Best Tent Camping near Poplar Bluff, MO

Tent camping options near Poplar Bluff, Missouri include several primitive sites along the Eleven Point River and within Mark Twain National Forest. Boze Mill Float Camp and Turner's Mill offer tent-specific camping with basic amenities in natural settings. Float Camp Recreation Area provides designated tent sites with some electric hookups, while Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm offers walk-in tent camping with 40 available sites.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Boze Mill Float Camp provides fire rings, picnic tables, and a pit toilet, but no running water. According to one visitor, "This is a float camp along Eleven Points river. This one is accessible by 2 miles of gravel road. Several dedicated camp sites that each have fire ring, shepherds hook, picnic table." Many sites require visitors to pack in their own water and pack out trash. Access roads to tent sites like Whitten River Access can be rough gravel, making high-clearance vehicles necessary for some locations. Most tent areas operate seasonally, with Float Camp Recreation Area open from May 1 to October 1.

The tent camping experience in the Poplar Bluff region centers around river access and forest settings. Sites at Turner's Mill place tent campers directly beside the river, offering excellent fishing opportunities and swimming holes. A camper noted that "the water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!" Tent-only areas like Greene Road Camp Dispersed provide quiet woodland settings with concrete picnic tables. Walk-in tent sites at Four Creeks Ranch Campground offer more seclusion than drive-in options. Many tent campsites serve as ideal basecamps for kayaking and fishing excursions on the Eleven Point River, with several float camps accessible directly from the water. Most primitive tent areas remain uncrowded, especially during weekdays, allowing for peaceful nature experiences.

Best Tent Sites Near Poplar Bluff, Missouri (21)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Poplar Bluff, MO

8 Photos of 21 Poplar Bluff Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Poplar Bluff, MO

270 Reviews of 21 Poplar Bluff 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.

  • 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.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Deer Leap

    Leaping Lizards, it's Free

    Five miles north of Doniphan, MO on State Hwy 160 Hwy Y head north for about five miles take a left on Forest Road 4349.  Continue down and veer to the left to go to the boat ramp and day use area.  Go right to the Deer Leap Campground.

    ON the east bank of the Current River you will find dispersed camping.  There are seven campsites with fire ring, table and lantern post.  No trash service but there is a pit toilet and water.  Campsites are First Come, First Served.  No fireworks allowed.

    The campground and boat launch is located in the Mark Twain National Forest under the Eleven Point Ranger District.  The district is named after the Eleven Point River which was designated a National Scenic River in 1968.  The Eleven Point District provides a plethora of fishing, tubing and all kinds of boating options.

    Take the time to float some of the rivers for a vision of rocky bluffs, springs, birds, wildlife and local vegetation.  You are permitted to camp on the gravel bars found along the rivers and there are several primitive float camps while you are floating.

    There are so many activities that go hand in hand with fishing and tubing such as horseback riding, hiking, hunting, mountain biking and just gazing at the stars.

    At the launch site there is limited parking for floaters.  You can launch tubes, motorized and non motorized boats here.  There is also a pit toilet.  Be very careful because on the fourth the area was very crowded.  There is a vendor in the area to rent tubes and kayaks and provide shuttle service.

    The water is so beautiful, clear and moving along.  The clear, green water has the power to entice just about anyone to dip their toes in.  Remember that during the summer this river will be very crowded but even with the crowds there was more than enough room.  During the spring or fall this would be a great to kayak.  Floater access in the campground is from 4/1 - 10/1.  Boat ramp is open all year.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It

  • A
    Sep. 27, 2021

    Peoples Creek - Lake Wappapello

    On my top ten RV places

    20.00 a night. The spaces are big with fire pits and barbeques at every site. Trees cover every site so your in shade all day. The hosts were very friendly. Walk to the swimming beach and boat ramp. The showers are huge. But it's dark don't go out at night without a flashlight. I got lost looking for my rv, walked around and around. Nice motorcycle ride around the lake. The only stores are gas stations and 1 dollar general so stop before you come here. Poplar bluff is only 12 miles away.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Needs some State government love

    For Labor Day we stayed at Big Spring State Park CG, near Van Buren, Missouri which is part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. 

    We arrived Friday afternoon and set up camp in the 100 loop, which are primitive campsites with fire ring, picnic table and lantern hook. Nice shady outer ring with plenty of room to set up your area. The inner ring is less private and lacking in shade. There are trails from the back sites to the river and the wading/swimming was nice. Where your hiking shoes to get there, and pack your water shoes you’ll probably want them for the rocky river bottom. 

     In May 2017 the area had major flooding. ( A Park Ranger put on a very informative slide show about it Friday evening) The park is still in the process of rebuilding many of its structures. That being said there are porta pots in two of the campground loops and some of the trails are closed still. The actual showerhouse was extremely busy and not well maintained. Spiders galore, three claustrophobic shower stalls (one was inoperable) with questionable cleanliness and the configuration is just weird. I’ve said it before , it’s unfortunate that the state does not keep these awesome areas maintained. 

    The campground was full but we still had privacy and the noise was never intrusive on our activities. 

    Big Spring is pretty awesome. There is a trail that circles up around the spring to the far side and several areas to take pictures from. It’s worth the visit to see the spring. We will visit again but I think I will take my field shower!


Guide to Poplar Bluff

Tent camping options near Poplar Bluff, Missouri extend throughout Mark Twain National Forest and surrounding areas with sites ranging from primitive riverside locations to more developed recreation areas. The region sits within the Ozark Highlands ecological region at elevations between 400-500 feet, with humid subtropical climate conditions creating warm summers and mild winters. Camping season runs primarily April through October, with many primitive sites remaining accessible year-round when weather permits.

What to do

Water exploration: Turner's Mill offers direct river access ideal for fishing, wading, and photography. The adjacent spring-fed pools provide excellent opportunities for cooling off. As camper Jared G. notes: "The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in... The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear."

Rock hunting: Four Creeks Ranch Campground provides access to riverbed exploration where visitors can search for interesting rocks and minerals. One visitor recommends: "The river is beautiful. Great place to go hopping and find some cool rocks."

Kayaking: Boze Mill Float Camp serves as an excellent stopping point during Eleven Point River floats. Michael D. reports: "I have never camped here but visit when kayaking. You can access it from the river and it is a short walk and well worth it." The camp provides convenient river access for multi-day paddling trips.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings at primitive tent sites provide opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Spring and fall migrations bring additional bird watching opportunities throughout the region.

What campers like

Privacy: Turner's Mill offers a small, secluded camping area with limited sites. A recent visitor experienced: "Spent 3 nights here and the area is beautiful! ... A few people on the river fishing and kayaking but no other campers that we saw while there."

Natural water features: Multiple campgrounds feature natural springs and clear water access. Kaylee D. appreciated the natural spring at Turner's Mill: "Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!"

Fall colors: The deciduous forests surrounding tent camping areas display vibrant autumn foliage, typically peaking in late October to early November. Charlotte B. recommends: "Our favorite time to go is in the fall when the leaves begin to change. The water may be chilly, but the views and the fishing are perfect."

Spacious sites: Float Camp Recreation Area provides well-separated camping spots. Jeff C. appreciates that "The sites themselves are not on top of each other. There's a nice river next to the campground for swimming and boating. The whole place is a nice quiet setting."

What you should know

Water access: No running water is available at most primitive sites, requiring campers to bring adequate supplies. William M. notes that Boze Mill has "Several dedicated camp sites that each have fire ring, shepherds hook, picnic table. There is one pit toilet building."

Road conditions: Greene Road Camp Dispersed and similar sites require navigating rural roads. Kevin S. describes the area as having "Two pull in spots with concrete picnic tables in the woods. Quiet, rural area."

Insects: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water sources during summer months. Charlotte B. advises: "I highly suggest this place, but I do suggest lots of bug spray. For some reason, I always get eaten up by mosquitos in this area."

Site identification: Some campgrounds have poorly marked boundaries. Dave from Four Creeks Ranch Campground experienced: "We had a hard time determining property boundaries, tent site locations, etc. on our own. Unfortunately, the tent site we did find was pretty washed out."

Tips for camping with families

Water play areas: Several camping locations feature kid-friendly water access with shallow areas suitable for supervised play. Glen T. recalls Turner's Mill had "several real good swing holes the campsites are right beside the river which is really nice."

Campground animals: Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm offers unique interactions with farm animals. Bonnie M. shares: "We had so much fun playing in the creek learning about as Aztec and their gardening methods. Very adorable, baby goats and baby chicks that were just all over and loving living."

Learning opportunities: Historic mill sites provide educational value for children. Ashley W. describes Turner's Mill as an "Awesome mill you can climb on and awesome spring that makes individual pools."

Creek exploration: Small waterways offer safer water play than larger rivers. Several campgrounds feature shallow creeks perfect for stone skipping, minnow watching, and supervised wading during warmer months.

Tips from RVers

Electric options: For RVers needing hookups while still enjoying a natural setting, Mark Twain National Forest Float Camp Recreation Area offers limited electrical sites. Jeff C. explains: "Currently has 8 electric only sites, and 12 tent sites. All are first come, first serve. There are water spigots available for fresh water."

Dump station planning: RVers should plan ahead for waste disposal. According to Jeff C., "The only dump station is in town at the Rocky River Resort, $10. The host told me that the three year plan is to have all sites set up for water and electric, with a dump station at the top of the hill."

Off-grid practice: Four Creeks Ranch Campground provides a good transition point for those testing gear before more remote adventures. One camper notes: "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 Poplar Bluff, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Poplar Bluff, MO is Chaonia/Snow Creek with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Poplar Bluff, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.