Best Campgrounds near Ellsinore, MO

Searching for the best camping near Ellsinore, MO? Ellsinore is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Ellsinore camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Ellsinore, Missouri (136)

    1. Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    16 Reviews
    Ellsinore, MO
    2 miles

    $15 - $25 / night

    "Stopped here while passing through Missouri on a Saturday on 4th of July weekend and there were only 3 other campers when we arrived late afternoon."

    "Just off highway, it is dispersed camping in a park that no longer charges, blacktop pad, lantern hook, picnic table, fire ring w cooking grate at ea site, vault toilets."

    2. Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    25 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    13 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. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

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

    "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."

    4. Markham Springs

    6 Reviews
    Williamsville, MO
    9 miles
    Website

    $10 - $34 / night

    "The sites are all right on or right near the Black River and the forest surrounding is gorgeous. A unique experience while passing through Missouri."

    "Definitely on the list of favorite spots in Missouri"

    5. Piedmont Park

    6 Reviews
    Piedmont, MO
    14 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!"

    7. Current River Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Doniphan, MO
    15 miles

    "Water moves a bit faster than most of the floating rivers/creeks in Missouri. Expect about 3-3.5 mph. Plenty of places to disperse camp between Tan Vat, down to Two Rivers Landing."

    "The water was crystal clear, and the surrounding nature was breathtaking. We encountered some gentle rapids, which added a thrill to the journey without being too challenging for novices like us."

    8. Camelot RV Campground/RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Poplar Bluff, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 785-1016

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Simple one the best park in all of southern Missouri."

    "Close to town for everyone’s shopping, dining and entertainment needs."

    9. Ozark Riverfront Campground

    5 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 351-8349

    "We had a site very close to the entrance/store/showers this time. It was wonderful coming off of the river and being just steps away from our tent!"

    "You can even have pizza delivered to your site, and are within walking distance to an ice cream shop, yet you don't feel like you're out of town."

    10. River Road Park

    4 Reviews
    Piedmont, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 223-7777

    $14 - $110 / night

    "This campground is located at the southern side of Clearwater lake on the Black River. We were in spot R1 which apparently stands for remote. Electric was available and water was within 50 ft or so."

    "A friendly atmosphere with quick, over the hill, access to Clearwater Lake too. Shaded lots are plenty but get snatched up. Reservations (4 days in advance) and first come for available spots."

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Recent Reviews near Ellsinore, MO

582 Reviews of 136 Ellsinore Campgrounds


  • Overland O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Piedmont Park

    Beautiful Place

    This is a beautiful campground. It is an older campground but very well maintained and very clean. The view from my camp is spectacular. I have electric, water, a covered picnic table, a fire ring and all for $8/night with my pass discount. Only negative thing I can say is the long hike to the bathrooms, but not really all that bad. Wonderful campground, will stay here again

  • Overland O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Mark Twain National Forest Markham Springs Campground

    Beautiful out of the way spot.

    This is a very clean, well kept campground in Mark Twain National Forest. It has electric, vault toilets showers and a potable water spigot. Very reasonably priced. The water was cut off for repairs shortly after I arrived but, no problem, stuff happens. Been here 12 days and it has been very enjoyable. I did a field report and it tested my "cell" reception but I have no signal here so I am using Starlink and have a great connection so that will skew the test results. They need to ask if using Starlink before doing that test.

  • J
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Beautiful but not free

    Stunning views. Multiple spots. All have a picnic table and fire ring. They have a QR code on each picnic table so you can book your site through the state and pay $10 to Camp but there's no service in that area so I'm not sure how they expect us to be able to do that. There's two camping sections. One is about halfway down the road. It's grass and trees and it's across from a vault toilet and a trash bin. If you go all the way to the end of the road it rocks and sand and you're right on the water but there's no toilets or trash.

    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.

    The only annoying thing was that when I stayed with my tent on the rocks by the water, all the way at the end, I could still hear the person at the very first campsite with RV generator humming very loudly and it took away a lot of the ambiance of the place. So it's primitive but you may not be alone.

  • Trevor S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Tom Sauk Mountain State Park

    Primitive

    We didn’t camp here but drove up the mountain to check out the look out. Took a trip through the campground, tent camping only and it looked like most sites had platforms and a picnic table. I seen one or two restrooms. Looked nice and wasn’t crowded. Several hiking trails, I think we’ll come back in the future to hike

  • Trevor S.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Black River Hideaway Campground

    Clean and neat

    Camp host were very friendly, park is very clean and neat. Nice amenities through the campground; pool, small playground, basketball court and volley ball. Would most definitely stay again.

  • Kayla M.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Ridge Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

    Great campground

    Love it here, it’s got tons of campsites to choose from. Fees are very reasonable, and 30A & 50A options available. Fishing & boating close by. Laundry at restrooms.


Guide to Ellsinore

Camping near Ellsinore, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds, like Sam A. Baker State Park Campground, can feel cramped. One camper noted, "Campground was really tight."
  • Limited Amenities: At Pinewoods Lake Rec Area, there are no showers or electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "No water or electricity that we seen."
  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Pinewoods Lake Rec Area. One camper warned, "The only complaint would be the enormous amount of bugs."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Big Spring Campground. A camper said, "The water is slow and shallow enough in tons of places for littles."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family enjoyed the camp store and food at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground, saying, "The food is surprisingly really good."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours, especially in family areas like Huzzah Valley. A reviewer mentioned, "Quiet hours rules to accommodate families."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites can be small, so check the dimensions before booking. A visitor at Peoples Creek - Lake Wappapello noted, "If towing anything over 35', be careful when navigating."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like Camelot RV Campground. A camper shared, "Full hookups including cable."
  • Plan for Mud: Be aware that some areas can get muddy after rain, especially at Redman Creek Recreation Area. One camper mentioned, "Looked like it could get muddy really easy after rain."

Camping near Ellsinore, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground, and you’ll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ellsinore, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ellsinore, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 136 campgrounds and RV parks near Ellsinore, MO and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ellsinore, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ellsinore, MO is Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ellsinore, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Ellsinore, MO.

What parks are near Ellsinore, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Ellsinore, MO that allow camping, notably Clearwater Lake and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.