Searching for the best camping near Gainesville, MO? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Gainesville, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Missouri camping adventure.
This recreation area is part of Bull Shoals Lake
Blue Heron Campground provides the pleasure of a natural Ozark setting without leaving the beaten path. Forget about traveling miles of back roads to reach that special camping spot. Our RV park is just off the highway and right on the banks of the White River, a premier trout fishing destination. This is RV camping at its finest. You can fish, bird watch, or simply enjoy the Ozark Mountains scenery.
Buffalo Point is a convenient, fun-filled destination for families and adventurists of all types. It's perched along the Buffalo National River, providing exciting river sports and hiking opportunities. In peak season, a restaurant is open at the facility, serving up meals for those who want a break from preparing them.
The wild river is a gathering place for water activities. Many campers spend their days fishing, hiking, canoeing or kayaking. Evenings are ideal for gathering next to the fire to revamp for another great day out on the river.
The campground is set along Buffalo National River, one of the few free-flowing rivers remaining in the contiguous United States. The river runs 135 miles without dams and cuts through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River. The region is surrounded by droves of lush hardwood trees and grassy open meadows.
Two popular attractions within the Buffalo Point Area are the Indian Rockhouse Trail and the Rush Historic District. Rush was a zinc mining community until the zinc market collapsed and the settlement was deserted. Tours about the town's history are available. Buffalo Point is the former Buffalo River State Park developed in the 1930's as project of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Blanchard Springs Caverns, an extraordinary living cave, is a one-hour drive from Buffalo Point.
Please see the Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies.
$50 / night
Lakeview Park Campground is located on Bull Shoals Lake. Set in the scenic Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, the lake has hundreds of miles of lake arms and coves perfect for boating, water sports, swimming, fishing and scuba diving. The lake also appeals to birders, naturalists, hunters and visitors seeking a fun and peaceful place to relax along the water.
The lake is a water sports paradise. Marinas offer boat rentals, supplies and guides for hire. Year-round fishing tournaments keep fishermen active as they seek out 12-pound bass and other species ranging from pan fish to walleye. The lake holds several state fishing records and the nearby White River is a premier trout fishery in the central United States. There is also a 1.5-mile nature trail that begins in the campground.
Lakeview is a large park with wooded campsites on a bluff overlooking the water. The lake and surrounding mountains are popular year-round as each season unfolds a new panorama. Summer contrasts lush green hardwoods and cedar glades against towering rocky bluffs and unusual rock formations. Fall foliage presents the renowned "flaming fall revue." Watching and photographing wildlife can be enjoyed in developed and undeveloped areas alike. Each year more than 100 bald eagles winter in the Bull Shoals area.
Cruise around the lake to see nearly 20 other public parks and hundreds of miles of undeveloped land and coves around the lake, which include additional swim areas and 11 marinas.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$22 - $40 / night
Table Rock State Park has two campgrounds and offers basic, electric and sewer/electric/water campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites or a platform tent site for a unique camping experience. Get everything you need for your stay at the park store.
$12 - $42 / night
Gamaliel Campground is conveniently located on the Bennetts Bayou area of Norfork Lake. Most sites are shaded beneath tall trees, while others come equipped with canopies to shade the picnic tables. Norfork Lake boasts plenty of secluded coves for water sports and breezy, open stretches for sailing. There are 19 well-maintained Army Corps of Engineers parks along the lake for bountiful water sport opportunities.
Explore the mile-long nature trail that loops from the campground. Sailing the open waters makes for an exciting water activity. Scuba diving in the lake is common, attracting divers from neighboring U.S. states. For visitors interested in fishing, Norfork Lake is stocked annually, and it's not unheard of to catch striped bass over 40 pounds.
Norfork Lake stems from the North Fork River in northern Arkansas. It's about 25 miles east of Bull Shoals lake, and cuts through the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks are made from a heavily eroded plateau, shaped and carved by hundreds of streams over thousands of years. The region attracts a wide array of plants and animals.
