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Best Tent Camping near Mount Vernon, MO

555 Reviews

Tent campsites around Mount Vernon, Missouri offer a mix of primitive and established camping opportunities in the Ozark region. Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area provides free primitive tent camping with drive-in and walk-in access, though visitors should note the entrance gate may sometimes be locked. Busiek State Forest offers several hiking trails and primitive tent sites, accessible by walk-in or hike-in routes with a permit required from the Missouri Department of Conservation office.

Most tent campgrounds in this area provide minimal amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. At Swan Creek, dispersed camping is available at no cost with creek access, but no drinking water or toilet facilities are provided. Gibson Spring Back Country Site in Fort Crowder Conservation Area features several picnic tables and a trash can but requires water treatment from the natural spring. Campers should verify seasonal availability as some areas close during winter months or have limited accessibility after heavy rainfall. Most tent sites permit campfires, though campers typically need to bring their own firewood.

The tent camping experience in this region offers varying levels of seclusion and natural immersion. "This place is AMAZING! The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave," noted one visitor about Busiek. Areas farther from Springfield provide deeper solitude, with Swan Creek located approximately 45 minutes to an hour away from the city. Cell service can be limited or nonexistent; one reviewer mentioned no AT&T service at Swan Creek. Many tent sites provide access to water features, with Big Bay offering lakefront primitive camping on Table Rock Lake with sites that back directly to the water. Hikers will find multiple trail systems throughout these conservation areas, making them suitable bases for day hiking adventures.

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Best Tent Sites Near Mount Vernon, Missouri (10)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Mount Vernon, MO

2 Photos of 10 Mount Vernon Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Mount Vernon, MO

555 Reviews of 10 Mount Vernon Campgrounds

  • Matt S.
    Jul. 23, 2017

    Lost Bridge South

    Stay at South Bridge for Lakeside camping and beautiful scenerey

    I really like Lost Bridge South and Lost Bridge North. They are on the banks of Beaver Lake and are beautiful. The only downside is both campgrounds are built on the slopes of a hill. The RV and camper pads are level with asphalt, but to pitch a tent can be a bit tricky to find level ground.

    Personally I do not like pitching my tent on concrete or rock pads, I prefer good old grass and dirt. Both my tent and my back last a little bit longer when on soft ground versus rocks.

    The facilities were clean nice. The showers and bathrooms were pretty good. The only problem was there were no soap dispensers, so bring your own if you like clean hands.

    This is a solid four star campground. I highly recommend getting a campsite next to the lake. We had a lot of fun with some great views.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2024

    Crabtree Cove

    Free Off Season Camping (review of Loop B only)

    Camped in Loop B on Oct 4, 2023. Camping was free at this Corp of Engineer campground since off season began on Oct 1st. The Loop B campground has several RV/tent sites arranged in sub-loops in an open field; some trees for shade. Sites are close to each other; no privacy between sites. Sites appear to be level. Each site has a metal fire ring, table and lamp pole. The loop road is paved and the sites were gravel. There were no hookups in Loop B. The water station was shut off, but the vault toilet, which wasn't very clean, was open. No camp host on duty during our stay. There is access to Stockton Lake from the loop road. There was nothing special about this campground, but has good lake access for boats.  Otherwise this campgrund is suitable for an overnight stay.

  • M
    Mar. 6, 2022

    Lost Bridge North

    Off Season Perfection

    Visited here in early spring and were spoiled with amazing lake views and not many neighbors. When the trees leaf out I’m guessing you still would have good privacy. No water hook ups at the site (if you need to fill your tank the water next to vault toilet by the lake is the most flat) but 30 amp hook up made it very comfortable. Large concrete picnic tables and fire rings (some also have grills) at each site. Close enough to Bentonville to spend a day in town or exploring Crystal Bridges!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Cobb Ridge

    Oasis in the Woods

    Open:  year round

    Reservations:  877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

                               Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance

    Fees:  $15.00 single with electric

                $10.00 single no electric

                $45.00 group site

                Passes honored

    Bear Aware.  Beautiful fence around campground with the road and pads all paved.  Nice.  Complete campground is well maintained.  Camp host on duty, no gate house.  Sites are very large and spaced out well.  Some pull thrus.  Picnic table, fire ring, toilets, showers, water, trash.  There are nearly 80 miles of inter connected loops that go from easy to hard terrian, winding in and out of forested hollers and along ridge tops.  ATV must be 50 inches wide or less.

    LNT

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2020

    Indian Point

    Crowded On Holiday Weekends But Great Campground!!

    CLICK HERE for Info on Branson

    For those looking for a campground near Branson which offers access to top attractions as well as Table Rock Lake, Indian Point is worth a consideration. The park itself is only a short distance from the 76 Strip and has quick access to Silver Dollar City, even sharing a tram system with the park. 

    The campground is well spaced and offers shaded sites for a variety of sizing options from tent camping to larger pull through sites. Each site boasting the standard amenities for travel of a fire ring and picnic table. Many also have connections available and include both water and electrical offerings. 

    The site offers a dump station for those RVers needing the service and day use areas for those wanting to visit for fun day at the lake without the commitment of an overnight stay. Picnic Shelters are available and can also be rented for special events and larger groups. 

    Restrooms here vary and have both standard restrooms and shower houses. The set up itself is very nice and looks to be much more improved than some parks in the area offering a bit more privacy from the typical sites which have only curtain doors. The facilities instead look very well maintained and have private restroom and shower units for those using them. Although they are still recommending as much distancing as possible and use of your own isolated restrooms when applicable. 

