7 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Alley Spring Campground welcomes pets throughout its spacious camping areas with over 150 sites spread across multiple loops. Both tent and RV campers can bring dogs to this Ozark National Scenic Riverway destination, which offers electric hookups in one dedicated loop and primitive sites throughout the remaining areas. The campground features clean restrooms, free hot showers, and picnic tables at every site, giving pet owners comfortable amenities while camping with their animals. Leashed pets must remain under control at all times, with nearby river access providing opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer months. Several nearby campgrounds including Round Spring, Pulltite, and Two Rivers also maintain pet-friendly policies throughout their facilities. Most sites have ample shade from large oak and walnut trees, making them comfortable for pets even during warm weather.
The Jack's Fork River provides excellent recreation opportunities for both campers and their dogs, with multiple access points near the pet-friendly campgrounds. Dogs should remain leashed on trails around Alley Spring and the historic mill area, where rangers often lead interpretive programs during summer months. Blue Spring and Log Yard offer more primitive camping experiences for those seeking backcountry options with pets. The campgrounds have no cell service, so visitors should bring weather radios when camping with pets to stay aware of changing conditions. Wildlife is abundant in the area, requiring pet owners to maintain control of their animals, especially during early morning and evening hours when deer and other animals are active. Tent sites lack dedicated tent pads, making it important for campers with dogs to carefully select level ground for setting up. The area around Eminence provides additional pet-friendly options including Circle B Campground and Jacks Fork Canoe Rental and Campground, both offering cabin accommodations where pets are permitted.
"Chose this location to be our hub while completing a Missouri springs tour. Visited 8 springs in total. Checked out the camping facilities at every spring that offered camping."
"At this campground you have walking distance access to the river and a rental place nearby. Check out the Alley Mill while your there."
Available this weekend
from $50 / night
"There's a sign to keep car tires on pavement, but I wasn't able to and parked the Jeep on the grass next to the trailer."
"There is a herd of wild horses that frequents the area (as evidenced by mounds of horse poop in an adjacent field!) and you can easily walk over to the beautiful round spring."
Available this weekend
from $50 / night
"The campsites are a little close together but no one was at the one next to us so it did not feel so bad. Staff was very nice and friendly."
"People were wonderful and you are right next to the water. Pickup for float trips is nice too If the facilities are great it would be five stars."
"We visit this campground multiple times a year and it's always a positive experience. My parents have ano rv and they allow us to camp in a tent next to them!"
"Stayed at site 9 next to the river. No need to go find the scan and pay by the vault toilet all the sites have QR codes at the sites for scan and pay."
"You also have a trail that leads down to a little private beach area on the river but this past year the campground was so full, people were camping right on the beach."
"There is a very nice trail with the trailhead near the group sites. It goes through different terrains, including along the river bank."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $50 / night
"We took a last-minute trip on a beautiful weekend in June 2020 to get outside (responsibly) during the pandemic. Two Rivers campground did not disappoint!"
"Be sure to visit the nearby springs and sites of the recreational area. The springs are so deep blue and dramatic against the rocky cliffs."
Available this weekend
from $10 - $25 / night
"There must be an ATV trail close by because Sunday evening we had about 20 side-by-side show up to hang out by the river all in all just a great place"
"This area has access to the shores of the current river. No campsites, just the open rocky shores. You can park right on the shores and set up camp. Beware!"
"Dean an Erma are wonderful people that I enjoy talking to and being around. They have totally changed the campground!"
from $10 - $90 / night
"Long beautiful drive in, narrow road would not reccomend for motorhome over 20' or any large camper as there is no backing up or turn arounds. "
from $5 / night
from $10 - $30 / night
GuideIt's off grid, quiet, and free. Not many spots and it looked like a couple of people had been there a while but everyone kept to themselves and I got a good night's sleep. This isn't luxury and there are no hookups. It's a great getaway for some solitude and to untether from the rest of the world.
TravelerTent to electric to full hookups available. multiple shower toilet facilities throughout campground. All sites with nice concrete parking pad.
ScoutNice place to stay. No bathrooms or showers yet, but they look to be working on it.
LegendHosts were private, left us alone, the dirt road running past the homestead was not busy, and the roads were superb. Spot was grassy with lots of trees. We stayed a few nights. They have two puppies that were very friendly. Chickens, but no rooster, rabbits, a garden. They are pretty well set up here. The river was like 3 miles away, we fish alot.
ScoutWe stayed at Broken Arrow Campground in Eminence, MO just after peak season. This location was perfect due to the fact we were kayaking about 7 miles of the Jacks Fork River. We started at Alley Springs and pulled out at Broken Arrow Campground.
The campground could use some TLC, but you can quickly tell by the cheaper rates that it is more of a party campground in the summer months. The bathrooms work (bring your own TP), electric and water worked, and the sites have plenty of shade. There are a few walnut trees so be careful where you set your camp in the early fall months.
