Best Tent Camping near Nelson, MO
Looking for tent camping near Nelson? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Nelson with tent camping. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Missouri camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Nelson, MO (8)
2. Harriman Hill Access
Nelson, Missouri1 Review•7 SavesVisit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Toilets
3. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
Columbia, Missouri5 Reviews•6 Photos•40 SavesJust minutes from Columbia, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. You can explore Connor's Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world.
Non-profit, educational or Scout groups can take advantage of the special-use area for overnight primitive camping. It features two fire rings, a vault toilet and several picnic tables. There is no water or electricity. The cost is $2 per person, per night. Reservations are required. For more information, call 573-449-7402.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
4. Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area
Higbee, Missouri1 Review•5 Photos•6 SavesVisit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Dispersed
- Toilets
6. Scrivner Road Conservation Area
Russellville, Missouri1 Review•20 Photos•38 SavesVisit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Toilets
8. Tri-City Community Lake
Be the first to review!Hallsville, Missouri•1 SaveVisit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews in Nelson
166 Reviews of 8 Nelson Campgrounds
Linda H.
Guide
Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area
Forest and Lake Dry camping
Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided. Parked lakeside. Quite night with one fishing boat late morning. Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property.
Benjamin R.
ScoutFranklin Island
Franklin island
Great quite and secluded camp sigh. But can muddy due to sessional flooding
Julia V.Guide
Finger Lakes State Park Campground
Had everything we needed
Basic tent site, potable water was right near our site. Bathrooms were clean. There were some families staying nearby but overall was a quiet stay.
- MMaggie C.
Legend
Great Escape RV Park & Campground
Nice for overnight
Just stopped for one night on our way east. Friendly host checked us in. Nice dog park with bench and shade. All sites are FHU. They offered to move us to a pull thru, but I picked our site based on proximity to the dog park, so I declined the move. We were in site 38, back-in 30 amp. Sites are a bit tight but no one next door so ok. I recommend for a stopover. Less fancy but nicer for dogs imo than Owl Creek which is one exit away. There is a pond for fishing (no license required) and a swimming pool.
- JJessica H.Scout
Roberts Bluff Access
Great Overnight Spot
Great stop 5 minutes off of I-70! The site has three camp sites available with car pull ins and fire rings. Lots of mosquitoes due to the site being right on the water. Also two cats hang out around the site. No bathroom we could find.
MickandKarla W.Legend
Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground
Very Nice Campground
Check-in was quick and easy and we proceeded to pull through site 83 with FHUs. The gravel pad was very long and we had plenty of room for our 40’ rig and F450. The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent at about 40 psi. As we were on the end of a row, we had a lot of front yard space. The sites here are very close together, but long-term guests kept their sites nice and well organized, and overall this CG was very clean. There are mature trees so satellite placement could be challenging. We were able to place our Starlink in the yard area for a good shot to the north sky. We got 4 bars on Verizon and their WiFi worked well for a campground of this size. At the office, they have a nice store and gift shop with one of the best selections of camping shirts etc. that we have seen.
Bobby J.
RangerRoberts Bluff Access
Wonderful Peaceful Stay
Only 2 miles off of the highway and is perfect for someone just passing by. I’m on my way from St Louis to Denver and it was perfect for one night. Very quiet but still close enough to hear the hum of the interstate traffic. It looked like there were 3 sites with fire rings and all very nice.
Kaylen M.Scout
Knob Noster State Park Campground
Knob Park
Nice place, but just didn't care for how much the cops drove threw nonstop, we are camping to get away from people and doesn't make me feel at peace wondering why so many cops always drive thru.
Anne R.ScoutLincoln Lake RV Park
Great overnight stop
Beautiful spot on the lake. Clean campground, full hook-ups. Tent and RV friendly. Will stop here again!
- Christian D.Scout
Robert's Bluff
Quiet and Free
Don’t mistake this for the RV hookup site at Roberts Bluff. It’s a bit further down the road and called Roberts Bluff Access. You will eventually see signs for a Conservation site.
