Tent camping near Potosi, Missouri offers opportunities for exploration in the Ozark Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,772 feet. The area receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually, creating a lush forest environment with numerous creeks and springs. Primitive campsites often feature established platforms to protect tent floors from the rocky terrain characteristic of this region.
What to do
Hiking the highest point in Missouri: At Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground, campers can access multiple trail options. "The trail options are either a short loop or a loooong out and back along the famous Ozark Trail. Not much else to do (no water activites) so if you're not planning to hike a lot or just hang out/grill, you might want to plan some time off site," notes one visitor.
Backpacking extended routes: The Ozark Trail offers multi-day hiking opportunities connecting various camping areas. A backpacker at Ottery Creek Primitive Campground shared: "This is one of my favorite campsites on the trail. It is right next to the trailhead and can be accessed by a short hike from the parking lot. There are tall trees with plenty of flat areas that is large and open and could accommodate several large groups."
Creek fishing and swimming: Creek-side camping allows for fishing and water recreation. A camper at Courtois Creek Dispersed reported: "The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing. Can hear a road and trucks passing fairly nearby. Right across the water on top of a hill is a big house that was chainsawing the next morning but we never saw anyone."
What campers like
Natural water sources: Numerous creeks provide water for filtering and recreation. A visitor to Brazil Creek Recreation Area described: "Beautiful clear water creek runs directly behind this 'pull off' campground. Just off a main trail to Meramac river and horse and hiking trails."
Solitude and quiet: Off-season camping offers particularly peaceful experiences. At Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground, a camper recalled: "My husband and I stayed here last December before starting the Taum Sauk to Johnson Shut-Ins portion of the Ozark Trail. We were the only people in the campground that night, which was a little freaky, but also very peaceful."
Wildlife encounters: The forest setting provides opportunities to see native wildlife. "The dogs got to run and swim," notes a camper at Courtois Creek. Another visitor mentioned: "We did see a big ol mudbug, which was cool, but it was terribly quiet out there during my short walk."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some sites requires appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Courtois Creek Dispersed advised: "Make sure your car can handle terrain and you can handle your car. This is barely a road. It's a trail of moguls for your tires. Fallen trees and branches that narrow the lane and threaten to scrape the sides of your vehicle."
Cell service limitations: Communication is restricted in many areas. A visitor to Brazil Creek Recreation Area warned: "Have an actual map handy and make any calls before you get here because your phone will do you no good." Though another noted: "I have at&t and ive been getting 1 to 3 bars. But the other person im camping withuisnt grtting anything with their provider."
Rocky terrain challenges: The ground at many sites presents challenges for tent setup. A camper at Taum Sauk warned: "Very rocky ground so be careful where you put your tent. Pit toilets are located at the entrance to the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Platform tent sites: Some state parks provide platforms that work well for family camping. At Padfield Branch Primitive Campground, visitors found: "It has a natural spring that feeds one creek with another creek running separately on the other side. There is also some old remnants of what used to be a living quarters for someone who lived in the woods. It has been long abandoned and is falling over but it offers some fun exploring."
Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences about local geology and history. A visitor noted: "Educational displays" at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground, while another mentioned: "Taum Sauk Mountain is known for being the highest peak in Missouri but has a lot more to offer with its breathtaking views."
Group camping options: Several areas accommodate larger family gatherings. A reviewer of Ottery Creek Primitive Campground mentioned: "It is close to a river that requires a little getting wet if you want to cross, depending on which part of the trail you are hiking. There are tall trees with plenty of flat areas that is large and open and could accommodate several large groups."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most primitive sites in the region don't accommodate RVs. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground, however, "The campground is used a lot by RV and campers, not so much by tenters. Lots of campsites had electric. All had the standard pininic tables and fire rings, and the campground has a decent and clean shower house."
Site selection considerations: Choosing the right site is important. A visitor to Babler State Park advised: "Sites 13-33 are popular open and sunny campsites with nice grassy areas between them. In contrast sites 52-75 are much more treed and have a private feel to them."
Level site availability: Finding level ground can be challenging in the Ozarks. An RVer noted: "What we liked about this campground was the comfortable feel of being at a state park with plenty of trees, hiking trails, space between sites, but also the convenience of having a level, paved site with electricity and television/phone reception."
