Tent camping options near Roby, Missouri center around the Mark Twain National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverway. Situated in the eastern Ozarks at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, this area features spring-fed waterways and rolling forested terrain. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summer camping often means dealing with high humidity and temperatures above 85°F.
What to do
Swimming and rock jumping: Rymers Backcountry Camping along the Jacks Fork River offers excellent swimming opportunities. According to one visitor, it has "a great swimming hole and beautiful scenery with nice tall cliffs" and "a couple big rocks out in the water you can swim to and jump off of."
Fishing on Bryant Creek: Rippee Conservation Area provides access to quality fishing spots. A camper notes it "has great fishing, nice and peaceful and not well known" with only about four campsites available.
Paddling the Current River: The river access at Cedar Grove makes it ideal for water activities. One camper mentioned it's "a beautiful place to float with the family" and "good for wading and trout fishing."
Picnicking at forest lakes: The lake areas provide day-use opportunities even when camping isn't available. A visitor to Noblett Lake mentioned it's a "nice place for a picnic" and they've "seen people fishing here."
What campers like
Secluded riverside spots: Rymers Backcountry Camping offers privacy, especially in the off-season. A camper shared that "in October after closing can be solo camping" with "blue green crystal clear water."
Budget-friendly options: Many campsites in the region are free or low-cost. At Rippee, a camper appreciated that "it's free, and it's about as nice as you can expect from a free campground."
Historic facilities: Loggers Lake Recreation Area features WPA-era construction. A visitor described it as a "WPA beauty" with a "spring fed lake, no electric or water campsites" but noted it has "a maintained M/F restroom on the site, and a water spigot close to the restroom."
Level camping areas: When available, the prepared sites are well-maintained. A camper at Akers Group Campground mentioned they stay at "group site three which is HUGE, and nice and level. There's a great big fire ring and lots of wood available for gathering."
What you should know
Seasonal closures and restrictions: Many campgrounds have limited seasonal availability. Loggers Lake Recreation Area operates from "April 1 to October 31," while access rules change frequently at other sites.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. At Rymers, a visitor warned of a "long beautiful drive in, narrow road" and advised against bringing any "motorhome over 20' or any large camper as there is no backing up or turn arounds."
Facility verification needed: Noblett Lake has conflicting information about camping availability. One frustrated visitor emphasized, "This is not a campground. If you want to camp, DO NOT GO HERE. It is a lovely day use area, but again, IT IS NOT A CAMPGROUND."
Changing site designations: Former camping areas may now be day-use only. A recent visitor to Sycamore Loop Dispersed noted, "Pretty much all the campsites listed in this area have been turned into day use only/No camping here spots. The gate to go down towards this campsite was locked."
Tips for camping with families
Select sites near water access: Cedar Grove/Dee Murray Backcountry Camping provides river access for family activities. A camper described it as a "nice Scenic remote area" that's "good for wading and trout fishing."
Consider noise levels: Some riverside campgrounds get busy during peak floating season. A camper noted Cedar Grove "is sometimes noisy with all the floaters but all in all a great place to go."
Look for family-friendly atmosphere: Rippee Conservation Area was described by one camper as "a very great family friendly campground" that's "a really quit and nice place."
Pack extra water: Most primitive sites require bringing your own water. Loggers Lake has a water spigot, but it's limited to one location near the restrooms.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Akers Group Campground can accommodate smaller RVs but has limitations. A camper noted the grass is sometimes an issue, saying their "ONLY complaint is that they never seem to cut the grass close to when we come" which can be problematic for setting up.
Limited hookups throughout region: Most campgrounds offer no utilities. Even at established sites like Loggers Lake, a visitor confirmed there are "no electric or water campsites."
Scout first when possible: Sycamore Loop has changed over time, with a visitor noting that "most spots no longer seemed camp friendly, as new tree growth has taken over."
Primitive toilet facilities only: Vault toilets are standard at most locations. At Akers, a camper mentioned "there is a pretty basic outhouse up a short trail for camper use."