Head south to see the Ozark National Forest and head west to see Bull Shoals Lake, a similar man-made lake that's larger in size and equally entertaining as Norfork.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$50 / night
Dam Quarry Campground is an angler's paradise. Located in northern Arkansas, just downstream of the Norfork Dam, the campground is renowned for its world-class trout fishing. The Norfork Lake region was one of the state's first water recreation areas with opportunities like water skiing, canoeing, scuba diving, and of course, fishing.
While fishing is the top-rated activity in the lower river area, kayaking, birding and hiking are also very popular. The public land around Norfork keeps hunters busy with white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit and quail.
The campground sits at the banks of the North Fork River and Dry Run Creek. The river feeds the popular 22,000-acre Norfork Lake, which is just upstream from Dam Quarry. The site has beautiful views of the forested hills and hollows of the Ozarks.
A short drive south takes visitors to the Ozark National Forest for sightseeing and wildlife spotting. The campground is also just three miles northeast of the small town of Norfork.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$50 / night
Robinson Point is one of the most popular parks in the central portion of Norfork Lake. The 102 campsites are sprawled across two peninsulas, so waterfront campsites are plentiful. The hilly lake region is a playground for visitors young and old, with water and land activities galore.
Swimming, hiking and all types of boating are favorite pastimes for lake-goers. Coves are ideal for water skiers while the breezy, open areas provide excellent conditions for sailing. In-season hunting is also popular here.
Norfork Lake, a 22,000-acre recreation lake, stems from the North Fork River in northern Arkansas. The lake is about 25 miles east of Bull Shoals Lake, and cuts through the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks Range, in geological terms, is a heavily eroded plateau. It was shaped and carved by hundreds of streams over several thousand years, creating beautiful rugged terrain.
Head south to the Ozark National Forest to explore 1.2 million acres of protected Ozark terrain. There, visitors can tour the Blanchard Springs Caverns, a living cave still in the process of formation.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$26 / night
North Fork Recreation Area provides camping, picnicking, boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing access to the beautiful North Fork of the White River, which has a total of nine major springs flowing into it. Two of its largest springs are Big Springs and Blue Spring, which contribute some 18 million gallons of cold, clear water every day. North Fork Recreation Area serves as trailhead for the 35-mile long Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail and the Blue Spring Trail.
Cranfield Park is surrounded by the clear waters of Norfork Lake. It's the closest campground to the city of Mountain Home and offers plenty of pleasing views of the lake from its well-shaded river island sites. Norfork Lake boasts plenty of secluded coves for water sports and breezy, open stretches for sailing. Including Cranfield, there are 19 developed U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks lining the lake for plenty of water sport opportunities.
Hiking trails in the area lead nature observers and photographers to picturesque overlooks of the Ozarks. A .75-mile nature trail is accessible from the campground. A wide array of fresh water game fish are found in the lake, which is fed by the North Fork River and its tributaries. Bass, walleye, crappie, bream and catfish all make their home here.
Norfork Lake covers 22,000 acres with 550 miles of shoreline. Densely wooded hills and hollows surround the lake in the Ozark Mountains. The North Fork River feeds into the lake, and beyond the dam, extends on to connect with the White River.
The Robinson Point National Recreation Trail is a beautiful hike especially during the fall months, for views of the Ozark Mountains' changing colors through the seasons. Drive just over five miles to visit the town of Mountain Home, considered one of the best places to live for sportsmen.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$50 / night
Blue Heron Campground provides the pleasure of a natural Ozark setting without leaving the beaten path. Forget about traveling miles of back roads to reach that special camping spot. Our RV park is just off the highway and right on the banks of the White River, a premier trout fishing destination. This is RV camping at its finest. You can fish, bird watch, or simply enjoy the Ozark Mountains scenery.
Buffalo Point is a convenient, fun-filled destination for families and adventurists of all types. It's perched along the Buffalo National River, providing exciting river sports and hiking opportunities. In peak season, a restaurant is open at the facility, serving up meals for those who want a break from preparing them.
The wild river is a gathering place for water activities. Many campers spend their days fishing, hiking, canoeing or kayaking. Evenings are ideal for gathering next to the fire to revamp for another great day out on the river.
