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Best Tent Camping near Piedmont, MO

543 Reviews

Tent campsites near Piedmont, Missouri are concentrated in the surrounding Mark Twain National Forest and Missouri state parks, offering a mix of primitive and basic amenities for overnight stays. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park provides tent-only camping with approximately 12 basic sites on Missouri's highest point, while walk-in tent sites at Four Creeks Ranch Campground and Wanderers End Sanctuary offer more secluded camping experiences within 30 miles of Piedmont.

Most tent campgrounds feature fire rings and picnic tables, but facilities remain minimal throughout the region. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park's campsites operate on a first-come, first-served honor system with payment envelopes available on site. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, while backcountry sites along the Ozark Trail require visitors to dig cat holes at least 100 feet from water sources. Campers should bring water purification systems when staying at primitive locations, as reliable drinking water is limited. Wildlife encounters are frequent, with raccoons known to raid unsecured food at night.

The terrain at tent campsites varies from level wooden platforms at Taum Sauk to natural clearings along creeks and rivers in more remote areas. Shade is plentiful at most sites, offering protection during hot summer months. The Ozark Trail provides access to numerous backcountry camping opportunities like Padfield Branch and Ottery Creek, where spring-fed waterways provide excellent water sources. A recent review noted, "Make sure you bring a water purifier. It is some of the best tasting water I have ever had." Tent campers particularly appreciate the secluded nature of sites in this region, with many campgrounds spaced to provide privacy between neighboring sites. One camper shared that "even if all sites are to be taken you'd still feel that there is enough space between you and the sucker next door."

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Best Tent Sites Near Piedmont, Missouri (32)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Piedmont, MO

19 Photos of 32 Piedmont Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Piedmont, MO

543 Reviews of 32 Piedmont Campgrounds

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Memories of Days Gone By

    The people of Missouri gave a wonderful gift to the people of the United States.  A gift I did not know about or had never heard of till we made the decision to camp in Missouri.

    Big Springs was Missouri's first state park.  The CCC did a lot of construction on the park and so much of the buildings are still there.  In much need of repair and I do hope the federal government will restore.  Big Spring is off of Missouri Highway 160.  Turn onto State Route 103 to Big Spring.  The spring has a wheelchair accessible pathway that will lead right to the spring.

    The campground is large and open.  Tent sites along with with RV sites but the RV sites are small and very close together.  Some RV sites had electric but no water or sewer.  There is a dump site.  During the summer I think I would get a reservation for the RV sites if you need electric.  If you have the ability to generate your own electric stay in the open tent site area.  The tent site area is large and open to the sun.  Big Springs has flush toilets and hot showers.

    There are picnic areas with tables and grills scattered throughout the park along with two group shelters.

    The Ranger programs are well worth checking out.  Take advantage.

    The Current River makes a wonderful backdrop for nature lovers.  You have the options of hiking, biking, fishing, camping, floating, kayaking, and all sorts of boating with a ramp in the park.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It

  • S
    May. 26, 2022

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Dry camping dispersed NF campground

    There are 15 paved sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring and a pole to hang a lantern. Some sites are double width. There are two (nice & clean) vault toilets, one in the campground near the entrance and the other at the day use/boat launch site, no electric, water, dumpster or garbage. Pack it in and pack it out. There's a 1.3 mile paved trail along the lake and a dock. There is some noise from 60 but it's hardly noticeable. My time here has been quiet except for some drunken yahoos one night.

    The only negative is there are a lot of ticks! They are easy to spot on my white dog but I have to do a tick check every time he goes outside, and I always find some. Avoid the vegetation and you'll see less. Make sure you check yourself.

  • M
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

    Gorgeous in the Fall

    My group and I camped in two of the basic sites in Asher Creek campground and we couldn’t get enough of the front-row lake view! The sites closest to the lake are very level, and everyone in the campground is only a short walk from the cleanest park restrooms I’ve ever seen. If you’re like me and are just doing basic tent camping, I’d recommend a pop-up canopy for the table area since there is not a lot of tree cover in those sites. Overall, an excellent place to camp!

