Are you planning a tent camping trip to Macon? We've got you covered. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Macon. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Macon's most popular destinations.
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Hello there! We (Christina & Brian) are excited to share our 80 acres with you! At the moment we offer only dispersed camping. We want to keep it as "Organic" as possible! So, there will only be 1 main gravel road, that is mostly covered in gravel at the moment. NO concrete or asphalt areas. Heavy rains will in-hinder on how far you can travel in. Either way, we can assist you, unless you are an RV. If you like, we have a large metal wagon that you can hand pull or pull by our truck. You are welcome to bring your UTV, but only to move your equipment and guests back and forth to our site or your vehicle. We are willing to show you around before you set up camp. If you are coming in at dark, we can suggest a campsite, then you can move in the daylight if you like. FIREWOOD: We have more than you can handle as this land has been harvested for timber prior to our purchase. We also encourage you to take some as long you use it up while in Missouri. More info at website DontMoveFirewood dot org We do NOT have amenities on site as of yet. We will provide bottled water at no cost. We highly encourage that you unplug while you are here, but not required. We do want you to have your phone with you for safety and capturing moments while you are here. We do have cell service here! We are close to many places: * 1/2 mile to Casey's General Store * Mark Twain State Park: 30 min * Long Branch State Park: 40 min * Thomas Hill Reservoir: 40 min * Finger Lakes State Park OHV/ motorcross: 40 min * Amish Community (Clark): 30 min * Casey's Gas Station: 3 min * Dollar General: 4 min * Walmart Supercenter: 17 min
If you are bold and want to enjoy nature nudist style, that is welcomed, but ONLY at your campsite and maybe a larger area for an additional fee once you arrive. This place is NOT a nudist camp, but it is private enough that you can be comfortable in your area. We thank you for taking the time to read our post. If you have any questions, feel free to get hold of us at anytime.
$25 - $30 / night
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Visitors at John Spalding are in the perfect location for recreation on Mark Twain Lake. The day-use area is the only facility within reach of the sandy public beach. It's also directly connected to the Joanna Trail, a 32-mile multi-purpose trail for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Tour the birthplace of world-famous humorist and writer, Mark Twain and explore the region that inspired his most beloved stories, such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."
Swim and enjoy the beach all day, or take a boat out for water skiing and fishing. For hikers and bikers, the lengthy Joanna Trail lines the northern banks of the lake.
The day-use area is equipped with a swimming beach, showers and picnic shelters. Shelters have electric hookups.
The Salt River of north-central Missouri feeds Mark Twain Lake, the regions largest body of water, spanning 18,000 acres. A variety of recreation areas surround the lake, including the Mark Twain State Park.
Visit Mark Twain's birthplace in Florida, Missouri or his boyhood home in Hannibal. The David C. Berti Shooting Range is below the dam and M.W. Boudreaux Visitor Center is above the dam.
$30 / night
Missouris Spillway Recreation Area is tucked in a cove near the Wappapello Dam on Wappapello Lake. The area provides plenty of recreation for day-use visitors, including boating, fishing or playing volleyball by the lakeshore.
Wappapello Lake has a seemingly endless string of secluded coves hugged by a winding, wooded shoreline. The public recreation area spans 45,000 acres in the southeastern Ozark foothills.
Boating and fishing are the most popular activities with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass and channel catfish, among other species.
Pine Ridge Natural Trail, a 3/4-mile double loop, starts at the Spillway Recreation Area and provides an excellent way to explore the beautiful woodlands.
This day use area includes two large picnic shelters, 8 picnic sites, a volleyball court, playground, horseshoe pits and bank fishing.
The extensive 33-mile Ozark Trail, starts just south of Sam A. Baker State Park and winds along the west side of the St. Francis River and Wappapello Lake.
