Best Tent Camping near Macon, MO

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.

Best Tent Sites Near Macon, MO (9)

    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campsites - Long Branch State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campsites - Long Branch State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campsites - Long Branch State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campsites - Long Branch State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area

    2. Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    57 Saves
    Monroe City, Missouri

    Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate and Wild Roses
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate and Wild Roses
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate and Wild Roses
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate and Wild Roses
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate and Wild Roses
    Camper-submitted photo from Slate and Wild Roses

    3. Slate and Wild Roses

    1 Review
    32 Photos
    25 Saves
    Holliday, Missouri

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $25 - $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

    4. Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

    1 Review
    5 Photos
    6 Saves
    Higbee, Missouri

    Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Ridge Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Ridge Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Ridge Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Ridge Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Ridge Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Union Ridge Conservation Area

    5. Union Ridge Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    10 Photos
    21 Saves
    Kirksville, Missouri

    Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Toilets
    • No image available
      • No image available

        7. Tri-City Community Lake

        Be the first to review!
        1 Save
        Hallsville, Missouri

        Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Toilets
        • No image available

          8. John Spalding Rec Ar

          Be the first to review!
          2 Saves
          Monroe City, Missouri

          Overview

          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."

          Recreation

          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.

          Facilities

          The day-use area is equipped with a swimming beach, showers and picnic shelters. Shelters have electric hookups.

          Natural Features

          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.

          Nearby Attractions

          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.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Electric Hookups
          • Tents
          • Group
          • Picnic Table

          $30 / night

          • No image available

            9. Spillway Recreation Area

            Be the first to review!
            3 Saves
            Mark Twain Lake, Missouri

            Overview

            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.

            Natural Features:

            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.

            Recreation:

            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.

            Facilities:

            This day use area includes two large picnic shelters, 8 picnic sites, a volleyball court, playground, horseshoe pits and bank fishing.

            Nearby Attractions:

            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.

            • Pets
            • Electric Hookups
            • Reservable
            • ADA Access
            • Tents
            • Group

          Recent Tent Reviews in Macon

          161 Reviews of 9 Macon Campgrounds


          • Linda H.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area
            Oct. 25, 2024

            Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

            Forest and Lake Dry camping

            Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided. Parked lakeside. Quite night with one fishing boat late morning. Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property.

          • Sammy P.
            Camper-submitted photo from Mussel Fork Conservation Area
            Aug. 22, 2024

            Mussel Fork Conservation Area

            Overnight stop

            Had a great stealth camping experience here. Road was gravelled all the way down and opened up to a big gravel lot. I could tell there were a few other paths I could take but the grass was a little overgrown and it was already dark out, so I just car camped in the gravel lot. Had no issues and didn’t see or hear anyone else!

          • Beyond All
            Camper-submitted photo from Frank Russell
            Jun. 18, 2024

            Frank Russell

            Great refurbished campground with large concrete full hookup sites.

            Nice new concrete sites with fire pit, full hookup. Great trails and fishing lake, with concrete sidewalk and benches around it to make fishing easily accessible.

          • Jon B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campsites - Long Branch State Park
            Apr. 2, 2024

            Backpack Campsites - Long Branch State Park

            Awesome Backpacking Campsite

            This was my first time out on Bee Trace Trail and I had a great time. Both the hike into the campsite and out the next morning were pretty easy; the back half of the brown loop, specifically the stretch between the backpack camping site and the kayak camping sites, was sometimes frustratingly difficult to follow. I had to pull out my phone several times to get reoriented. That being said, that stretch isn't very long and the rest of the trail presented zero issues for navigation. 

            The campsite for backpacking is located at the very tip of the peninsula and it's a great spot. There is a camper-made fire ring here, but the regulations(and posted signs) state no fires, so I would be cautious with what you choose to do. The kayak sites are a little more developed, with picnic tables, trash hooks, and iron fire pits/grills, but I'm not sure how they feel about backpackers using those. On the day(s) I went through, I saw only two other people on the blue loop and nobody on the brown. However, I saw tons of boats out on the lake going by and they all had full view of the campsite(I think it would be pretty clear even once the trees are full); something to be aware of if you're looking for a super isolated camp. There is plenty of space to pitch a tent and many trees to choose from for hanging a hammock. 

            If you're looking to get your feet wet with backpacking(as I was), this is a great spot to do it. If you're a seasoned backpacker and are just looking for a quick out-and-back, I think you would be equally pleased.

          • Jon B.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Long Branch State Park Campground
            Mar. 28, 2024

            Long Branch State Park Campground

            Great Walk-In Campgrounds

            The 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.

          • D
            Camper-submitted photo from Stump Island Park
            Mar. 20, 2024

            Stump Island Park

            Full hookups, but no showers or bathroom

            If your camper has everything you need, it's a good campground. The website says it's 50 amp only, but it has 30 too. When we stayed there in March 2024, the shower/bathroom was locked. No park management came by our site, and when you call to get information, you get city hall telling you you need to call some other number...that they didn't have. So, everything's up to you.

