Best Tent Camping near Eminence, MO

Recent Tent Reviews in Eminence

536 Reviews of 31 Eminence Campgrounds

• A

  Alicia N.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 4, 2024

  Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Small sites with little privacy - campground fine, but not great

  I'd seen a lot of great reviews for this campground, so I had high expectations when we arrived for a night in early November. We reserved a spot in the 900 loop, just to be safe - a few of the camping loops allow reservations, and the rest are walk in. The loop was very open, spaces all fully visible to each other. The bathrooms were locked for the season after 10/15. 

  Since things were pretty empty, we moved to the 500 loop, which was more tree covered, near the river, and next to the shower house, which was the one park bath open for the winter. Bathrooms and showers were clean, though no camp host was present the night we stayed. 

  We were the only people on the 500 loop, so it was fine, but again - sites VERY close together. Some picnic tables were less than 20 feet apart. The 600 loop was the only heavily occupied loop when were there, filled with campers, presumably because of the electric access. 

  This is a NPS campground, so its amenities tend to be fewer than many MO state parks. I have other parks in this area that have more scenic and private tent camping. Just on the other side of the river is the Alley spring and mill, which are lovely - and ironically, some of the picnic sites are more spacious than these tent sites. I wish we could camp on that side!

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 28, 2024

  Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

  Quiet during the off-season but expect it would be poplular in the summer!

  General: Very large state park with six separate loops/areas:

  • Loop 1: 10 Equestrian sites with water and electric (50 amp)

  • Loop 2: 20 FHU sites (50 amp)

  • Loop 3: 21 Sites with electric only (50 amp)

  • Loop 4: 14 sites with no hookups

  • Loop 5: 14 walk-in sites plus three special use sites

  • Six cabins 

  Site Quality: We stayed in Loop 3. Each site was very generous in size and reasonably distanced from each other. Most had foliage separating them. All sites looked to be level, and the camper pads were either all concrete or concrete/macadam and in very good shape. A large wooden picnic table, lantern/garbage hook, and fire pit complete each site. 

  Bath/Shower House: The one closest to our site (and I’m assuming others are the same) had three toilet/sink combos and one family restroom/shower. On the other side of the building were three shower rooms. While they were clean, the floors were concrete, and the walls cinderblock and there was a bit of a musty odor. 

  Activities/Amenities: We were there during the week in May and the visitor center and both stores (one in the campground and one by the Shut-Ins) were only open on the weekends. There was a laundry room with very reasonably priced machines ($1 each for the washer and dryer), a playground, and an amphitheater (which also was not in use when we were there). There is a gravel path that bisects each of the loops providing a nice way to walk/run throughout the campground. The signage in the park is good so even though no one was at the check-in station, it was easy to find our site and other facilities. The big draw for this park is the shut-ins (narrow constriction or gorge in a stream) where people can swim/slide from one to the other via small waterfalls into pools of water. We did see a few hearty souls in the water when we were there, and I can only imagine what it would be like on a hot summer weekend! 

  We had almost the entire Loop 3 to ourselves, so it was a very quiet stay for us (except for the cicadas)!.

• 

  Joel R.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 27, 2024

  Round Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Great location for exploring

  Round Springs is a National Park campground. It’s about 12 miles north if Eminence MO on the Current River. There are only 50 sites, some have electricity. Most of the campsites are scattered along the road with lots of trees and privacy. The electric sites are in the center of the campground on the road with no shade. There are few walk in sites near the river. There is a shower and dump station.

• 

  Joel R.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 27, 2024

  Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Beautiful spot on the Jacks Fork Tiver

  Alley Springs is a Natural Park campground. It’s located right on the Jacks Fork River just a few miles west of Eminence MO. The highway to get here is narrow, winding, and hilly! But it’s worth the trip.

  There are 260 campsites some have electricity. Also a dump station. Sites are level, with shade. The campground is located on the flood plane, heavy rain may cause flooding and evacuation!

• 

  Joel R.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 14, 2024

  Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

  Everything I hate in a campground

  I’ve been coming to the Current River area for over 60 years, before the National Scenic Riverways, when Round Springs, Alley Springs, Big Springs, and Montauk were all state parks. They were great places for camping, swimming in the Current River, and canoeing. This new State Park at Echo Bluff is everything I would eliminate from a campground. Sites are packed close together, everything is concrete. No privacy, no shade , no natural beauty. A big modern lodge, cabins and townhouses. I made reservations for two weeks expecting a state park experience. Sorely disappointed! We left early. The staff mostly didn’t bother us. But we watched the cop that sat along the road partway down a steep hill almost every day and gave out tickets for exceeding the 20 mph limit. Showers/bathrooms were new, but not centrally located. Probably would not go back.