    When I visited I noticed the sites are not all created equally in way of parking, some were very lengthy and could easily allow for more than one vehicle while others were lucky to have a small parking area for a car and tent. My advice is to defiantly look and book online before coming to the park before any trip to ensure your spacing. For those not doing so, additional parking is located throughout the park in small pull out areas near restrooms and closer to the boat ramp areas. 

    With recent closures of many outdoor areas, this location has opened its doors to tourists once again for the season and with that it has quickly become a popular destination. For this reason you will want to book ahead of time and be prepared to face larger than usual crowds when using the public spaces. 

    Rains also can dictate your usage of certain portions of the park as the level of the lake can climb and engulf the swimming beach and outlets to the marina. Upon my visit I noticed the swimming beach was completely under water and thus the facilities near it were not able to be used. The marina was very busy despite many of the walkways being underwater slightly or a brief walk through water to get to. 

    The overall feel of this campground is very homey as the people visiting all seem to be very family friendly. The limitation of alcohol keeps man of the party goes away from this park and it allows for quieter evenings and more family based fun inside the park itself with the vast open spaces. 

    In addition to the lake and campground themselves, there is a small general store located just across from the camp to make those last minute pick ups a bit easier to find versus running back into town. This is extremely helpful for those who need something small but don’t want to have to drive far to get it. A small restaurant is also located in this area. 

    Tips: 

    • If you are staying here book online and really look at the map when doing so to ensure your sizing needs are met in way of parking. 
    • Venture into Branson for live shows and music, activities and more!! 
    • Take a hike on one of the many hiking trails in the areas and explore this region of Missouri!! 
    • Check the weather before securing a waterfront site. Lake levels are displayed on the Table Rock website and you will want to make sure you are not visiting when lakes are overflowing to the point of cutting down your adventure. CLICK HERE FOR LAKE LEVEL
  • Rick G.
    Oct. 10, 2021

    Indian Point

    Nice Stay Close to Branson

    Needed a site near Springfield to allow one of us to fly out for a family event. Picked this ACOE campground due to its proximity to Springfield and Branson. Verizon signal was strong enough to stream Hulu, etc. We were in site #35, 30amp, no water. I think our site was the best in the loop for privacy outside with placement of picnic table and fire ring.

  • Natalie C.
    May. 29, 2019

    Indian Point

    Good swimming area

    This is a favorite campground and swimming hole! It is close to Silver Dollar City and other Branson activities. We most recently camped in the far loop which is not waterfront but has nice sites. We could hike down to the waterfront but there really arent designated trails from this area. It was rough terrain. There is plenty of shade and places for the kids to hang their hammocks. We like the bathrooms with the private toilet and shower. No issues with crowding or waiting for one to open up.

    The swim beach is nice and has picnic tables for use. We kayaked around the cove while others swam. No alcohol or pets allowed in the beach area which I appreciated. Family friendly!

  • Peyton S.
    Nov. 28, 2023

    Lake Leatherwood City Park

    Great Getaway in Arkansas!

    I don’t usually post reviews, but… I fell in love with this campground. I visited in late November, so I was the only tent camper on the grounds. The camp host was very accommodating to me, and made sure everything was good. It was pouring down rain when I first arrived, and she suggested I move to a different site that was less flooded, and I’m so glad I did! I chose a site in the Meadows section, and it had a stunning view of the water, and was a great bird-watching spot as well.

    There was a shower house and a few pitt toilets, and all were very clean and sanitary. They were also all placed in a good location, so wherever you were at in the campground, you didn’t have to walk far. Each basic tent site came with a tent pad, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Some also had metal hooks, but the campsites in the meadows do not.

    All in all, it was a b eautiful, quiet spot with a stunning view. Great for bird-watching and hiking. I’m definitely coming back here again!

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2020

    Dam Site Lake Campground

    Island camping fully accessible

    The main camping area is on an island that you drive onto, how cool is that?! Unfortunately, it was temporarily closed due to Covid19, and a lot of the sites were flooded from high water anyway. I took a walk over the spit of land connecting the camping island with the mainland and walked around the small(maybe a couple acres) island. Here’s what I saw: every site had water and electric hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Sites right on the lake(and some very much under water) also had a pavilion covering the picnic tables. Sites in the middle had nice mature tree cover, but weren’t necessarily as level as the lake sites. The bathhouse was closed, but looked fairly new or at least well maintained. I didn’t see any boat launches or places to bring your boat right up to sites, but back on the mainland is a public boat launch. There are also some sites along the lake on the mainland, also with electric and water hookups.

Guide to Mount Vernon

Tent camping near Mount Vernon, Missouri offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With several campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy scenic views, recreational activities, and a chance to unwind.

Affordable Tent Camping Options

  • Prices for tent camping can range from free to around $40 per night, depending on the amenities offered.
  • The Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area provides a free camping experience with no electric hookups, allowing for a true back-to-nature feel.
  • For a more structured stay, Fall Creek Resort offers tent sites starting at approximately $35, featuring full hookups and access to a marina.

Local Activities for Adventurous Campers

Campground Features to Enhance Your Stay

  • Masters Park offers drinking water and showers, although camping is no longer permitted; it's still a great spot for fishing and enjoying the beach area.
  • The well-reviewed Holiday Island Camp Ground features clean facilities and a friendly camp host, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
  • Mountain View Camping provides a unique off-grid experience with amenities like showers and firewood for a cozy camping atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mount Vernon, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mount Vernon, MO is Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area with a 2.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Mount Vernon, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Mount Vernon, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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