Tent campsites near Golden, Missouri spread across conservation areas and public lands with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,400 feet throughout the Ozark highlands. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-75°F range. Campsites vary from lakeside locations to forested hilltops, with most requiring campers to bring their own water supplies during peak summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails near camp: Steel Creek Campground offers extensive trail access, including routes with varying difficulty levels. A camper notes, "We took the Old River Trail (abbreviated as ORT on trail posts) up to the Centerpoint trailhead, which happens to have its own parking lot since it is a pretty popular hiking trail."
Swimming opportunities: Multiple camping areas provide water access for cooling off. At Kyle's Landing Campground, "There are toilet facilities that are well kept. Water access available but no hookups. Very low cost too. Picnic tables, lantern post, and fire rings at each site."
Wildlife viewing: The conservation areas around Golden support diverse wildlife. About Drury-Mincy Conservation Area, one visitor mentioned, "There was a large dumpster which looked as though it hadn't been used recently when I visited as well, either it was recently dumped or this isn't a super popular place to stay."
Target practice: Some conservation areas include shooting facilities. A Busiek visitor reported, "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!"
What campers like
Affordable camping options: Drury-Mincy Conservation Area provides free camping with basic amenities. A camper shares, "FREE FCFS Sites: 13. This is a dispersed campground with picnic table, fire ring and sitting on the top of the mountain giving a great view."
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded spots. At Busiek, "Absolutely beautiful hiking trails and amazing off grid camping for family. Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs."
Water access: Campsites near water are popular in summer months. A camper at Steel Creek noted, "We loved camping at Steel Creek! You can see beautiful bluff from the campground. The campsites are all in a big grassy field which I love. There are trails to the river nearby and a great swimming hole!"
Off-grid experience: Many tent sites near Golden provide true disconnection. A Kyle's Landing visitor commented, "This is the best disconnect from the world campground. During peak Buffalo float season, arrive early as they are first come, first serve."
What you should know
Permit requirements: Some conservation areas require advance planning. A Busiek reviewer cautioned, "Camping is by permit only, and permits can not be obtained online or by phone, you have to go in person to the Missouri department of conservation office."
Road conditions: Several campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Kyle's Landing Campground, "Speaking of the 'hill', its a steep road down into the campground. Other reviewers will probably say you need a truck/suv to get into it. I got my compact car down just fine. Go slow in a lower gear."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly. One camper reported at Kyle's Landing, "Absolutely no cell service. No one in our group with varying cell service providers had service."
Seasonal closures: Some sites close during winter or have limited access. A visitor to Big Bay noted, "This is my favorite campground but it usually is closed. It's primitive camping with only port a potty style bathrooms."
Capacity issues: Popular campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. A camper at Drury-Mincy reported, "Stopped in in the middle of the week, opening week of spring turkey season so expected a few other people there, not a single spot was open, and most looked to have been there longer than 14 days."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly water areas: Steel Creek Campground offers safe swimming opportunities. A visitor shared, "The campsites are all in a big grassy field which I love. There are trails to the river nearby and a great swimming hole! There are flush toilets and vault toilets in the campground."
Wildlife encounters: Kids can spot various animals near campsites. At Drury-Mincy, "About 2 miles down Gunnison road and just past the conservation department buildings is a road that leads along a stream with several swimming holes."
Educational opportunities: Some areas offer learning experiences. A visitor to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch noted, "Car camp, hammock, tent camp, or rent one the cabins to enjoy the roaming goats and horses around the property. Infamously known in AR as one of the best climbing spots."
Safer camping periods: Midweek visits often provide better experiences. A Steel Creek camper mentioned, "We were here last fall and the colors were simply gorgeous. It was quite chilly in the morning and evening/night, so pack warm clothes!"
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent campsites near Golden, Missouri lack full hookups. At Fall Creek Resort, one RVer noted, "This is a great location that is on the fringe of Branson which puts you in the best of positions. This campground is at the back of the Falls Creek Resort with the river on one side and a mountain on the other."
Access challenges: RV campers should research road conditions. About Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, a visitor cautioned, "I've never been there but the reviews and the website look wonderful. I only reviewed to say it's probably not a good place for motorcycles to get in and out. The road in is dirt and gravel."
Space limitations: Many conservation areas have restricted camping pads. A Drury-Mincy visitor reported, "Wonderful campground with roughly 12 designated camp spots with a fire pit, some spots would be big enough to park a smaller RV at."