• D

  Dan W.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Montauk State Park Campground

  Not just for fishing

  Well kept state park and trout hatchery. Recently upgraded electric in campground 4, which was nice. Each campground has its own host, which is great when you need it. I hung out with friends in a basic group site, too, and there was plenty of room and a nice setting (site 116). Food at the lodge was better than anticipated and friends in the cabins had no major complaints either.

• 

  Jared G.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 29, 2024

  Turner's mill

  Peaceful and scenic

  Spent 3 nights here and the area is beautiful! The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear. The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in. Great spot if you are in the area. A few people on the river fishing and kayaking but no other campers that we saw while there.

• 

  Joseph A.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 7, 2024

  Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

  Where the rivers meet

  Sam a Baker is a beautiful destination for any family. There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding. There are multi camp sites that can be easily reserved online. The Saint Francis River and the Big Creek meet in the park. The big creek is spring feed and ice cold. The Saint Francis is wild and is considered white water during the rainy season. There are plenty of amenities in the park for the novice camper. From the camp store to the shower house. SAM A BAKER has you covered

• 

  Allie A.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 29, 2024

  Parks Bluff Campground

  A Busy Weekend

  We arrived later and the staff was so attentive and kind! They remembered our groups names and were so kind at the shop! We had a large camp ground, two spots fit our group of 8 with room! We also had 5 vehicles. The camp sites in the #70’s are so close to the water and a short walk to the toilet/shower house! The bathrooms could have been cleaner and some of the lights were out but not the worst I have seen! (Your camping anyways) the float shuttle was a bumpy ride but the drivers were nice and the men at the raft pick ups were kind also! I would recommend this lil place! Maybe not In The summer time when the river is busy but to camp anytime!

• 

  Sarah M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 17, 2024

  Riversedge Campground

  HORRIBLE Customer Service

  Last year my family and I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge as I have done for over 30 years. We decided to go on a float trip at the Rivers Edge Campground which is affiliated with the Wilderness Lodge. When we made the reservation we had to pay for 2/4 people that were going when I made the reservation over the phone. On Sunday when we arrived to the Rivers Edge to go on our float, we were informed that there were severe storms headed in and we could not go on the float. We totally understood and asked if we could just get a rain check. We were able to get a rain check but they said that I would need to pay for the additional two people to get a rain check since there were 4 in our party total. I was told to hold onto my receipt and rain check because without those two items the rain check would not be honored. Fast forward to this week and we decided we would like to go back and use the rain check they had issued to us. When I called I was informed that they would not be honoring ANY rain checks because the property had been sold and the new owners will not honor ANY previously issued rain checks because the new owners were not paid the money for any outstanding rain checks..?? I was told by the lady on the phone that she would try to reach out to the new owner Mike and see what could be done and she would call me back. She did indeed call me back the same night and said she could not get a hold of the owner and then she was silent not offering ANY sort of solutions. I asked her if she could call me the next day and let me know what he said or if I could even speak with him. She never called back… so now I sit with a“RAIN CHECK” that I spent$170 for 4 floaters that clearly has an issue date, an expiration date, my name and address, what it is for, and why it was issued. It is stapled to my original receipt as well but I guess they will not be honoring it. This has to be one of the worst customer service experiences and poor business practices I have encountered in my life. It is apparently OK that I am out$170 for a float that I was told we could not go on that day and that seems to be perfectly OK with these new owners. I am completely disappointed in the lack of follow up and poor customer service. This is definitely not a best practice for a business and I will be letting everyone I know and on every forum I can that you basically stole$170 from my family and while it may seem like not a big deal to you it certainly is to me and my family.

• M

  Madison G.

  Traveler

  

  May. 27, 2024

  Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Needs tent pads

  Pretty campground with river access and accessible restrooms. Showers were a little far from our loop. I wish the sites had tent pads as it was hard to find a flat spot to place the tent and several holes in the terrain. There is NO cell signal, so I highly recommend you take a weather radio. I wish we had.

• 

  Gwenn W.

