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ort Crowder Conservation Area, located in southern Newton County, was once part of the old, World War II Camp Crowder Army Base. The U.S. Army selected the Neosho site for the base because of its proximity to water, railroads, and highways. Visitors to the area can still see foundations, fruit trees, open fields and other remnants of many of the hundreds of small farms purchased by the federal government for the 60,000-acre base. Camp Crowder was named for Judge Advocate General and U.S. Ambassador to Cuba Enoch H. Crowder. Thousands of soldiers went through basic training here before the camp was decommissioned in the mid 1950s, including Mort Walker, who immortalized the Camp as Camp Swampy in his syndicated comic strip, Beetle Bailey. Fort Crowder Conservation Area, encompassing 2,362 acres, is approximately 60 percent forested. Primary species include white, black, post, blackjack and red oaks, hackberry, elm, black cherry, black walnut, and ash. The remainder of the area is open and includes 200 acres of native warm-season grasses, 100 acres of crop fields and 600 acres of fields maintained in an early successional stage. The area hosts various game species, including quail, rabbits and doves in the open areas and large numbers of deer and squirrels. Turkeys have been stocked here and are now present in good numbers. During your visit to Fort Crowder Conservation Area you may view various forest and wildlife improvement projects in progress from the 11 miles of multiuse trails that wind through the area. These trails are open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Area map: https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/mo_nature/downloads/conservation-areas/6510map.pdf
Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area is in north-central Lawrence County, 12 miles northwest of Mt. Vernon. In 1980, the Conservation Department purchased 246 acres to maintain and protect riparian habitat along Spring River. Between 1980 and 1986, an additional 4,113 acres were purchased from six landowners, increasing the area to its present size. Originally named after Spring River, which flows unchannelized through the area's southern portion, the area was renamed in 1983 in honor of the late conservation commissioner, Robert E. Talbot from Joplin.
Talbot CA lands vary from the rich bottomland soil along Spring River to rocky, upland soils. Presently, the area is 69 percent open land and 31 percent wooded. Fishing opportunities can be found at the four acre or seven acre lake. Numerous smaller ponds can also be found on the area. The Conservation Department has sharecrop agreements with local farmers to provide food for wildlife. Harvested crops also benefit the local farm economy. Some of the timbered areas on Talbot CA have been thinned in recent years to restore the savanna and woodland natural communities that historically existed there. Periodic prescribed burning is used to maintain these restored natural communities. Prescribed burning is also an important management tool used on the area to benefit quail, rabbit, wild turkey, and a host of other wildlife species.Cattle grazing occurs from April - August on portions of the area. The grazing program is used to improve habitat for grassland obligate wildlife including Bobwhite quail.
Along with high quality upland habitat, visitors will find several miles of multiuse trails that are open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Camping is allowed only in the spot designated on the area map. No facilities are provided at the campground. The campground is best suited for tents or small travel trailers/RVs.
Brochure: https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/mo_nature/downloads/conservation-areas/8037.pdf
Camping is allowed only as designated in the "Things To Do When You Visit" section for this department area. If camping is not listed as an activity in this section, camping is prohibited on the area. Designated camping areas may or may not have defined campsites. Seasonal closures and restrictions may apply to all camping on department areas. On department areas where camping is allowed, camping is limited to a period of 14 consecutive days in any 30-day period. Personal property must be removed at the end of the 14-day period. Unless a special use permit is obtained, total camping days on all department areas are limited to a total of 30 days within one calendar year. Groups of more than 10 people must obtain a special use permit prior to camping. To obtain a special use permit, contact the area manager at the phone number listed for this area in the area details section. Quiet hours are in effect in camping areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the campground by 10 p.m. On camping areas with established campsites, only two camping or sleeping units are permitted in each site.
Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is a very popular sandy swimming beach along the shores of Table Rock Lake.
Unlike the smaller swimming areas at the campgrounds surrounding Table Rock Lake, Moonshine beach is spacious enough to make visitors forget they are actually on a lake and not at the ocean.
Table Rock Lake is a beautiful body of water surrounded by a forest of oak and hickory trees. Its waters wind down through the valleys and hollows of the Ozark Mountains, from Branson, Missouri to Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
More than five million visitors per year take advantage of this recreational oasis. Originally built for flood control, the Table Rock Dam has created a lake that boasts 779 miles of shoreline for the public to enjoy.
Whether on water or land, Moonshine Beach Recreation Area offers visitors countless recreational activities. Picnicking, swimming, scuba diving, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking and wildlife viewing are all popular pastimes at the park.
Soaking up the sun and cooling off in the bright blue waters of Table Rock Lake are the most popular activities at Moonshine Beach. For visitors looking to spend some time exploring the shore, the adjacent Dewey Short Visitor Center offers a hiking trail leaving from the grounds.
Table Rock Lakeshore Trail, about 2 miles long, runs from the Dewey Short Visitor Center to the Table Rock State Park Marina. During the spring hikers will see dogwood, serviceberry and redbud trees in bloom as well as many wildflower species. During the autumn months, visitors are treated to natures colorful fall foliage. The trail also offers beautiful views of Table Rock Lake.
