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.
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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"
"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."
"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."
$40 - $50 / night
"Simple one the best park in all of southern Missouri."
"Close to town for everyone’s shopping, dining and entertainment needs."
$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."
$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!"
ScoutLaura and Dave are very friendly and helpful. The campground is clean and inviting. Nice trees and roomy campsites. The creek is nice for cooling down on a hot day, but there is a pool if you’d rather do that. Saturday is fun with different campground activities and an evening hayride.
GuideIf it wasn’t super rainy during the time we came here we would have stayed for a week or two. Sweet place to camp and so close to the river. My kids and I loved it! Comfortable ,but no RV hook ups.
TravelerThere are a small number of sites and they are difficult to find. To reserve for $10 per night you have to leave your things at the site and drive down to find the QR code by the bathrooms and book the site. Then the online booking wasn't working and wouldn't allow me to book the site and I spent an hour on the phone with the forest ranger who also didn't know what to do. It's beautiful but overwhelmingly noisy and busy on the weekend. People in your site who are going down the river stop to fish and eat and occupy your space. Trying to launch from your camp site. If you can get a chill few days in th week it's really wonderful and peaceful.
GuideAmazing camp ground, we got the best spot right on the water. It was quiet and relaxing. Plenty of downed wood for a fire. Great spot to put in kayaks. Managed to catch one fish! My only complaint is the bathroom was locked, definitely didn’t play on having to pee outside.
TravelerWe spent 3 week days camping here in our camper van. We snagged a spot with a river view. Campground was maintained by NPS, very clean. Nice restrooms with showers as well, potable water spigots. There is a herd of wild horses that frequents the area (as evidenced by mounds of horse poop in an adjacent field!) and you can easily walk over to the beautiful round spring. There is an on/off-loading area for canoes and kayaks. The RV and tent spots all looked mostly level. We saw a bald eagle and a very curious little otter down by the river. Close proximity to the ozark trail. We walked through the campground past the spring and caught a little trail that hooked up with the ozark trail and had a lovely day hike around a loop. It was perfect.
When we were there in April there were only a handful of other campers there and we tons of quiet and privacy, however, I imagine during the summer it fills up.
ScoutWhat a cute hidden gem! Hosts were so attentive and helpful-the grounds were so green and view of the woods and pond was so relaxing- bathrooms were clean with hot water and flush toilets and the horse stalls were conveinent from our site- we brought our own stall bedding and buckets but they provided a tack room, pitch fork , whellbarrow and shovel to help us clean up after our horses- enjoyed their private trails that went around the big lake- town was only 8 min away to get a few things at the store- Happy Camper
GuideTwo pull in spots with concrete picnic tables in the woods. Quiet, rural area.
LegendHad the whole place to ourselves on a Thursday night, for the most part. We had a local with his hounds running around with a flashlight looking up trees for about an hour around 9PM. I'm guessing he was raccoon hunting...? Besides that interruption, the spot was peaceful and full of chirping birds and frogs. Would definitely stay again.
GuideArrived after dark. Found a level spot by the river, ground was frozen or it would have been muddy. No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough.
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.
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
According to TheDyrt.com, Ellsinore, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Ellsinore, MO and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ellsinore, MO is Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Ellsinore, MO.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Ellsinore, MO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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