Traveler
We stayed at Camp Takimina on our first shakedown trip with our Popup camper. It was amazing. It was about 5-10 minutes from I-70, super easy to get to. The camp was quiet, private, and peaceful. There are no hookups, but water was right next to us near the parking lot, and the picnic tables near the lodge were shaded most of the day. Portapotties were clean and well stocked. We brought our dog and two children and the had an absolutely fabulous time! We hiked a lot in the woods, played in the creek, and had plenty of time and space to figure out our new to us popup camper. There aren't actual spots for to park in, it is just a big gravel lot with a couple designated areas for campers if the lot is full (it wasn't full at all). We reserved Arrow Hill also, which is a huge site right next to the parking lot, so we had a campfire ring to cook on. Most of the firepits have benches that surround them, which was very handy not to have to move chairs around all the time. The tent sites were huge- easily would fit multiple tents at each site, and we will absolutely be back to tent camp, and with the popup too!
ScoutWent to set up camp for the MR340 and it was very confusing on where the tent sites were. They have 6 RV sites at the top of the hill and 12 more river side. They say they have 10 tent sites hillside but not posts or map or anything that show its for tents. No website or phone number other then to the City. Even when you call that it never gives you an option for camping. Finally I just ended up taking an RV spot for my tent.
Guide
Basic tent site, potable water was right near our site. Bathrooms were clean. There were some families staying nearby but overall was a quiet stay.
Traveler
Very quiet and beautiful here. We are on site 93 with a partial view of the Mark Twain lake. Had to use blocks site goes down hill. Stayed 2 nights for $18 total with National senior pass. Electric hookup only. 91 degrees needed fan air movement. Water and dump are $24 a night. They also have tent camping.
Guide
I stayed one night for an activity at the state park the following day. The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities. It was not crowded at all. Campground #2 was the smaller of the two campgrounds. The spots seemed more fitting for RV’s vs tent but there were a couple of tents. I slept in my van so it wasn’t an issue for me. I may reconsider visiting this park for tent camping.
Legend
When I stayed at Pershing it felt like an RV park. There were very few tent sites and the bathrooms were not very clean. There is a bad odor coming from the pit toilets like they have not been pumped all summer, the odor permeated through the back part of the campground.
It does have showers and an amphitheater with a few trails and some play ground equipment. On a positive note the grounds were mowed and clean.
Honestly, Long Branch State Park is 40 miles away and is a 5 star park.
Guide
As a Conservation Area, it has very limited amenities. Only primitive camping is allowed on or immediately adjacent to the parking areas. Having said that, the CA is large consisting of over 8,000 acres. There are hiking trails throughout the CA that connect to the parking areas of which there a quite a number. In addition, two of the parking areas are noteworthy and clearly marked on the materials on the Missouri Department of Conservation web side regarding this CA. One has bathroom facilities and large grassy areas suitable for tent camping along with fire pits. The other has a boat ramp for access to a small lovely lake in addition to bathroom facilities. I'm giving this 3 starts primarily because the camping is limited and the location is somewhat remote. If you're ok with the primitive camping and don't mind the drive to get there, it would be nice.
Ranger
We spent last night camping at Indian Camp Creek park and it’s a great mix between primitive camping with limited connection and camping at an RV parking lot. We took our 4 year old daughter tent camping for the first time and this was a great location. Although there’s only 8 individual tent spots available, it seems as though there’s always a spot available and each site is secluded by a group of trees. Each spacious site is equipped with a nice sized firepit, a concrete pad with a picnic table and a soft flat level space for a tent. One restroom with no running water is well kept and trash was picked up in the morning.
The park is loaded with activities. Great hiking trails, a huge kids playground, a pond with trails, and a full frisbee golf course. There’s a nice creek that runs through the front of the park you can cool off and float on a tube. The park is incredibly clean and well maintained. You could easily spend a weekend doing various activities without getting bored.
You can reserve a site online, but it has to be 4 days in advance otherwise it’s first come, first serve. There’s also the option for group camping, although we never checked it out.
All in all, it’s a great site, about 15 minutes away from wentzville. If you are looking for extreme primitive, or a place to park your camper, this is not your place.
GuideThe rain was a pain but didn't ruin Mark Twain! Though I grew up outside of St. Louis, I'd never been to this campground or to Mark Twain Lake. Really enjoyed exploring the area and the campground was nice. Showers were a short walk and campsites had a decent amount of privacy. The Loop we were on was really better suited to motor homes and we were tent camping. We had two tents and had to set them up in kind of a odd location near the loop road. Some sites were better then others but I wouldn't come back to this exact site to pitch a tent. If you have a camper though, its great.
