7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Log Yard Campground allows dispersed camping along the Current River with pet-friendly sites throughout its rocky shoreline area. Pets must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Four Creeks Ranch Campground offers a more remote pet-friendly experience with comfortable outhouses and river access, according to camper reviews. Dogs appear to be welcome throughout the property with friendly resident dogs often greeting visitors. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Sam A. Baker State Park, and Echo Bluff State Park all permit pets in designated camping areas including tent sites, RV spaces, and select cabins. Most campgrounds enforce standard pet policies requiring owners to clean up after their animals and keep them leashed when outside vehicles or camping units.
The Current River provides excellent swimming opportunities for both humans and dogs at Log Yard Campground, though visitors note the site can sometimes attract noisy locals on weekends. No cell service is available in this area, requiring travelers to plan accordingly when camping with pets. Clearwater Lake at Piedmont Park features a swimming beach where families can enjoy water activities, though alcohol is prohibited in beach areas. For RV travelers with pets, Highway K Campground sits directly on Black River with spacious sites that accommodate large vehicles. Most campgrounds in the Ellington area offer basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets, with varying levels of hookups available depending on the specific location and camping loop. Wildlife sightings are common, including bald eagles and potentially elk in the Ozark Scenic Riverway areas.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $50 / night
"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"
"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"
"Shelly, our host was so kind and the dogs were so sweet. The outhouses are comfortable and clean, and the river is beautiful. Great place to go hopping and find some cool rocks."
from $15 - $30 / night
"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!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $50 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $40 / night
"It’s an affordable place and family/pet friendly and the have horse stables there for your use if needed."
"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
"Ggreat area to walk"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $50 / night
"We have stayed here a few times over the past couple of years and really enjoy that it’s it’s right on the Black River and that it is still within a couple of our drive from St. Louis."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $50 / night
"Chose this location to be our hub while completing a Missouri springs tour. Visited 8 springs in total. Checked out the camping facilities at every spring that offered camping."
"At this campground you have walking distance access to the river and a rental place nearby. Check out the Alley Mill while your there."
Available this weekend
from $50 / night
GuideIt's off grid, quiet, and free. Not many spots and it looked like a couple of people had been there a while but everyone kept to themselves and I got a good night's sleep. This isn't luxury and there are no hookups. It's a great getaway for some solitude and to untether from the rest of the world.
TravelerWhat a magical surprise! Put in 4lo and cross the river and this place opens up to a magical paradise. Sandy beaches, swimming holes, easy to get beyond site of the hwy. I would have never looked here had it not been for this app, and this site is so good I almost don’t want to post up- but this site worth sharing- There was a little trash but all picked up now, I hope it’s still clean when I for sure come back. ;)
TravelerTent to electric to full hookups available. multiple shower toilet facilities throughout campground. All sites with nice concrete parking pad.
RangerYes, the road was a bit bumpy, but worth navigating if you can claim a spot. I scored what I would argue is the second best spot - right on the creek just feet from the flowing water. The spot to the right appeared larger and had a rope for the kids (and cool adults) to utilize for launching into the water. The family occupying this space was in ear shot, but I had total privacy aside from a couple groups checking out the the water during the day. The creek had super cool rocks and the water was perfect for casual wading, but too low to swim in the area I was in. No amenities nearby, so pack in and pack out. I did not have any Verizon coverage, so it was two full days of off-the-grid bliss. I would’ve stayed here a a few more days if I had prepared.
ScoutWe stayed at Broken Arrow Campground in Eminence, MO just after peak season. This location was perfect due to the fact we were kayaking about 7 miles of the Jacks Fork River. We started at Alley Springs and pulled out at Broken Arrow Campground.
The campground could use some TLC, but you can quickly tell by the cheaper rates that it is more of a party campground in the summer months. The bathrooms work (bring your own TP), electric and water worked, and the sites have plenty of shade. There are a few walnut trees so be careful where you set your camp in the early fall months.
Is the place a little rough? sure, but it's priced reasonably...and you're camping. We will stay here again.
GuideSuper clean campground. The host is really welcoming and answers any questions you have. Some amazing views of you pick the right spot.
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.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park offers designated camping areas for visitors bringing pets, with specific rules for different trails. The park sits at approximately 758 feet elevation in the heart of the Ozarks, where summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F. The surrounding region features numerous waterways with natural rock formations that create distinctive swimming and recreation areas throughout the Mark Twain National Forest.
Swimming at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: The park features unique water formations where children can explore natural rock slides and pools. "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," notes Chad K. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
Explore Big Spring: Located in Ozark National Scenic Riverway, Big Spring produces an average of 286 million gallons of water daily, creating impressive blue waters. "Big Spring is a great, quiet spot to take in some hiking with access to the Current River. The campground offers 29 electric sites and many more with level pads, picnic tables, lanterns hooks, and fire pits," states Jason F. about Big Spring Campground.
Visit wildlife viewing areas: The region offers opportunities to spot native Missouri wildlife including bald eagles. "Bald Eagle flew above us! Nice place," reports Mark D. at Piedmont Park, which provides access to Clearwater Lake for both wildlife observation and water activities.
River access: The Black River provides excellent swimming and fishing opportunities at multiple campgrounds. "Great place to camp! 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," says Charlotte B. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
Secluded camping spots: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at some sites. "This was definitely one of, if not my favorites campsites I've stayed at! There is a small campground on by the bathrooms with designated sites, and then dispersed camping on the beach," writes Hannah H. about Log Yard Campground.
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "Very nice campground with nice showers and clean bathrooms. Camp sites were somewhat close together so hope you like neighbors," notes Erin J. who stayed at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park with pets but discovered some trail restrictions.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds near Ellington have limited to no cellular coverage. "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. There is no cell service so you'll have to drive up the road to Ellington to get anything," advises Malayna F. about Log Yard Campground.
Seasonal fluctuations: Water levels and access can change dramatically throughout the year. "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," explains Mark D. about Piedmont Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ellington, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ellington, MO is Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ellington, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 123 dog-friendly camping locations near Ellington, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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