Top Tent Camping near Macon, MO
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Best Tent Sites Near Macon, MO (9)
2. Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area
4 Reviews•2 Photos•57 SavesVisit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
3. Slate and Wild Roses
1 Review•32 Photos•25 SavesHello 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
4. Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area
1 Review•5 Photos•6 SavesVisit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Toilets
5. Union Ridge Conservation Area
3 Reviews•10 Photos•21 SavesVisit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Toilets
7. Tri-City Community Lake
Be the first to review!•1 SaveVisit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Toilets
8. John Spalding Rec Ar
Be the first to review!•2 SavesOverview
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. Its 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."
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.
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, pay phone and picnic shelters. Shelters have electric hookups.
Nearby Attractions:
Visit Mark Twains 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.
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
9. Spillway Recreation Area
Be the first to review!•3 SavesOverview
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.
Click here to take a virtual tour of the facilities at Wappapello Lake.
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
158 Reviews of 9 Macon Campgrounds
Bradley R.
Traveler
Coyote — Mark Twain State Park
Great off-season camping
We visited twice in the off-season we loved the campground so much. It’s quiet and secluded. Very clean and beautiful.
Sammy P.
Scout
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!
Julia V.
Guide
Finger Lakes State Park
Had everything we needed
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.
Beyond AllScout
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.Guide
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.Guide
Long Branch State Park
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.
- DDavid P.Scout
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
Legend
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
- kkaylee S.Scout
Indian Creek Campground
Great Way to spend time with family!
so family friendly, very well service, cheap, and most importantly everyone enjoyed time there
Anne W.GuideIndian 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.Traveler
Pershing State Park
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.
- James K.Scout
Shelbina Lake City Park
A great place!
Very nice shower house fishing is great and it's right off a golf course
- Adriana W.Traveler
Long Branch State Park
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.ScoutIndian 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.GuideRay 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.GuideRay 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.Legend
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!
Luckybreak R.
Ranger
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!
- KKeri B.Guide
Thousand Hills State Park
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.
- NNathan N.Traveler
Union Ridge Conservation Area
Union Ridge Conservation Area
Two firepits, no designated sites, mature shade trees within the gravel drive loop. Pit toilet. Karen and John describes it well.
- KKari W.Traveler
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.Scout
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.
- SSharonGuide
Finger Lakes State Park
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.Scout
Finger Lakes State Park
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.LegendPuma — 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.
Cynthia K.LegendPuma — Mark Twain State Park
Lovely campground
We stopped here on our way home & stayed 2 nights. Friday & Saturday. It was busy & most sites were full in the Puma loop. This is the electric loop with the very nice, clean bathrooms & showers. There's no water at each site, but there's water scattered throughout the campground.
There are good sites scattered all over. 74 & 76 had a small view of the lake through the vegetation. There are no sites on the lake. Site 70 was pretty nice. Shady, with a wooded view in back. Close to the bathrooms, secluded from the neighbors but of course you can still hear them!
Aside from the elderly couple in the handicapped site across the road leaving their LED lights on all night everyone was respectful.
The other 2 loops are more separated. They share a bathroom/shower that's on the main road. There was no one at the gatehouse around 5pm, which I would have thought was odd before covid. State park camping has changed since then. The camp host came around & checked us in. She was pretty busy the whole weekend. I never did see any employees at the gatehouse at any time of day.
So, this is a very nice state park, but aside from the campground, boating & fishing is the main draw. There's a swimming beach we didn't check out. There's only 3 trails. Buzzards Roost is a picnic area with a shelter & a scenic overlook.
Florida isn't far if you wanted to check out the birthplace museum (free on a Saturday morning) & Hannibal is about a 1/2 hour away with tons of things to do. Lots of restaurants & shops.
Bethany S.TravelerCoyote — Mark Twain State Park
Clean, lush
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 to Macon
Camping near Macon, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.
What to do
Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Long Branch State Park Campground, provide access to lakes for fishing and boating. One camper mentioned, "We really enjoyed our time here and we'll definitely be coming back in the warmer months to enjoy some swimming and boating."
Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground. A visitor noted, "The walk or drive to the historic town literally park of the park was a surprise with a couple of hiking paths making each trip different from the first."
Wildlife Watching: Campers at Indian Creek Campground have spotted raccoons and deer. One review stated, "Raccoons visited nightly so secure your food supply and trash."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Finger Lakes State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms were clean. There were some families staying nearby but overall was a quiet stay."
- Spacious Campsites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Ray Behrens mentioned, "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."
- Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. One camper at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground said, "The staff is friendly and the campground looks like someone spent hours manicuring the park."
What you should know
- Ticks in Summer: If you're camping in the warmer months, be prepared for ticks. A camper at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground warned, "As with most 'green' places in the spring and summer, the ticks are outrageous."
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Indian Creek Campground, do not have showers. A review noted, "The bathrooms are very clean and nice, they have a dishwashing sink and good showers."
- Crowded on Weekends: Expect busier campgrounds during weekends. A visitor at Mark Twain Cave & Campground mentioned, "This private CG fills up on the weekends."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. A review for Wakonda Lake Campground highlighted, "There’s a playground and boat access and swimming."
- Plan for Raccoons: Secure your food and trash to avoid raccoon visits. A camper at Indian Creek Campground advised, "Raccoons visited nightly so secure your food supply and trash."
- Bring Canopies for Shade: Some campgrounds lack shade, so bringing a canopy can help. A visitor at Wakonda Lake Campground noted, "Only downside not any shade at camping sites, bring a big canopy."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so check before setting up. A review for Ray Behrens mentioned, "The site we had in particular had a huge elevation slope from front to back."
- Use Satellite Wisely: Mature trees can block satellite signals. A camper at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground said, "There are mature trees so satellite placement could be challenging."
- Stock Up Beforehand: Some campgrounds are remote, so stock up on supplies before arriving. A visitor at Indian Creek Campground noted, "This campground is out in the boonies so you'll want to stock up before you pull in."
Camping in Macon, MO, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a family adventure, there's something for you in this beautiful area.
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.