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Best Tent Camping near Pilot Knob, MO

783 Reviews

Tent campgrounds surrounding Pilot Knob, Missouri feature a mix of primitive sites and basic established camping areas concentrated in the nearby Ozark highlands. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground offers tent-specific sites on Missouri's highest peak, with most spots featuring picnic tables and fire rings. Several primitive backcountry camping options exist along the Ozark Trail system, including Padfield Branch, Ottery Creek, and Panther Branch primitive campgrounds, where hikers can find secluded tent sites accessible by foot travel only.

Sites at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park include raised tent platforms at some locations, while others provide level ground for tent placement. Access is primarily first-come, first-served through an honor system payment method, with no reservations accepted. Pit toilets and a water spigot are available near the entrance, though many campers recommend bringing additional water. The primitive campgrounds along the Ozark Trail require hikers to carry all supplies, as they offer no facilities beyond established clearings. A camper noted, "Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had." Seasonal considerations include warmer temperatures from late spring through early fall, with mosquitoes present near the small pond at Taum Sauk.

The tent camping experience provides direct access to significant natural features and hiking opportunities. Areas at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park place campers within walking distance of Missouri's highest point and the trailhead for Mina Sauk Falls, the state's highest waterfall. One visitor described the campground as having "spaciousness and distance between the sites" with sites "secluded from each other by trees." Primitive tent camping along the Ozark Trail segments offers deeper solitude, with Ottery Creek primitive campground featuring "tall trees with plenty of flat areas that is large and open." Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting deer, raccoons, and occasional black bear tracks. Most tent sites throughout the region provide ample shade with forest canopy covering nearly all camping areas.

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Best Tent Sites Near Pilot Knob, Missouri (21)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Pilot Knob, MO

18 Photos of 21 Pilot Knob Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pilot Knob, MO

783 Reviews of 21 Pilot Knob 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Marissa H.
    Aug. 11, 2020

    Timbuktu 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.

Guide to Pilot Knob

Tent campsites near Pilot Knob, Missouri concentrate in the Ozark highlands where elevations range from 500 to 1,772 feet. This region experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching 90°F in July and August, while winter nights often drop below freezing. Camping options include both established parks with designated sites and primitive backcountry spots along trail systems where water sources require proper filtration.

What to do

Highest point hike: A short 2-mile moderate hike at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground leads to Missouri's highest peak. "Hike the tallest mountain in MO, not a long hike. Endless green rolling vistas!" notes reviewer Lynn G.

Waterfall viewing: Visit during wet seasons to see cascades. "We did the hike to the highest point in Missouri and then to a small waterfall. We were racing the sunset so we didn't get to spend as much time as we would have liked," reports Amanda C. from Taum Sauk Mountain.

Creek exploration: Four Creeks Ranch Campground offers river access for rock hunting. "The river is beautiful. Great place to go hopping and find some cool rocks," according to Bedriah A.

Historic site visits: Camp near significant historical landmarks. "It is very close to several points of interest- Fort Davidson in Pilot Knob, Elephant Rocks & Johnson Shut-ins," mentions Lisa P. when describing camping options.

What campers like

Peaceful seclusion: Tom Sauk Mountain State Park offers quiet tent platforms. "Tent camping only and it looked like most sites had platforms and a picnic table... Looked nice and wasn't crowded," reports Trevor S.

Winter camping: Cold-weather options exist for off-season adventurers. "We stayed here last December before starting the Taum Sauk to Johnson Shut-Ins portion of the Ozark Trail," recalls Mara F. about their winter experience.

Natural water access: Brazil Creek provides stream access right from camp. "A crystal clear steam just deep enough to dangle your tired legs in or sit your saddle sore body in the ice cold water," describes Shelly S.

Wildlife encounters: Expect to see native animals around your campsite. "Also had deer at our tent," mentions Lynn G. about their Taum Sauk camping experience.

What you should know

Navigation challenges: Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent. "No cell signal, and as the other reviewer has said, have your map to get there, because it's easy if you do. Your phone will not get you there," warns Staci R. about Brazil Creek.

Limited facilities: Many sites have minimal amenities. "The water was turned off at the time of year we were there and the pit toilets were pretty full, but otherwise still clean," reports Mara F. about winter camping.

Rocky terrain: Ground conditions can damage tents. "Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent," cautions Amanda C. about Taum Sauk Mountain.

Weather variability: Prepare for unexpected conditions. "We were expecting temperatures in the 50's to 60's and ended up getting snowed on several days. It slowed us down tremendously," shares Matt S. about a spring backpacking trip.

Tips for camping with families

Group site options: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground accommodates larger gatherings. "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," explains Scott M.

Educational opportunities: Use natural features as teaching moments. "Educational displays," mentions Lynn G. as a positive feature for families visiting Taum Sauk Mountain.

Off-grid introduction: Four Creeks Ranch Campground provides a gentle introduction to rustic camping. "This is also a good place if your new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society," suggests reviewer asherondryde.

Bathroom planning: Consider limited facilities when camping with children. "Bring your small shovel and tp, plus plenty of drinking water," advises Shelly S. about primitive sites at Brazil Creek.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most tent camping locations near Pilot Knob restrict RV access. "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)," warns Lynn G. about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground.

Alternative options: Deer Creek Campground offers 25 sites with electric hookups, water, showers, and a dump station for RVers needing more amenities near the Pilot Knob area.

Accessibility considerations: Look for drive-in sites if traveling with a camping trailer. "Primitive horse sites in your own little haven in the woods... plenty of tent and horse trailer parking space," notes Shelly S. about certain areas at Brazil Creek that accommodate vehicles.

Water planning: No water hookups exist at most sites. "No water, amenities (not even a vault toilet) or cell service," reminds Staci R. about Brazil Creek conditions for RV campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pilot Knob, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pilot Knob, MO is Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

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TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Pilot Knob, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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