Searching for the best camping near Plato, MO? Plato is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Plato. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Montauk State Park preserves a shady green retreat that offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fun, whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or just relaxing with friends and family. Montauk State Park's campground offers basic and electric campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites. The park's store carries a variety of camping supplies.
The valley that cradles Bennett Spring has created a place of peace and recreation that has welcomed generations of enthusiastic anglers. Bennett Spring camping is one of Missouri’s earliest state parks and continues today to attract fishermen and nature lovers seeking to make new memories. More than 100 million gallons of clear, cool water gush from Bennett Spring each day and form a spring branch stocked daily with rainbow trout waiting for lucky fishermen. Fishing may be the main draw but the park also offers many other amenities such as a dining lodge, campgrounds, cabins and hiking trails. Whether you are a traditional fishing enthusiast or someone seeking a place to relax and refresh, Bennett Spring State Park has what you need to make every trip one to remember.
This recreation area is nestled in a hollow along Paddy Creek, a major tributary to the Big Piney River, 1/2 mile away. It provides a picnic area and 23 campsites. It is located adjacent to the east boundary of the Paddy Creek Wilderness and is one of the 3 trailheads for the Big Piney Trail.Paddy Creek flows year-round and is a crystal clear wading creek.
With Lake of the Ozarks camping, enjoy the solitude of an undeveloped cove hidden along the shorelines of one of Missouri’s largest lakes. Swim, fish, boat or simply take in the view from a shady campsite or picnic area overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The park offers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities on the lake or on shore. Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers basic and electric campsites and three organized group camps and Pin Oak Facility. For those who need a little extra space, family campsites are available. Stock up on camping supplies at the Camper Store, which is located near the campground entrance. On shore, hikers, backpackers, equestrians and bicyclists can wind through open woodlands, sunny glades, small springs and streams to bluff-top views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Water enthusiasts can make use of the park’s two swimming beaches, boat rentals and paved boat ramps. Park stores sell all of the necessary supplies for a day on the water. Year-round overnight accommodations include campsites, Outpost Cabins and yurts.
$13 - $50 / night
Small family owned and operated campground on the Gasconade River in Richland, Missouri. We built our business in 2019 and officially opened in 2020. Our property consists of 27 acres with 2 stocked ponds. Most of our primitive tent sites are located right on the river bank. If you’re a tent camper but need electric, let us know and we will try to hook you up! Have an RV? No problem. We have back in full hookup (water, electric and sewer) sites or pull through water and electric sites. Water and electric sites are closer to the tents along with the river, but full hookups aren’t far from the water either!
$5 - $100 / night
The park features a primitive group/special-use camping area with a fire ring and restroom facilities. Call the park for information on how to reserve this area.
Rural, family RV and tent camping along the Gasconade river.
RV sites with full hook-up, or water and electric.
Tent camping with water and electric, or just basic.
Shower and restrooms, camp store with ice, and firewood.
Play ground, paved boat ramp, volleyball net, and horse shoe pits.
Offer canoe, kayaks, rafts, and tube float trips.
$12 - $89 / night
Would you like to try something different than your everyday routine? Well, then come on out to a little place we have out in the country to unplug, unwind, or just enjoy a life that's all around you. Our little spot is called B Berry Farms and Co. We are a 40-acre family Berry farm and 24-hour Campground with several RV Spots and 4 RV spots with 20 amp or 30 amp electricity your choice. And we are right in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks with over 4,000 you-pick Berry bushes (and produce in 24' )covering, 7 acres we have something for almost everyone. If you want cleaner health products in your life then we can help you with that as well, We are also a natural skin care product manufacturer. Either Bonding by the wood-fired stove in our bunkhouse or cuddling up in the chairs outside enjoying hot cocoa as it snows. Looking off into the distance and seeing the sun setting with bursting colors as you're looking over the rows and rows of berries. Experience a darker night sky than most are used to. Or walk the many acres of colored coated diverse trails, enjoy 2 horseshoe pitching areas, Play pool, Play darts, pick delicious berries, Throw Axes at a log target, swing on several adult swings around the property, Conquer the Adult Suspension Bridge in the woods, climb a 12-foot high wall, enjoy our 10' bouncing net hanging from the ceiling, play in the many sandboxes, sweat out a game with a 35' professional Volleyball net (ball provided)and badminton(we have rackets and birdies), play in the water cube as it sprays in all directions or our new WATERPARK play area ( 95' Kids Zipline, 9'x9' colored swing net, 2 swings, 14' fireman's pole, Kids Suspension Bridge, monkey bars, rock climbing walls) and so many more things to do. 1 Gas heated hot( 85 to 100 degrees) Shower area, 2 solar-heated shower houses ( seasonal frost to frost), 2 restrooms, hand washing station, and hand laundry tube. We sell farm fresh eggs, and baked goods(homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins, and many fresh seasonal vegetables as well picked to order.