There were about 4/5 spots to pull/back into. Its a small space and really close to the river where you can see huge trout and turtles swimming. There is even a boat ramp.
- RRandall J.
TravelerRoberts Bluff Access
Quiet overnight stay
Enjoyed a campfire before a thunderstorm rolled into the area. Ground away from the campsite was a bit muddy and made a mess. No surprises there! Established campfire ring at 2 spots. Another ring farther down in the turnaround beyond the boat launch.
Robin M.TravelerRoberts Bluff Access
Quiet place to fish
Small, quiet and out of the way. A few spots for camping. No restrooms, electricity or running water.
Chloe D.Scout
Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site
Peaceful and clean
Stayed here overnight and the camphor was very friendly and helped us out. Bathrooms and showers were open, super clean. Peaceful and would definitely stay again to venture into the town
- DDavid P.Scout
Stump Island Park
Full hookups, but no showers or bathroom
If your camper has everything you need, it's a good campground. The website says it's 50 amp only, but it has 30 too. When we stayed there in March 2024, the shower/bathroom was locked. No park management came by our site, and when you call to get information, you get city hall telling you you need to call some other number...that they didn't have. So, everything's up to you.
Nate R.GuideRoberts Bluff Access
Nice place next to a shallow river.
We liked this place. It was a good place for an overnight camp on our travels. No restroom that we could find. No water or power. Camp is free. It has an old boat ramp so you can get down the the river easier, but water was way too low for a boat when I was there in September of 2023. Down a gravel road a few minutes off the highway in some corn field area. There are only a handful of spaces on the grass. So hopefully you get one or someone is willing to share. We had the place to ourselves.
- DDaniel C.Scout
Robert's Bluff
Awesome spot for getting in late
Great spot on my road trip west! Put in some miles and didn’t get in until about 2am and this was easy to find and great spots away from the highway but also didn’t have to trek far away
- BBobbie C.Traveler
Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site
Quiet for Labor Day Weekend
Park was full. We could only book a basic site (no hook-ups) through the website but the camp host easily upgraded us to a vacant electric site. Great park to bring your dogs! The walk or drive to the historic town literally park of the park was a surprise with a couple of hiking paths making each trip different from the first.
- RRichard M.Scout
Robert's Bluff
Good for over night
Decided to take my time heading from Southern WA to Southern IN and this is the best dispersed camping I’ve seen on this trip. I’ll definitely stop here again if I’m ever heading down I-70, and hopefully I’ll have my RV with me.
- BBrianne G.Traveler
Harriman Hill Access
Drug Dealer Area
Not bad camp spots here, but there are a lot of drug deals going on here. Don't feel very safe at all. Sept 2023. Update... so I woke up to find out that the other campers we saw were actually homeless people. They're were people in the bathroom strung out on something also. Don't camp here!
John J.ScoutMissouri State Fair RV Park
Worst ever in my opinion
The security guy will just open the women bathroom door to yell at females instead of waiting at the camp site when there is an issue . Really really creepy
Joe G.TravelerArrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site
Nice camp site.
Very nice, clean and organized campsite. Sites are spaced further apart for great privacy. Host was pleasant and very friendly. Nice to see him driving through the site checking up on things.
- DDaniela E.Scout
Robert's Bluff
Quiet and nice place
Nice free camping to overnight if you are travelling on your RV, close to the highway but without noise. No toillets. Verizon signal works good.
Adam W.ScoutCottonwoods RV Park & Campground
Disappointing Experience at Cottonwoods RV Resort: Deceptive and Rude
My recent encounter with Cottonwoods RV Resort has left me utterly disappointed and disgusted, as their service was marred by deceptive policies, unprofessional behavior and childish behavior
It is disheartening to witness a company that prioritizes playing games and leaning on diplomatic responses over addressing the reality of their actions. From the outset, their reservation process raised concerns with their non-industry standard policy of requiring a 10-day notice for cancellations.