The campground is set along Buffalo National River, one of the few free-flowing rivers remaining in the contiguous United States. The river runs 135 miles without dams and cuts through the Arkansas Ozarks and into the White River. The region is surrounded by droves of lush hardwood trees and grassy open meadows.
Two popular attractions within the Buffalo Point Area are the Indian Rockhouse Trail and the Rush Historic District. Rush was a zinc mining community until the zinc market collapsed and the settlement was deserted. Tours about the town's history are available. Buffalo Point is the former Buffalo River State Park developed in the 1930's as project of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Blanchard Springs Caverns, an extraordinary living cave, is a one-hour drive from Buffalo Point.
Please see the Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies.
$50 / night
Lakeview Park Campground is located on Bull Shoals Lake. Set in the scenic Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri, the lake has hundreds of miles of lake arms and coves perfect for boating, water sports, swimming, fishing and scuba diving. The lake also appeals to birders, naturalists, hunters and visitors seeking a fun and peaceful place to relax along the water.
The lake is a water sports paradise. Marinas offer boat rentals, supplies and guides for hire. Year-round fishing tournaments keep fishermen active as they seek out 12-pound bass and other species ranging from pan fish to walleye. The lake holds several state fishing records and the nearby White River is a premier trout fishery in the central United States. There is also a 1.5-mile nature trail that begins in the campground.
Lakeview is a large park with wooded campsites on a bluff overlooking the water. The lake and surrounding mountains are popular year-round as each season unfolds a new panorama. Summer contrasts lush green hardwoods and cedar glades against towering rocky bluffs and unusual rock formations. Fall foliage presents the renowned "flaming fall revue." Watching and photographing wildlife can be enjoyed in developed and undeveloped areas alike. Each year more than 100 bald eagles winter in the Bull Shoals area.
Cruise around the lake to see nearly 20 other public parks and hundreds of miles of undeveloped land and coves around the lake, which include additional swim areas and 11 marinas.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$22 - $40 / night
Gamaliel Campground is conveniently located on the Bennetts Bayou area of Norfork Lake. Most sites are shaded beneath tall trees, while others come equipped with canopies to shade the picnic tables. Norfork Lake boasts plenty of secluded coves for water sports and breezy, open stretches for sailing. There are 19 well-maintained Army Corps of Engineers parks along the lake for bountiful water sport opportunities.
Explore the mile-long nature trail that loops from the campground. Sailing the open waters makes for an exciting water activity. Scuba diving in the lake is common, attracting divers from neighboring U.S. states. For visitors interested in fishing, Norfork Lake is stocked annually, and it's not unheard of to catch striped bass over 40 pounds.
Norfork Lake stems from the North Fork River in northern Arkansas. It's about 25 miles east of Bull Shoals lake, and cuts through the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks are made from a heavily eroded plateau, shaped and carved by hundreds of streams over thousands of years. The region attracts a wide array of plants and animals.
Head south to see the Ozark National Forest and head west to see Bull Shoals Lake, a similar man-made lake that's larger in size and equally entertaining as Norfork.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$50 / night
Dam Quarry Campground is an angler's paradise. Located in northern Arkansas, just downstream of the Norfork Dam, the campground is renowned for its world-class trout fishing. The Norfork Lake region was one of the state's first water recreation areas with opportunities like water skiing, canoeing, scuba diving, and of course, fishing.
While fishing is the top-rated activity in the lower river area, kayaking, birding and hiking are also very popular. The public land around Norfork keeps hunters busy with white-tailed deer, wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit and quail.
The campground sits at the banks of the North Fork River and Dry Run Creek. The river feeds the popular 22,000-acre Norfork Lake, which is just upstream from Dam Quarry. The site has beautiful views of the forested hills and hollows of the Ozarks.
A short drive south takes visitors to the Ozark National Forest for sightseeing and wildlife spotting. The campground is also just three miles northeast of the small town of Norfork.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$50 / night
Robinson Point is one of the most popular parks in the central portion of Norfork Lake. The 102 campsites are sprawled across two peninsulas, so waterfront campsites are plentiful. The hilly lake region is a playground for visitors young and old, with water and land activities galore.