You are right on the lake here, though it's a bluff so when you get to the edge, there is a steep drop off. It's very pretty and my kids are 9 and 11 so I wasn't worried but if there were much younger I'd be concerned about letting them wander toward the lake as they could slip and fall in. Since part of the reason I take the kids camping is to be able to let them explore, I'd go to another area with younger kiddos.
That being said, there was a trail that you could take for about 10 minutes that took you down to water level and is decent for swimming.
We took a day trip to Hannibal, which is a fun little town. Took in the Mark Twain Museum and took a riverboat cruise. On another day, we rented a pontoon boat to explore the lake, which I'd recommend as well.
Once you get the to the campground, you are at least 30 minutes from any store, gas station, etc, to stock up.
We were there mostly during the week and it was very quiet. As it got closer to the weekend, it started to really fill up and get more lively. Mostly families and such so didn't mind but just a heads up.
In the end, lovely area, really well maintained campground and would recommend.
Scout
Mostly concrete pads, most are pretty level. Lots of wildlife, clean shower housees, great camp hosts, firewood and ice available for purchase. Great lake nearby with beach, marina with small store, picnic area. Walking trails throughout. Macon and Bevier are close by. Very nice place to camp.
TravelerI’ve camped here in a tent as well as a travel trailer and it’s great either way!
Nice camping spots, generally a very quiet campground. The campsites are a bit of a hike from the lake but there is lots to do when you get there. Paddle boats, a beach, several playgrounds for kids, fishing, a marina and a great restaurant.
There are several different trails you can hike or bike.
A great and affordable place to stay in north Missouri.
LegendLong Branch State Park is amazing. It is clean, modern, and all of the amenities of an RV Park. Sounds great if you like to RV or haul a camper, but this park is awesome if you prefer less amenities and like to camp in your tent. For Tent campers there are walk-in campsites that let you pitch your tent right near the beach.
If you have your own boat or prefer a kayak or canoe the lake is big and beautiful. You can even rent kayaks and canoes at the park. They have ice cream and fun for everyone. I interviewed the camp host, Nelma, she had a great one minute video telling all about the park.
RangerSo, at first glance, small corps of engineers lake and stock Missouri state parks campground. But, we came back and there’s some unique stuff. A small trail that winds through tall grass prairie is great for kids and a cool perspective not much found in state. Also, there’s a sweet backpacking loop on a peninsula that is super rare north of the Missouri River. Quiet, and a great stop off hwy 36.
Traveler
Well-maintained. Lush but neat. Good privacy. Twain Shrine has very limited hours. Only RVs and families here at present. Most sites and entire Coyote loop open, on a Tuesday end of June. Some of the basic sites in the Coyote Loop are more suited to small pop-up trailers than tents—eg, site 45 does not have much room for a tent unless you want to set it up on gravel, while site 43 does. Site 43 looks the best imo. The sites on outside of loop in the Coyote loop are better in general. They have no view of lake though, just glimmers. Two raccoons popped out at me (site 45) from a hollow tree. Apparently ticks and chiggers are bad here. I did not hike because of this. There is a fishing cleaning station. Periodic vault toilets throughout sites though they do not show up on map. Shower houses with flush toilets and sinks. Nice.
Guide
Nice campground, mainly tenting but Eva are welcome. Grass sites, fire pit and picnic tables. Lake with free paddle boats(do need life preservers) and fish hatchery across the street. Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station. Generators are ok just make sure they are not too loud and try to if possible running them only when needed
RangerThis park is one of my favorite nearby spots to take the kayak out and just float. Paddling through these channels is such a dreamy experience. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent as well. I have yet to camp out here but I'd love to crawl out of my tent and spend dawn out on these waters.
GuideThousand Hills SP was great. Huge swim beach, lots of trails, pavilions, playground equipment and beautiful views. Park has a full service marina where you can rent kayaks or fill your boat with gas. It also has a restaurant. Restaurant was not a little more upscale. I wouldn’t show up in flip flops and swim trunks. If you don’t have a RV or tent there are cabins to rent as well.