          • Napunani
            Camper-submitted photo from Ray Behrens
            Dec. 1, 2023

            Ray Behrens

            Great Value with ATB Pass

            PROS 

            Senior discount 

            Site 32 level asphalt pad surrounded with grass and river rocks 

            Moveable aluminum table 

            Metal fire ring with cooking grate 

            One hook lantern pole 

            Site 19 very near toilets and a dumpster 

            Friendly and helpful gate personnel 

            4 bars TMOBILE 

            CONS 

            Some road noise in the distance 

            Electric box at rear of site pad 

            Sewer connection 6 inches above ground 

            Poor planning to demolish all but one campground toilet/shower facilities at the same time 

            No overnight gate closure

            Don't Miss

            Rustic Oak Cabin Restaurant 

            Mark Twain Memorial Shrine in Mark Twain State Park. Free entrance 

            Ride the Mark Twain Riverboat in Hannibal 

            Downtown Hannibal nice variety of stores and shops 

            Dam Visitor Center very nice--fairly new

          • Anne W.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Indian Creek Campground
            Oct. 7, 2023

            Indian Creek Campground

            Very nice sites and good bathrooms

            Beautiful wooded sites, a bit close together and not a ton of privacy but we weren’t bothered by our neighbors at all. The bathrooms are very clean and nice, they have a dish washing sink and good showers. Our site had an electric hook up.

          • Betsy T.
            Camper-submitted photo from Pershing State Park Campground
            Aug. 14, 2023

            Pershing State Park Campground

            Busy but Nice

            You can reserve online or with an attendant on site! Spots are small but all shaded. A raccoon ended up tearing through our trash but that was the only negative here! Take the last spot on the loop for extra privacy and to be close to the restrooms.

          • Adriana W.
            Camper-submitted photo from Long Branch State Park Campground
            Jul. 27, 2023

            Long Branch State Park Campground

            Summer fun

            I reserved a walk in site and it was totally worth it. It’s a very short walk into the site, it’s even visible from the parking lot. The site is right on the water with beach access so there’s no need to drive to the crowded beach area to swim! This site had lots of space and was spread out from neighbors. The campground hosts will deliver firewood to your campsite when bought at their little market. Definitely recommend!

          • Lisa B.
            Camper-submitted photo from Indian Creek Campground
            Jul. 15, 2023

            Indian Creek Campground

            Overall very nice! Trees, trees, trees

            Very wooded campsites but large and spaced apart nicely. Was very quiet after 10pm. Bathrooms have a shower area and were pretty clean. Raccoons visited nightly so secure your food supply and trash. Boat landing and Beach that is private for campers only. You can't see the Lake from sites and it's a very long walk or drive to the beach. There is an outdoor amphitheater and nice hiking trails. Monroe City about 7 miles away has a Shell station that is 24/7 If you need ice, drinks and minimal groceries. But the town...minus the few bars, shut s down around 9pm. There is a Hardee's there as well. It's a nice drive to get to the campground. Will definitely be back!

          • Sam H.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ray Behrens
            Jun. 13, 2023

            Ray Behrens

            Likely our new regular spot

            The 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.

          • b K.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ray Behrens
            Mar. 16, 2023

            Ray Behrens

            Best campground on Mark Twain Lake

            Ray Behrens is an extremely large and well laid out campground with beautiful spacious and wooded sites! It has a wonderful, full service marina and a few great trails that lead to the water. It is by far the best Corp of Engineer campground on Mark Twain Lake! Oh, and don't forget to watch the beautiful sunsets!

          • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Papa's Alpacas Campsites
            Jan. 12, 2023

            Papa's Alpacas Campsites

            Meet alpacas, goats and donkeys!

            Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're excited to welcome this partner to our platform. Randy is your host, and would love to take you on a tour on his farm. There are 4 sites in total, all with stunning 360  rolling hill views. A shared toilet and shower are available! Check them out and post some pictures here. Happy Camping!

          • RThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes State Park Campground
            Nov. 20, 2022

            Finger Lakes State Park Campground

            Nice Place!

            I'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.

          • Luckybreak R.
            Camper-submitted photo from Ray Behrens Recreational
            Sep. 21, 2022

            Ray Behrens Recreational

            So many well separated sites to choose from .

            Fall visitors to this area and found a gem. Price is reasonable, sites are asphalt with rock picnic areas. Only drawback is finding a level site if you are in a motor home. Well worth the effort and highly recommend this area!

          • K
            Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Hills State Park Campground
            Sep. 5, 2022

            Thousand Hills State Park Campground

            Very clean and well kept

            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.

          • K
            Camper-submitted photo from Camp Takimina
            Aug. 12, 2022

            Camp Takimina

            Beautiful quiet campground in Columbia MO!

            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!

          • Kris C.
            Camper-submitted photo from Puma — Mark Twain State Park
            Aug. 4, 2022

            Puma — Mark Twain State Park

            Wonderful Cabin Stay

            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.

          • SThe Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes State Park Campground
            Jul. 24, 2022

            Finger Lakes State Park Campground

            Overnight Stop

            We 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.

          • Donna N.
            Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes State Park Campground
            Jul. 14, 2022

            Finger Lakes State Park Campground

            Didn't feel welcome

            We are homeless and we got a campsite for two week here and I got a special needs child. And my boy were up at the water and all I did was call then over to me and I get 3 cops at my site. When cross from me the people at that site start there car off and on all night and dog parks from 6 am to 8 am. But I get told if I am loud I get kick out. Thank you for the welcoming feel

          • Tarrah C.The Dyrt PRO User
            Camper-submitted photo from Puma — Mark Twain State Park
            Jul. 13, 2022

            Puma — Mark Twain State Park

            Beautiful

            I stayed in one of the cabins which are very nice. They are basic but I loved the front porch. Tge cabins ha e electricity and a fridge but no bathroom. The hiking was great and I loved the rocks.



          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.

          • What is the best site to find tent camping near Macon, MO?

            TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Macon, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.