Glamping opportunities in Mark Twain National Forest span across 1.5 million acres of Ozark Highlands, featuring elevations between 600 and 1,400 feet. The forest contains over 750 miles of trails and numerous crystal-clear springs where water temperatures remain around 58°F year-round, creating ideal conditions for both recreational activities and comfortable overnight stays.
What to do
Cave tours at Round Spring: Round Spring Campground offers ranger-led cave tours from June through October for $5 per person. "There is a herd of wild horses that frequents the area... and you can easily walk over to the beautiful round spring. We saw a bald eagle and a very curious little otter down by the river," explains camper Theresa H.
Fishing opportunities: Montauk State Park Campground serves as a premier trout fishing destination. "This is a great area to fish for trout. The river is beautiful and offers a place to relax," notes Chad K. Daily trout tags cost $3 and allow you to keep 4 trout per day with a possession limit of 8.
Hiking connections: Trail systems connect many sites in the area. "We walked through the campground past the spring and caught a little trail that hooked up with the ozark trail and had a lovely day hike around a loop," shares a Round Spring visitor. Most trails are under 2 miles, making them accessible for casual hikers.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Echo Bluff State Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. "This place is pretty new and they didn't spare any expense. Lodge and campgrounds were great. Camp host at RV park was awesome and helped us a couple times," notes Keaton K. The park features modern restrooms, showers, and full hookup sites.
River access: Many glamping sites provide direct water access. "We had a section of the river to ourselves and it was a large private spot. The water is spring-fed and very clear and beautiful," reports Jade G. about Two Rivers Backcountry Camping. Most riverfront sites include swimming areas within walking distance.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife watching opportunities. "We saw a bald eagle and a very curious little otter down by the river," mentions one camper. Another reports, "You may get lucky and see otters on your way to the spring, or some of the wild horses in the area."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book quickly, especially during summer months. "This campground exploded in the last few years and it's always packed when we go anymore is the only downside," explains Natalie F. about Pulltite Campground. Many sites recommend booking 3-6 months in advance.
Seasonal considerations: Most facilities operate from mid-April through mid-October. "We spent 3 week days camping here in our camper van. We snagged a spot with a river view... When we were there in April there were only a handful of other campers there and we tons of quiet and privacy," notes a spring visitor.
Limited connectivity: Cell service remains unreliable throughout the region. "It has zero cell service but you can drive about 2 miles up the road to the state park and connect their WiFi," explains Stephanie N. Most glamping sites do not offer reliable internet access, though some provide limited WiFi in central areas.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Harveys Circle B Campground offers dedicated swimming areas ideal for children. "Very accommodating campground. Has a nicely stocked store when you come in for anything you might have forgotten... Staff was very nice and friendly," shares Joshua Y. The campground includes food service options if cooking becomes challenging.
Safety considerations: Keep children supervised around water areas. "The Current along with the Jack's Fork River make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways National Park. Since it is one of Missouri's trout parks you will find a majority of campers are there to fish," notes one visitor. Water depths vary significantly throughout the rivers.
Educational opportunities: Several sites offer ranger-led programs. "The host was great did a nice show at the amphitheater about the local area," explains Jeff A. about Round Spring. Programs typically run between Memorial Day and Labor Day, focusing on local wildlife, geology, and history.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose RV sites carefully based on shade and access. "Campsites are all well manicured and offer everything from basic sites to full RV hook ups. The only negative is that all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade," advises J K. Sites with electrical hookups tend to have less natural cover than primitive sites.
Accessibility challenges: Some glamping locations in Mark Twain National Forest have terrain limitations. "Sites 1-18 are fairly small and not very level. Sites 19-29 have larger, more level areas... Many sites have steps up or down to the site from the road," explains one camper, highlighting the importance of researching specific site conditions before booking.