Moonshine Beach Recreation Area offers a large group picnic shelter and can accommodate up to 75 guests. Moonshine Beach is the only sand swim beach at Table Rock Lake, and with the beach, a volleyball court, boat ramp and picnic area all provided, its the perfect destination for large parties or family functions.
The Dewey Short Visitor Center features interactive exhibits, great lake views, a film about the area and construction of Table Rock Dam. For more information please call 1-877-444-6777.
The visitor center also contains exhibits about the natural history of the area. Those visitors arriving by boat can take advantage of the courtesy dock.
Moonshine Beach Recreation Area is just outside of Branson, Missouri, which offers grocery stores, gas and additional tourist attractions.
Masters is a shady campground located on Stockton Lake in the scenic Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri. The lake and surrounding landscape offer countless recreational opportunities along its nearly 300 miles of shoreline, providing visitors with many ways to explore one of the most sought-after natural areas in the state. Natural Features: The land surrounding the lake contains hundreds of acres of native prairie grasses, rolling hills and thick forests that turn crimson in autumn. An abundance of wildlife lives both in and around the water, including wild turkey, great blue heron, deer and bald eagles. Visitors can learn about the lakes bald eagles by attending an annual eagle-watching event during the winter. Recreation: Boating is always a popular pastime at the lake. Sail boating is especially popular and the lake hosts several races each year. Masters Campground provides a boat ramp for easy access to the water. The waters of Stockton Lake are home to several species of fish including small and largemouth bass, crappie, white bass, walleye, catfish and sunfish, making it an ideal area for anglers. Several trails wind around the lake shore and through the landscape. The Stockton Lake Equestrian Trail continues approximately 15 miles between Hawker Point and Orleans Trail Campgrounds. Facilities: Masters Park offers 66 campsites, each with a lantern hanging post, picnic table and campfire ring. Nearby Attractions: There are three full-service marinas located around the lake, which offer a wide range of services and supplies, including boat rentals, fuel, fishing tackle and restaurants.
Swan Creek is an 8,488 acre area that provides for year-round nonmotorized dispersed recreation use as it is a designated Semi-Primitive Nonmotorized (SPNM) Area. There are approximately 20 miles of moderately used riding, hiking, and mountain bike trails available. Swan Creek itself offers swimming, fishing, and a non-potable water supply. For more detail of the trail visit Map of the Trail System. Trail System Map (printable) and Trail System Map GEO Referenced for use with Map Apps
Quite wooded campsites.
Tent cabins and tent camping only.
Canoe trips available from several local outfitters.
Close to historic Eureka Springs.
$35 - $55 / night
Guide
Stayed 3 nights. Weekend had a few family gatherings near us, but the weekdays we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Campground is well maintained with beautiful views of Table Rock Lake. We were in upper section (electric only) - the lower section next to the marina has full hookups. There are a few pull-through, but most sites are back-in and long enough for al most any rig.
Guide
Everything about this campground is fantastic. The lake surrounds the point, the sites are cleverly designed, the October crowd is quiet and friendly, it's near Branson, strong Verizon signal.
Guide
This beautiful campground in classic Ozark hardwoods is a haven for things with motors. Bikes, ATVs, gold carts, all manners of off-road thingies, and the louder the better. At the same time, it was clean, folks were respectful, and it was quiet after dark. Enough Verizon signal to get Facebook. Some sites have electricity.
ScoutAffordable and right on edge of town
Scout
This location has been a great place. It is clean and well maintained. The staff is friendly and the area is peaceful. We would recommend this place to anyone looking for a campground in Branson Mo. It is also a short and scenic drive to what ever suites you in Branson.
Traveler
The river is pretty, seems like great fishing opportunity. We were just passing through so we didn't fish. The shower and bathrooms left a lot to be desired. Only one shower and indoor toilet on the side we stayed on and it was just kind of gross. We did find 2 outside stalls with toilets but not until the next morning so that helped. Overall it was a nice place to stop and sleep for the night. Friendly people. Cameras in the campground so it feels safe.
Traveler
We really enjoyed our stay here! It was the week after Labor Day and was mostly vacant, making for a quiet stay. Love the amenities for kids! The only reason I give 4 stars is the dog policy— it’s very strict, and there isn’t a dog park type area to let pets off leash to play & get energy out.
Legend
All spots are large. Most water sites are amazing. Wild life all around. Easy in and out boating.
Traveler
We have stayed with them twice. Spots are strategically placed and surrounded by woods. The owner is very kind and informative guiding you to your spot and helping you park. He will also give his favorite local recommendations for restaurants and attractions. He’s a veteran. Never had any issues with anything.
Scout
So first of all, we reserved spot 27. We have a 24’ Hideout. The loop that spot is on, if there was someone in spot 28, I would have had to back all the way out. That’s a hair pin turn. FWIW.
Spot 5: just down from the hosts spot, but you can’t really see it and you don’t hear a thing. Secluded and very quiet. 3 min walk to some nice shores and great fishing spots from shore. Though the sunfish are smart here. lol.
