Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ellington, MO

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.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Ellington, Missouri (127)

    1. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    56 Reviews
    Black, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 546-2450

    $11 - $32 / night

    "So in the winter we can't stay away from the state parks and Johnson Shut Ins is a perfect base to explore the area when it is too cold to tent camp with kids."

    "There are many Drive in sites and walk-in sites. Lots of hiking trails along with the actual shut in. Dog friendly."

    2. Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    25 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $20 - $140 / night

    "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."

    3. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    10 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    12 miles

    "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"

    4. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 856-4411

    "Pet friendly."

    "While this location was right next to dumpsters it was also adjacent to a gravel bar access for the entire park.  Our trip was amazing."

    5. Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

    37 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 751-5211

    "Came right up to our site - but please do not feed or try to pet. The rangers will have to move them if they get to used to people.

    Also local river rafting companies will pick you up at your site"

    "Echo Bluff State Park in Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Eminence, MO is a brand new “old camp”. 

    Opened in 2016 the history is rather interesting."

    6. Four Creeks Ranch Campground

    3 Reviews
    Ellington, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 444-2112

    $15 - $30 / night

    "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."

    7. Sutton Bluff Recreation Area

    9 Reviews
    Black, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 729-6656

    $10 - $40 / night

    "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."

    8. Bearcat Getaway

    7 Reviews
    Annapolis, MO
    14 miles
    Website

    $12 / 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."

    9. Piedmont Park

    5 Reviews
    Piedmont, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 223-7777

    $14 - $50 / 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!"

    10. Bluff View(clearwater Lake)

    3 Reviews
    Piedmont, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 223-7777

    $14 - $50 / night

    "Ggreat area to walk"

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Ellington, MO

699 Reviews of 127 Ellington Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    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

  • Kerri L.
    Jun. 16, 2020

    Council Bluff Recreation Area

    Basic but beautiful

    The campground and lake are both beautiful. It has basic camping utilities. We ourselves like to rough it but unfortunately no fires were allowed...that kinda sucked. People traveling with pets won't be able to stay due to no pets allowed...but other than those down sides it was nice

  • Anne H.
    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.

  • Malayna F.
    May. 21, 2022

    Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    One of the best spots ive camped at!

    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. i didnt see litter anywhere. there is no cell service so youll have to drive up the road to ellington to get anything. overall it was a very relaxing experience, i HIGHLY recommend this campsite.

  • Chrissy W.
    Jul. 18, 2018

    Bearcat Getaway

    Really nice campground on the black river

    I totally recommend this place ! It’s really nice place and the owners were really nice. We had a whole entire camp area to ourselves ! It’s right on the river. They have a little store, running water, decent bathrooms with hot showers and a playground. It’s an affordable place and family/pet friendly and the have horse stables there for your use if needed.

  • Becca
    Sep. 17, 2021

    Rocky River Resort

    Rocky River Resort

    We spend the whole summer here and couldn’t ask for a more friendly place! It’s perfect, from being right on the water to allowing pets! They provide everything needed to float but your cooler and food! They will carry you up river and your float ends at the campground! Been coming here 30 years and counting!

  • Amy D.
    Aug. 6, 2018

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    ORV riding/Super nice

    We have a pull behind travel trailer and pick up truck. Site 107 is where we stayed. Pull thru site,asphalt paved with gravel set up area, burn pit and picnic table. Bathrooms and shower house where nice and very clean! We did not have a ORV but did have battery Burromax minbikes. 10 yr old son had an amazing time ridingtoafs with no issues. Pet friendly. Great sewer dump station. Overall it was a very clean and friendly camping experience we will definitely go back even without having a dirtbike or 4 wheeler. Lots of fun!

  • Chrissy W.
    Jul. 18, 2018

    Castor River Ranch Campground

    Awesome place

    Really nice place on the castor river. The owner was a nice guy and very helpful with whatever we needed. I love the castor river. The water feels good and is clear. The castor river ranch campground in Marquand Missouri is a nice lil campground. There aren’t many people that knows about it so there isn’t hardly any campers there so we had a whole Big area to ourselves. The river is right next to the camps. The bathroom is a single person bathroom but it was really nice and air conditioned and has a stand up shower with wood walls and tile floor. There was never a wait for the bathroom it was always open. There’s also showers on the outside of the bathroom for spraying off after you get out of the river. Each camp has its own water spicket for dishes or whatever. They are very pet friendly there. The owner guy was super nice. The only complaint I have is that there is no trash service there so you have to take your trash with you but there is a winery down the road that lets you use their dumpster for $5. I also recommend eating at the winery. They have the best food, amazing people and great service. All around awesome experience with the campground and winery. The castor river shut ins is only 27 minutes from the camp so I definitely recommend going there too. It’s beautiful to see and the water is amazing. The owner of the camp will also give you a ride up river to float back down to your camp for free just bring your own tube or whatever. There is electric sites. Rv or tent camping.

  • Judith B.
    May. 23, 2019

    Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

    Newest state park in Missouri

    This is a great state park. Sites are level and have cement pads with full hookups. Not much shade now but they have planted trees between sites. Bathrooms are clean. There is also a lodge with store and restaurant just down the street. There are cabins there that can be rented also. And the real treat is the wild horses. Came right up to our site - but please do not feed or try to pet. The rangers will have to move them if they get to used to people.

    Also local river rafting companies will pick you up at your site


Guide to Ellington

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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 Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park with a 4.8-star rating from 56 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ellington, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 127 dog-friendly camping locations near Ellington, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.