12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Lebanon, Missouri range from established campgrounds to primitive sites with varying amenities. Fiery Fork Conservation Area offers free tent camping with fire rings, concrete picnic tables, and vault toilets approximately 30 miles northwest of Lebanon. Hermitage State Park Campground at Pomme de Terre State Park provides tent sites with more developed facilities including trash service, drinking water, and toilets about 40 miles west of Lebanon.
Most tent camping areas around Lebanon require campers to bring their own water or have a filtration system for nearby water sources. Fiery Fork Conservation Area features mowed sites with fire pits and some concrete tables, but limited cell service creates true disconnection from urban life. The gravel access road can be challenging during wet conditions, with some reviewers noting high water areas that may require higher clearance vehicles. Vault toilets are available at most conservation areas, though maintenance varies by season and usage. Several sites lack trash receptacles, requiring campers to pack out all waste.
Tent campers at Fiery Fork Conservation Area benefit from river access for fishing, wading, and boat launching. The area provides ample shade trees suitable for hammocks and relatively flat tent pads. Sites typically offer good spacing between campers, though summer weekends can become crowded, particularly near water access points. Hermitage State Park Campground provides more amenities for tent campers seeking a balance between primitive camping and basic services. Wildlife sightings including deer, armadillos, and various bird species enhance the camping experience. A review noted that "the area was mowed, had a rock fire place, concrete picnic tables, a vault toilet, shade, grass for dogs to play frisbee, parking right beside your spot, trails, access to the river, good hammock trees, flat-level surface."
"It was during deer hunting season and we only had one neighbor that looked to be there for quite a while hunting."
"Other than that the restrooms were well kept up and it was free. I just pulled right up to an established fire pit and pitched my tent."
"Quiet, secluded Missouri Department of Conservation Area with free, designated camping near the road."
"My brother and I stayed here for a guys getaway, it’s a remote area with a restroom and fire pits. Accessible via most vehicles as all roads are rocked. You will not need 4x4 to get out here."
from $10 / night
from $36 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Tent camping late Oct '26. Fire rings, trash bins, toilet. RV and tent but No water or electric. No picnic tables. About 24 sites with fire rings, a few more without. Best to avoid using Old St."
"Has 1 bathroom and place for trash. Right along the river so nice if your looking for water. I arrived at 6 on a Saturday (post labor day) and plenty of sites available."
TravelerOctober 2026 - only a drive by to ck things out. Nine sites for tent or RV with fire rings. No water, electric, or picnic tabes. No shade. Lack of shade is why we gave it only 3 stars. Toilet. Camping area well mowed. Area clean. Nice if looking for a more secluded area. No cell signal or 1 bar (T-Mobile) in camping area itself.
TravelerPretty area. Tent camping late Oct '26. Fire rings, trash bins, toilet. RV and tent but No water or electric. No picnic tables. About 24 sites with fire rings, a few more without. Best to avoid using Old St. Thomas Rd, esp if pulling RV. 10+ miles narrow gravel road. Best to come through St Elizabeth. Sites a little close but still plenty of privacy this time of year. Most sites have some shade. Quiet for the most part. Farm road passes behind one side of camping area but wasn't that active. Small amt of noise from farm equip. Some noise from boat traffic but not bad. Not sure how it will be in the summer. Had 4-5 bars with T-Mobile. Plan to use often.
ScoutLovely spot, sites are fairly well separated. Beautiful panoramic lake views and very quiet. Camp actually has 2 RV dump stations near the entrance
ScoutStaff is great and the location is nice for lake activities although its not on the lake with lake views. Lots of fun campground activities throughout the spring, summer and fall with bands and pot lucks.
Scouta quiet, clean and peaceful campaigning environment. clean amenities. love it
LegendA little road noise but otherwise nice. We arrived on Sunday and only a few people camping other than us. Nice clean cool Creek. Was pretty hot when we arrived,so nice to have.
