Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ellsinore, MO

Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area in Mark Twain National Forest features 15 paved sites with fire rings and picnic tables, each accepting both tents and RVs with pets. The campground provides a lakefront setting where dogs can enjoy water access, though all pets must remain on leash throughout the camping area. Sites are well-spaced for privacy, making it easier to manage pets without disturbing neighbors. The vault toilets are regularly maintained and clean. Campers note an abundance of ticks in warmer months, so regular pet checks are essential. The free campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no hookups or running water.

Beaver Lake Recreation Area offers dispersed camping options for pet owners seeking a more primitive experience. This free camping area allows pets but provides no facilities—no toilets, water, or waste disposal. The camping spots are limited, with only five to six suitable flat areas for setting up camp. A 1.3-mile paved trail around Pinewoods Lake provides an excellent pet exercise option, while the Black River near Markham Springs Recreation Area offers additional pet-friendly water access. Local wildlife includes wild pigs that have been known to charge visitors, so keeping pets secured is critical for safety. The area's remote location means no cell service is available, and campers should be prepared to pack out all pet waste and supplies.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Ellsinore, Missouri (107)

    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."

    "There are two (nice & clean) vault toilets, one in the campground near the entrance and the other at the day use/boat launch site, no electric, water, dumpster or garbage."

    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

    "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."

    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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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Ellsinore, MO

582 Reviews of 107 Ellsinore 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

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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

  • W
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Marble Creek Rec Area

    Unusual Campground for Missouri

    It is shaped by Marble Creek, from overhead it looks the piece to a puzzle, no matter where you are in the campground any direction takes you to the water. There is hiking, it is in a National Forest that allows Dispersed Camping outside designated areas and off roads. It is a pure delight natural water park, in the capital of natural water parks The St. Francois Mountains where creeks and rivers have "natural shut-ins" . The area around Black Mountain next door in the National Forest is a natural wilderness area, filled with geo features not marked on any maps and seldom ever photographed. Some of the largest gorges and canyons in Missouri are nearby, waterfalls (seasonal). Marble Creek flows into the St. Francois River a short distance away. 16 miles west of Fredericktown Missouri on Madison County Road E

  • J
    Jul. 9, 2022

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Easy access, private sites

    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. 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. The trail around the lake makes for a nice short walk with the dogs and it was surprisingly not terribly buggy for July. No hook-ups, which was the only downside since it was so hot and my Husky demands AC in the summer!

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2018

    Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

    Busy, busy, busy

    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. From 1929 until the 1980s, Camp Zoe was a children’s summer camp, founded by Russell S. and Margaret McMahan Louis County teachers. There is one of the structures still on site with plaques and information. More recently, it was home to music festivals — and an open-air drug market. I didn’t find any plaques in relation to that. However when the government gained control of the land in a court proceeding it was decided to bring more business into Shannon County by opening a very nice campground for people not wanting to rough it. 

    And “BAM” you have very pricey accommodations from lodge rooms, to cabins and two story condos. The campground is pretty nice too but lacking in shade and privacy. There are walk-in (uphill) sites and nice wagons provided to transport your gear. Not my favorite style of camping. Completely full and busy, which is why it got a 4 instead of 5 star. This may be your type of camping and you would say a 5 star. Reserve ahead, I mean way ahead.

    There is a huge pavilion that can be reserved that overlooks the area. It has a large fire pit and mega size grill, one of the trails meanders below the pavilion. This would be a nice venue for an extended family get together.

    This is a very nice, new, recreation creation. The playground was given two thumbs up by my granddaughter. Then the river, which you can see from the lodge and playground was given 12 paws and 2 thumbs by dogs and grandkids alike. Crystal clear ice cold water that you can walk across to the sheer wall of rock. Bring your water shoes, the rocks aren’t fun to walk on.

    A very cool feature , if you are lucky , you will see the wild horses that roam the area. They are not for petting, so use caution. 

    Aside from the abundance of people we enjoyed Echo Bluff SP.


Guide to Ellsinore

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Ellsinore, Missouri, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Pet owners like spacious sites and amenities

Tips for camping with dogs near Ellsinore

Dog owners appreciate scenic views and activities

  • Markham Springs provides beautiful river views, perfect for a relaxing day with your pet by your side.
  • Enjoy hiking trails and water activities at Current River Recreation Area, where dogs are welcome to join in the fun.
  • At Ozark Riverfront Campground, you can take your dog for a stroll along the riverbank while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Ozarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ellsinore, MO?

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 107 dog-friendly camping locations near Ellsinore, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.