Best Tent Camping near Ridgedale, MO

Tent campers exploring the Ozark region near Ridgedale, Missouri will find several primitive camping options within an hour's drive. The Buffalo National River area offers multiple tent-friendly campgrounds including Steel Creek Campground and Kyles Landing Campground, both providing access to scenic bluffs and river recreation. Drury-Mincy Conservation Area, located near Kirbyville, offers free primitive tent camping with basic amenities.

Most tent sites in the region feature fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Steel Creek provides flush toilets during peak season with vault toilets available year-round, while Drury-Mincy offers only vault toilets that visitors note "could use some TLC." Water access is inconsistent across campgrounds - Buffalo River sites typically have drinking water spigots, but Drury-Mincy lacks water entirely. According to one visitor, "Because this is a bit more off the beaten path, bring everything, there are no stores nearby." Road conditions can be challenging at some locations, particularly at Kyles Landing where the steep gravel access road may be difficult for standard vehicles, especially after rain.

The primitive tent camping experience in this region offers remarkable scenery and solitude, particularly during weekdays or off-season periods. Many sites provide direct access to hiking trails and water recreation. A camper noted that Steel Creek "features a short trail to a vantage point for taking pictures of Roark Bluff as well as access to other Buffalo River hiking trails." Walk-in tent sites at several campgrounds offer more privacy than drive-in options. Fall camping is particularly popular for the colorful foliage displays and cooler temperatures. Most campgrounds have limited or no cell service, creating a true disconnect from everyday life. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting deer, armadillos, and occasionally elk in the surrounding areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Ridgedale, Missouri (28)

    1. Drury-Mincy Conservation Area

    8 Reviews
    Kirbyville, MO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 746-0291

    "Lovely spot in Missouri. Passing through to Tennessee and found this gem of a spot with 2 vault toilets, trash and it’s free! Arrived at sunset in a Wednesday and only 2 other campers."

    "This one had all the necessary items, picnic tables and fire rings along with pit toilets which were not in bad shape.  "

    2. Outdoor Resorts Of The Ozarks

    1 Review
    Blue Eye, AR
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 749-2700

    3. Fall Creek Resort

    1 Review
    Hollister, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 334-6404

    "FCFS 

    Fee:$35.00 plus tax $40.00 with cable box

    Limit: 21 days (limits set by the state)

    This is a great location that is on the fringe of Branson which puts you in the best of positions."

    4. Aufderklamm Farm

    1 Review
    Greeson Lake, AR
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (267) 648-8977

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Beautiful private campground with access to Bull Shoals Lake. The campsite is lake view, and I took my kayak into a private lake cove."

    5. Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    22 Reviews
    Compton, AR
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 439-2502

    $20 / night

    "It includes hiking trails, river access and walk in camp grounds only. Tents only are highly recommended. Rough road getting there and no cell service which is fine with me."

    "Water access available but no hookups. Very low cost too. Picnic tables, lantern post, and fire rings at each site. Absolutely no cell service."

    6. Steel Creek Campground — Buffalo National River

    24 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (870) 861-2570

    $20 / night

    "There are toilets and water spigots around the campground, but no showers. I set up camp at site #16 which was out in the open and provided us the best seats for the nighttime sky."

    "The sign said "campground full" but thanks to another review we disregarded this and found an open site, as did the person who drove in behind us."

    7. Busiek

    8 Reviews
    Chestnutridge, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 895-8660

    "Busiek isn't to far of the beaten path. It has several trails and camping sites. There is plenty of wildlife available for viewing."

    "Absolutely beautiful hiking trails and amazing off grid camping for family. Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs."

    8. Big Bay

    1 Review
    Shell Knob, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 683-4428

    "It's primitive camping with only port a potty style bathrooms. No showers are available. Its very wooded and private. Most sites back directly up to the lake."

    9. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch

    9 Reviews
    Ponca, AR
    35 miles
    Website

    $5 - $245 / night

    "Amenities include potable water, flush toilets, showers, and a trash dumpster.

    The only downside to this campground is that it can be moderately expensive."

    "Car camp, hammock, tent camp, or rent one the cabins to enjoy the roaming goats and horses around the property. Infamously known in AR as one of the best climbing spots."