  • L
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Peaceful

    Just off highway, it is dispersed camping in a park that no longer charges, blacktop pad, lantern hook, picnic table, fire ring w cooking grate at ea site, vault toilets.

    There was a fire a few years ago so some burned out areas, lots of firewood, small lake for fishing no motorized boats, great hike/walk around lake.  There is a gas station/truck stop near.   Great stop to regroup on a long road trip.

  • Mike V.
    Aug. 3, 2016

    Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground

    Camping, hiking, sightseeing, & birding at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park in Missouri

    Gave this campground a 5-star rating, but it probably should only be a 4 star. It only has about 12 basic tent campsites, no water or electrical at the sites. The campsites were nicely spaced, most have a lot of shade, each has a picnic table and a place to make a fire. No trailers allowed at camp sites, just tents. There is one or two special-use camping areas that can be used for groups such as boy scouts, etc. It appears you can pay in advance and reserve some campsites, so that you be sure to get one for your trip. I went in late May on the Mon-Tue of-after Memorial Day weekend and was able to find an available campsite even though I did not have a reservation. Camping fees/rates were posted on a board near the restroom building by the honor system camping fee pay station.
    The restroom bldg only has pit toilets, not flush toilets. But they were cleaned very well by the workers on the 2nd day I was there. Also worth noting is that there is water faucet an a drinking fountain next to the restroom bldg, so you can get fresh water if needed. OK, so this sounds normal to average, so why give this campground a good rating? Because of location to the great stuff near-by on this mountain.
    Missouri's High Point is here on this mountain. There is a very nice overlook w/ viewing platform w/ handrails very close to the campground. Some awesome hiking trails are worth checking out, although they are a bit rugged in places where you could twist an ankle. One of the trails will take you to a nice waterfall, which is Missouri's highest falls. Note that I would not call it MO's largest waterfall. Further to all of this great stuff is that the birds were plentiful and quite active when I was there. Easy to watch and listen to them at the camping area, and at the overlook viewing platform. Birds were pretty much everywhere. There is also a look-out tower up on the mountain, which is probably used as a fire watch tower. A few pictures attached.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Mark Twain National Forest Watercress Recreation Area

    Same - Same Watercress

    Watercress and this campground is the same.  Mark Twain National Forest in Van Buren, Missouri along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. During the 2017 flood there was some damage to a group shelter so be careful walking. The ground is uneven and there are a lot of blocks. Watercress sits along side the Current River and the river is a beautiful emerald green where you can see the bottom. The river is prime float territory whether it be by kayak, boat, tubes, just whatever. On the weekend it will be very busy so prepare for full parking spots. What better way to see an untouched landscape as you float along the river. No need to paddle the river does all the work. 

    First getting to the Watercress was a bit confusing to us. We drove pass the Forest sign and had to come back and start over. On Highway 60 turn onto Business 60 through Van Buren. When you see the National Park Service sign on the left had side of the road you will turn onto Watercress Road. That road will take you right into the park. The day use area will be on the left side and the campground will be on the right. Van Buren is a small town and worth the very short drive to the courthouse. If you love ice cream and amazing burgers stop by the Jolly Cone. It was established in 1953 and still going strong. Our chocolate malt was so thick we had to lick it off the straw. Can't wait to go back. YUM!!! The day we were there the Jolly Cone had sponsored a car show held around the courthouse square. These small towns offer so much history. Stop in. Watercress has 17 campsites for RV and tents. This is a First Come- First Serve. Watercress offers each site with a picnic table and campfire ring. No electrical or water at the sites. Campground is open May 1- October 1. A trash dumpster is located on site during that time frame. Vault toilets and drinking water available. Fees are$10-$20 depending on site or type of pass you have. There is a fee station. The group shelters are not open at this time. The Current River is a beautiful river to boat or float. Great for kayaks or tubes. While on the river drop a line to try your hand at fishing. Catfish, sunfish, bass and walleye. You will find the Songbird Trail for hiking 1.2 miles long to the Watercress Spring. You will even run across a Civil War earthworks on the trail. Boat launch is open and offers vault toilets and trash dumpster.   Sites are large and paved.

    Check out Big Spring while in the area. It is Missouri's largest spring. There are three springs in the United States that lay claim to being the largest in the US and at different times of the year I am sure that each one is the largest. Beautiful spring. 

    Have Fun- Stay Safe 

    Leave No Trace 

    Better Than When You Found It.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Watercress

    Joy on the Twain

    Mark Twain National Forest in Van Buren, Missouri along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway.  During the 2017 flood there was some damage to a group shelter so be careful walking.  The ground is uneven and there are a lot of blocks.

    Watercress sits along side the Current River and the river is a beautiful emerald green where you can see the bottom.  The river is prime float territory whether it be by kayak, boat, tubes, just whatever.  On the weekend it will be very busy so prepare for full parking spots.  What better way to see an untouched landscape as you float along the river.  No need to paddle the river does all the work.

    First getting to the Watercress was a bit confusing to us.  We drove pass the Forest sign and had to come back and start over.  On Highway 60 turn onto Business 60 through Van Buren.  When you see the National Park Service sign on the left had side of the road you will turn onto Watercress Road.  That road will take you right into the park.  The day use area will be on the left side and the campground will be on the right.

    Van Buren is a small town and worth the very short drive to the courthouse.  If you love ice cream and amazing burgers stop by the Jolly Cone.  It was established in 1953 and still going strong.  Our chocolate malt was so thick we had to lick it off the straw.  Can't wait to go back.  YUM!!!  The day we were there the Jolly Cone had sponsored a car show held around the courthouse square.  These small towns offer so much history.  Stop in.

    Watercress has 17 campsites for RV and tents.  This is a First Come - First Serve.  Watercress offers each site with a picnic table and campfire ring.  No electrical or water at the sites.  Campground is open May 1 - October 1.  A trash dumpster is located on site during that time frame.  Vault toilets and drinking water available.  Fees are $10 - $20 depending on site  or type of pass you have.  There is a fee station.  The group shelters are not open at this time.  Sites are large and paved.

    The Current River is a beautiful river to boat or float.  Great for kayaks or tubes.  While on the river drop a line to try your hand at fishing.  Catfish, sunfish, bass and walleye.

    You will find the Songbird Trail for hiking 1.2 miles long to the Watercress Spring.  You will even run across a Civil War earthworks on the trail.  Boat launch is open and offers vault toilets and trash dumpster.

    Check out Big Spring while in the area.  It is Missouri's largest spring.  There are three springs in the United States that lay claim to being the largest in the US and at different times of the year I am sure that each one is the largest.  Beautiful spring.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It.

  • Leah H.
    Jul. 18, 2017

    Silver Mines

    Great Camping Near the River

    This camp site has RV hook-ups and tent camping. There are trees throughout the campground if you're looking to set up a hammock. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table and is a mix of grass and light gravel. Pit toilets, no showers. Water spigots throughout the camp ground. Keep an eye out for snakes though! I nearly stepped on a copper head in the outhouse! Camp sites are a 2 minute walk to the St. Francois River. Great hiking along the river and good fishing, swimming and kayaking in the river! Also not to far from the Castor River Shut-ins if you're looking to pack two rivers into one trip. We just celebrated my husband's birthday here last weekend, though we have been a few times before. Always a blast!

  • R
    Nov. 22, 2021

    Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    Late Fall Tent Camp

    We tent camped in loop 3 in late November for one night. The bathroom and showers were still on in this camping area. The spots are slightly close together but still very wooded. Not a lot of people camping at this time of the year even on a Saturday. Camp hosts were fabulous. The sites aren’t really set up for tents. More for Trailers. We had to get creative to find a spot to put up the tent in order to stake it down. Large parking pads, fire rings, and picnic tables at each camp site.