This policy, as I soon discovered, served as a warning sign of their intentions to hold onto customers' money while offering limited options for resolution. It became evident that their primary objective was not to provide a fair and transparent service but rather to maximize their own gains at the expense of customer satisfaction.
Adding insult to injury, when my wife attempted to discuss our concerns with their staff, they not only exhibited unprofessional behavior but also acted defensively, as if they were being attacked. Despite my wife maintaining her composure(while slightly elevating the pitch of her voice, but never yelling or personally attacking the person on the phone), they manipulated the situation by leaning on diplomatic responses that failed to address the reality of their actions. This tactic of deflecting and avoiding accountability only further erodes trust and demonstrates a lack of integrity on their part. It's truly sad to see this behavior come from a"business".
When I personally reached out to express my frustration(and also notify that I will post my factual experiences online), the"manager" absurdly claimed that my communication was threatening merely because I suggested the possibility of visiting their premises to discuss the matter in person. This response showcased a lack of professionalism and an unwillingness to engage in mature dialogue.
The"manager's" attempts to justify their cancellation policy under the guise of protecting customers are nothing more than smoke and mirrors. By allowing customers to reschedule their reservations while vehemently refusing any possibility of cancellation, they revealed their true motive: to retain customers' funds while offering a hollow option for rebooking. This self-serving approach contradicts their claims of protecting customers' interests and exposes their disregard for providing a genuinely satisfactory experience.
What troubles me even more is the realization that my experience is not an isolated incident. Other reviewers have expressed similar encounters, outlining the same deceptive policies, unprofessional behavior, and manipulative tactics employed by Cottonwoods RV Resort
It is disheartening to see a pattern of behavior that consistently prioritizes the company's interests over the well-being and satisfaction of their customers. In their attempts to deflect accountability, the company may try to argue that we were rude or difficult to deal with. However, it is essential to clarify that we were hung up on before any reasonable customer service was provided. When my wife, understandably exasperated, questioned whether an exception could be made in the event of a death in the family, their response was shockingly callous. It became evident that the company's priorities lay solely in financial matters, as they confirmed their lack of concern for any circumstances beyond securing their own profits. I fully anticipate their rebuttal to my reviews to show how holy they are, but again, a diplomatic response to smooth over their reviews and make them always look right.
What a terrible way to do business. If you look at the reviews left below, all are refuted to make the campsite look perfect while neglecting to remember they are in the customer service business.
In conclusion, our unfortunate experience with Cottonwoods RV Resort was tainted by their deceptive policies, unprofessional and childish behavior. Their inclination to play games, lean on diplomatic responses, and avoid taking responsibility for their actions only served to exacerbate my disappointment. I strongly advise prospective customers to carefully consider the consistent feedback provided by other reviewers and approach this establishment with caution. It is regrettable that a company entrusted with providing enjoyable experiences would prioritize such practices, leaving customers feeling frustrated and undervalued.
Here's a list of reviews you should take into consideration:- https://www.yelp.com/biz/cottonwoods-rv-park-columbia?hrid=VEyZyAFwGWP1jVoM1e8Ecw- Terri G- Kicked out for using a generator because of an issue with their power cord- https://www.yelp.com/biz/cottonwoods-rv-park-columbia?hrid=KQVPvdggSdgW16By2HS\_4g- Examples of lying to customers, kicking them out when there is room- https://www.yelp.com/biz/cottonwoods-rv-park-columbia?hrid=KN7D9ews6MEGzIdaT2fWnA- Bad experience- https://www.yelp.com/biz/cottonwoods-rv-park-columbia?hrid=\_NeYWolU-KZYvJQqbSM7eg- Indicating a good experience unitl they get mad with you then they call the police and get defensive- what a great place to stay!- https://www.roverpass.com/c/cottonwoods-rv-park-columbia-mo/- Trying to kick out people who are on Cancer treatments, again they reply to everything thats negative with a rebuttal that frames them as perfect-"Surprised they didn't charge us for breathing..."