TravelerHubby and I just got a new camper and wanted to test it out close to home. This campground was one of the few that had 50 amp electric and water hookups with a dump station near a lake on short notice. Camp sites are close together but don't feel crowded. Nice level sites with lots of added patio areas on most. Very close to the lake. The cove is all a no wake area with a beach and plenty of space to kayak or paddle board. Definitely adding this to our lists of favorites!
TravelerLovely setting right by Osage river. Quite a few full time residents but still very nice. Great pool. Bathrooms and showers well kept. Laundry $2 per wash or dry.
GuideWe stopped here for one night on a trip home to Texas from Iowa. The hosts are very kind and helped us get backed in to our spot and set up. Lots of nice amenities and activities! It’s tucked back nicely so it feels very secluded.
Primitive camping options around Lebanon, Missouri offer alternatives to established campgrounds within 40 miles of the city. Situated in the northern Ozark highlands at approximately 1,300 feet elevation, Lebanon experiences seasonal weather variations that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Most conservation areas maintain primitive sites with basic amenities while providing river access for water activities.
Fishing opportunities: Osage-Tavern Access provides direct river access for anglers. "Right along the river so nice if your looking for water," notes camper Casey who visited in September and found "plenty of sites available" even on a weekend.
Hammock camping: Several conservation areas feature trees suitable for hammock setups. At Fiery Fork Conservation Area, Jenny D. mentions, "Lots of beautiful hammock friendly trees, river access, and creek beds to play in. 30 min from Ha Ha Tonka."
Wildlife observation: Conservation areas support diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. According to Amanda at Fiery Fork, "Armadillos, deer, and a few different bird types could be found easily. Overall it was exactly what we wanted since it was free and not crowded down close to Lake of the Ozarks."
Budget-friendly camping: Free camping appeals to cost-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. Shannon M. at Fiery Fork Conservation Area reports, "Nice area to camp not crowded, plenty of space between camp sites, and peaceful. A nice place if your on a budget and just need a get away."
River recreation: Multiple sites offer water access for swimming, wading, and boating. At McCubbins Point, Larry M. notes the "Public boat ramp nice cooking spots" despite finding bathrooms not well maintained.
Natural separation: Site spacing provides privacy at most conservation areas. Nick G. explains about Fiery Fork, "I stayed here for a few days in April. There were a few campers, but I'd be very surprised if this place isn't loud and packed in the summer."
Cell service limitations: Remote camping areas have minimal connectivity. At Fiery Fork Conservation Area, Erick H. warns, "be prepared to have no cell signal...had to drive a couple of miles for a signal. That is with Spectrum U believe they use Verizon."
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites can present challenges. Ry M. reports about Fiery Fork, "The road down was very sketchy for my 2008 Mazda 3. It's a very simple campground but in a great location near the ozarks."
Trash management: Many conservation areas lack waste disposal facilities. Wally B. notes at Fiery Fork, "Much of the area was covered in trash. Bring extra trash bags!" This reflects a common issue at primitive sites requiring pack-out practices.
Beach play areas: River access points provide natural play spaces for children. Amanda from Osage-Tavern Access decided "it would be a nice place to bring our kids since there is quite a bit of 'beach' at the river access for them to play and see nature."
Pet-friendly options: Many conservation areas allow leashed pets. Fiery Fork provides "grass for dogs to play frisbee" according to Whitney L., making it suitable for family camping with pets.
Seasonal timing: Spring and fall offer more comfortable camping conditions and fewer crowds. Casey visited Osage-Tavern Access "post labor day" and found "plenty of sites available" with "a couple of families/kids here but not too loud."
Size restrictions: Primitive camping areas typically accommodate smaller recreational vehicles only. Chrischelle N. at Fiery Fork Conservation Area advises, "I recommend smaller RVs due to the 2 miles of gravel and high water areas you go through to get there."
Water crossings: Seasonal precipitation affects access for larger vehicles. Jenny D. warns about Fiery Fork, "If the waters too high, there's a bridge into the site that could be flooded so watch the weather."
Generator considerations: While some RV campers use generators at conservation areas, their noise impacts other campers. Whitney L. notes hearing a neighbor's generator "for a bit" at Fiery Fork but found them to be "perfect neighbors" otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
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