Tent campsites near Forest City, Missouri range from completely undeveloped clearings to sites with basic amenities. Located in the northwestern corner of the state, this area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 85°F and cold winters with occasional snow. Spring camping can involve significant mud due to seasonal rainfall, while fall offers cooler temperatures and fewer insects, particularly after the first frost in mid-October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Pony Creek Lake, primitive camping is available near fishing spots. "Pony Creek Lake is mainly a fishing area but does offer primitive camping on the South West area of the lake. This area is a mowed flat section," notes camper Shannon G.
Disc golf access: The tent camping area at Mozingo Lake County Tent Campground provides easy access to recreational activities. "There is a brand new 18 hole course right next to the camp!" reports Sayler O., making it an excellent option for campers who enjoy this sport.
Wildlife watching: Multiple conservation areas offer encounters with local wildlife. At Hoot Owl Bend, camper Donner N. notes, "This spot would be great for bird watchers," while another camper experienced nighttime wildlife activity: "I did hear animals huffing and saw some shadows run next to the truck at like 2am."
What campers like
Natural shade protection: Campers appreciate sites situated among trees rather than open fields. The tent sites at Mozingo Lake are positioned within wooded areas, providing natural protection from sun and wind.
Free camping options: Ross County Park offers no-cost camping with minimal crowds. Camper Kory K. states, "Nice out of the way location. No services of any kind, there is a shelter house, and trash barrel. Nice place to get away from people."
Mulberry season: In July, Hoot Owl Bend features fruiting mulberry trees, though camper Donner N. cautions, "Don't put your tent under it you will have mulberries dropping on you in July." This natural feature provides foraging opportunities for visitors during summer months.
What you should know
Area closure times: Some conservation areas post operating hours that technically prohibit overnight stays. At Agency Conservation Area, camper Zachary S. notes, "I guess the area is closed 10pm to 4 am" - a restriction that affects legal camping options.
Flood vulnerability: Low-lying sites experience periodic flooding that impacts facilities. One camper at Brownville Riverside Park observed, "The river has flooded it out as of June 28, 2024 and it will likely be unusable for at least the remainder of this season."
Limited space: Many primitive sites offer minimal room for camping. At Agency Conservation Area, Whitney L. describes, "This area has a small (~1/8 of an acre maybe) gravel pullout off the dirt road where the iconic brown fish and wildlife area guidelines and regulation signage are posted."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with children, select sites with recreational facilities. At Kirkmans Cove Recreation Area Campground, camper Caitlin R. mentions, "One disappointment is the play ground which is dated and not much to offer," suggesting families might want to bring additional activities.
Beach options: Some campgrounds provide sand beaches for swimming. Caitlin R. notes, "We enjoy Kirkman's for the sand beach and boating. The camper spots are nice, level, and shaded with mature trees."
Thorny vegetation awareness: Natural hazards may pose problems for younger campers. At Hoot Owl Bend, one camper advises, "There is a nice walk towards the water, just wear pants and closed shoes to avoid the stinging nettle."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent campsites near Forest City provide minimal or no RV services. At Brownville Riverside Park, recent flood recovery has affected site quality, with one camper noting, "We were not told there are no tables, or fire rings... there pretty much isn't anything other than land."
Ground condition challenges: RV campers should check seasonal conditions before arrival. Danni A. reports at Brownville, "The land that is there is pretty rough as well. There were very large burs of some sort throughout the grassy areas, which made it difficult for our dog."
Solar dependency: Without electrical hookups at most primitive sites, solar capabilities become essential. Whitney L. notes about Agency Conservation Area, "We have solar," making this technology important for RVers seeking comfort at dispersed campsites.