    10. Mountain View Camping

    1 Review
    Eureka Springs, AR
    25 miles
    +1 (870) 654-0481

    $35 - $55 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ridgedale, MO

960 Reviews of 28 Ridgedale Campgrounds


  • Matt S.
    Jul. 23, 2017

    Lost Bridge South

    Stay at South Bridge for Lakeside camping and beautiful scenerey

    I really like Lost Bridge South and Lost Bridge North. They are on the banks of Beaver Lake and are beautiful. The only downside is both campgrounds are built on the slopes of a hill. The RV and camper pads are level with asphalt, but to pitch a tent can be a bit tricky to find level ground.

    Personally I do not like pitching my tent on concrete or rock pads, I prefer good old grass and dirt. Both my tent and my back last a little bit longer when on soft ground versus rocks.

    The facilities were clean nice. The showers and bathrooms were pretty good. The only problem was there were no soap dispensers, so bring your own if you like clean hands.

    This is a solid four star campground. I highly recommend getting a campsite next to the lake. We had a lot of fun with some great views.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 26, 2020

    Drury-Mincy Conservation Area

    Gem in Missouri

    Lovely spot in Missouri. Passing through to Tennessee and found this gem of a spot with 2 vault toilets, trash and it’s free! Arrived at sunset in a Wednesday and only 2 other campers. There’s about 6 spots to pull in with a camper/ RV then at least 6 tent spots. Most spots have a fire ring and picnic table. 2-3 bars of LTE with AT&T. Little bit of road noise but no issues sleeping in my van. Everyone we came across was kind. No electric or water so come prepared. Closest town for supplies is around 25 minutes. Would definitely stay here again!

  • M
    Mar. 6, 2022

    Lost Bridge North

    Off Season Perfection

    Visited here in early spring and were spoiled with amazing lake views and not many neighbors. When the trees leaf out I’m guessing you still would have good privacy. No water hook ups at the site (if you need to fill your tank the water next to vault toilet by the lake is the most flat) but 30 amp hook up made it very comfortable. Large concrete picnic tables and fire rings (some also have grills) at each site. Close enough to Bentonville to spend a day in town or exploring Crystal Bridges!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2021

    Cobb Ridge

    Oasis in the Woods

    Open:  year round

    Reservations:  877-444-6777 or recreation.gov

                               Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance

    Fees:  $15.00 single with electric

                $10.00 single no electric

                $45.00 group site

                Passes honored

    Bear Aware.  Beautiful fence around campground with the road and pads all paved.  Nice.  Complete campground is well maintained.  Camp host on duty, no gate house.  Sites are very large and spaced out well.  Some pull thrus.  Picnic table, fire ring, toilets, showers, water, trash.  There are nearly 80 miles of inter connected loops that go from easy to hard terrian, winding in and out of forested hollers and along ridge tops.  ATV must be 50 inches wide or less.

    LNT

    BTYFI

    Travel safe

  • S
    May. 28, 2019

    Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River

    Nice Campground!

    We enjoyed camping here. We came for Memorial Day weekend and the campground was very busy, but quiet hours seemed to be honored. Some of the campsites are walk-in while some are drive-in. Picnic tables and lantern hooks at every site, nice clean working bathrooms, dumpster, and even a volleyball net. The campsite encircles a large field in the center which some people used to play ball, frisbee etc. many of the sites are not very secluded; you could easily be sleeping right next to another tent. RVs are allowed. There is a quick trail leading to the river - if you camp near this, be aware that people will be going up and down it all day and loading/unloading canoes and kayaks. Fees are $20/night and the campground is patrolled frequently by a park ranger (he was very nice). Lots of dogs!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 15, 2021

    Drury-Mincy Conservation Area

    Great Deal, Needs some Tender Loving Care

    FREE

    FCFS 

    Sites: 13 

    This is a dispersed campground with picnic table, fire ring and sitting on the top of the mountain giving a great view. NO WATER but there are two pit toilets. When it comes to the toilets I guess you could say

    "any port in the storm" but they could use some TLC. There is also a trash dumpster but trash."  Come on people there is a trash dumpster USE IT. Pads are grass and the road is gravel. The site is situated along side the highway. 

    LNT  

    BTYFI 

    Travel safe

  • Eric G.
    Apr. 24, 2019

    Kyles Landing Campground — Buffalo National River

    Beautiful with an amazing river and bluffs to home a stone throw away.

    Great escape! It runs parallel to the Buffalo National River. Beautiful campground with well maintained grounds. It includes hiking trails, river access and walk in camp grounds only. Tents only are highly recommended. Rough road getting there and no cell service which is fine with me. The only negative is there are no showers. Only restrooms and an outside water supply. That's why I gave it a 4 star. If you are ok with not showing or doing a sponge bath then 5 stars.

    https://youtu.be/2yF1A2QlTxw

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2020

    Indian Point

    Crowded On Holiday Weekends But Great Campground!!

    CLICK HERE for Info on Branson

    For those looking for a campground near Branson which offers access to top attractions as well as Table Rock Lake, Indian Point is worth a consideration. The park itself is only a short distance from the 76 Strip and has quick access to Silver Dollar City, even sharing a tram system with the park. 

    The campground is well spaced and offers shaded sites for a variety of sizing options from tent camping to larger pull through sites. Each site boasting the standard amenities for travel of a fire ring and picnic table. Many also have connections available and include both water and electrical offerings. 

    The site offers a dump station for those RVers needing the service and day use areas for those wanting to visit for fun day at the lake without the commitment of an overnight stay. Picnic Shelters are available and can also be rented for special events and larger groups. 

    Restrooms here vary and have both standard restrooms and shower houses. The set up itself is very nice and looks to be much more improved than some parks in the area offering a bit more privacy from the typical sites which have only curtain doors. The facilities instead look very well maintained and have private restroom and shower units for those using them. Although they are still recommending as much distancing as possible and use of your own isolated restrooms when applicable. 

    When I visited I noticed the sites are not all created equally in way of parking, some were very lengthy and could easily allow for more than one vehicle while others were lucky to have a small parking area for a car and tent. My advice is to defiantly look and book online before coming to the park before any trip to ensure your spacing. For those not doing so, additional parking is located throughout the park in small pull out areas near restrooms and closer to the boat ramp areas. 

    With recent closures of many outdoor areas, this location has opened its doors to tourists once again for the season and with that it has quickly become a popular destination. For this reason you will want to book ahead of time and be prepared to face larger than usual crowds when using the public spaces. 

    Rains also can dictate your usage of certain portions of the park as the level of the lake can climb and engulf the swimming beach and outlets to the marina. Upon my visit I noticed the swimming beach was completely under water and thus the facilities near it were not able to be used. The marina was very busy despite many of the walkways being underwater slightly or a brief walk through water to get to. 

    The overall feel of this campground is very homey as the people visiting all seem to be very family friendly. The limitation of alcohol keeps man of the party goes away from this park and it allows for quieter evenings and more family based fun inside the park itself with the vast open spaces. 

    In addition to the lake and campground themselves, there is a small general store located just across from the camp to make those last minute pick ups a bit easier to find versus running back into town. This is extremely helpful for those who need something small but don’t want to have to drive far to get it. A small restaurant is also located in this area. 

    Tips: 

    • If you are staying here book online and really look at the map when doing so to ensure your sizing needs are met in way of parking. 
    • Venture into Branson for live shows and music, activities and more!! 
    • Take a hike on one of the many hiking trails in the areas and explore this region of Missouri!! 
    • Check the weather before securing a waterfront site. Lake levels are displayed on the Table Rock website and you will want to make sure you are not visiting when lakes are overflowing to the point of cutting down your adventure. CLICK HERE FOR LAKE LEVEL
  • Tom K.
    Jun. 2, 2017

    Withrow Springs State Park Campground

    Great for Hiking Hobbs/ Visiting Eureka

    We have debated staying here for years but with the cost for an RV spot at $30+ per night, we were priced out. However, last fall they opened 10 walk in tent camping spots and we were sold. The cost is the normal amount of around $12 a night for a tent site and each comes with a great spot for the tent, a fire ring, and a table. The campground gets loud but it is always enjoyable. The grounds have hiking trails and a pool. We have never been on the War Eagle River to float as it is only seasonal.


Guide to Ridgedale

Tent campsites near Ridgedale, Missouri sit within the Ozark Mountains, where elevations range from 700 to 1,600 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Fall camping is particularly popular from mid-October through November when humidity drops and nighttime temperatures average 40-50°F.

What to do

Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Steel Creek Campground at Buffalo National River features short trails with impressive views. According to one camper, "Really beautiful views of the bluffs and easy access to the river for swimming. Only drawback was the fact that all the sites are in a large open field with picnic tables denoting specific sites, so just not a ton of privacy."

Target practice: Busiek State Forest offers primitive camping with unique recreational opportunities. One visitor notes, "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!"

Rock climbing: For campers seeking vertical adventures, Horseshoe Canyon Ranch provides world-class climbing opportunities. A reviewer described it as "one of the biggest climbing and bouldering locations in the southeast area. Beautiful pastures and surrounded by rock that hundreds come to visit."

Wildlife observation: Many campgrounds in the region offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors frequently report seeing deer, and some campgrounds provide better chances for spotting more elusive creatures. One camper at Drury-Mincy mentioned, "We went on Memorial Day weekend and there were only other two small groups there."

What campers like

Privacy at less-developed sites: Some campers prefer the more primitive options like Busiek where permit camping keeps crowds manageable. A visitor shared, "Just awesome," while another mentioned "Absolutely beautiful hiking trails and amazing off grid camping for family. Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs."

Waterfront access: Campgrounds along Table Rock Lake and Buffalo River provide direct water access. A visitor to Big Bay noted, "It's primitive camping with only port a potty style bathrooms. No showers are available. Its very wooded and private. Most sites back directly up to the lake."

Affordability: Free and low-cost camping options exist throughout the region. One camper at Drury-Mincy Conservation Area stated, "Wonderful campground with roughly 12 designated camp spots with a fire pit, some spots would be big enough to park a smaller RV at. Pit toilet and trash dump."

Uncrowded weekday camping: Many sites that fill quickly on weekends remain relatively empty midweek. A visitor to Kyles Landing observed, "This is the best disconnect from the world campground. During peak Buffalo float season, arrive early as they are first come, first serve."

What you should know

Bathroom facilities vary significantly: From flush toilets to primitive options, bathroom facilities differ widely between campgrounds. At Kyles Landing Campground, there are "toilet facilities that are well kept. Water access available but no hookups. Very low cost too."

Road conditions can be challenging: Many campgrounds require navigating unpaved or steep roads. According to one camper at Kyles Landing, "The road is steeply inclined and bumpy," though they noted that "While 4x4 isn't required, I definitely wouldn't take any larger vehicles or tiny cars this way."

Cell service is limited: Expect minimal or no connectivity at most primitive sites. A visitor to Mountain View Camping described it as "Off grid type camping... Owner is very nice."

Drinking water access is inconsistent: Some campgrounds provide potable water while others require you to bring your own. A camper at Fall Creek Resort mentioned, "This campground is at the back of the Falls Creek Resort with the river on one side and a mountain on the other. Mature trees are scattered though out the park with a nice green space."

Tips for camping with families

Look for sites with swimming access: Several campgrounds offer safe areas for children to swim. At Steel Creek Campground, "You can walk to the river from the campground which is very convenient!"

Consider reservable sites during peak season: First-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. At popular Buffalo River sites, weekday camping provides more options. One family noted about Steel Creek, "Great for groups - you can book multiple spots next to each other. I booked the site through recreation.gov."

Pack for variable weather conditions: The Ozark region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, especially in spring and fall. A camper at Steel Creek advised, "Pack warm clothes! It's isolated, beautiful, and has clean, easily accessible restrooms."

Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe wildlife safely. A visitor mentioned, "Saw a lot of deer in the forest right next to our site and in the field next over."

Tips from RVers

Check road grades before arrival: Some campgrounds have steep access roads unsuitable for larger rigs. However, Outdoor Resorts Of The Ozarks offers "FHU on all sites, pool, hot tub, boat dock. Gated community with guards."

Limited hookup sites available: Most primitive tent campsites near Ridgedale lack RV hookups. A visitor to Fall Creek Resort noted, "This is a great location that is on the fringe of Branson which puts you in the best of positions... You will enjoy full hookups such as, septic, water, electric, showers, laundry pool, access to the marina."

Consider generator restrictions: Many campgrounds limit or prohibit generator use. At Mountain View Camping, the setting focuses on quiet enjoyment as "They feed you Friday night and Sunday morning."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ridgedale, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ridgedale, MO is Drury-Mincy Conservation Area with a 3.5-star rating from 8 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Ridgedale, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.