Best Campgrounds near Houston, MO

The Ozark region surrounding Houston, Missouri provides access to several established campgrounds with diverse lodging options. Within a short drive, campers can find facilities like Montauk State Park Campground and Echo Bluff State Park, both offering a range of accommodations including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Several campgrounds along the Current River and Jacks Fork River are part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, providing opportunities for water recreation alongside camping. Many locations feature mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles from basic tent sites to full-service RV spots with electric, water, and sewer connections.

Seasonal patterns significantly affect camping experiences in this region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Water levels in the spring-fed rivers remain consistently cool and clear year-round, though flooding can occur after heavy rainfall. Sites in national forest areas typically offer more primitive settings, while state parks provide modern amenities including shower facilities, flush toilets, and camp stores. The Current River and associated springs remain a central attraction for campers. According to one visitor, "The grounds were well kept and all the folks working there were courteous, knowledgeable, and helpful. Very short drive to get to the spring and mill."

River access represents a defining feature of camping in this region, with many campgrounds situated along the Current River and its tributaries. Several developed campgrounds like Round Spring, Alley Spring, and Montauk State Park provide direct water access for fishing, swimming, and paddling. Trout fishing is particularly popular, with Montauk State Park known for its daily fish stocking during season. Visitors frequently mention the natural springs as highlights of their camping experience. A camper at Round Spring noted, "The river is awesome, cold, and a highlight of the campground. After several minutes of getting used to the cold water, we sat in the rushing water. It was great and the noise of the rushing water around us drowned out other sounds." Many campgrounds feature a mix of wooded and open sites, with state parks typically offering more developed facilities while national forest campgrounds provide a more rustic experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Houston, Missouri (108)

    1. Montauk State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Jadwin, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 548-2201

    "Another great trout park on Missouri"

    "Montauk State Park is one of the Missouri Conservations four trout parks, and is located at the headwaters of the beautiful Current River."

    2. Paddy Creek Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Roby, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "Access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails. We were surprised with how many sites were taken up, but there were still quite a few available."

    "Dollar General and a gas station located in nearby Roby. No cell service at cg. Had to drive up the hill to get a signal."

    3. Jesse And James Properties

    1 Review
    Roby, MO
    10 miles
    +1 (540) 795-9497

    $18 - $20 / night

    4. Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

    37 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 751-5211

    "This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete."

    "Echo Bluff State Park is nestled in the heart of Missouri's Ozarks. This natural haven offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers."

    5. Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    28 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $20 - $140 / night

    "Chose this location to be our hub while completing a Missouri springs tour. Visited 8 springs in total. Checked out the camping facilities at every spring that offered camping."

    "At this campground you have walking distance access to the river and a rental place nearby. Check out the Alley Mill while your there."

    6. Pulltite Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    12 Reviews
    Hartshorn, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $20 - $140 / night

    "You also have a trail that leads down to a little private beach area on the river but this past year the campground was so full, people were camping right on the beach."

    "There is a very nice trail with the trailhead near the group sites. It goes through different terrains, including along the river bank."

    7. Mark Twain National Forest Paddy Creek Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Roby, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 967-4194

    "Stayed there twice, it is a voluntary pay campground, the sites are nicer close to the creek, the only drawback is you gotta go a ways for supplies"

    8. Blue Spring Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    8 Reviews
    Mountain View, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    "We visit this campground multiple times a year and it's always a positive experience. My parents have ano rv and they allow us to camp in a tent next to them!"

    "Stayed at site 9 next to the river. No need to go find the scan and pay by the vault toilet all the sites have QR codes at the sites for scan and pay."

    9. Round Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    16 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $20 - $140 / night

    "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."

    "There's a sign to keep car tires on pavement, but I wasn't able to and parked the Jeep on the grass next to the trailer."

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Recent Reviews near Houston, MO

353 Reviews of 108 Houston Campgrounds


  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Ozark Farms Family Campground

    Ozark Camp in Rolla, MO

    Easy to reserve online. Confirm reservation through email. Showers/RR/laundry facility. Clean and shady. Dog park.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park

    Great Little Gem

    Nicely kept small park with some shady spots. Inexpensive. About 2 miles from main highway.

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Froggys River Resort

    Not as nice as the other options

    This "resort" is just a basic campground.  There's no place to dump your camper's tank, which you'd expect at the prices they charge.  The owner is in some sort of a feud with the residents that live around the campground, so now one of them fires a shotgun off every half hour, and another one blasts revelry early in the morning.  Nothing scary, but I didn't like knowing that we were right next to residents...certainly wouldn't want a campground in my back yard.

    Otherwise, it's mediocre.  Depending on the time of year, the river can be quite low, so be sure to check the forecast before planning a stay.  It was only about 6 inches deep when I was there.  The Gasconade Hills campground is just down the road and was a much better experience.

  • Jonathan D.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Gasconade Hills Resort

    Bad wifi and even worse owners

    Drove 4 hours and spent 300 dollars on a cabin. We placed a small Bluetooth speaker in front of our cabin and relaxed with a drink. After playing music for 20 mins the owner storms over and screams at me to turn it down. Its 8 pm and the music isn't turned up I tell him he said it's his place and his prerogative if it's too loud. I asked him to show me where it said I can't play music. He said quiet time is 10 pm. I said it's 8. He told me not to argue with him as if im his kid or his employee or something.  He told me he was going to eject me if I continued to argue. I would never recommend this place to anyone. Save your money and go somewhere the owners respect you. Lots of places who appreciate your business to give this place any business.

  • Delanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Froggys River Resort

    Friendly CG on the gasconade - PORT O POTTYS ONLY

    NO PLUMBIN, PORT O JOHNS ONLY

    PRIMITIVE CAMPSITE 10 IS BEST FOLLOWED BY 7

    Froggys has one flaw, see first sentence.  Other than that its perfect.  The crew is so friendly and you can tell they love running the CG and caring for guests.  They had a fire pit in the middle of the river which was so cool and did a pork steak dinner one of the nights.  The sites along the river are great for primitive camping.  And the six mile float on the gasconade was lovely.  The river moves slow, so if you're used to floating 16 miles on the spring fed Jacks Fork or Current, halfing that will be plenty.  Shower house was clean and efficient.

  • J
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Beautiful but not free

    Stunning views. Multiple spots. All have a picnic table and fire ring. They have a QR code on each picnic table so you can book your site through the state and pay $10 to Camp but there's no service in that area so I'm not sure how they expect us to be able to do that. There's two camping sections. One is about halfway down the road. It's grass and trees and it's across from a vault toilet and a trash bin. If you go all the way to the end of the road it rocks and sand and you're right on the water but there's no toilets or trash.

    The coordinates for this place just takes you to the start of the road not to the actual campsites. So once you get to the road just drive down it. It's not too far and car could make it.

    The only annoying thing was that when I stayed with my tent on the rocks by the water, all the way at the end, I could still hear the person at the very first campsite with RV generator humming very loudly and it took away a lot of the ambiance of the place. So it's primitive but you may not be alone.

  • Trevor S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Montauk State Park Campground

    Relaxing

    Very nice campground, tons of shade! My site (206) was very level and was surrounded in trees like basically ever other site which made it comfortable to sit outside all day. We’ve been down here a couple times now and would highly recommend it.

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Noblett Lake Dispersed Camping

    Actually found it.

    Most of the sites on this app that say there's just first camping this area or wrong. They've been turned into day. Use only areas. We did find this small road with a loop at the end that have pull-in campsites. They're nothing special, some of them are overgrown. Mostly all of them don't have any kind of fire ring. Looks like nobody really ever comes out here. There's a big one at the very end of the road where the circle is. It does have a rock fire ring and it's probably the nicest one available. There was nobody here when I came so it was fun to let the dogs run.

    If you go down the road to what used to actually be the Noblett Lake campground (it is now a picnic area, no overnight camping allowed). They do have vault toilets available but they're gross.

    This road and loop is just straight primitive camping. Nothing special at all.


Guide to Houston

Missouri's Ozark region around Houston sits at elevations between 1,000-1,700 feet and features diverse terrain from limestone bluffs to pine-oak forests. The area sees average summer temperatures in the low 80s with cooler nights in the mid-60s, making it comfortable for camping from late spring through early fall. Most campsites near Houston, Missouri experience significant temperature drops after sunset, even in summer months.

What to do

Fishing for specific species: The Current River at Montauk State Park Campground offers excellent trout fishing with daily stocking during season. "This is one of Missouri's trout parks you will find a majority of campers are there to fish. 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," notes Kyle H.

Cave exploration: Round Spring Campground provides access to guided cave tours. "Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5. The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations," explains Marty C.

Historic site visits: Visit the historic mill at Alley Spring Campground for a glimpse into the area's past. "Take a tour of the mill when the naturalist does one of their demonstrations," suggests a camper, noting this as an alternative activity for those not fishing.

River swimming: The cool spring-fed waters provide relief during hot summer days. At Paddy Creek Recreation Area, "Creek is spring fed so water is always cooler than most creeks," reports Aaron T., making it ideal for swimming during warmer months.

What campers like

Diverse accommodation options: Echo Bluff State Park offers multiple lodging choices beyond tent camping. "This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities," explains J K., highlighting the range of options from basic campsites to full amenities.

Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots away from crowds. At Paddy Creek Recreation Area, Cheryl M. notes, "Most sites are well shaded and spacious. Good privacy between sites." This allows for a more peaceful camping experience away from neighboring campers.

On-site dining options: Several campgrounds feature restaurants for those who prefer not to cook. "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," says Kyle H. about Montauk State Park, adding convenience for campers.

River access: Direct water access represents a key feature at most campsites. "The river is a short walk from the tent," notes Jill R. about Alley Springs, making it convenient for water activities without driving to separate locations.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have no cellular coverage. "It has zero cell service but you can drive about 2 miles up the road to the state park and connect their WiFi," explains Stephanie N. about Round Spring Campground.

Site selection factors: Not all campsites are created equal. "Sites 1-18 are fairly small and not very level. Sites 19-29 have larger, more level areas," advises Lea B. about Round Spring, showing the importance of researching specific site numbers when reserving.

Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Sites do go quickly so you will need to book months in advance," warns Kyle H. about Montauk State Park.

Distance to supplies: Some campgrounds are far from stores. "The only drawback is you gotta go a ways for supplies," notes Ted S. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area, suggesting campers bring what they need.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer programs specifically for children. At Montauk State Park, "We didn't take advantage of it, but there were a lot of activities aimed at kids," shares Dan N., pointing to organized recreation options.

Short hiking options: For families with young children, Pulltite Campground offers accessible trails. "For those who like to 'rough it' ...but not too much, there's some basic showers and flush toilets," notes Ellen F., making it suitable for families new to camping.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids can observe native species in their natural habitat. "You may get lucky and see otters on your way to the spring, or some of the wild horses in the area," suggests Lea B. about Round Spring Campground.

Water safety considerations: The cold spring waters require adjustment for children. "Go in the early morning to the spring trail to watch the mist roll off the water and enjoy the wildlife - so otherworldly," recommends Lea B., noting when conditions are most favorable.

Tips from RVers

Site length limitations: Big Rock Candy Mountain Campground offers RV hookups but has limitations. "Tent, RV hookups, cabins, yurt. Pool. Pleasant place for kids and adults," notes J R., though specific length restrictions apply.

Electric site availability: Many campgrounds have limited electric sites. "There are only 50 sites, some have electricity. Most of the campsites are scattered along the road with lots of trees and privacy. The electric sites are in the center of the campground on the road with no shade," explains Joel R. about Round Spring.

Parking pad dimensions: Some campgrounds have challenging RV pads. "Parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much," advises Cheryl M. about Paddy Creek Recreation Area.

Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have sewer hookups. "There is a dump station," notes Joel R. about Round Spring Campground, information essential for RVers planning multi-day stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Houston, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Houston, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 108 campgrounds and RV parks near Houston, MO and 12 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Houston, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Houston, MO is Montauk State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Houston, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 free dispersed camping spots near Houston, MO.

What parks are near Houston, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Houston, MO that allow camping, notably Mark Twain National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.