Guide to Piedmont

Tent camping opportunities near Piedmont, Missouri extend beyond the main developed sites into more secluded backcountry locations. Situated in the eastern Ozarks, this region sits at elevations between 500-1,700 feet with the highest camping options at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. Spring and fall camping offers mild temperatures between 50-75°F, while summer nights rarely drop below 65°F even at higher elevations.

What to do

Hike to Mina Sauk Falls: Take the moderate 4-mile trail at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground to see Missouri's tallest seasonal waterfall. "Best to hike after a heavy rainfall to see the waterfall but don't let that stop you if it hasn't rained in awhile, still beautiful to see," notes camper Erica P.

Explore historic remnants: Primitive sites at Padfield Branch offer more than just camping. "There is also some old remnants of what used to be a living quarters for someone who lived in the woods. It has been long abandoned and is falling over but it offers some fun exploring," shares Matt S.

Play in local creeks: Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm provides unique water access for families. "We had so much fun playing in the creek learning about as Aztec and their gardening methods," reports Bonnie M., who appreciated the 40 available tent sites.

What campers like

Natural springs: Backcountry campers appreciate the clean water sources. At Boze Mill Float Camp, William M. notes "There is a beautiful blue spring coming out of the bottom of a pool formerly used to power Boze Mill," making this spot popular with paddlers.

Wooded seclusion: Many campers value the privacy of sites. According to Clayton R., who camped at Taum Sauk during autumn, "The scenery was gorgeous!" The forest canopy provides natural separation between campsites.

Rustic amenities: Basic facilities satisfy most tent campers. Amanda C. explains about Taum Sauk: "The sites are all walk in but it's a short walk from your car to the site. Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent. Pit toilets are located at the entrance to the campground."

What you should know

First-come basis: Many campgrounds don't take reservations. "The campground is based off first-come first-serve. They offer vault toilets and water and only tent camping," explains Erica P. about Taum Sauk Mountain.

Seasonal considerations: Water availability changes throughout the year. Mara F. notes, "The water was turned off at the time of year we were there and the pit toilets were pretty full, but otherwise still clean."

Terrain challenges: Four Creeks Ranch Campground has some site limitations. "Unfortunately, the tent site we did find was pretty washed out, and we ended up leaving and camping elsewhere," reports Dave, highlighting the importance of scouting sites.

Tips for camping with families

Friendly atmosphere: Some campgrounds have resident animals that enhance family camping. At Four Creeks Ranch, Bedriah A. found that "Shelly, our host was so kind and the dogs were so sweet. The outhouses are comfortable and clean, and the river is beautiful."

Group camping options: Tom Sauk Mountain State Park offers designated platforms for family setups. Trevor S. observed, "Tent camping only and it looked like most sites had platforms and a picnic table. I seen one or two restrooms."

Nature engagement: Kids enjoy the wildlife encounters. Scott M. shares about Taum Sauk: "I like this camp site because you are within the trees the whole time. It is tent camping only. Where we camped, the ground was covered in moss."

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Many tent-only campgrounds restrict RV access entirely. Trevor S. notes about Tom Sauk Mountain State Park: "We didn't camp here but drove up the mountain to check out the look out. Took a trip through the campground, tent camping only."

Alternative recommendations: When traveling with both tent and RV campers, consider nearby options. Dave at Roberts Field suggests, "This area is has dispersed camping," but warns "I was able to get into this area on foot, but it is surrounded by private property. It is accessible with a 4wd vehicle with decent ground clearance."

Off-grid testing ground: For those transitioning between RV and tent camping, some sites offer practice opportunities. One camper at Four Creeks Ranch notes this is "a great place to relax and unwind. This is also a good place if your new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Piedmont, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Piedmont, MO is Four Creeks Ranch Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Piedmont, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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