  Guide

  

  May. 26, 2024

  Red Bluff Campground

  Not What it Was

  If you’ve been coming to this campground for decades as my family has, prepare yourself. They’ve taken this hidden gem abounding with rustic, quiet character and turned it into a busy RV park. Most spots are not ideal for tent camping. The beaches are too small to accommodate the number of people now coming in. It’s just heartbreaking. It’s our ancestral home and we just don’t know if we can handle going back. The whole vibe is drastically different. It’s looks like every other RV park out there. It used to be a short walk to get to the water. Not anymore. They also got rid of the picnic area close to the water. It was extremely inconvenient getting my elderly mother down to the water (and then finding a beach spot on our side of the creek was impossible).

• 

  Lea B.

  Guide

  

  May. 19, 2024

  Round Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Choose Tent Site Carefully

  Positives: Tranquil little campground with beautiful spring and cave. Quiet, shady, has two points of river access, group sites, and steaming hot showers.  Close to Echo Bluff State Park, Current River State Park, and Eminence, MO.  

  Negatives:  Test sites are hit or miss. Sites 1-18 are fairly small and not very level. Sites 19-29 have larger, more level areas. 30-39 are kind of mixed.  Many sites have steps up of down to the site from the road.  There is no cell service available, so make sure you have made reservations before you get here. Closest cell service is up the road at Echo Bluff State Park. 

  Other info: You may get lucky and see otters on your way to the spring, or some of the wild horses in the area. Go in the early morning to the spring trail to watch the mist roll off the water and enjoy the wildlife - so otherworldly. 

  Cave tours are available June - Oct., but even if you visit is outside of this window, the walk to the cave is kind of magical.  

  If you walk to the spring overlook, you'll also encounter a portion of the Ozark Trail. About a half a mile down the Ozark Trail you can cross the Current River on a pedestrian bridge which is a pretty cool experience.  

  Bathrooms available on the upper camping loop, but the showers are located on the bottom loop (three family style showers).  Fantastic water pressure. 

  Host was friendly even when he had to tell us we couldn't hang hammocks in National Park campgrounds. 

  While you're there drive down to Alley Spring for a nice hike, another beautiful spring and historic mill, and at the camp store you can get a National Parks Passport stamp (located in the screened in porch) for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. 

  We stayed in site 13 which is located directly behind the bathrooms. Good if you have to go all the time, bad if you don't like to hear loud toilet flushes.  Very shady site.

• V

  Vikki B.

  Traveler

  

  May. 14, 2024

  Powder Mill Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Quiet spot

  Found this by accident-the site we originally were going to as dispersed was literally under water from all the recent rain. For a three night stay, we were the only ones there. Except the random cars who visited between midnight and three AM and just hung out. That was unsettling but nothing happened. A NFS Ranger did circle around once.

  Popular spot on the weekend to launch boats. There is a vault toilet but that is all the amenities offered. Of the six sites, some are a bit wild, but usable. We stayed at spot three, which has a great view of, and access to, the Current River.

  The Blue Springs Trail that is located at campground was flooded over about a third of the way in with no safe way around. The trail is also not maintained, with lots of downed large trees and copious ticks.

• 

  Denni G.

  Traveler

  

  May. 9, 2024

  Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

  Great tent camping!

  Love tent camping! Secluded and shaded. I want a few years back and it was lovely can’t wait to see if there have been updates!

• R

  Robert N.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 25, 2024

  Council Bluff Recreation Area

  No hook ups

  Great "out in the woods" campground.

• 

  Chris J.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 15, 2024

  Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

  Great site

  Great quiet site. Wasn’t a bad drive in. Decent amount of wild life hanging around. Will probably hear the beaver if you stay at one of the two sites by the pond. Only saw one other group camping here while we did. Be mindful that it is tick season now. We had a few on the dog by the end of the first day.

• K

  Kathy P.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 18, 2024

  Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

  Late Winter Camping

  The campground was big and comfortable. We wanted to stay close to the open shower houses since only those in loop 3 and the cabins were open until April. Stayed in loop 2, which was still close enough to cabins shower house. Our site was right at the beginning of the loop and was very level and offered privacy since no one was to our right. No problem with cell service for 5G, we were able to stream music and apps. Anything under 5G was in SOS mode. No antennae TV available, either. The shut-ins were right down the road or you could walk or bike the paved path all the way there. The Scour Trail was also close and really neat to see.

• J

  Josh

  Scout

  

  Mar. 15, 2024

  Sycamore Loop Dispersed

  Ok place

  Ok place to camp, pretty secluded, old campground but most spots no longer seemed camp friendly, as new tree growth has taken over. Seems to be a guy living in a rv at the end of the road which is really close to the one camping friendly spot, kinda kills the dispersed camping vibe.

