The Mark Twain National Forest surrounds Mountain View, Missouri at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,400 feet. This Ozark region receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually, creating diverse ecosystems for campers to explore. Spring-fed rivers maintain consistent temperatures year-round, providing reliable recreation opportunities regardless of season.
What to do
Cave exploration: Tour Round Spring Cave in the Ozark National Scenic Riverway from June through October. Cave tours cost $5 per person and showcase impressive formations. "Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5. The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations," explains a visitor to Round Spring Campground.
Trout fishing: Purchase tags at Montauk State Park for regulated fishing. Daily trout tags cost $3 and allow keeping four fish per day with an eight-fish possession limit. "You can purchase a trout tag at the lodge for $3.00, and it will allow you to keep 4 trout per day with a possession limit of 8. The conservation will stock the Current on a nightly basis, based on number of tags sold the day before," notes a regular visitor to Montauk State Park Campground.
Water activities: Arrange shuttle services for river trips with local outfitters. Many campgrounds coordinate transportation to launch points for day-long floats. "We stayed here to utilize their shuttle services for kayaking the 11 point. The convenience of having your own vehicle waiting for you after a long day of floating is worth every dime you pay for it," reports a camper at Richard's Canoe Rental & Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Visit early mornings for best chances to spot otters, bald eagles, and wild horses. "You may get lucky and see otters on your way to the spring, or some of the wild horses in the area. Go in the early morning to the spring trail to watch the mist roll off the water and enjoy the wildlife - so otherworldly," according to a Round Spring Campground visitor.
What campers like
Natural water features: Springs with vibrant colors attract photographers and swimmers. Some springs reach depths of 100 feet with striking blue hues. "The color is just as vibrant and turquoise in my photo as if I was standing there looking at the spring. There is also a bridge the water flows under. Pretty neat!" shares an enthusiastic visitor to Round Spring.
Riverfront campsites: Direct water access from several campgrounds lets you fall asleep to flowing water sounds. "Sites are right on the river so you can hear it rushing as you fall asleep. Beautiful scenery with good hiking nearby," notes a reviewer at North Fork Recreation Area.
Firefly displays: Summer evenings feature impressive natural light shows at certain campgrounds. "Nighttime was magical. It was absolutely silent besides the sounds of nature and the river. Our favorite part was the THOUSANDS of fireflies. They were like a blanket or waves of twinkles through the whole loop," describes a North Fork visitor.
Primitive camping options: Secluded sites appeal to those seeking more natural settings. "The sites are private and shaded, lots of trees. Sites are first come, first served, but so worth the risk! We LOVED it!!" explains another North Fork Recreation Area camper.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Book months ahead for peak season at popular campgrounds. Some sites are first-come, first-served but fill quickly during summer weekends. "The only negative is that we have experienced are that you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular," mentions a visitor to Timbuktu Campground at Echo Bluff State Park.
Wildlife precautions: Secure food properly to avoid attracting wildlife. "The raccoons and armadillos can be a bit rowdy and too close for comfort some nights, so secure your food carefully. Also, in recent years, black bear sightings are becoming more frequent," warns a regular visitor to Pulltite Campground.
Cell service limitations: Plan communications ahead as many campgrounds have no coverage. "There is no cell service available, so make sure you have made reservations before you get here. Closest cell service is up the road at Echo Bluff State Park," notes a Round Spring camper.
Seasonal considerations: Expect crowds April-October when water activities are most popular. Weekday visits offer more solitude. "We spent 3 week days camping here in our camper van. When we were there in April there were only a handful of other campers there and we tons of quiet and privacy, however, I imagine during the summer it fills up."
Tips for camping with families
Safe swimming areas: Select campgrounds with designated swim zones for children. These areas typically have gradual entry and slower currents. "Nice swim area" makes Harveys Circle B Campground "a beautiful riverfront campground on the Jack's Fork River" that families particularly enjoy.
Educational programs: Check ranger schedules for kid-friendly activities at national park campgrounds. "Nightly fun activities, close to many different hiking trails, and an on-site general store," mentions a visitor to Pulltite Campground, making it ideal for families.
Nearby attractions: Plan day trips to historic sites within short driving distances. "You can take a gravel road out of the park to a funky little place called Bo's Hollow. A family has built a small town in a field, where you can buy a bbq sandwich lunch, and take a model A ride to Ashley creek for swimming and a picnic," suggests a Montauk State Park regular.
Budget-friendly options: Look for tent-only areas with better rates than RV sites. "This campground was wonderful! It was a Saturday night and there was an open mic night and bbq. The atmosphere was light and fun and the people rocked! Very clean bathrooms and showers. The rates were very very affordable too!" reports a visitor to Ozarks Mountain Springs RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request spots away from tent camping areas for more privacy. "We stayed in our RV on a spot with river view. Was really nice! Site 148 has standing water when it rains, but that was the only wet spot in the RV areas," notes a visitor to Harveys Circle B Campground.
Utility considerations: Check hookup ratings before booking, as some sites have limited amperage. "Reasonable rates and friendly owner. Site was fairly level. Definitely a wooded setting," explains an RVer who stayed at Ozarks Mountain Springs RV Park.
Shade availability: Consider newer vs. established campgrounds when planning summer trips. "This is the third year for this campground so the trees are small but if you have an awning or some kind of shade mechanism, all is good. It is beautiful, the creek is awesome, the lodge is beautiful, and the food is fantastic," explains a visitor to Timbuktu Campground.
On-site amenities: Several campgrounds offer store access for forgotten items. "Plenty of potty spots for the babies scattered throughout the park and a 25 acre trail area. John, the owner, is a great guy! Friendly and welcoming, he keeps the park well maintained," shares an RV camper at Ozarks Mountain Springs.
