Best Campgrounds near Ellsinore, MO

Dispersed camping options near Ellsinore, Missouri include several campgrounds within Mark Twain National Forest, particularly around the Black River watershed. Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area serves as one of the primary free camping destinations, located approximately 15 miles from Ellsinore, offering tent and RV sites with paved parking pads. Markham Springs Recreation Area provides another option with riverfront sites along the Black River. The region includes established campgrounds like Big Spring Campground within Ozark National Scenic Riverway and Sam A. Baker State Park, which offers cabin accommodation in addition to traditional camping areas.

Most dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest features primitive amenities, with vault toilets common but limited drinking water sources. Roads to campsites are generally paved with asphalt, making access possible for most vehicles including larger RVs at select locations. Summer months bring significant insect pressure, particularly ticks, while spring flooding can impact riverside campsites. Winter camping is available at some locations but with reduced services. "There were only 3 other campers when we arrived late afternoon. The sites are nice and big with picnic tables and fire rings, even a few doubles that would fit two big rigs side by side," noted one visitor describing weekend availability even during holiday periods.

Waterfront camping represents a notable highlight throughout the region, with multiple campgrounds providing direct access to lakes or the Black River. Sites at Pinewoods Lake offer views across the water with paved access and basic amenities including fire rings with cooking grates and picnic tables. Several campers mention the abundance of downed firewood available for collection. Visitor feedback consistently notes the quiet atmosphere and moderate spacing between sites, even during busier periods. According to feedback on The Dyrt, campers should prepare for limited or no cell service in most areas. While some developed campgrounds provide showers and electrical hookups, most dispersed sites focus on primitive camping experiences with basic amenities. The Mark Twain National Forest campgrounds typically receive high ratings for their peaceful settings and water access opportunities.

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

    26 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $50 / 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

584 Reviews of 136 Ellsinore Campgrounds


  • Overland 1.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 1.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.


Guide to Ellsinore

Camping sites near Ellsinore, Missouri cluster around the Mark Twain National Forest and Black River watershed at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring brings frequent rain events that can impact water levels. Winter camping remains available at most locations but with reduced services and overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing.

What to do

Kayaking the Current River: The Current River offers excellent paddling opportunities with water moving at approximately 3-3.5 mph. "The Current River was fantastic, as it always is. Multiple cold springs feed into this normally clear river," notes a visitor to Current River Recreation Area. Water activities remain the primary draw for most campers in the region.

Hiking trails: Sam A. Baker State Park offers a network of trails through Ozark terrain. "We spent time walking around the park, relaxing and just talking," reports one camper. The park combines riverfront access with forest exploration opportunities throughout its extensive grounds.

Stargazing opportunities: Sites at Pinewoods Lake provide excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "The view of the stars is absolutely gorgeous. Saw a meteor during our stay," shares a visitor to Pinewoods Lake Rec Area. Most campsites in the area have minimal tree cover directly overhead while maintaining shade during daylight hours.

What campers like

Riverfront swimming access: The Ozark Riverfront Campground provides direct river entry points. "Right off the Current River, walking distant to downtown Van Buren. This campground coordinates pickups for if you want to tube the river with one of the local companies," notes a camper who stayed at Ozark Riverfront Campground.

Spacious, well-maintained sites: Most campgrounds in the region feature level sites with standard amenities. "Sites are well spaced out and most are level. It's been almost empty every time we have been there. Very pretty in the fall with the colors along the lake," reports a Pinewoods Lake visitor.

Affordable camping options: River Road Park offers quality camping at reasonable rates. "Electric was available and water was within 50 ft or so. Vault style toilet house a short walk away. R spots were spaced out very well," mentions a camper who stayed at River Road Park. Most primitive sites in the area range from $0-15 per night, while developed sites with hookups range from $20-40.

What you should know

Insect preparation required: Ticks and chiggers present significant challenges during warm months. "Chiggers and bugs are an issue here so bring plenty of Off. We stayed 10 nights and we will definitely mark this one down on our list," advises a Pinewoods Lake camper.

Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have minimal or no cell reception. "There is some noise from 60 but it's hardly noticeable. My time here has been quiet except for some drunken yahoos one night," notes a visitor to River Road Park about the environment.

Spring flooding concerns: Water levels can change dramatically after rainfall. "It was a bit flooded in this area over this past weekend, but it is still worth the drive and visit," shares a visitor to Big Spring Campground. River-adjacent sites may become unusable during high water events, particularly in spring.

Tips for camping with families

Clean swimming beaches: Piedmont Park offers designated swimming areas. "The swimming beach was the main attraction for us. The beach has a designated swimming area that boats can't access. Due to the water level the beach had a bit of an incline. The water was a great temperature and the sand was clean," explains a visitor to Piedmont Park.

Kid-friendly hiking options: Big Spring Campground provides accessible trails. "The campground offers 29 electric sites and many more with level pads, picnic tables, lanterns hooks, and fire pits. 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," reports a visitor.

Playground access: River Road Park includes dedicated play areas. "There are several play areas for the kids to enjoy!" notes a repeat visitor who held family reunions at the location. Most developed campgrounds in the area include basic recreational facilities for children.

Tips from RVers

Level sites with hookups: Camelot RV Campground provides full-service options close to town. "It is just off of hwy 67 very easy in and out. Full hook ups including cable. Clean and level sites," explains a visitor to Camelot RV Campground. Most developed sites in the area can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet.

Asphalt access roads: Most campgrounds feature paved access even to primitive sites. "Asphalt road through the camping area and Asphalt pulloffs at each site," notes a Pinewoods Lake camper about the infrastructure quality even at dispersed sites.

Potable water locations: While hookups vary, water access points exist at most campgrounds. "There's a 1.3 mile paved trail along the lake and a dock. There is some noise from 60 but it's hardly noticeable," mentions a camper describing the amenities at Pinewoods Lake. Most campgrounds provide central water sources even when individual site hookups aren't available.

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.