Looking for an adventure where you can explore Rolla and then fall asleep in your tent? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Rolla campgrounds for you and your tent. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Missouri tent camping excursion.
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
This section is the gateway to the Ozarks--starting at Onondaga Cave State Park and winding through the Huzzah State Forest/Conservation Area, opening into the lead district of Missouri and the Mark Twain National Forest, view variegated wildlife, flora, and scenery and end up at Hazel Creek on the south. This 45-mile long section includes 7.5 miles of state land north of the Narrows Trailhead, crosses private land at the Bass Resort, follows the Berryman Trail from about mile 22 through mile 32, and connects to the Trace Creek Section on the south at the Hazel Creek Trailhead. It is part of the over 220 mile continuous through-trail. Use caution after periods of rain as the creek crossings can be hazardous. This section of trail includes springs, creeks and other water locations, as well as some popular places for trailside camping.
Dispersed camping is the term used for free camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no structures, no trash cans, no treated water, and no fire grates. There are extra responsibilities required for this type of camp. It's a must to educate yourself before you try it, but we hope the adventure of dispersed camping in the Mark Twain National Forest calls to you!
Pick a Campsite and follow the Leave No Trace Principles Camp 100 feet away from trails and water sources. Treat any water found in the area before consuming it. Human waste (Feces) must be buried at least 6 inches deep and covered. Pack out all of your garbage.
The Brazil Creek Recreation Area serves as a trail camp for the 24-mile Berryman Trail and the 40 mile Courtois Section of the Ozark Trail. The Berryman Trail traverses 24 miles of scenic Ozark countryside starting at the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps camp of 1937 and winding through timbered stands and fields. This section of the Ozark Trail is part of the over 200 mile through-trail. For more information about these sections of trail, visit www.ozarktrail.com . Camping, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding here offer the recreationist a pleasant measure of solitude and quiet.
$20 - $40 / night
We are a 17.5 acre working farm that boasts both pasture, woods, and simple camp sites. With a multitude of farm and wildlife on site we have a unique opportunity to both get back to nature and experience the joys of farm life. If you love nature and animals this is your spot. Baby goats, cows, sheep, pigs, chickens, guinea fowl, ducks and even barn cats roam the premises. Opportunities to feed the animals as well!
$25 - $50 / night
Anutty Farm is a 68 + acre sheep, goat and poultry farm. We have 5 small farm ponds on the property. The property is fenced so you know the boundaries of the farm. We have 68 acres of mostly wooded area we have decided to open for primitive tent and Boondocking type camping. This area is farm country so you won't see a lot of traffic. Hear a lot of noise. or deal with a lot of people. Our camp ground is for those who want peace and quite, maybe a walk in the woods or have sheep and goats or other critters as entertainment. Girl scouts and boy scouts welcome to learn the primitive way of camping. There is water on the property and trash cans.
$10 - $20 / night
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Traveler
Was a great secluded tent camp site. Liked that they had wagons to help haul our gear to the site. Family of 7 so we have plenty of stuff to haul. Was a really fun time. Spent lots of it in the water and got to see some wild horses so that was exciting.
Guide
We typically prefer more dispersed-style camping, but this has actually become one of our favorite established sites in the Ozarks. It's VERY family-oriented (probably not for you if you want to party), with tons of games like volleyball and horseshoes, plus onsite programs and activities including scavenger hunts, movie nights, pancake breakfasts, etc.
A little of everything when it comes to sites - there are pull-thru sites, full hookups, basic tent sites, you name it. We tent camped in sites 61-64 (now one huge site, but at one time they were three individual), which directly overlooks the river and sits on a very private corner. The sites on this end are a bit of a walk to the bathrooms/showers and camp store, but also extremely spacious and private.
Great camp store and a large sandy beach with natural swimming holes, plus a seasonal pool. There's even so-so wifi at the store.
Float trips are a big deal here, and Indian Springs offers both boat rentals and shuttle services. We used their shuttling one day, then the second day, I drove my husband up to the put-in (less than 10 mins) and he floated back and took out here. The owners are really friendly and accommodating. Our top choice for float/camp trips, especially when we have our kiddos.
Scout
I've seen some reviews say its outdated and I'm not sure where that comes from. On season they offer a variety of float and eat packages that are tasty and nicely priced. Cute little campground with "primitive", electric and full hook ups. All tent camping is still pretty close to the general store that also has coin showers! You have good options for a shady and grassy spot if you're tent camping too. Great folks working there, always very friendly and helpful.
