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Best Tent Camping near Fremont, MO

570 Reviews

Several tent campgrounds provide primitive camping opportunities near Fremont, Missouri, with options including free sites and float camps along the Eleven Point River. Turner's Mill offers tent-only campsites in a secluded setting with access to the river and a historic mill area. McCormack Lake Recreation Area provides dispersed tent camping year-round with drinking water and toilets available, while Whitten River Access accommodates primitive tent campers seeking river-based adventures.

Tent campers should note that access roads to some sites are rough gravel and may require vehicles with decent ground clearance. Most locations offer basic amenities such as vault toilets and fire rings, but limited services beyond these essentials. Sites at Turner's Mill are primitive with picnic tables and toilets, though the restroom facilities are reportedly a short walk from the camping areas. The Irish Wilderness area provides backcountry tent camping opportunities but with no toilet facilities, requiring campers to practice proper waste disposal techniques. During peak summer months, insect repellent is essential as mosquitoes can be prevalent near the river areas.

The tent camping experience in this region centers around river access and natural features. A review mentioned, "The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear. The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in." Many sites provide direct access to swimming holes, fishing spots, and kayaking opportunities on the Eleven Point River. Boze Mill Float Camp features dedicated tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, plus access to a blue spring that flows from what was once used to power the mill. For more solitude, Irish Wilderness offers hiking-based tent camping on a 20-mile loop trail. Campers frequently note the clarity of the water and scenic beauty of the area as highlights, with fall visits providing colorful foliage and fewer crowds.

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Best Tent Sites Near Fremont, Missouri (31)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Fremont, MO

19 Photos of 31 Fremont Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Fremont, MO

570 Reviews of 31 Fremont 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.

  • 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.

  • Marissa H.
    Aug. 11, 2020

    Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

    Wonderful Swimming Hole

    This is a really nice spot for tent camping - even though it’s clearly geared towards RV camping. Make sure to book a walk-in campsite if you’re tent camping, otherwise you’ll be in the lot with the RVs (no trees, no privacy etc see first picture). You’ll have to carry your gear to your site, but not too far. Each walk in site is fairly isolated and separate from the other site by trees. Each site has a wood tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring with grate. If you want you could even go to the lodge (walking distance) for a meal and skip the cooking! Book your spot in advance as it seems like they fill up quickly.

Guide to Fremont

Tent camping near Fremont, Missouri centers around the Eleven Point National Wild and Scenic River, which flows through Mark Twain National Forest at elevations between 500-1,000 feet. This Ozark region receives approximately 44 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer highs frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity.

What to do

River activities: Campers at Whitten River Access can use the boat ramp for kayaking on the Eleven Point River. "The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people," notes Ralph S.

Swimming spots: Cool off during hot months at multiple river access points. A camper at Stinking Pond Float Camp mentioned, "Good place to camp, has a huge cliff you can jump off of, not a bad place to float into and camp overnight."

Fishing opportunities: The cold waters support trout fishing throughout the area. Glen T. observed that McCormack Lake Recreation Area offers "great fishing" and is "a really nice place to go hang out."

Backcountry hiking: The White's Creek Loop in the area provides multi-day hiking options. Tony R. reports at Irish Wilderness: "fun 2 day (three if you need it) hike through whites creek loop. Plan around hitting the two springs on both legs of the 20 mile loop."

What campers like

Solitude and quiet: Weekdays offer particularly peaceful camping experiences. Delanie J. shared about McCormack Lake Recreation Area: "Some people showed up for day use, but the sites were empty. Totally alone with a gorgeous lake."

Natural springs: Several campsites feature clear springs with unique formations. William M. noted at Boze Mill Float Camp: "There is a beautiful blue spring coming out of the bottom of a pool formerly used to power Boze Mill."

Fall colors: The changing leaf colors make autumn a prime time for camping in this region. Charlotte B. recommends: "Our favorite time to go is in the fall when the leaves begin to change. The water may be chilly, but the views and the fishing are perfect."

Wildlife viewing: The forests and waterways support diverse wildlife. Meghan B. described her experience: "The spot was peaceful and full of chirping birds and frogs."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many access roads require vehicles with adequate clearance. Ralph S. cautioned about Whitten River Access: "The road in is rough gravel and a big rv will be slow going. However, I've seen so good size rv's there."

Winter conditions: Tent camping remains possible year-round, but prepare for freezing temperatures. Linda C. shared: "Arrived after dark. Found a level spot by the river, ground was frozen or it would have been muddy. No one around on this 5 degrees F night."

Campsite facilities: Most sites offer very basic amenities. Glen T. noted: "The only issue is the restroom is a little walk from the campsites."

Navigation challenges: Some backcountry areas require careful navigation. Tony R. advises: "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!"

Tips for camping with families

Water safety: River areas with varying depths are available for different swimming abilities. Kaylee D. from Turner's Mill shared: "River access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear!"

Insect protection: The riverfront areas can have significant mosquito activity. Charlotte B. advises: "I do suggest lots of bug spray. For some reason, I always get eaten up by mosquitos in this area."

Educational opportunities: Historical mill sites provide learning experiences. Ashley W. described Turner's Mill as an "Awesome mill you can climb on and awesome spring that makes individual pools."

Lake alternatives: For families wanting calmer waters, lake options exist. McCormack Lake offers fishing and swimming without river currents, though water quality varies seasonally.

Tips from RVers

Remote site access: RV camping options are limited and challenging to access. Marty C. from Jerktail Landing warned: "This is a very remote primitive campsite along the river and down seven and a half miles rough gravel roads. Probably not a good idea to try to bring large camping units to this site."

Water crossing awareness: Some access roads may have small water crossings after heavy rains. Consider visiting during dry periods for easier access with larger vehicles.

Site leveling: Prepare leveling equipment as many sites are not graded flat. While natural clearings exist for tents and small RVs, most locations were not designed specifically for recreational vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fremont, MO is Turner's mill with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Fremont, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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