104 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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 exercise option for dogs, 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. Dog-friendly campgrounds near Ellsinore range from these free, no-facility sites to developed spots with paved sites and maintained facilities, giving pet owners concrete options across different comfort levels.
"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."
from $15 - $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."
from $20 - $140 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $10 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $14 - $50 / night
Check Availability"They are pet friendly but you had to walk your dog to the area along the road, the bar ditch, for all potty activities. We really enjoyed Poplar Bluffs and would stay here again."
"Simple one the best park in all of southern Missouri."
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $14 - $110 / night
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TravelerWe stayed here in April of 2026. The park managers were very nice and helpful. The facilities were clean. The showers were closed when we were there but the restrooms were clean. They are pet friendly but you had to walk your dog to the area along the road, the bar ditch, for all potty activities. We really enjoyed Poplar Bluffs and would stay here again.
LegendThe 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
GuideThis spot we stayed at just overnight. Way out in the country, very quiet. No service; if you’re traveling full time and need internet connection. We had a strange experience with a local speeding by and his dog was loose running side by side with the vehicle; drove up and down this road a couple of times and felt bad for the dog — he had a collar but seemed like he can just roam free. It was odd. Just fyi if you have pets! There are only 3 spots here and one is a memorial for a woman who passed away. MOSQUITO CITY, bring bug spray!
ScoutWe 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.
ScoutWe 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!
GuideI 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.
GuideReally 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.
TravelerThis 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
ScoutIt 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
Dispersed camping options near Ellsinore, Missouri include both free and fee-based sites in Mark Twain National Forest. The region sits in the eastern Ozarks at elevations ranging from 400-1,000 feet, creating varied terrain with hardwood forests and clear streams. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-70°F range.
Fishing opportunities: Anglers can fish the Black River at River Road Park, which offers accessible shoreline spots. "Fish the spillway or the down river for catfish, perch and bass. Kayak from the campground down to Kempers Corner and put out and drive back," notes Joe A.
Lake activities: Clearwater Lake provides swimming access for pets and families. According to Makayla C. at Piedmont Park: "Despite living in this general area my entire life I've never been to Clearwater Lake, the trip was better than I expected. We got an amazing spot with 10/10 views... we were able to set up our site and head straight to the water!"
Scenic hiking: Several campgrounds offer walking trails for exercise and wildlife viewing. At Big Spring Campground, Jason F. recommends: "We enjoyed the trail the follows the river right behind the campground. Be sure to check out the Slough trail which takes you right to Big Spring!"
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peace found at less developed sites. Thomas N. at Pinewoods Lake Rec Area notes: "We stopped at a dollar general in town and picked up all the supplies and food we'd need. Camp was 3 minutes down the road. We found a spot right the water - nice and level - and got set up really quick. Good view of the water and plenty of walking trails."
Night sky viewing: The area's limited light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "It was beautiful, very calm and perfect for relaxing. The view of the stars is absolutely gorgeous. Saw a meteor during our stay," shares Elisha S. about their experience camping at Pinewoods Lake.
Affordable options: Several campgrounds offer reasonable rates for budget-conscious travelers. The Ozark Riverfront Campground provides convenient river access at competitive prices. Barbara L. says: "The tent sites are great, the ground is wonderful and not rocky. It's very well maintained. The little store where you check in is so convenient for anything you may have forgotten...and the staff is friendly and helpful!"
Site spacing varies: Campground design differs significantly across the area. Kurt O. describes Markham Springs: "Campsites are spaced out nicely. There are only a handful of sites that are suitable for tents as each site varies on cleared area. No water or electricity that we seen. Boat launch and floating dock are just a short walk from any camp site."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is limited throughout the region. Prepare for spotty reception or none at all. Joe A. confirms this at River Road Park: "Cell reception is spotty but there. TV reception won't happen."
Wildlife concerns: Ticks are prevalent in warmer months, requiring regular checks. "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 Kurt O.
Swimming beaches: Several lakes offer designated swimming areas for safer water play. Jon L. describes Piedmont Park: "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."
Amenities with kids: Look for campgrounds with additional facilities. "Nice place. Stayed 1 night and enjoyed clean restrooms and showers. Would have loved more time to hike, park is huge!" reports Heather C. about Pinewoods Lake.
Pet-friendly water access: For families camping with dogs, several locations offer water access. Lauren from Big Spring Campground says: "Gorgeous quiet area by the river. Great easy hiking. We stayed at group camp and it was just my husband, me and our dog."
Hookup availability: Electric and water options vary by campground. Jeremy H. describes River Road Park: "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."
Site leveling: Many sites require minimal adjustment for level setup. At Pinewoods Lake, Lula L. notes: "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."
Big rig access: Limited in most forest locations but available at some campgrounds. For those with larger rigs seeking pet-friendly camping near Ellsinore, Missouri, Jen describes Pinewoods Lake: "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."
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 104 dog-friendly camping locations near Ellsinore, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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