Is the place a little rough? sure, but it's priced reasonably...and you're camping. We will stay here again.
TravelerThe camp sites are full hook up with good size lots. Lots of room for dogs to run. They have hiking trails, lake for paddle boarding or kayaks( free to use on site), mini golf( have to supply own balls they have putters) 9 hole golf course,and Disc golf. The pool and shower house with game rooms are clean and showers open 24/7. Grounds keepers go a fantastic job
TravelerGreat camping, gracious host combined with the natural beauty of Mammoth Spring, if I wanted to, I could live here 9 months out the year.
TravelerWhat a wonderful place to venture to with a young family. The people that run the campground are beyond generous and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The farm animals were a huge hit with the kids and they loved petting and feeding them. We will surely be back!
TravelerThe road leading in had downed trees that were cut back, the road itself was tolerable for my 2 wheel drive dodge journey. Some of the sites were grown over but one a few sites were usable with fire rings. Wood in the area was mostly dead. There was a decent area for us to put the tent out. Overall a good stay.
Alley Spring Campground offers primitive camping with access to the Jack's Fork River within the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. The campground sits at approximately 700 feet elevation in the rugged Ozark highlands. The gravel roads accessing many camping areas become slick during rainy periods, with seasonal flooding possible between April and October along riverfront sites.
Explore historic sites: Visit the historic mill at Alley Spring Campground, where you can take a self-guided tour. "The old mill, the spring, the caves, wild horses need I say more," writes Curtis M., highlighting the diverse attractions near the campground.
Cave exploration: Schedule a ranger-led cave tour at Round Spring Campground during summer months. "Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5. The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations," notes Marty C., describing an affordable family activity.
River swimming: Cool off in the clear water at multiple access points along both the Jack's Fork and Current rivers. "The water was very warm to swim in, and is also a good place to fish for crappie and catfish," reports Eva W. about Blue Spring, providing insight on water temperature and fishing opportunities.
Early morning wildlife viewing: Many campers report optimal wildlife viewing at dawn around the springs and river areas. "If you're lucky, you may see the local elk herd. They reintroduced elk in this area a few years ago," shares Joseph A. about Log Yard Campground, noting a specific wildlife opportunity.
River-adjacent camping: Sites near water remain the most requested. "We snagged a spot with a river view. Campground was maintained by NPS, very clean. Nice restrooms with showers as well, potable water spigots," explains Theresa H., highlighting the amenities at Round Spring Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "Hearing the sounds of the river and the chirping birds at night was amazing," notes Jade G. about camping at Two Rivers, where pet owners can enjoy nature sounds with their animals.
Weather preparedness: Flash flooding occurs regularly in these river valleys. "The campground is located on the flood plane, heavy rain may cause flooding and evacuation!" cautions Joel R. about Alley Spring Campground, emphasizing the importance of monitoring weather conditions.
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have no cell service, affecting online reservations. "There is no cell service in that area so I'm not sure how they expect us to be able to do that," reports Jen about Log Yard Campground regarding online booking requirements.
Pet management concerns: Wildlife encounters require vigilant pet handling. "Wildlife is abundant in the area, requiring pet owners to maintain control of their animals," particularly during dawn and dusk when most animal movement occurs.
Choose developed sites: For pet-friendly camping with children, select campgrounds with reliable facilities. "This campground has full amenities. Clean bathrooms and showers. Firewood available for purchase and even WiFi. The WiFi doesn't reach the primitive campsites but that was perfect for us to unplug! It was a great place to take our kids!" recommends Stephanie W. about Echo Bluff State Park.
Pack weather radios: Due to limited cell service, weather radios become essential safety tools for families with pets. "No cell service. If the creek comes up, you may not be able to cross it again," warns Joseph A. about remote camping areas.
Plan ranger activities: Schedule around ranger-led programs available at developed campgrounds. "The host was great did a nice show at the amphitheater about the local area," notes Jeff A., highlighting educational opportunities at Round Spring Campground.
Check road conditions: Many access roads to pet-friendly campgrounds have tight turns and creek crossings. "The highway to get here is narrow, winding, and hilly! But it's worth the trip," advises Joel R. about Alley Spring.
Reserve electric sites early: Limited electric hookup sites fill quickly at popular campgrounds. "We stayed in our RV on a spot with river view. Was really nice!" explains Laura about Circle B Campground, one of several pet-friendly options near Eminence.
Avoid large rigs: Many campground roads and sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles. "Long beautiful drive in, narrow road would not recommend for motorhome over 20' or any large camper as there is no backing up or turn arounds," advises Lula L., providing specific size limitations for pet owners with RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mark Twain National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mark Twain National Forest is Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.7-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mark Twain National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 115 dog-friendly camping locations near Mark Twain National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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