Swimming, hiking and all types of boating are favorite pastimes for lake-goers. Coves are ideal for water skiers while the breezy, open areas provide excellent conditions for sailing. In-season hunting is also popular here.
Norfork Lake, a 22,000-acre recreation lake, stems from the North Fork River in northern Arkansas. The lake is about 25 miles east of Bull Shoals Lake, and cuts through the Ozark Mountains. The Ozarks Range, in geological terms, is a heavily eroded plateau. It was shaped and carved by hundreds of streams over several thousand years, creating beautiful rugged terrain.
Head south to the Ozark National Forest to explore 1.2 million acres of protected Ozark terrain. There, visitors can tour the Blanchard Springs Caverns, a living cave still in the process of formation.
Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee.
$26 / night
Guide
The campground in nestled in the Buffalo National River Wilderness offering many options on the river or hiking the mountains and bluffs. There are several river access spots throughout the campground.
There are floating outfitters in the area that will drive you up river to float back down toward the campground.
The bathrooms are on the smaller side, but the showers were clean.
Traveler
We stayed here over Thanksgiving. The campground was about 1/3 full . The people working here are very nice! I think the campground would get a 5 if there were more pull-thru sites and the bath houses were a little more updated. We will definitely stay here again when in Branson.
Traveler
Quiet in December. Good shower and laundry facilities.
Scout
Blue Heron cabin was awesome! It was so so clean, and beautiful! Over looking the water can’t get any better! The cabin was so nice! Michael was great to work with and very professional and very nice! Can’t wait till next time ❤️
Guide
Right in town but actually quite. Bathrooms very clean nice laundry area and cheap.
Scout
While it was pretty last year (the reason it was my first pick this year) the owner uses Marissa, Jamie and Serena as his own personal shield to avoid taking responsibility for his business, and all of them are rude as all get out. Marissa promised multiple times that the owner would call me, and kept changing when exactly that would be. Two days later, I have NEVER heard from him, despite him being fully aware he needed to contact me. I ended up having the credit card company cancel the charge.
And omg, the shower house. Bring a space heater. It's an open air shed with exposed pvc and no drain. I can't imagine how it operates in the winter.
If you come in October, expect loud screaming, gun shots and chainsaws for THREE HOURS at night from one of their events your probably won't be told about til you arrive. Greg deserves to have this place fail.
GuideGreat trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
Guide
Great trip. Beautiful campground. Beautiful scenery
Guide
Right on Highway good for campers
ScoutThis campground had the potential to be amazing- it's beautiful, is right next to the river with amazing views of the stars, and has several hikes close by. But the camp hosts and rangers don't enforce any sort of quiet time or people capacity rules. So unfortunately my partner and I had a group of probably 20 people camping next to us. They brought in a DJ car(open the trunk and it had huge speakers and running lights) to bump techno music during the day, and at night they set up a movie projector and large screen and watched horror movies late into the night. It's not serene when there are 8 tents, a crowd of people, and horror movie screaming right beside you all day and night. I even went and talked to the camp hosts but nothing was done. So, I don't recommend this place. Usually I camp to unwind and chill, but I left the weekend more frazzled and exhausted than I came.
ScoutYou will love this campground. It's a beautiful rv resort next to the water. Step out of your rv and you will see some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the United States. Michael is the director of the campground and he is so very helpful and congenial. We travel to many states but this campground is our very favorite and if you like or love to fish, this is your place! Go see for yourselves and we will probably see you there!!
Wanda and Pete Shurow
Guide
This beautiful campground in classic Ozark hardwoods is a haven for things with motors. Bikes, ATVs, gold carts, all manners of off-road thingies, and the louder the better. At the same time, it was clean, folks were respectful, and it was quiet after dark. Enough Verizon signal to get Facebook. Some sites have electricity.
LegendWe loved our stay at Blue Heron. We had a riverfront spot and really just came to chill not fish but it’s a fishing location. White river is trout paradise so if you’re an angler this is where it’s at. Campground was SUPER clean. Best level pads and hookups we’ve ever seen. Firewood and ice for sale. Everything was absolutely perfect except the road noise….which in all fairness we knew about. LOTS of noise. It died down after 8pm and before 8am and we couldn’t hear it in our camper so it’s was ok.