$7 - $48 / night
The rolling, forested landscape around Alley Spring is where two of America's most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors are able to enjoy various water activities as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Canoeing, tubing, swimming and fishing are popular activities on the vast waterways in the region, with over 130 miles (209 km) of water trails. Canoe and kayak rentals and outfitters can be found nearby.A short walk from the campground leads to a popular swimming area on the Jacks Fork River, a crystal clear and spring fed waterway that's cool and refreshing on a hot summer day. Several interpretive trails with educational exhibits meander nearby. Other hiking trails include the Alley Overlook Trail, Chubb Hollow Trail, Ozark Trail, Cave Spring Trail and Big Springs Trail.
Known for its caves, springs, sinkholes and losing streams, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways has over 300 identified caves within its boundaries. They range in size from a rock overhang to almost seven miles of identified passages. Eight caves, including an open sinkhole, have been designated as outstanding natural features. The Ozark forest is mostly White oak and Shortleaf pine, Missouri's only native pine species. Along the rivers, Sycamore, Cottonwood, River birch and maples are common. Redbud and Dogwood are abundant, putting on a spectacular show during most spring months.
Historic and picturesque Alley Mill and the scenic Alley Spring are nearby. The mill is open daily in the summer and rangers offer tours upon request. Pretty Round Spring is close to the campground as well.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (573) 323-4236.
$30 / night
Montauk State Park preserves a shady green retreat that offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fun, whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or just relaxing with friends and family. Montauk State Park's campground offers basic and electric campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites. The park's store carries a variety of camping supplies.
The valley that cradles Bennett Spring has created a place of peace and recreation that has welcomed generations of enthusiastic anglers. Bennett Spring camping is one of Missouri’s earliest state parks and continues today to attract fishermen and nature lovers seeking to make new memories. More than 100 million gallons of clear, cool water gush from Bennett Spring each day and form a spring branch stocked daily with rainbow trout waiting for lucky fishermen. Fishing may be the main draw but the park also offers many other amenities such as a dining lodge, campgrounds, cabins and hiking trails. Whether you are a traditional fishing enthusiast or someone seeking a place to relax and refresh, Bennett Spring State Park has what you need to make every trip one to remember.
This recreation area is nestled in a hollow along Paddy Creek, a major tributary to the Big Piney River, 1/2 mile away. It provides a picnic area and 23 campsites. It is located adjacent to the east boundary of the Paddy Creek Wilderness and is one of the 3 trailheads for the Big Piney Trail.Paddy Creek flows year-round and is a crystal clear wading creek.
With Lake of the Ozarks camping, enjoy the solitude of an undeveloped cove hidden along the shorelines of one of Missouri’s largest lakes. Swim, fish, boat or simply take in the view from a shady campsite or picnic area overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The park offers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities on the lake or on shore. Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers basic and electric campsites and three organized group camps and Pin Oak Facility. For those who need a little extra space, family campsites are available. Stock up on camping supplies at the Camper Store, which is located near the campground entrance. On shore, hikers, backpackers, equestrians and bicyclists can wind through open woodlands, sunny glades, small springs and streams to bluff-top views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Water enthusiasts can make use of the park’s two swimming beaches, boat rentals and paved boat ramps. Park stores sell all of the necessary supplies for a day on the water. Year-round overnight accommodations include campsites, Outpost Cabins and yurts.
$13 - $50 / night
Small family owned and operated campground on the Gasconade River in Richland, Missouri. We built our business in 2019 and officially opened in 2020. Our property consists of 27 acres with 2 stocked ponds. Most of our primitive tent sites are located right on the river bank. If you’re a tent camper but need electric, let us know and we will try to hook you up! Have an RV? No problem. We have back in full hookup (water, electric and sewer) sites or pull through water and electric sites. Water and electric sites are closer to the tents along with the river, but full hookups aren’t far from the water either!
$5 - $100 / night
The park features a primitive group/special-use camping area with a fire ring and restroom facilities. Call the park for information on how to reserve this area.
Ranger
This is the third time staying here. This time wife and I took our small camper just to get away for the weekend. We stayed in campground one because it is the only one open during the off season. You can make reservations online before going to ensure you have the spot you want. Campground one is in a flat spot down by the water and it is actually rather open and built for large rigs to fit in. If it was full I imagine it would be crowded and not much privacy but because we went in the winter there was only four other campsites taken. We were surprised when we found that there was Wi-Fi available for free at the campground. One negative is we only found one toilet for the entire campground. It wasn't a problem at this time because there was hardly anybody there, but I imagine if you wanted to use the toilet during the regular season you would find yourself with a line or going somewhere else.
