The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Ellsinore, MO

512 Reviews

Mark Twain National Forest and the Ozark National Scenic Riverway provide numerous tent camping options within 30 miles of Ellsinore, Missouri. Primitive tent campgrounds like Boze Mill Float Camp and Turner's Mill offer secluded riverside camping experiences, while Taum Sauk Mountain State Park provides tent-only sites at Missouri's highest point. Whitten River Access offers dispersed tent camping with basic amenities, and the Irish Wilderness area features backcountry tent sites along the Eleven Point River for those seeking deeper solitude.

Most tent campsites in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with payment through honor system envelopes. Walk-in tent sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, but many primitive tent camping areas require visitors to pack out waste or dig cat holes at least 100 feet from water sources. Water availability is limited, with Taum Sauk Mountain offering seasonal spigots near restrooms, while backcountry tent campers should bring water purification systems for river and spring water. Campers should secure food from raccoons, which are active throughout the region.

Tent-only campgrounds provide unique advantages over developed sites. According to reviews, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park's 12 basic tent campsites are "nicely spaced with good shade" and offer excellent access to hiking trails. One camper noted that "even if all sites are taken, you still feel there is enough space between you and the neighbor." Fall visitors to Boze Mill Float Camp report particularly good experiences when "leaves begin to change" along the Eleven Point River. The Irish Wilderness requires careful navigation, with one hiker recommending "bringing a GPS as the trail is very easy to lose" during multi-day backcountry tent camping trips. Most primitive tent sites in the region remain uncrowded even during peak season, offering solitude rarely found at more developed campgrounds.

Map showing campgrounds near Ellsinore, MissouriExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Ellsinore, Missouri (30)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 30 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Ellsinore Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ellsinore, MO

15 Photos of 30 Ellsinore Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ellsinore, MO

512 Reviews of 30 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

  • S
    May. 26, 2022

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Dry camping dispersed NF campground

    There are 15 paved sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring and a pole to hang a lantern. Some sites are double width. 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. Pack it in and pack it out. 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. My time here has been quiet except for some drunken yahoos one night.

    The only negative is there are a lot of ticks! They are easy to spot on my white dog but I have to do a tick check every time he goes outside, and I always find some. Avoid the vegetation and you'll see less. Make sure you check yourself.

  • M
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

    Gorgeous in the Fall

    My group and I camped in two of the basic sites in Asher Creek campground and we couldn’t get enough of the front-row lake view! The sites closest to the lake are very level, and everyone in the campground is only a short walk from the cleanest park restrooms I’ve ever seen. If you’re like me and are just doing basic tent camping, I’d recommend a pop-up canopy for the table area since there is not a lot of tree cover in those sites. Overall, an excellent place to camp!

  • L
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Peaceful

    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.

    There was a fire a few years ago so some burned out areas, lots of firewood, small lake for fishing no motorized boats, great hike/walk around lake.  There is a gas station/truck stop near.   Great stop to regroup on a long road trip.

  • Mike V.
    Aug. 3, 2016

    Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground

    Camping, hiking, sightseeing, & birding at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park in Missouri

    Gave this campground a 5-star rating, but it probably should only be a 4 star. It only has about 12 basic tent campsites, no water or electrical at the sites. The campsites were nicely spaced, most have a lot of shade, each has a picnic table and a place to make a fire. No trailers allowed at camp sites, just tents. There is one or two special-use camping areas that can be used for groups such as boy scouts, etc. It appears you can pay in advance and reserve some campsites, so that you be sure to get one for your trip. I went in late May on the Mon-Tue of-after Memorial Day weekend and was able to find an available campsite even though I did not have a reservation. Camping fees/rates were posted on a board near the restroom building by the honor system camping fee pay station.
    The restroom bldg only has pit toilets, not flush toilets. But they were cleaned very well by the workers on the 2nd day I was there. Also worth noting is that there is water faucet an a drinking fountain next to the restroom bldg, so you can get fresh water if needed. OK, so this sounds normal to average, so why give this campground a good rating? Because of location to the great stuff near-by on this mountain.
    Missouri's High Point is here on this mountain. There is a very nice overlook w/ viewing platform w/ handrails very close to the campground. Some awesome hiking trails are worth checking out, although they are a bit rugged in places where you could twist an ankle. One of the trails will take you to a nice waterfall, which is Missouri's highest falls. Note that I would not call it MO's largest waterfall. Further to all of this great stuff is that the birds were plentiful and quite active when I was there. Easy to watch and listen to them at the camping area, and at the overlook viewing platform. Birds were pretty much everywhere. There is also a look-out tower up on the mountain, which is probably used as a fire watch tower. A few pictures attached.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Mark Twain National Forest Watercress Recreation Area

    Same - Same Watercress

    Watercress and this campground is the same.  Mark Twain National Forest in Van Buren, Missouri along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. During the 2017 flood there was some damage to a group shelter so be careful walking. The ground is uneven and there are a lot of blocks. Watercress sits along side the Current River and the river is a beautiful emerald green where you can see the bottom. The river is prime float territory whether it be by kayak, boat, tubes, just whatever. On the weekend it will be very busy so prepare for full parking spots. What better way to see an untouched landscape as you float along the river. No need to paddle the river does all the work. 

