Camping options near Hartshorn, Missouri center around pristine waterways and dense Ozark forests at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet. The region features spring-fed rivers with water temperatures averaging 58 degrees year-round, creating ideal conditions for trout fishing and water recreation. Most campgrounds operate from April through October when daytime temperatures range from 65-85°F.
What to do
Explore cave systems: Visitors at Round Spring Campground can take ranger-led cave tours available June through August. "The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations...Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5," reports Marty C.
Float the Jacks Fork River: Harveys Circle B Campground provides direct river access with boat rentals and shuttle service. "They have floating outfitter to rent or they will put your own boat in," notes Laura, who appreciated the convenience of on-site services.
Fish for trout: The Current River headwaters at Montauk State Park Campground offer premier trout fishing. "You can purchase a trout tag at the lodge for $3.00, and it will allow you to keep 4 trout per day with a possession limit of 8. The conservation will stock the Current on a nightly basis, based on number of tags sold the day before," explains Kyle H.
What campers like
River access sites: Many campers value waterfront campsites. At Pulltite Campground, "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!" shares Tabby M.
Shower facilities: Timbuktu Campground receives praise for its modern facilities. "This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities," reports J K., adding that while the lack of shade can be challenging, "it's easy to see why the state park is a perfect representation of how much pride Missouri takes in its conservation and park system."
On-site dining: Campers appreciate not having to cook every meal. At Montauk State Park Campground, "The lodge has a full restaurant, as well as a diner style counter. My son love's to go and sit at the counter to get ice cream. You will find menu items such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a buffet on certain days," explains Kyle H.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October. "Montauk State Park is one of the Missouri Conservations four trout parks...Since it is one of Missouri's trout parks you will find a majority of campers are there to fish," notes Kyle H.
Wildlife awareness: The Ozarks have diverse wildlife including venomous snakes. "Keep an eye out for copperheads and water moccasins along with black widow spiders. The gnats can get pretty bad in the evenings but quickly go away once the sun sets," advises Ellen F. about Pulltite Campground.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service is limited throughout the region. Round Spring Campground "has zero cell service but you can drive about 2 miles up the road to the state park and connect their WiFi," mentions Stephanie N., helpful information for those needing to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Two Rivers Backcountry Camping offers nature activities for children. "There's caves on site too but they closed them for some reason. We were there in spring and the buds were great," reports Dan N., highlighting natural attractions beyond water recreation.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds feature designated swimming spots. At Harveys Circle B Campground, "Great swim area. Shower house is basic. We stayed in our RV on a spot with river view," says Laura, indicating the campground is set up for family water play.
Kid-friendly glamping in Hartshorn, Missouri: Upscale accommodations cater to families wanting comfort. At Timbuktu Campground, "Clean, friendly staff, beautiful surroundings," mentions Greg L., while Janet S. adds, "This is the third year for this campground so the trees are small but if you have an awning or some kind of shade mechanism, all is good...the creek is awesome, the lodge is beautiful, and the food is fantastic."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Ozarks Mountain Springs RV Park, "Site was fairly level. Definitely a wooded setting," reports Mary D., providing practical information for larger rigs navigating wooded campgrounds.
Luxury glamping options: Upscale accommodations near Hartshorn provide RV amenities with added comforts. "This campground has pretty much everything you could want: running water, hot showers, a general store, direct river access, ranger programs, shaded campsites," Kyle K. notes about Pulltite Campground.
Seasonal availability: RV sites at popular campgrounds book quickly. At Montauk State Park, "Sites do go quickly so you will need to book months in advance," advises Kyle H., essential information for planning RV trips to the region.
