The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Greenville, MO

415 Reviews

Tent campsites in the Greenville, Missouri region include several primitive options within state parks and forest land. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground, situated on Missouri's highest peak, offers tent-only sites with basic amenities and access to hiking trails including the Ozark Trail. Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm provides approximately 40 primitive tent sites with creek access in a natural setting.

Most tent sites in the area operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration and payment via honor system. Taum Sauk Mountain features leveled tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings with cooking grates, but limited services beyond vault toilets and a single water spigot near the entrance. Campers should bring water containers, as drinking water access points are sparse throughout the region. The ground at many sites is rocky or uneven, requiring careful tent placement. Sites typically lack electrical hookups, focusing instead on primitive tent setups with minimal infrastructure.

The tent camping experience near Greenville offers significant privacy between campsites, with most areas providing natural tree buffers. Many locations feature access to notable trails, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Taum Sauk provides proximity to Mina Sauk Falls and spectacular valley views, particularly at sunrise. Hikers can access the highest point in Missouri via a short walk from the campground. According to one visitor, "The sites are all secluded from each other by trees and are very beautiful. The overlook to the valley is beautiful, especially for sunrise." Wildlife observations are common, with campers reporting deer sightings near their tents and active bird populations throughout the forest areas. The camping areas remain relatively cool at night with temperature drops of approximately 20 degrees from daytime highs.

Map showing campgrounds near Greenville, MissouriExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Greenville, Missouri (22)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Greenville Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Greenville, MO

18 Photos of 22 Greenville Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Greenville, MO

415 Reviews of 22 Greenville 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.

  • Leah H.
    Jul. 18, 2017

    Silver Mines

    Great Camping Near the River

    This camp site has RV hook-ups and tent camping. There are trees throughout the campground if you're looking to set up a hammock. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table and is a mix of grass and light gravel. Pit toilets, no showers. Water spigots throughout the camp ground. Keep an eye out for snakes though! I nearly stepped on a copper head in the outhouse! Camp sites are a 2 minute walk to the St. Francois River. Great hiking along the river and good fishing, swimming and kayaking in the river! Also not to far from the Castor River Shut-ins if you're looking to pack two rivers into one trip. We just celebrated my husband's birthday here last weekend, though we have been a few times before. Always a blast!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Guide to Greenville

Tent campsites near Greenville, Missouri offer primitive experiences in the dense Ozark forest region. Most sites sit at elevations between 500-1,500 feet, contributing to temperature variations with summer days averaging 85-90°F and nights cooling to 65-70°F. Winter camping requires preparation for freezing temperatures, with occasional snowfall possible between December and February.

What to do

Hiking forest trails: Mina Sauk Falls trail can be challenging after rainfall, requiring waterproof footwear and trekking poles. "Trails through all kinds of forests, waterways and waterfalls. Educational displays," writes Lynn G. about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground.

Creek exploration: Wade through shallow creek beds to cool off during summer months at Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm. One camper notes, "We had so much fun playing in the creek learning about as Aztec and their gardening methods. Very adorable, baby goats and baby chicks that were just all over and loving living."

Sunrise viewing: Arrive at overlooks 30 minutes before official sunrise time for optimal photography opportunities. "The overlook to the valley is beautiful, especially for sunrise, and another short walk will take you to the marker for MO highest point," according to a visitor.

What campers like

Wildlife encounters: Many campsites report regular deer sightings, particularly at dawn and dusk. "Also had deer at our tent," notes one camper at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground, suggesting food should be properly secured in containers at night.

Fall foliage: Mid-October through early November provides peak autumn colors throughout the region. Clayton R. from Tom Sauk Mountain State Park shares, "Camped for a couple days during fall. The scenery was gorgeous!"

Fishing access: Lakes and streams offer various fishing opportunities with modest catches. "Nice little primitive campground with about 8 small spots. Has a nice sized lake good fishing if you are using a boat, or kayak," reports Matthew G. from Lake Girardeau Conservation Area.

What you should know

Terrain challenges: Tent placement requires careful site selection due to rocky ground throughout the area. Amanda C. notes about Taum Sauk, "Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent."

Water availability: Many sites have limited access to drinking water, particularly during shoulder seasons. "The water was turned off at the time of year we were there and the pit toilets were pretty full, but otherwise still clean," explains Mara F.

Bathroom facilities: Most sites offer only vault toilets with varying maintenance levels. "Vault toilet... The sites are all walk in but it's a short walk from your car to the site," explains one camper at Four Creeks Ranch Campground, where "the outhouses are comfortable and clean."

Cell service: Coverage is spotty throughout the region with best reception at higher elevations. "We were happy to not have a cell signal for the night," notes Amanda C., suggesting campers download offline maps before arrival.

Tips for camping with families

Animal encounters: Farm-based camping provides educational opportunities for children. At Wanderers End Sanctuary, Bonnie M. shares, "Very adorable, baby goats and baby chicks that were just all over and loving living."

Swimming options: Mark Twain National Forest Float Camp Recreation Area offers water recreation during warm months. "There's a nice river next to the campground for swimming and boating. The whole place is a nice quiet setting," according to Jeff C.

Campsite selection: For families with young children, request sites closest to bathroom facilities. "Sites have a table and a fire pit. Vault toilets, and a pavilion on site," notes a camper about Lake Girardeau, helping families plan their setup.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most primitive sites near Greenville cannot accommodate large RVs. Lynn G. cautions about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park: "TENT CAMPING ONLY!!! My friend had been turned away on a previous trip! (There are some other parks nearby if you are in an RV.)"

Electric options: Limited electric hookup sites exist at certain campgrounds. "Currently has 8 electric only sites, and 12 tent sites. All are first come, first serve," explains Jeff C. about Float Camp Recreation Area.

Dump station access: RVers should plan for off-site waste disposal. "The only dump station is in town at the Rocky River Resort, $10," notes a camper, with most sites requiring a 15-30 minute drive to reach dump facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Greenville, MO is Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Greenville, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring