Best Tent Camping near Ironton, MO
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Best Tent Sites Near Ironton, Missouri (21)
1. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground
22 Reviews•108 Photos•159 SavesIronton, MissouriTaum Sauk Mountain State Park offers basic, walk-in campsites and two special-use camping areas. The campsites allow for tent camping only. Pop-up or other trailers are not allowed. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no showerhouse or dump station. Water and a vault toilet are available in the camping area.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Bismark Lake Conservation Area
1 Review•10 SavesBismarck, Missouri- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Alcohol
3. Padfield Branch Primitive Campground
1 Review•15 Photos•20 SavesBlack, MissouriBackcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out.
- Pets
- Tents
4. Ottery Creek Primitive Campground
1 Review•10 Photos•15 SavesBlack, MissouriBackcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring
- Pets
- Tents
5. Panther Branch Primitive Campground
2 Reviews•7 Photos•8 SavesBlack, MissouriBackcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out.
- Pets
- Tents
6. Four Creeks Ranch Campground
3 Reviews•15 Photos•81 SavesEllington, MissouriThree miles from Ellington MO. Trails for miles for ATVs, OHVs, and Horses. Ride to Clearwater Lake Conservation Area for thousands of acres to ride or hike. Also 5 miles from Current River Conservation. area and 12 miles from the Black River for kayaking, canoeing, floating and fishing. Stalls available for your horses. Bring your boat or rent one at Clearwater Lake. They also offer pontoons and jet skies. Blue Springs, Johnson Shut Inns, and Elephant Rock State Park are just a few of the places to go in the area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$15 - $30 / night
7. Peter Cave Hollow Creek
1 Review•9 Photos•6 SavesBlack, MissouriBackcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out.
- Pets
- Tents
8. Brazil Creek
5 Reviews•21 Photos•29 SavesPotosi, MissouriThe Brazil Creek Recreation Area serves as a trail camp for the 24-mile Berryman Trail and the 40 mile Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail. The Berryman Trail traverses 24 miles of scenic Ozark countryside starting at the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp of 1937 and winding through timbered stands and fields. This section of the Ozark Trail is part of the over 200 mile through-trail. For more information about these sections of trail, visit www.ozarktrail.com . Camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding here offer the recreationist a pleasant measure of solitude and quiet.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
9. Courtois Creek Dispersed
3 Reviews•12 Photos•115 SavesDavisville, MissouriThis section is the gateway to the Ozarks--starting at Onondaga Cave State Park and winding through the Huzzah State Forest/Conservation Area, opening into the lead district of Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest, view variegated wildlife, flora, and scenery and end up at Hazel Creek on the south. This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead. It is part of the over 220 mile continuous through-trail. Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous. This section of trail includes springs, creeks and other water locations, as well as some popular places for trailside camping.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered. Pack out all of your garbage.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
10. Telleck Branch Primitive Campground
1 Review•14 Photos•5 SavesBelleview, MissouriBackcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out
- Pets
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews near Ironton, Missouri
774 Reviews of 21 Ironton Campgrounds
Annie C.
Legend
Washington State Park Campground
Washington State Park
A great spot for a quick get away from St Louis. Beautiful park with lots to do not far from the campground. If you are tent camping you don't have to worry about generators from the RVs as there are two separate camping areas that share a really nice shower house, but have their own bathrooms as well. Be careful to not get a tent site in the middle, in the low area, as rain runoff will run down to the middle area. No tent pads, but plenty of grassy areas to pitch your tent. Activities in the park include swimming in the pool or the Big River, canoeing (rent at the Thunderbird Lodge), hiking, and petroglyphs.
- BBarrett C.
Traveler
Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Wild Horses
Was a great secluded tent camp site. Liked that they had wagons to help haul our gear to the site. Family of 7 so we have plenty of stuff to haul. Was a really fun time. Spent lots of it in the water and got to see some wild horses so that was exciting.
- NN I.Legend
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
- Gina L.
Scout
Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground
Primitive and Full Hook Up
I've seen some reviews say its outdated and I'm not sure where that comes from. On season they offer a variety of float and eat packages that are tasty and nicely priced. Cute little campground with "primitive", electric and full hook ups. All tent camping is still pretty close to the general store that also has coin showers! You have good options for a shady and grassy spot if you're tent camping too. Great folks working there, always very friendly and helpful.
- Dave B.
Guide
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
A drive to the shut ins
We have stayed in cabins and tent camped. Beautiful spot, but can be very heavily populated
DaveGuide
Four Creeks Ranch Campground
Looked OK
Shelly seemed like a very nice person via text. She just wasn't there when we arrived, and we had a hard time determining property boundaries, tent site locations, etc. on our own. Unfortunately, the tent site we did find was pretty washed out, and we ended up leaving and camping elsewhere. If you have an RV/trailer, ATV's, etc. this place is probably a hoot. Best of luck.
Denni G.TravelerTimbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Great tent camping!
Love tent camping! Secluded and shaded. I want a few years back and it was lovely can’t wait to see if there have been updates!
- JJames W.Traveler
Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park
Quiet by the lake
Tent camped here during the week in June and the campground was only about 1/3 full. Quiet and the restrooms and showers were very clean.
Marissa H.TravelerTimbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Wonderful Swimming Hole
This is a really nice spot for tent camping - even though it’s clearly geared towards RV camping. Make sure to book a walk-in campsite if you’re tent camping, otherwise you’ll be in the lot with the RVs (no trees, no privacy etc see first picture). You’ll have to carry your gear to your site, but not too far. Each walk in site is fairly isolated and separate from the other site by trees. Each site has a wood tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring with grate. If you want you could even go to the lodge (walking distance) for a meal and skip the cooking! Book your spot in advance as it seems like they fill up quickly.
iloveitontop R.
Ranger
St. Francois State Park Campground
Nice Place to get away
Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park. If your in the area check out the other amazing Missouri state parks while staying here. The Missouri Mines state park is maybe a 5 min drive and a neat place to see. Tent sites, Bathroom and some hammock spots.
- Will B.Guide
Onondaga Cave State Park Campground
Great park
Stayed here for one night we toured the cave which was great. The park is very well kept and nice clean facilities. We tent camped and every spot had a good place to set up a tent.
GB N.ScoutDD Hwy Campground
October tent camping
Tent camping back away from the RVs & we were the only people. Gorgeous river to view just a few steps away & the night sky view was fantastic. LOVED the bathroom & shower facilities!
- Mark B.Guide
Sam A. Baker State Park Campground
Clean Sites, perfect for family.
Sam A Baker has a large selection of sites. Perfect for tent camping or Campers of any size. Great trail selection, many moderate trails, but there are many options for those with young children as well.
- AAmy J.Scout
Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Oh-Ozarks
We enjoyed clean well-maintained bathrooms. Men’s showers were hot and the women’s were cold! The grass was mown well, so it was easier to tent camp. Staff was very helpful and accommodating. Scenery was spectacular.
- Donna H.Traveler
Bass' River Resort
Great Campsite
This was a great campsite with water and electric hookups. We tent camped and floated the 6 mile float. Bathrooms we're clean and we'll maintained. Showers needed quarters to operate. Nice restaurant for breakfast and a great store.
- Shona H.Traveler
Red Bluff Campground
Small and Inviting, Peaceful
Smaller campsite located in Mark Twain National Forest. RV hook ups and tent sites. Views in the bluff area or stay across from Huzzah Creek for easy access to swimming.
- BBrasley C.Traveler
Whippoorwill Lake Campground Resort
Lake camping
Small lake. Has tent camping or cabins. All roads are gravel. We have stayed in the cabins. It was a double bed and also had a set of bunks. So plenty of room. Lake has sandy beaches. Small playset I the water for kids.
- AAngela F.Guide
Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park
Our favorite place to camp
We typically camp just at the end of season and have this is our favorite place to camp. We always tent camp with minimal supplies. It is has always been clean and even during peak season I felt there was plenty of space between campsites.
- JJesse C.Traveler
Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground
Great Place
Full hookups(electric/water/sewer) for rvs, as well as primitive tent sites. Facilities are bit on the older side, but 2 shower houses are available. River access within walking distance. Canoe and raft rental available.
- AAlex T.Traveler
St. Francois State Park Campground
Great getaway close to St Louis
We spent a Saturday and Sunday there camping in the electric site. They do have tent sites but we wanted to be closer to the river which was a 2min walk.
Great place, awesome people and kid friendly. Definitely will be back!
- Scott M.Traveler
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground
Camping within the trees
I like this camp site because you are within the trees the whole time. It is tent camping only. Where we camped, the ground was covered in moss. That made for very soft sleeping, except for the few large rocks spread over the area. We had room for two portable canopies and about 35 cub scouts and family members.
Matt S.LegendJohnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Johnsons Shut-Ins is a special place
Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is an amazing park that combines the comforts of an RV park with the rustic side of walk-in tent sites. It is the best maintained park in the Northeastern part of the Ozark's. It has a store in the middle of the campground. The sites all have concrete pull-ins and the bathrooms and shower houses are all brand new, modern, and clean.
The sites are spread a part giving plenty of room to campers. There are several tent sites that you can walk into to get away from the concrete. There is a gear cart to help you get everything back from your car to your site.
This is a place where you could spend several days and have a lot of fun. This is the premiere campground in that area of the Ozark's.
The staff is also very helpful and friendly.
- April D.Guide
Washington State Park Campground
Open and Small
this ground is very well kept and is oerfect for tent camping. the only downfall is the amount trees. although the sites are very large, flat, and easy, you can see everyones business because there is maybe 1 tree in between each site. but there is a creek, trails, walk in sites, and lots of history to check out.
- BBarbie B.Guide
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Nice park with a lot to do in the park and the surrounding area.
The campsites are very nice. I don't mind the concrete pads they have for camping and parking. We have a camper but used cots when we tent camped so concrete was not a problem for us.
The kids loved the shut ins. We didn't even make it all the way to the back as it was a very long walk. We also visited some of the historical sites in the area.
- SShelby B.Traveler
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Perfect for any experience
There are hookup sites as well as a primitive loop for tent camping. The cart provided was great to walk our gear down the trail to our site, and there was a flat deck for us to camp on (which was great on our rainy weekend). The store was nice, and we got some great ice cream on the way out. We drove in, but the people next to us backpacked from another campsite. Absolutely a great experience.
- RRebeccaTraveler
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.
J K.LegendTimbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Missouri’s newest state park has it all!
This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities. Campsites are all well manicured and offer everything from basic sites to full RV hook ups. 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. And the only other negative is that all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade. But other than that 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.
Guide to Ironton
Explore the serene experience of tent camping near Ironton, Missouri, where nature's beauty meets a variety of outdoor activities.
Tent campers should check out Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground
- Enjoy secluded camping at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground, which features picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
- The campground offers easy access to stunning mountain overlooks and trailheads, making it ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
- With a peaceful atmosphere and minimal crowds, this spot is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Local activities for adventurous campers
- Experience the thrill of hiking at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground, where you can trek to the highest point in Missouri and enjoy breathtaking views.
- Nearby attractions like Johnson Shut-Ins and Elephant Rock provide additional opportunities for exploration and adventure.
- Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant nature surrounding the campground, perfect for birdwatching and stargazing.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- At Panther Branch Primitive Campground, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ozark Trail while enjoying a truly primitive camping experience.
- The Padfield Branch Primitive Campground offers a unique opportunity to explore remnants of old living quarters while enjoying the tranquility of nature.
- For those seeking a more rustic experience, Ottery Creek Primitive Campground is a favorite among backpackers, providing access to scenic trails and a peaceful environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ironton, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ironton, MO is Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ironton, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Ironton, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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