RangerNice calm lake great for swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and small motored boats. There are several trails, picnic areas, and play areas for kids. Campground 2 is small and quite with clean shower/bathrooms. Camground 2 Site 58 is a joined drive with no tent space, however you get an isolated area, and has an uneven pad for camper. It has a large patio and picnic table. Campground 1 is much larger with several great sites.
Scout
We rented cabin A for 4 days for our summer vacation. We couldn’t have been happier. The cabin is simple and clean. It has air conditioning, which is needed in Missouri in August (it was sooo hot). Cabin is private with fire pit and picnic table at the front which faces near the woods. Bathrooms and shower houses were clean and a short walk.
GuideWe pulled in at the end of a long day, hoping only for a place to sleep, and were happily able to secure a quiet spot for the night. The camp host was helpful and friendly. The bathrooms and showers were clean. We camped in a van. Other campsites contained small RVs and tents. Probably not a good location for larger RVs. This looks to be a good place for families to fish, ride mountain bikes, and enjoy the ATV trails.
GuideFinger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs. Helmets for riders and flags for vehicles are required for riding, and there is a variety of terrain for hours of fun. Camping is generally quiet with ample space to relax in your lawn chairs, cook and dine outdoors, and fellowship with others. Most camping sites have at least some shade.
LegendPershing SP was a surprise to us. While the campground was small, (39 sites) the park packs a punch. There features a wet land prairie that offers a diverse scene that you would not expect in Missouri. The park has a dated shower house, playground for the kids, a several little lakes that you can fish in. The hiking is fantastic and I would recommend the boardwalk trail to experience what this park is all about.
TravelerThis campground is very nice and offers lots of options,including two different types of electrical sites, basic sites, and walk-in basic sites, they do also have a number of family sites. They offer s firewood vending machine and ice for sale by the camp host. The marina is very nicely set up for handicapped accessible fishing from the fishing dock. Unfortunately the marina store was not open when we visited. We were too early in the year. The swimming beach looks very nice, although it was too cold to use when we were there. Some of the camping sites are more tent friendly than others. Some of them look like it would only be good if you were in a pop-up or a trailer.
LegendLong branch SP located in north central Missouri is a fantastic state park. The campground is well situated on the banks of long branch lake. The walk in sites are 50 feet from the lake and are level. The park has a swimming beach along with boat ramps and as we were told great fishing. The majority of the camp sites have lake views and are far enough from the highway that it is quiet at night. There are several hiking trails, from a prairie hike to a forest hike. The facilities are updated and clean. Talking with the park ranger, this park does fill on up quickly and reservation are recommended.
GuideI've passed through Missouri numerous times, and their parks are always top notch. Clean and well maintained. As with most "green" places in the spring and summer, the ticks are outrageous. This time was no exception, use spray to keep the buggers off!
This one was easy in/out, plenty of room between campsites. Most sites looked level, but some are a bit wacky. We had a wacky one, and the host was nice, and quick to reposition us to a better spot.
GuideThe whole park doesn't match the awesomeness of site 97 and the few around it, but the end of this loop is almost perfect. Great shade, almost no slope to pads, all power options, great water pressure, and a sewer hookup. Plenty of rocked lounging or tent space with each site. Good size fire pits, lantern post, and an aluminum picnic table on a concrete pad. All the sites have enough empty space in between that most campgrounds would have stuck another site in-between. Restroom/shower house very close by and it's regularly cleaned. 2 trails to lakeside access are close by too.
GuideThe walk-in campgrounds (it's about a 50 foot walk from the parking lot to each site) at Long Branch are located off in their own little area at the shore of the lake that offers some pretty good isolation. Although we went at a time when the water was still shut off, there are bathrooms and water available via a very short walk from the walk-in sites April 1-Oct 31. The sites are each very spacious with flat areas and material already laid out for pitching a tent and plenty of trees for throwing up a hammock. Although firewood was stated to be available year round from the vending machine, it was locked up when we went through, but there is a convenience store right across the highway from the lake that sells wood bundles and anything else you might need.
We really enjoyed our time here and we'll definitely be coming back in the warmer months to enjoy some swimming and boating.
Macon, Missouri, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Macon, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Macon, MO is Backpack Campsites - Long Branch State Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Macon, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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