    First getting to the Watercress was a bit confusing to us. We drove pass the Forest sign and had to come back and start over. On Highway 60 turn onto Business 60 through Van Buren. When you see the National Park Service sign on the left had side of the road you will turn onto Watercress Road. That road will take you right into the park. The day use area will be on the left side and the campground will be on the right. Van Buren is a small town and worth the very short drive to the courthouse. If you love ice cream and amazing burgers stop by the Jolly Cone. It was established in 1953 and still going strong. Our chocolate malt was so thick we had to lick it off the straw. Can't wait to go back. YUM!!! The day we were there the Jolly Cone had sponsored a car show held around the courthouse square. These small towns offer so much history. Stop in. Watercress has 17 campsites for RV and tents. This is a First Come- First Serve. Watercress offers each site with a picnic table and campfire ring. No electrical or water at the sites. Campground is open May 1- October 1. A trash dumpster is located on site during that time frame. Vault toilets and drinking water available. Fees are$10-$20 depending on site or type of pass you have. There is a fee station. The group shelters are not open at this time. The Current River is a beautiful river to boat or float. Great for kayaks or tubes. While on the river drop a line to try your hand at fishing. Catfish, sunfish, bass and walleye. You will find the Songbird Trail for hiking 1.2 miles long to the Watercress Spring. You will even run across a Civil War earthworks on the trail. Boat launch is open and offers vault toilets and trash dumpster.   Sites are large and paved.

    Check out Big Spring while in the area. It is Missouri's largest spring. There are three springs in the United States that lay claim to being the largest in the US and at different times of the year I am sure that each one is the largest. Beautiful spring. 

    Have Fun- Stay Safe 

    Leave No Trace 

    Better Than When You Found It.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Watercress

    Joy on the Twain

    Mark Twain National Forest in Van Buren, Missouri along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway.  During the 2017 flood there was some damage to a group shelter so be careful walking.  The ground is uneven and there are a lot of blocks.

    Watercress sits along side the Current River and the river is a beautiful emerald green where you can see the bottom.  The river is prime float territory whether it be by kayak, boat, tubes, just whatever.  On the weekend it will be very busy so prepare for full parking spots.  What better way to see an untouched landscape as you float along the river.  No need to paddle the river does all the work.

    First getting to the Watercress was a bit confusing to us.  We drove pass the Forest sign and had to come back and start over.  On Highway 60 turn onto Business 60 through Van Buren.  When you see the National Park Service sign on the left had side of the road you will turn onto Watercress Road.  That road will take you right into the park.  The day use area will be on the left side and the campground will be on the right.

    Van Buren is a small town and worth the very short drive to the courthouse.  If you love ice cream and amazing burgers stop by the Jolly Cone.  It was established in 1953 and still going strong.  Our chocolate malt was so thick we had to lick it off the straw.  Can't wait to go back.  YUM!!!  The day we were there the Jolly Cone had sponsored a car show held around the courthouse square.  These small towns offer so much history.  Stop in.

    Watercress has 17 campsites for RV and tents.  This is a First Come - First Serve.  Watercress offers each site with a picnic table and campfire ring.  No electrical or water at the sites.  Campground is open May 1 - October 1.  A trash dumpster is located on site during that time frame.  Vault toilets and drinking water available.  Fees are $10 - $20 depending on site  or type of pass you have.  There is a fee station.  The group shelters are not open at this time.  Sites are large and paved.

    The Current River is a beautiful river to boat or float.  Great for kayaks or tubes.  While on the river drop a line to try your hand at fishing.  Catfish, sunfish, bass and walleye.

    You will find the Songbird Trail for hiking 1.2 miles long to the Watercress Spring.  You will even run across a Civil War earthworks on the trail.  Boat launch is open and offers vault toilets and trash dumpster.

    Check out Big Spring while in the area.  It is Missouri's largest spring.  There are three springs in the United States that lay claim to being the largest in the US and at different times of the year I am sure that each one is the largest.  Beautiful spring.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It.