• 

  Malik H.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 7, 2024

  Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site

  Great “off the pavement” spot

  Although the old rv park across the water is nice and level, we ended up wanting to be closer to the water and there happened to be a trail. Easy to get in but could be tricky for a small car to get out (boulders, trees, incline and possible rain/mud) 4x4 recommend. Great spot right next to the dam. Very quiet. Lots of beavers in the pond. Fire wood is abundant. A few fire rings in place at location.

• 

  Mike L.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 3, 2024

  Julian Tower Lookout

  National Forest - Old Julian Lookout Tower site - Tower Removed

  There is not much here other than a place to camp for free. There is one two-path logging road suitable for hiking and mountain biking back into the woods. It leads to a T where additional two-path logging road.

• 

  Logan W.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 20, 2023

  Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground

  Taum Saul Mountain Campground

  Very nice secluded camping. Only a handful of other campers at the site. Nice fire pits and picnic tables with access to small pit bathrooms. Easy access to the mountain overlook and trailheads. Parking at the sites is about 50-100ft away from the table and fire pit. Wish we could’ve gotten our van closer.

• 

  Chelsea G.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 6, 2023

  Current River Recreation Area

  Loved it

  Wow, what an incredible weekend we had at the CurrantRiver Campground From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a sense of adventure. The campground itself was well-maintained, with clean facilities and spacious campsites that offered just the right amount of privacy.

  The highlight of our trip was, of course, the canoeing experience. The staff provided top-notch equipment and safety instructions, making us feel confident even though we were beginners. Paddling down the scenic Currant River was an absolute joy. 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.

  One thing that stood out was the wildlife we spotted along the way – eagles, deer,It felt like a true escape into nature.

  The team made our trip unforgettable. They were knowledgeable about the area, provided great tips for navigating the river, and ensured our safety at all times. We also appreciated the convenience of shuttle service back to the campground after our float trip.

  Overall, this place exceeded our expectations, and we can't wait to return. If you're looking for a relaxing yet adventurous getaway in the heart of Missouri this is it

• 

  Chelsea G.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 4, 2023

  Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

  Great place for upscale camping and rv

  Echo Bluff State Park is nestled in the heart of Missouri's Ozarks. This natural haven offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park boasts a stunning blend of scenic beauty, recreational activities, and comfortable amenities.

  The first thing that strikes you about Echo Bluff State Park is its breathtaking natural beauty. The towering bluffs, dense forests, and the pristine Sinking Creek that meanders through the park create a picturesque landscape that's a joy to explore. Hiking trails like the Signal Hill Trail and Current River Trail offer hikers stunning vistas and the chance to encounter local wildlife.

  For those looking to relax, the park offers a range of options. The modern campground facilities are well-maintained and provide all the comforts of home, while the cozy cabins offer a rustic yet comfortable escape. The Echo Bluff Lodge is a standout feature, offering a beautiful setting for meals and relaxation with its panoramic views of the park.

  One of the highlights of Echo Bluff State Park is its accessibility to the Current River. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are popular activities, and the park provides easy access to the river. It's also a designated Missouri Trout Park, making it a paradise for anglers.

  In conclusion, Echo Bluff State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful getaway. Its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and comfortable accommodations make it a must-visit destination in Missouri. Whether you're an avid hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, Echo Bluff has something to offer everyone.

• 

  Chelsea G.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 23, 2023

  Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  one of my favorite places

  This campground is a must visit. Obviously the main attraction is the amazing and magical spring. Flowing 226 million gallons a day! Campground is beautifully manicured and has spacious sites and many options. It's a self serve campground so pay at the front. The hot water in the showers was out but still giving it 5 stars because this place is just great. The cabins are super cute cottages that are being remodeled right now, and I can't wait! The trails are well kept and moderately challenging. I highly recommend camping here dont forget to bring in your own firewood.

• C

  Cindy P.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 16, 2023

  Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

  Absolutely perfect!

  First, the park hosts were so friendly, helpful and hard working. They kept everything spotless! Bathrooms and showers were a 10. Grounds were a 10. Location and surroundings were gorgeous. Sites were spacious and there’s not a “bad” site in the whole park. It was Peaceful and quiet at night. We walked through the walk in tent camping area and it was amazing. Sites were big, private and spread out through the woods with wooden platforms. Path through the area was gravel and very well maintained. The Betty Lea Lodge was close and had an awesome store and gift shop. We will definitely be back!

• 

  Delanie J.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 7, 2023

  McCormack Lake Rec Area

  Secluded Dreamy Lake

  Some people showed up for day use, but the sites were empty.  Totally alone with a gorgeous lake.