The Mark Twain National Forest surrounds Bunker, Missouri at an elevation of about 1,200 feet in the Ozarks. The region features spring-fed waterways with clear, cool waters year-round, maintaining temperatures around 58°F even during summer months. The area receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually, with spring and fall offering the most moderate camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing at Montauk State Park: Purchase a $3.00 trout tag at the lodge, allowing you to keep 4 trout per day with a possession limit of 8. The conservation department stocks the Current River nightly based on tags sold the previous day. "This is where my love of camping started. I spent many summers as a child camping at Montauk State Park with my grandparents. The stretch of river from spring to the falls are some of my favorite fishing anywhere," explains Kyle H.
Cave exploration: Tour Round Spring Cave when available from June through October for $5 per person. "Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5. The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations," notes Marty C. at Round Spring Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for beaver activity at Little Scotia Pond and wild horses near Eminence. "There is a herd of wild horses that frequents the area (as evidenced by mounds of horse poop in an adjacent field!) and you can easily walk over to the beautiful round spring. We saw a bald eagle and a very curious little otter down by the river," reports Theresa H.
Hiking opportunities: Access the Ozark Trail near Round Spring for day hikes on well-marked loops. "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," shares Lea B.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Most campgrounds offer direct river access for swimming and paddling. "This campground is right on the Current River. We had the best time here. You can rent a canoe right here at the store and the people are extremely friendly! The store has everything you need, or forgot!" writes Tabby M. about Pulltite Campground.
Quiet, remote locations: Dispersed sites provide isolation for those seeking solitude. "We were the only people along this forest service road and got the prettiest spot towards the end of the road overlooking the mountain across. This camping area is a hidden gem!" notes Shea B. about camping at Murphy Overlook.
Well-maintained facilities: State parks and national forest campgrounds offer clean amenities. "The campground is broken down into 4 separate loops, with loop 1 being the only basic section, all the others have electricity. There are two bathroom/shower houses with laundry facilities located in the campground, along with three campground hosts," Kyle H. explains about Montauk State Park.
Swimming areas: Many locations feature designated swimming spots with picnic facilities. "The campground is located in the Mark Twain National Forest. The fire rings are a plus and there are lots of trees for a hammock set up or tent. Lake is very pretty with a 1 mile hiking trail with some great views," shares iloveitontop R. about Loggers Lake Campground.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many sites require driving on gravel roads with potential water crossings. "I'd recommend something AWD or be comfortable with momentum style driving, don't need clearance just need the traction on some of the hills. Once there you see no one, hear nothing and have the place to yourself," advises Sean A. about Murphy Overlook.
Limited or no cell service: Most camping areas have poor connectivity. "AT&T service was spotty - basically nonexistent. So if you're looking for a place to escape and unwind, this is a great location," notes Brian about dispersed camping options.
Wildlife awareness: Both beneficial and potentially dangerous wildlife inhabit the area. "Saw an adult black bear when we left, only about 0.5 a mile from camp. Ran across the road in front of us. Keep that in mind!" warns Sean A. about Murphy Overlook. Others mention raccoons, armadillos, and snakes being common in the region.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities. The only negative is that we have experienced are that you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular," advises J K. about Echo Bluff State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and gentle water access. "Johnson's Shut-Ins was perfect! My kids go on an 'annual cousins camping trip' with my sister in law and her girls every summer," shares Melissa M. about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
Educational opportunities: Attend ranger programs at developed campgrounds. "Amazing state park with wonderful new visitor center. Lots of history and it has completely been rebuilt. Campground was clean and well managed. Lots of wildlife and amazing science at work," comments Josh S. about Johnson's Shut-Ins.
Nearby attractions: Plan day trips to regional points of interest. "Also 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. Also you can take a gravel road out of the park to a funky little place called Bo's Hollow. A family has built a small town in a field, where you can buy a bbq sandwich lunch, and take a model A ride to Ashley creek for swimming and a picnic," suggests Kyle H.
Comfort considerations: Choose campgrounds with appropriate amenities for your family's needs. "This campground has full amenities. Clean bathrooms and showers. Firewood available for purchase and even WiFi. The WiFi doesn't reach the primitive campsites but that was perfect for us to unplug! It was a great place to take our kids!" reports Stephanie W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Some of the best places to camp near Bunker for RVs have limited suitable sites. "This campground is definitely off the beaten path so make sure that you have the majority of your necessities before setting up camp. The host usually has ice and firewood but other than that the nearest store is about a 30 minute drive. This isn't a campground that you would want to bring a large RV into. It's mostly suited for smaller campers or tents," advises J K. about Sutton Bluff Recreation Area.
Hookup availability: Electric sites are limited but available at several campgrounds. "Paved throughout. Plenty of clean restrooms and showers. Nice, basic and electric sites. Riverfront sites also. Some group sites there also," notes Natalie F. about Pulltite Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads may limit larger rigs at some locations. "The highway to get here is narrow, winding, and hilly! But it's worth the trip," explains Joel R. about Alley Springs Campground.
Weather preparedness: Monitor forecasts as flash flooding can occur in low-lying areas. "The campground is located on the flood plane, heavy rain may cause flooding and evacuation!" warns Joel R.
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