The bad. It’s a pull through spot on a hill. It’s hard(er) to keep your camper on the pavement. I had to use 3” on the outside to level the camper. I had to get the camper just right for the extension. Your steps from your camper go right into a rock slope that’s slick when wet.
All in all not a big deal! This is a great quiet campground. The day use area wasn’t even used while we were here.
The sites weren’t as clean as other campsites we’ve been too, Like Rocky Branch or Echo Bluff in Missouri.
Spot 9 is primo if you can get it.
Guide
Old Highway 86 Campground is situated on a picturesque peninsula on Table Rock Lake, offering stunning morning views. The park is family-friendly, quiet, and meticulously maintained, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors. It features a great swimming area that is both safe and enjoyable. The serene environment and cleanliness make it a perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.
Guide
We were just passing through and stayed for a night. We had sewer, water, and electric hookup. A nice dog park, and even found some 4 leaf clovers!
Scout
This campground promotes child molestation. Eric Wyatt the park supervisor is a tier 3 child predator.
Legend
The park itself is beautiful. Sites are large. Close to everything Branson has to offer.
Scout
Campground was nice and maintained. Showers in campground 2 were dirty.
Traveler
This campground was a great spot for our first family camping trip. We went with a group of 6 adults (my kid still played with bugs). The view from our site was pretty and we had great trees for hanging hammocks. The bathrooms were close and clean. The fishing wasn’t amazing on this trip but we caught our limit on our last day trip. Our only complaint was the closeness of neighboring sites and foot traffic on the road.
Legend
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.
Traveler
We have always loved coming to the Silver Dollar City campgrounds. We have been doing this for over 10 years now. We usually stay in the cabins, and this is our first year taking our fifth wheel. I was worried about the height, clearance and trees since our RV is is over 13 ft tall and 45 ft long. The trees were well trimmed and I had no problem getting into our pull-through spot all the way in the back. The people here are always friendly and helpful. We love the quiet woods atmosphere. Great little playgrounds for the kids and the pool. The pull-through spot was a little uneven but not as bad as it looks. It would be nice if they were paved. It usually rains this time of year (May) and the unpaved spots can get a little messy in the rain. The pull-through spots are alternating so you are facing your neighbor's door and not their sewage. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. We always come here for the Bluegrass Festival at Silver Dollar City. The park is great and worth the season pass if you plan to go more than one day.
ScoutLove the location and quiet comfort of this park. It's close enough to all of the action but feels like you are light years away.
It's a perfect campground to have a fun family camp trip and enjoy the sights of Branson. The owners are also wonderful!
Definitely a great place to visit!
ScoutWe thought we would change up from always going to Table Rock State Park. Boy were we wrong!!!!!! The RV lots are gravel/grass- no WIFI or cable. Most of the RV'ers are full timers, and they have the attitude that it's their park. And, if you encounter an incident with one of them- they all turn against your presents. Gray haired adolescence is what my wife calls them. Most sites have some tree cover but walnut trees will totally sap up your RV, not to mention the nuts when they fall. I would only recommend this place if your wallet is very tight. Table Rock Park is hands down better then this out dated and unfriendly rude group of full time campers.
Scout
I love everything about this campground from the open space, to the front manager to the friendly guests. Near enough to town to enjoy the museum and pop in for lunch, far enough away to feel detached. There's also an old Drive in movie next door! Makes you want to get an airstream and cruise down Route 66
GuideEverything you need from a campground for a fair price. $23 electric site per nite. Fire pits, nice place to watch the sunset, just don't speed on the road between SDC and Indian Pt CG.... cops all over the place!
Guide
Stayed here for 4 nights during a visit with family. Park is clean. Staff is friendly. They make fresh pizza at the convenience store/office and will deliver it to your site. We were there 3 weeks before the pool opens so we didn't get a chance to see that. Nice park that's close to 1-44, James River Parkway, and unfortunately a railroad crossing. So you will hear a train horn on occasion, but no highway noise. We will come back here and stay again.
Scout
Bathrooms were clean but dated. Water spigots were well spaced. Ticks were very bad. Family sites were spacious but laid out like 2 separate sites. Would have been nice to have both tables together. Tent pads were advertised but non-existent.
LegendBeautiful park. Fantastic scenery with large spaces. Would give it 5 stars if it had full hookups. Wildlife is everywhere. Eagles, hawks, fishing and more.
TravelerWe enjoy visiting Branson off-season and our time at this campground made it even better! Our site had unobstructed views of the lake and was easy to level. The shower house was a bit far but right across the street was a compost toilet shed that was convenient and kept very clean. Working remotely was no issue as cell service was good. Will love to go back to that same site again, so peaceful!
TravelerWe camped at The Pines loop because it was the only section with a functioning bath house in the off season. The river was down a very steep hill, so not accessible from camp, but there's a boat ramp nearby. The restrooms and showers were good and the volunteer caretakers were very helpful and friendly. Camp spots are easy to back into. Very close to the lake. Cell phone coverage was not great.
Camping near Mount Vernon, MO, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic lakes to well-maintained campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.
Camping near Mount Vernon, MO, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!
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 Gibson Spring Back Country Site - Fort Crowder Conservation Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mount Vernon, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Mount Vernon, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