Legend
Decent campground with excellent trout fishing! The campground layout was kinda weird and the dump station was in an odd spot. However, we had a nice river front site that we really enjoyed. Lots of nice people in the campground and on the river. Be sure to visit the hatchery across the street. . Limited AT&T service. Individual Private suite style bathrooms. Playground. No store, no firewood for sale. Level sites. Several sites have covers over the picnic tables. .
ScoutThis location has been a great place. It is clean and well maintained. The staff is friendly and the area is peaceful. We would recommend this place to anyone looking for a campground in Branson Mo. It is also a short and scenic drive to what ever suites you in Branson.
GuideAn update since all other reviews are a couple of years old. Nothing has changed. Except I imagine the price! Accurately depicted above. A bit of road noise, which comes with the convenience. Clean. Friendly. A bit packed in there as far as the sites go. Site 42 is empty and looks like a winner to me. Town has plenty to offer for stocking up on a trip. We would stay again if passing through.
Traveler
No amenities other than composting toilets. There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers. This is a horse camp with plenty of evidence, but it was only us and a couple of other tent campers.
The creek was obviously spring fed, crystal clear and had a gravelly bottom. There were plenty of places to get in the water...understanding that this is horse camp.
The place was well maintained and mowed and it was super peaceful and quiet. The main annoyance was some trash in fire pits along the creek.
If you consider this as a waypoint, two things:
1. There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough.
2. We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp.
Scout
We had a good visit here. Basic but did the trick and the owner was really friendly and helpful.
Guide
This RV pad is located on a secluded 10 acre Homestead that the owners also rent out the upstairs to their Mediterranean style home on Airbnb. We rented their RV site and was welcomed by the owners upon arrival. Very private & secluded with easy access. Surrounded by trees on 10 acres of land with lots of wildlife. the homesteaders have chickens & a seasonal garden, beautiful fire pit area and plenty of open space to put out your cornhole games and set up your volleyball, badminton nets and whatever activities you have. Centrally located to Branson, Missouri, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Bull Shoals lake and the Buffalo national River.
ScoutI have not really been able to use it just checking it out
ScoutThis is our 5-6 year to stay here. Over the years, we have seen so many b improvements to this area.. it’s always a great time. Michael, the host, is just an all around great guy. We are looking forward to our next stay
Legend
Very small park. Restaurant and store are Nextdoor. Spots are large. We were the only campers in the park.
Scout
Most peaceful place to stay. You are surrounded by mountains, wildlife, birds, eagles, deer, geese and the confluence of the White & Norfork River is at the end of driveway. Norfork Lake is just a few miles away. Love the Pavilion, fire pit and corn hole!
Traveler
We have stayed with them twice. Spots are strategically placed and surrounded by woods. The owner is very kind and informative guiding you to your spot and helping you park. He will also give his favorite local recommendations for restaurants and attractions. He’s a veteran. Never had any issues with anything.
Traveler
Super friendly people, very accommodating. They offered to help us hookup when we arrived, so sweet, and specially since we are new to this. Gave us advice about where to eat around town. The site was nice and shady. The bath house was excellent - very nice showers and bathrooms, very clean, very private. Such a family feel. Very good value for the price! Thanks for an excellent stay. Would stay here again if we ever return to the area.
ScoutVery nice and accommodating owners. Great location with a country feel!
Scout
Perfect location in Branson! Nice park, well marked and easy to get into and out of, friendly and very accommodating management. Nice shady space and all hookups work as they should. We had great neighbors and really enjoyed our stay. Can't wait to stay again next time we're in Branson!
Camping near Gainesville, MO, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Gainesville, MO, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gainesville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gainesville, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 170 campgrounds and RV parks near Gainesville, MO and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gainesville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gainesville, MO is Bull Shoals-White River State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gainesville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Gainesville, MO.
What parks are near Gainesville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Gainesville, MO that allow camping, notably Norfork Lake and Bull Shoals Lake.
