13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Sam A. Baker State Park Campground houses multiple glamping options just outside Poplar Bluff, with yurts at Bluff View Clearwater Lake and Huzzah Valley providing upscale outdoor experiences. These accommodations offer electricity, comfortable furnishings, and convenient access to water features. Otahki Lake Cabins and Campground maintains glamping units with climate control, while Beaver Springs Campground features deluxe canvas accommodations surrounded by tall pines and cottonwood trees. All locations provide amenities beyond traditional camping, including picnic tables, fire rings, and proximity to clean shower facilities. Many units include kitchenettes, comfortable beds with linens, and private outdoor seating areas that elevate the camping experience. "A really nice smaller privately owned campground that still has all of the perks. Pool, clean bath house, ice, fire wood, etc. Bordered by a spring branch and just a mile from Clearwater lake access," noted one visitor about Beaver Springs.
The Saint Francis River and Big Creek confluence at Sam A. Baker creates ideal conditions for boutique camping experiences with water recreation opportunities. Guests at these eco-friendly glamping sites enjoy kayaking, swimming in clear waters, and hiking on multiple trail systems throughout the region. Kempers Hideaway Resort provides a quiet, relaxing atmosphere with friendly hosts who maintain immaculate facilities. According to a camper, "Such a wonderful, quiet and relaxing get away we had. Cant wait to return." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with guests reporting deer sightings directly from their glamping accommodations. The surrounding Mark Twain National Forest offers additional exploration opportunities, while on-site amenities often include camp stores selling essential supplies, firewood ($7 per bundle at Kempers), and access to recreational rentals including bikes ($5 daily at Sam A. Baker). Most locations remain open seasonally, with peak availability from May through September.
"Had a great area to roast s’mores and sit around the campfire at night"
"Easy access to the sand bar from the campground. Our site had electricity but no water. Fill up on the way in. Did not use the bathhouse due to COVID19. Be sure and check out the stars at night!"
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"Full hook up, shade and near river. Plenty of room on the gravel bar to have fun. We floated. They picked us up and dropped us off at our camp sites since we had a large group."
"Really, with campsite prices from $12.79 (for the family camping area) to $16.00 (for the loud area with no quiet hours, nicknamed the Zoo) per person, per night most people not looking for this experience"
from $11 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Bathrooms were very clean and well lit."
from $70 - $80 / night
"Right off the Current River, walking distant to downtown Van Buren."
"The little store where you check in is so convenient for anything you may have forgotten...and the staff is friendly and helpful!!"
"Pool, clean bath house, ice, fire wood, etc. Bordered by a spring branch and just a mile from Clearwater lake access. Has several cabins and one RV for rent."
from $18 - $85 / night
Check Availability"We have everything from glamping tents right on the river bluff (photos attached) to 12 fully equipped cabins with hot tubs overlooking the 22 acre lake with a beach and activities (photos attached) We"
"The lake and St. Francis river are crystal clear. Watched the baby deer, and listen to thw owls at night. "
from $48 - $295 / night
Check Availability"My favorite part of Marble creek is the low noise, low traffic and you can always find a spot open. A few of the sights are right on the water which is a nice perk."
"There is hiking, it is in a National Forest that allows Dispersed Camping outside designated areas and off roads."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"From Thayer Missouri travel on MO 142 east, turn onto MO V for several miles and look for the Fourche Lake sign on the right, immediate turn to the right. "
"My only complaint is the bathroom was locked, definitely didn’t play on having to pee outside."
"Has limited outhouses and bathroom but if you love quieter spaces- Don’t pass this one by."
from $14 - $20 / night
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LegendThe trees changes are amazing in the fall. Lots of great camping spots to select from. Good for any kind of camping and has cabins, store, and restaurant. Great bike trails and plenty of water play in the river.
GuideAmazing camp ground, we got the best spot right on the water. It was quiet and relaxing. Plenty of downed wood for a fire. Great spot to put in kayaks. Managed to catch one fish! My only complaint is the bathroom was locked, definitely didn’t play on having to pee outside.
TravelerSam a Baker is a beautiful destination for any family. There is plenty to do from hiking to horseback riding. There are multi camp sites that can be easily reserved online. The Saint Francis River and the Big Creek meet in the park. The big creek is spring feed and ice cold. The Saint Francis is wild and is considered white water during the rainy season. There are plenty of amenities in the park for the novice camper. From the camp store to the shower house. SAM A BAKER has you covered
TravelerWent to stay in a cabin for one night, then extended our stay. The place was to nice to leave. The lake and St. Francis river are crystal clear. Watched the baby deer, and listen to thw owls at night. The cabin had all the amenities included, towels, coffee, soaps, dinnerware and cookware. check-in was easy. Front deck included a B-B-Q grill, and hot tub that over looked the lake and camp fire. Our family will be back. Thank you!
ScoutWith a paid reservation made 3 months in advance, the Campground Host cancelled our reservation, refunded our money and then quadrupled the rate for that same period ($125 went to $750 for one night). Your paid family vacation plans reservation is not firm with Otahki Lake Cabins and Campgrounds KOA. I hope this does not happen to you and your family’s dream camping trip!
ScoutWe have been coming here for years, there is something for everyone here! The water is slow and shallow enough in tons of places for littles and deep and cold enough for the older kids and adults to cool off too. The store is adorable, the food is surprisingly really good (I’m craving those loaded nachos!), and when you’re absent-minded like me and forget the bikes you can rent them there 😁 We like Campground 2 on the gravel side (to the left when you pull in) because it’s nice and quiet and close to the nature center. You really can’t go wrong with any of the sites!
ScoutCamp host was nice and river was also very nice but campground was really tight. We had camper 5 feet off back window and tents on are side not much space
ScoutK
ScoutThis 1200 acre property used to be the beautiful Cherokee Ridge Girl Scout camp until it was sold in 2019. We have went through extensive renovations and development to bring this property to the public so that it can be enjoyed by our guests. River access and our private gravel/sand bars are available exclusively to our guests and have provided some of the most peaceful weekends imaginable.
We have everything from glamping tents right on the river bluff (photos attached) to 12 fully equipped cabins with hot tubs overlooking the 22 acre lake with a beach and activities (photos attached)
We have 4 Conestoga Wagons that are heated and air conditioned (see photos attached). They are the definition of glamping.
50 RV sites with picnic tables fire/grill pits with a variety of 30 and 50 amp pull-through and back-in sites. We offer float trips, rental boats for the lake, and rental golf carts to adventure around the park.
The park is going through endless development to continue to provide everyone with the most enjoyable and peaceful vacation possible.
Please check out our website www.otahkilake.com
Sam A. Baker State Park offers natural settings for riverside tent camping, full-service RV sites, and upscale glamping accommodations within 50 miles of Poplar Bluff, Missouri. The confluence of the Saint Francis River and Big Creek creates diverse camping environments in this region, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,600 feet. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity, making water recreation particularly popular at the numerous lakes and rivers throughout the area.
Paddle the Current River: Access points near Ozark Riverfront Campground provide day-long paddling opportunities. "This whole area is party central for water lovers that spend their vacation time either motoring, floating or sitting along the Current River and the several natural springs that feed into it," notes reviewer Shelly S.
Hike forest trails: Mark Twain National Forest surrounds many glamping options in Poplar Bluff, with trails varying from easy to challenging. "The park has some backcountry trails with backcountry campsites and is near the Ozark Trail," mentions Mara F. about Sam A. Baker State Park Campground.
Explore natural springs: Several clear springs feed into the rivers near camping areas. "You can spend the day floating in the river or swimming near the little shut-ins watering hole," explains Shannon B. about the water features at Marble Creek Rec Area.
Privacy between sites: Many glamping sites in the Poplar Bluff region offer good separation. "The campground is beautiful and the sites are spaced apart so that you don't feel like you're camping on top of your neighbors," says Mara F. about Marble Creek.
Water access: Direct river and lake frontage ranks highly with visitors. "Beautiful camp sites and a beautiful river to paddle around on. This park usually isn't very crowded which is really nice," Charlotte B. shares about Sam A. Baker State Park.
Clean facilities: Beaver Springs Campground maintains high standards according to Phil B.: "A really nice smaller privately owned campground that still has all of the perks. Pool, clean bath house, ice, fire wood, etc. Bordered by a spring branch and just a mile from Clearwater lake access."
Summer crowds: Popular water recreation sites fill quickly during peak season. "Very popular, and therefore very crowded," notes Mara F. about Sam A. Baker during summer weekends.
Weather impacts: Spring flooding can affect camping conditions. "We spent four days at the park with friends during the higher rain and very, high river. I have never seen the river through the park so high to the top of the banks," reports John K.
Reservation requirements: Huzzah Valley requires advance booking for glamping accommodations. "We stayed in cabin with our dog nice and clean good prices. They offer trail rides on their horses. Dog friendly. Connected to ozark trail," explains Alicia B.
Weekday visits: Families seeking quieter glamping experiences should avoid weekends. "I've decided that while I love the Saturday karaoke, I really like camping here on Sundays when it's quieter and less crowded," recommends Barbara L. about Current River Campground.
Site selection: Choose locations away from party areas for family glamping. "The state park is located in southeastern Missouri... The campground, while large and spaced out, was a little bit on the trashy side," warns Chad K., suggesting families research specific site locations before booking.
Swimming areas: Fourche Lake Rec Area offers family-friendly water recreation. "Amazing camp ground, we got the best spot right on the water. It was quiet and relaxing. Plenty of downed wood for a fire. Great spot to put in kayaks," shares Makayla C.
Site leveling: Older campgrounds may require extra equipment. "Older campground, very tight and some sites are uneven," warns Paul K. about Webb Creek Park, suggesting RVers bring leveling blocks.
Electric options: Most glamping sites near Poplar Bluff offer electric hookups, but amperage varies. "No full hook ups available, Elec only," notes Paul K. about Webb Creek Park, while other locations offer 30-amp or 50-amp service.
Navigation challenges: Access roads to prime glamping locations can be challenging. "Remember this roads are narrow, curvy, and hilly. Typical back roads in the Ozarks," advises N I. about routes to secluded campgrounds in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Poplar Bluff, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Poplar Bluff, MO is Sam A. Baker State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 49 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Poplar Bluff, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 glamping camping locations near Poplar Bluff, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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