Scout
I'd seen a lot of great reviews for this campground, so I had high expectations when we arrived for a night in early November. We reserved a spot in the 900 loop, just to be safe - a few of the camping loops allow reservations, and the rest are walk in. The loop was very open, spaces all fully visible to each other. The bathrooms were locked for the season after 10/15.
Since things were pretty empty, we moved to the 500 loop, which was more tree covered, near the river, and next to the shower house, which was the one park bath open for the winter. Bathrooms and showers were clean, though no camp host was present the night we stayed.
We were the only people on the 500 loop, so it was fine, but again - sites VERY close together. Some picnic tables were less than 20 feet apart. The 600 loop was the only heavily occupied loop when were there, filled with campers, presumably because of the electric access.
This is a NPS campground, so its amenities tend to be fewer than many MO state parks. I have other parks in this area that have more scenic and private tent camping. Just on the other side of the river is the Alley spring and mill, which are lovely - and ironically, some of the picnic sites are more spacious than these tent sites. I wish we could camp on that side!
RangerThis is a beautiful area with a lot of camping spots. Campground 1 is down by the water and really meant for the big rigs. Most of the other campgrounds (5 total) also have plenty of space to spread out. We saw plenty of 5th wheels up in the other campgrounds. Many had electric, though don't think many have water. Which is fine for a long weeked or something - just fill up the freshwater before heading out.
Of course if you like fishing this is a wonderful place. Not my thing, but I enjoyed people watching.
Legend
Round Springs is a National Park campground. It’s about 12 miles north if Eminence MO on the Current River. There are only 50 sites, some have electricity. Most of the campsites are scattered along the road with lots of trees and privacy. The electric sites are in the center of the campground on the road with no shade. There are few walk in sites near the river. There is a shower and dump station.
LegendAlley Springs is a Natural Park campground. It’s located right on the Jacks Fork River just a few miles west of Eminence MO. The highway to get here is narrow, winding, and hilly! But it’s worth the trip.
There are 260 campsites some have electricity. Also a dump station. Sites are level, with shade. The campground is located on the flood plane, heavy rain may cause flooding and evacuation!
Legend
I’ve been coming to the Current River area for over 60 years, before the National Scenic Riverways, when Round Springs, Alley Springs, Big Springs, and Montauk were all state parks. They were great places for camping, swimming in the Current River, and canoeing. This new State Park at Echo Bluff is everything I would eliminate from a campground. Sites are packed close together, everything is concrete. No privacy, no shade , no natural beauty. A big modern lodge, cabins and townhouses. I made reservations for two weeks expecting a state park experience. Sorely disappointed! We left early. The staff mostly didn’t bother us. But we watched the cop that sat along the road partway down a steep hill almost every day and gave out tickets for exceeding the 20 mph limit. Showers/bathrooms were new, but not centrally located. Probably would not go back.
Traveler
Well kept state park and trout hatchery. Recently upgraded electric in campground 4, which was nice. Each campground has its own host, which is great when you need it. I hung out with friends in a basic group site, too, and there was plenty of room and a nice setting (site 116). Food at the lodge was better than anticipated and friends in the cabins had no major complaints either.
Scout
We had a good visit here. Basic but did the trick and the owner was really friendly and helpful.
Scout
Asked for a lake view cabin. We were the only ones here since it was a weekday after labor day so all cabins were open. I go to check in and it's a long sidewalk between narrow rails. Not at all easy if you are disabled and with my COPD, I had to stop several times.
I get cabin 6. If you go here DO NOT GET CABIN 6. It's the only one you can't park in front of as it's down the side of a hill. You must traverse several levels of steps down a steep grade. The office hours are over by now so I hauled what we needed down.
The lake view was somewhere past the forest so I'll take their word on that.
The refrigerator was filthy and we had no hot water. Since it was after hours all we could do is clean the fridge, make supper and wait till 9 in the morning to call maintenance.
Maintenance arrives and determine the elements are bad. At about 10:30am they started working. Spent most of our only full day watching them fix the water heater. The maintenance guys were very nice but I'm not leaving my stuff with strangers.
So basically, I spent $200 to sit on a deck with acorns falling on us or on the world's most uncomfortable couch as they worked on getting me hot water. Early morning fishing was shot.
They did say we could now switch cabins but I would need to move our stuff back up Mt Fk-That just to move it again into the new cabin, then back out again tomorrow.
It is a lovely area and the people are friendly but they need to do better. Also, warn people that cabin 6 is more cliff side than lake side.
Traveler
Found this place on a whim through Missouri. Was looking for dispersed camping and not much popped up in the area. So campgrounds were next up.
This place already had a few good reviews, so I called them up. Immediately knew this was going to be the place. Super nice folks, clear communication, and even showed us the grounds upon arrival.
Lots of amenities for just staying a single night. Everything you need and want in a campground, but not a KOA or Yogi packed site.
Overall 5/5, cheap, friendly, abundance of things to do, and quiet (when I stayed).
