Best Tent Camping near Portland, MO

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Portland? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Portland, MO (22)

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Showing results 1-10 of 22 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews in Portland

372 Reviews of 22 Portland Campgrounds


  • EZGO B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Meramec Valley Campground & RV Park
    Dec. 19, 2024

    Meramec Valley Campground & RV Park

    Um, not very good.

    lots of disrepair, expensive for what you actually get, fast moving golf carts and side X sides, Kids driving golf carts, rude employees, filthy, gross bath/locker rooms in the Lodge, derelict campers onsite near the entrance, overflowing, smelly garbage dumpsters near the gate (Like 10 of them), terrible gravel roads with huge potholes and uneven RV sites. Our hookups worked but they were in need of updating, poor wifi signal, and just kind of needs to invest in its infrastructure and appearance. The miniature golf was tore up from neglect and although they have a teen center it was not open which left a lot of teenagers just slumming around out of boredom. Camp sites all had firepits that were decent and the fishing lake was beautiful. Could be a really nice park if the investment was made.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pin Oak RV Park
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Pin Oak RV Park

    Old and shows wear

    This is an older RV park and campground, and the age shows. We spent several nights here due to engine problems with our tow vehicle. The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. (One advantage of being an older park.) But everything is just a little run down. The sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy. They come with water, sewer & electric. There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics. The bathroom and showers were clean, but dated. Not all facilities were in working order. Two of 6 washers were out of service, one bathroom stall was out of order, pot holes in the road. There are also cabins, and RVs available to rent. There is quite a bit of traffic noise from I-44 and there are a lot of excess lights kept on all night long. The staff was friendly and check in was easy. Many of the sites are occupied be semi-permanent residents. They have internet, but it is weak and spotty. Saturday night they had a band making noise for 3 hours!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Daniel Boone Conservation Area
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Daniel Boone Conservation Area

    Peaceful dark skies

    I stayed one night in the RV campsite. There was only one other camper. The grass had been mowed recently so the path around the pond was easily walkable.

    Not many of the RV sites had fire rings and, with all of the fresh cut grass, it would have taken a lot of raking to make a spot safe for a fire anyway.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground
    Aug. 1, 2024

    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.

  • Laur H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Lazy Day Campground

    Great experience

    Stayed one night in a campervan. Would definitely recommend! We arrived a little late - right at sunset - but the friendly and helpful staff had already texted us all the info we needed for arrival. It was very quiet. Level spaces. Very dark, unlit walk to the bath house, so bring a light! Bathhouse was clean and well kept. Would recommend!

  • Elizabeth E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermann City RV Park
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Hermann City RV Park

    Nice spot

    We stopped here overnight on a roadtrip from Ohio to Colorado. We were able to make a reservation online only hours before we arrived and it was such a simple process. The campsites are in the middle of the city park and it was nice to be able to walk our dogs around the park after a day of traveling. We had full hook ups which is always a relief!! The campsites are quite close together and this is not a forested area. It was perfect for us for a one night stop!

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Danville Conservation Area
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Danville Conservation Area

    Watch out for ticks

    Lovely wooded spot. There are about 6-8 sites. Can back in a camper. Outhouse building. Only had one other camper. Shaded, wooded. We had a lovely night but woke up covered in ticks! Lots of ticks here. We ride our motorcycles here to tent camp. Sites are close. Fire rings , no picnic tables.

  • Christopher W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Osage Campground Retreat
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Osage Campground Retreat

    Cute Little Camping Spot

    Good: It was clean and tidy, had ice and firewood for sale, was close to the boat ramp for the Osage River, and the bathrooms looked to be newly remodeled. Good shaded and flat spot for our tent.

    Bad: No one on-site, no TP, no paper towels, no internet (Other campers said it had been working until the power went out during a storm a few days before; when the power was restored, the internet didn't come back)

    Conclusion: For $44.29/night, I would keep going next time.

  • Gwenn W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Meramec State Park Campground
    Apr. 29, 2024

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Fun with the Cub Scouts

    We stayed two nights Group Site A. It’s far removed from the other campsites…and the bathroom. It looks like there used to be a trail back to the bathroom but it’s overgrown now. The water spigot was out of order but as we already had to drive up to the bathrooms, we just took the water cooler. The water is strongly chlorinated. That being said, the staff is very friendly and helpful. The Cub Scouts loved the site, the Natural Wonders Trail, and the visitors’ center. We will definitely go again but only if we get the site closer to the bathrooms.

  • Amanda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Vandalia Community Lake
    Apr. 15, 2024

    Vandalia Community Lake

    Peaceful!

    Gorgeous little lake. Vault toilets. Our camp fire ring was shaped like a heart! Probably not on purpose but we liked it. Very quiet. Lots of fishing. And we actually saw the cat!

  • David T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Meramec State Park Campground
    Mar. 13, 2024

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Tight Sites

    My family and I had a nice stay. Long walk to the bathroom. Campsites are on top of each other though, so that stunk.. speaking of stunk, our site had skunks and raccoons each night. The park did have nice trails, fishing areas, breathtaking riverside views.

  • Mike L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Jan. 10, 2024

    St. Charles County Klondike Park

    Fantastic Camping Just Off The Katy Trail

    I have bike-packed along the Katy and this is an excellent spot for an overnight(s) stay. It is a tough, but short, climb from the trail. You may have to walk up the hill - challenge made :-) . This is a St. Charles County Park and it is well maintained. They also have small cabins though pretty basic. Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the racoons are pretty thick and hungry at night. I have also done short bike-packing trips from Chesterfield and St. Charles for an overnight(s) stay. If you need it, grab food in Augusta or Defiance before arriving. There are no services in the park.

  • Jeremy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Lazy Day Campground

    Wonderful level sites

    Great staff, wonderful level sites. Bathroom on site. Pool during season. Partially shaded. Dog walk area. Pet friendly.

  • Toni S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Sep. 27, 2023

    Lazy Day Campground

    Simply Fabulous

    We discovered this gym. On our way home. Just needed to stay overnight, but will definitely be back. The little details make it very homey. Sites are well laid out and easy to maneuver. Full hook ups or tent sites are available to meet the needs of the camper. Clean facility and family friendly.

  • Tim H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Meramec Caverns
    Sep. 17, 2023

    Meramec Caverns

    Nice place, clean

    We stayed there for a scout event. They had hot showers and bathroom which is always a plus. There was a little trash at the site but nothing bad. 

    We had a ton of room between us and others. We could choose our site. I appreciate that quiet hours were enforced.

  • Chris J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Helds Island Access
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Helds Island Access

    Nice spot bring boat

    There’s a boat launch here. Saw a decent amount of traffic for this. Grass sites. Road is well maintained. Quiet the one night I spent there. No tables.

  • Jose B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Graham Cave State Park Campground
    Sep. 1, 2023

    Graham Cave State Park Campground

    Great place quiet clean

    I was on my way to St. Louis MO. And need a place for the night. This is just few miles from hwy 70 east to reserve and pay on the phone. I t was nice they I put my tent instead of sleeping on the car. Recommended

  • Jeremy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Aug. 28, 2023

    Lazy Day Campground

    Super clean and convenient

    Excellent grounds. Very very clean and well kept. Hosts/owners are extremely responsive and helpful. Sights have some trees. Walking paths, dog walk area, fire pits, bathhouse. I would visit again.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Aug. 25, 2023

    Lazy Day Campground

    Nice campground

    Stayed there for a week. The owners are very friendly. Very well kept campground. Enjoyed the pool.


Drive Time


Guide to Portland

Tent camping near Portland, Missouri offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from primitive sites to those with essential amenities, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Dry Fork Recreation Area

  • This campground features drinking water and pit toilets, making it a comfortable choice for those who enjoy hiking and exploring the surrounding fields and wooded areas.
  • At Helds Island Access, you'll find a boat launch and well-maintained grass sites, perfect for a peaceful night under the stars.
  • For a more primitive experience, Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area offers vault toilets and fire rings, ideal for those who appreciate a quiet camping experience.

Some prices for tent camping range from free to $20

  • Many campgrounds, like Fredericksburg Ferry Access, offer free camping with basic amenities, making it a budget-friendly option for families and solo adventurers alike.
  • Pikes Camp provides free camping with access to a shaded grassy area, perfect for setting up your tent without breaking the bank.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, Water Mountain offers tent camping with amenities like showers and picnic tables, typically at a reasonable price.

Tips for tent camping near Portland

  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles, especially at sites like Little Lost Creek Conservation Area, where amenities are minimal and packing out trash is essential.
  • Be prepared for varying conditions; for instance, Rollins Ferry Access has received feedback about noise and bugs, so consider timing your visit accordingly.
  • If you're bringing pets, Todd’s Coyote Farm is pet-friendly and offers a welcoming atmosphere for furry companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Portland, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Portland, MO is Fredericksburg Ferry Access with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Portland, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.