's Shut-Ins, Curtis M. observed, "Lots of folks are aware of this once hidden gem so go during the week."
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs for children. At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, "Amazing state park with wonderful new visitor center. Lots of history and it has completely been rebuilt. Campground was clean and well managed. Lots of wildlife and amazing science at work," notes Josh S.
Kid-friendly water features: Look for campgrounds with gentle water access. "My kids go on an 'annual cousins camping trip' with my sister in law and her girls every summer. Johnson's Shut-Ins was perfect!" shares Melissa M.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds include designated play areas. At Bearcat Getaway, one camper mentioned, "They have a little store, running water, decent bathrooms with hot showers and a playground. It's an affordable place and family/pet friendly."
Electric hookup distribution: Electric sites are limited at some campgrounds. At Echo Bluff State Park, one camper noted, "This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities. Campsites are all well manicured and offer everything from basic sites to full RV hook ups."
Level pads availability: Many campgrounds provide concrete or gravel pads. At Big Spring Campground, Jason F. observed that the campground "offers 29 electric sites and many more with level pads, picnic tables, lanterns hooks, and fire pits."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds with electric hookups provide sewer connections. A reviewer at Sam A. Baker notes, "We spent four days at the park with friends during the higher rain and very, high river. The park as usual was yet maintained in almost perfect conditions, staff was very nice."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ellington, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ellington, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Ellington, MO and 21 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ellington, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ellington, MO is Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 57 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ellington, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Ellington, MO.
What parks are near Ellington, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Ellington, MO that allow camping, notably Clearwater Lake and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
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