  • Leah H.
    Jul. 18, 2017

    Silver Mines

    Great Camping Near the River

    This camp site has RV hook-ups and tent camping. There are trees throughout the campground if you're looking to set up a hammock. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table and is a mix of grass and light gravel. Pit toilets, no showers. Water spigots throughout the camp ground. Keep an eye out for snakes though! I nearly stepped on a copper head in the outhouse! Camp sites are a 2 minute walk to the St. Francois River. Great hiking along the river and good fishing, swimming and kayaking in the river! Also not to far from the Castor River Shut-ins if you're looking to pack two rivers into one trip. We just celebrated my husband's birthday here last weekend, though we have been a few times before. Always a blast!

  • R
    Nov. 22, 2021

    Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    Late Fall Tent Camp

    We tent camped in loop 3 in late November for one night. The bathroom and showers were still on in this camping area. The spots are slightly close together but still very wooded. Not a lot of people camping at this time of the year even on a Saturday. Camp hosts were fabulous. The sites aren’t really set up for tents. More for Trailers. We had to get creative to find a spot to put up the tent in order to stake it down. Large parking pads, fire rings, and picnic tables at each camp site.

Guide to Ellsinore

Tent camping near Ellsinore, Missouri offers access to the rugged terrain of the eastern Ozarks, where elevation changes of 500-1000 feet create diverse microclimates and vegetation zones. The region receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually, concentrated in spring and early summer, making late summer through early fall the driest camping seasons. Primitive camping options range from riverside sites near the Current River to ridgetop locations with expansive forest views.

What to do

Explore historical mill ruins: Turner's Mill provides access to a preserved mill site with visible stone foundations and machinery remnants. "Beautiful secluded area. Small (only 3 or 4 sites). River access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear!" reports Kaylee D. from Turner's Mill.

Fish for trout: The Eleven Point River near Whitten River Access offers excellent trout fishing in clear, cold water. "It's free and first come camping. There's a vault toilet. It's otherwise primitive camping. Our group kayaks in during trout fishing trips and have never had a problem finding a place to camp," according to Ralph S.

Hike backcountry trails: Backcountry hiking options include the White's Creek Loop in Irish Wilderness. As Tony R. mentions about Irish Wilderness, "Plan around hitting the two springs on both legs of the 20 mile loop. Car camping available at the Camp 5 Pond trailhead (no water available)."

What campers like

Spring-fed waters: Tent campers appreciate the natural springs that feed area rivers. At Turner's Mill, Jared G. notes, "The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear. The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in."

Uncrowded camping areas: Many campgrounds remain lightly used even during peak seasons. "Spent 3 nights here and the area is beautiful! A few people on the river fishing and kayaking but no other campers that we saw while there," says a recent Turner's Mill visitor.

Unique geological features: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground offers access to distinctive rock formations. Loren G. recommends "hiking the small ~4-5 mile loop to catch some of the amazing views and rock formations. There are also numerous sites along the trail that have been camped in on a regular basis and so are easy to spot."

What you should know

Primitive facilities: Most tent camping areas have minimal amenities. At Whitten River Access, "There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for RVs. The road in is rough gravel and a big RV will be slow going. It's otherwise primitive camping."

Trail navigation challenges: Some trails in the area can be difficult to follow. Tony R. warns about Irish Wilderness: "BRING A GPS! The trail is very easy to lose and after 20+ miles you'll want the comfort of knowing where you have been/are going!"

Seasonal water availability: Water access varies throughout the year. As Amanda C. notes about Taum Sauk Mountain, "We didn't see where the water was but it was supposed to be off for the season anyway so we were prepared."

Tips for camping with families

Ground preparation: Rocky soil conditions require careful tent placement. Amanda C. from Taum Sauk Mountain notes, "Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent."

Educational opportunities: The region offers historical and natural learning experiences. At Four Creeks Ranch Campground, one camper mentions, "The river is beautiful. Great place to go hopping and find some cool rocks."

Beginner-friendly primitive camping: Some locations offer good introductions to off-grid camping. According to one Four Creeks Ranch visitor, "This is also a good place if you're new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Ellsinore have significant RV restrictions. Lynn G. emphasizes about Taum Sauk Mountain: "TENT CAMPING ONLY!!! My friend had been turned away on a previous trip! (There are some other parks nearby if you are in an RV.)"

Electric-only sites: Mark Twain National Forest Float Camp Recreation Area offers limited RV options with partial hookups. Jeff C. reports, "Currently has 8 electric only sites, and 12 tent sites. All are first come, first serve. There are water spigots available for fresh water. The only dump station is in town at the Rocky River Resort, $10."

Site spacing considerations: When RV camping is permitted, site configuration varies. At Mark Twain Float Camp, Jeff C. notes, "The sites themselves are not on top of each other. I've had good Verizon signal here."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ellsinore, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ellsinore, MO is Mark Twain National Forest Float Camp Recreation Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ellsinore, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Ellsinore, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring