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 (23)

    Camper-submitted photo from Fredericksburg Ferry Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Fredericksburg Ferry Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Fredericksburg Ferry Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Fredericksburg Ferry Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Fredericksburg Ferry Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Fredericksburg Ferry Access

    1. Fredericksburg Ferry Access

    1 Review
    20 Photos
    13 Saves
    Portland, Missouri

    Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Fork Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Fork Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Fork Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Fork Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Fork Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Fork Recreation Area

    2. Dry Fork Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    17 Photos
    84 Saves
    New Bloomfield, Missouri

    Dry Fork Recreation Area, a campground and picnic area located at the equestrian trailhead of the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail. This area, located in central Missouri near Fulton serves recreationists with or without horses. This campground is situated in a quiet mostly oak/cedar forest. It is comprised of 8 single primitive campsites that can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length, each with table, fire ring, and lantern post. Other amenities include drinking water, vault toilets, and hitching rails. There is a picnic area across the road with picnic tables that can accommodate small groups. There are currently no camping fees, but donations are encouraged. A printable brochure is available.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • No image available

      3. Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area

      1 Review
      8 Saves
      Portland, Missouri

      Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Helds Island Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Helds Island Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Helds Island Access

      4. Helds Island Access

      1 Review
      3 Photos
      12 Saves
      Portland, Missouri

      Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain
      Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain
      Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain
      Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain
      Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain
      Camper-submitted photo from Water Mountain

      5. Water Mountain

      1 Review
      8 Photos
      18 Saves
      Owensville, Missouri
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • Tents

      $20 - $40 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
      Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
      Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
      Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
      Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
      Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps

      6. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps

      5 Reviews
      6 Photos
      40 Saves
      Columbia, Missouri

      Just minutes from Columbia, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. You can explore Connor's Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world.

      Non-profit, educational or Scout groups can take advantage of the special-use area for overnight primitive camping. It features two fire rings, a vault toilet and several picnic tables. There is no water or electricity. The cost is $2 per person, per night. Reservations are required. For more information, call 573-449-7402.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Lost Creek Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Lost Creek Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Lost Creek Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Lost Creek Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Lost Creek Conservation Area
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Lost Creek Conservation Area

      7. Little Lost Creek Conservation Area

      1 Review
      7 Photos
      54 Saves
      Warrenton, Missouri

      Little Lost Creek is a partially spring-fed Ozark stream, characterized by clear water and a rocky stream bed. Campers are limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. Groups of more than 10 campers need a special-use permit.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Picnic Table
      Camper-submitted photo from Pikes Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Pikes Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Pikes Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Pikes Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Pikes Camp
      Camper-submitted photo from Pikes Camp

      8. Pikes Camp

      1 Review
      8 Photos
      50 Saves
      Jefferson City, Missouri

      Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Toilets
      • No image available

        9. Rollins Ferry Access

        1 Review
        3 Saves
        Westphalia, Missouri

        Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Toilets
        Camper-submitted photo from Paydown Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Paydown Access
        Camper-submitted photo from Paydown Access

        10. Paydown Access

        1 Review
        3 Photos
        11 Saves
        Vienna, Missouri

        Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Toilets
      Show More
      Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Portland

      374 Reviews of 23 Portland Campgrounds


      • Cody S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes State Park Campground
        Jan. 5, 2025

        Finger Lakes State Park Campground

        Lake Fun Near COMO

        The campground has large campsites and is quiet.  The bathrooms are clean and a short walk from most campsites.  

        There is a dock close to the campground for canoeing and kayaking.

      • 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


      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 23 tent camping locations near Portland, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.