P.S. Depending on which site you choose… the cost varies, but still cheap. There is lighting, power outlets, tables, fire rings and outdoor grill, along with many other fun child-friendly things.
Scout
Completely free clean and shaded couldn’t ask for better
Guide
This camp ground is a little hidden gem and so pretty! It has running water bathroom and showers! They are so kind and aware. They make shuttling your personal watercraft SO easy! This camp are is very clean and family friendly! The river was pretty!
Traveler
Super friendly people, very accommodating. They offered to help us hookup when we arrived, so sweet, and specially since we are new to this. Gave us advice about where to eat around town. The site was nice and shady. The bath house was excellent - very nice showers and bathrooms, very clean, very private. Such a family feel. Very good value for the price! Thanks for an excellent stay. Would stay here again if we ever return to the area.
Guide
Fun trails and fishing from a fresh spring. Great and clean shower house. Well taken care of.
ScoutMy favorite place to camp!! Can't wait to go again.
GuideWe stayed for 1 night, great trails to walk around, don’t forget bug spray! Good lookouts you can walk to as well. We didn’t do any fishing but saw plenty of people out enjoying the day!
TravelerPretty campground with river access and accessible restrooms. Showers were a little far from our loop. I wish the sites had tent pads as it was hard to find a flat spot to place the tent and several holes in the terrain. There is NO cell signal, so I highly recommend you take a weather radio. I wish we had.
GuidePositives: Tranquil little campground with beautiful spring and cave. Quiet, shady, has two points of river access, group sites, and steaming hot showers. Close to Echo Bluff State Park, Current River State Park, and Eminence, MO.
Negatives: Test sites are hit or miss. Sites 1-18 are fairly small and not very level. Sites 19-29 have larger, more level areas. 30-39 are kind of mixed. Many sites have steps up of down to the site from the road. 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.
Other info: 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.
Cave tours are available June - Oct., but even if you visit is outside of this window, the walk to the cave is kind of magical.
If you walk to the spring overlook, you'll also encounter a portion of the Ozark Trail. About a half a mile down the Ozark Trail you can cross the Current River on a pedestrian bridge which is a pretty cool experience.
Bathrooms available on the upper camping loop, but the showers are located on the bottom loop (three family style showers). Fantastic water pressure.
Host was friendly even when he had to tell us we couldn't hang hammocks in National Park campgrounds.
While you're there drive down to Alley Spring for a nice hike, another beautiful spring and historic mill, and at the camp store you can get a National Parks Passport stamp (located in the screened in porch) for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
We stayed in site 13 which is located directly behind the bathrooms. Good if you have to go all the time, bad if you don't like to hear loud toilet flushes. Very shady site.
ScoutMy family used to stay here every year. Owners are just not very friendly. You get told 2 different prices over the phone compared to when you get there. Overall is a nice camp ground pretty quiet. Pretty river.
Scout
My family and I come here every year the owners are great. Camp ground is quiet and family friendly.
TravelerLove tent camping! Secluded and shaded. I want a few years back and it was lovely can’t wait to see if there have been updates!
Guide
Very small park but easily navigable. We had a great spot, for our 42’ motorhome and truck. It was a pull through and easy to get into. It’s close to US 44 so a bit of road noise. The owner was very friendly and gave us a map with perfect directions. Told us about the amenities and said if we needed anything to just yell. ☺️ We didn’t leave once we rolled in til morning due to pouring down rain. Would recommend!!
GuideThe manager/owner went above and beyond. We called and said we would be there at around 6:30 (the office closed at 6) and arrived a little later than that. He was waiting for us.
We got a spot down by the river, started a fire, had dinner and went to sleep to the sound of the river running. The place is beautiful and I wish I had more time to spend there. I will definitely be going back when I can spend three of four nights.
TravelerWe stayed on our way to Oklahoma for a night and this campground had great areas to walk around and things to see. Very shaded and level spots. The bathrooms were very clean and nice . Very impressed with the place.
Traveler
Great quiet site. Wasn’t a bad drive in. Decent amount of wild life hanging around. Will probably hear the beaver if you stay at one of the two sites by the pond. Only saw one other group camping here while we did. Be mindful that it is tick season now. We had a few on the dog by the end of the first day.
Traveler
Beautiful campgrounds. Hiking trails. Super showers & toilets. Clean. Friendly staff.
Scout
Ok place to camp, pretty secluded, old campground but most spots no longer seemed camp friendly, as new tree growth has taken over. Seems to be a guy living in a rv at the end of the road which is really close to the one camping friendly spot, kinda kills the dispersed camping vibe.
Camping near Plato, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Plato, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Plato, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Plato, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 101 campgrounds and RV parks near Plato, MO and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Plato, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plato, MO is Montauk State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plato, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Plato, MO.
What parks are near Plato, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Plato, MO that allow camping, notably Mark Twain National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
