Tent and RV campgrounds near Fort Leonard Wood offer varied camping experiences from riverside spots to wooded settings. Located in the Ozark highlands of Missouri at approximately 1,100 feet elevation, this region features rolling terrain with cold-water rivers and streams. Most campgrounds remain open seasonally from April through October, though several maintain year-round operations with access to nearby hiking trails.
What to do
River activities: Float trips on the Gasconade River are popular at Froggys River Resort. As one camper notes, "The six mile float on the gasconade was lovely. The river moves slow, so if you're used to floating 16 miles on the spring fed Jacks Fork or Current, halfing that will be plenty."
Swimming in cold springs: Many campgrounds provide access to cold water swimming spots. At Boiling Springs Campground, "There is a spring on the opposite side of the river that is fairly easy to swim to that is a thrill to swim through. It's ice cold!"
Hiking trails: Trails within 15-minute drives of most campgrounds. At Paddy Creek Recreation Area, visitors can "take a 10.5 mile hike about 15 mins away from the site!" Some campgrounds connect directly to trail systems through the Mark Twain National Forest.
What campers like
Scenic water features: Campers appreciate the unique springs and rivers. One reviewer at Boiling Springs Campground mentioned they "did a 5 mile float which was the perfect length and very scenic."
Peace and quiet: Many campsites offer secluded spots away from crowds. A Paddy Creek Recreation Area camper shared: "Quite and peaceful very nice camp sites." Another noted it was "Quiet and secluded. We love being able to have an escape from the world and forced to not have our electrons since there is no service."
Wildlife viewing: Montauk State Park Campground offers wildlife observation opportunities. One camper reported, "In the morning, a bald eagle flew up the river." The park's location at the headwaters of the Current River creates habitat for diverse wildlife.
What you should know
Limited or no cell service: Most campgrounds have restricted connectivity. At Paddy Creek Recreation Area, a camper mentioned: "No cell service at cg. Had to drive up the hill to get a signal."
Flooding concerns: Riverside campsites may flood during heavy rains. A camper at Ruby's Landing River Resort reported, "We were supposed to camp down by the river but it flooded out so they moved us to a spot on higher ground."
Varying bathroom facilities: Facilities range from vault toilets to modern shower houses. At Froggys River Resort, a camper warned: "NO PLUMBIN, PORT O JOHNS ONLY." Another noted that Paddy Creek has "Vault toilet clean and stocked. No fee just donations."
Seasonal changes: Water levels vary significantly by season. A visitor cautioned about Ruby's Landing: "Depending on the time of year, the river can be quite low, so be sure to check the forecast before planning a stay."
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: Gasconade Hills Resort offers family-friendly cabins. One visitor shared: "We booked a last minute trip here and had a cabin along with a RV site. The cabins were great. There was a large pool kind of hidden in the woods."
Swimming locations: Some campgrounds have designated swimming areas for children. At Montauk State Park, "if you head out of the park on YY you will find Tan Vat Access located right outside the park on the Current. This is a great place to take young ones for a dip in its cool waters."
Kid-friendly activities: Structured programs at select parks. A Montauk State Park visitor mentioned, "There were a lot of activities aimed at kids. Great mix of modern campground and nature experience."
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Most RV sites have length restrictions. At Lamplight Lane RV Resort at Glen Oaks, "We fit our 42' fifth wheel there though, so most would be fine!" The campground provides convenient pet-friendly camping near Fort Leonard Wood.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. A camper at Paddy Creek noted, "Parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much."
Hookup availability: Full hookups aren't available at all campgrounds. At Boiling Spring, "Full service hookups. Some shaded spots right on river." Others like Ruby's Landing have limited electric-only hookups, requiring self-contained waste management.