Melanie T.Ranger
The Great Escape RV and Camp Resort
Next stop
Nice little camp ground. Lots of open space for the dog to play. 2 nice ponds. Sites are nice & level good space. There is some traffic noise, being next to the interstate. We were able to mask it.
Nathan P.Ranger
Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park Campground
Well maintained campgrounds with short trails and lake for fishing
We camped out here for the weekend.
The campground is one circular lot with I think around 18 spots. Some are basic just for tents and some have water and or electric.
The ones on the inside of the circle have more space and are more open but you don't have any privacy. Most spots on the outside of the circle, especially on the north and west sides have more privacy but not as much space.
The grounds are well kept with grass while maintained.
I hiked on most of the trails in one day. I missed the memorial trail and boardwalk. Home that I walked on will maintained. Some of them are more difficult than others but none of them too strenuous.
Note about the lake - Once you get to the parking lot for the lake you'll see nothing but trees. On the east side of the parking lot (next to the state park signage/billboard) there are two trail heads. Take the one on the left. There's a quarter mile hike down to the lake. The way back is mostly uphill. Not too steep, but steep enough you might feel it if you don't do much hiking/walking.
Playground It had a nice playground for small kids including a little play area and some swing sets.
Restrooms There were two bathrooms present. One was a traditional drop toilet. It had a solar fan so surprisingly it did not have any smell. The other bathroom has a shower and the women's had two toilets and the men's had one toilet and a urinal. Everything was clean.
Dog-friendliness We did not take any dogs but we saw plenty of people who had dogs.
Jon B.GuideArrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site
Great Basic Campsites
The largest camp area of Arrow Rock is definitely geared towards RVs, but there is a "basic loop" with twelve basic campsites for tent camping. There is a bathroom/shower house very close to the basic loop and the basic loop is well away from the RV area. Right up the road is Big Soldier Lake where you can fish as well. The camp host was helpful in providing firewood and was very attentive of the sites. The campsites are a bit crowded in with each other as there are 12 in the small basic loop, but a few campsites at the back end of the loop provide a lot of area to stretch and spread out into.
- JJames M.Traveler
Binder Park Campground
Great little muni!
Great campground with electric and water just minutes west of downtown Jefferson City. No cable or wifi but good tv reception. Although too cold to use, the picnic tables have a pavilion style roof over them at each site! Only downside is that they have only 17 sites and several have seasonals on them. Hosts are good people and easy to speak with, providing much information regarding their community.
Guide to Nelson
Nestled in the heart of Missouri, tent camping near Nelson offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape into nature.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy a peaceful retreat at Franklin Island, where you can experience a quiet and secluded camping environment, though be prepared for occasional muddy conditions due to seasonal flooding.
- For those seeking a more adventurous atmosphere, Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area features heavily forested areas with trails perfect for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
- Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Tri-City Community Lake, where you can enjoy a relaxing day by the water.
Tips for tent camping near Nelson
- When camping at Harriman Hill Access, be cautious of your surroundings, as some visitors have reported safety concerns due to unsavory activities in the area.
- Make sure to bring your own firewood if you plan to camp at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps, as it does not allow fires without it.
- If you're looking for a well-maintained spot, consider Farrington City Park, which offers basic facilities and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for a weekend getaway.
Tent campers should check out Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area
- This area is not only great for tent camping but also features a lovely fishing lake with docks and a boat ramp, making it a versatile destination for outdoor activities.
- With trails designed for equestrian use, Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area is ideal for those who enjoy hiking or biking through beautiful wooded landscapes.
- The campground provides vault toilets and a peaceful environment, ensuring a comfortable stay while you immerse yourself in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Nelson, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Nelson, MO is Franklin Island with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Nelson, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Nelson, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.