TravelerLove tent camping! Secluded and shaded. I want a few years back and it was lovely can’t wait to see if there have been updates!
Guide
Stayed here for one night we toured the cave which was great. The park is very well kept and nice clean facilities. We tent camped and every spot had a good place to set up a tent.
TravelerThis is a really nice spot for tent camping - even though it’s clearly geared towards RV camping. Make sure to book a walk-in campsite if you’re tent camping, otherwise you’ll be in the lot with the RVs (no trees, no privacy etc see first picture). You’ll have to carry your gear to your site, but not too far. Each walk in site is fairly isolated and separate from the other site by trees. Each site has a wood tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring with grate. If you want you could even go to the lodge (walking distance) for a meal and skip the cooking! Book your spot in advance as it seems like they fill up quickly.
Guide
Love the area. Tent sites are close to water, great fishing. Clean facilities and friendly staff!
Traveler
This was a great campsite with water and electric hookups. We tent camped and floated the 6 mile float. Bathrooms we're clean and we'll maintained. Showers needed quarters to operate. Nice restaurant for breakfast and a great store.
Traveler
Smaller campsite located in Mark Twain National Forest. RV hook ups and tent sites. Views in the bluff area or stay across from Huzzah Creek for easy access to swimming.
Traveler
I stayed in the tent camping area. The host was very helpful with everything. I was right next to the river, and the sounds of the water made everything tranquil. There is a ton of space for tents and RVs, and the road in is well paved. In the morning, a bald eagle flew up the river.
TravelerFull hookups(electric/water/sewer) for rvs, as well as primitive tent sites. Facilities are bit on the older side, but 2 shower houses are available. River access within walking distance. Canoe and raft rental available.
LegendThis place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities. Campsites are all well manicured and offer everything from basic sites to full RV hook ups. The only negative is that we have experienced are that you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular. And the only other negative is that all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade. But other than that it’s easy to see why the state park is a perfect representation of how much pride Missouri takes in its conservation and park system.
Scout
Lost valley happens to be one of our favorite camp grounds. They are extremely family friendly, they have an indoor pool, hot tubs, and sona, an outdoor pool and hot tubs, inflatable jump pillows, concerts almost every weekend, full hookups, plenty of tent camping sites as well, two swim beaches and several lakes on the property. If that's not enough try the horse back riding, or indoor mini golf, or grab a meal or a drink at the on site restaurant and bar.
Guide
I stayed the night here in late April, and it was absolutely gorgeous. The campground is in the middle of a forest with a large creek running around it. It was springtime and everything was so green, there were wildflowers popping up all over the place. The sound of the creek running right behind my camp site felt so soothing. I wish I could have stayed a few more nights; this place was a little bit of magic.
The campground: The road that loops through the campground is paved, and for most (if not all) campsites you park right at your site. My campsite included a large firepit with a grate that you could grill on, a picnic table, and a paved parking space to pull-in. Even though the place was over half full, it felt very quiet. I stayed towards the back of the loop, and the creek ran just below my site. There were clean vault toilets and a trash receptacle across the road from my site. The only downside: there are places where the creek runs over the road a little, so that might cause issues if there's heavy rain in the forecast.
The area: About a thirty minute drive from Rolla, where there are plenty of places to get food or supplies. I didn't have a lot of time to explore Lane Springs Recreation Area, but it looked nice.
Booking: I drove up to the sign at the front of the campground and put my payment in an envelope. I'm not sure if there are other options to book ahead of time.
Cell Service: Verizon worked fine.
Guide
We camp here every year. My ONLY complaint is that they never seem to cut the grass close to when we come. It's not terrible, just a weedy and a little longer than I'd like it to be for tent camping. We 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. There's a very short path from the site to the current river, which is beautiful. There is a pretty basic outhouse up a short trail for camper use.
RangerWonderful state park with paved roads and level concrete pads. We were nestled up against a beautiful creek. Could barely keep the dogs out of it. Nice,clean bathrooms. Nice play area for kids. We hiked one of the many hiking trail available. Tours are offered throughout the day in the two onsite caves. They were amazing. Natalie was our Gide and really knew her stuff! Park also offer kayaking, swimming, rafting and just a whole bunch of fun. There was a large camp of boys scouts and several other tent camping. Would recommend this park everyone. 10 out of 10!
ScoutFirst, the park hosts were so friendly, helpful and hard working. They kept everything spotless! Bathrooms and showers were a 10. Grounds were a 10. Location and surroundings were gorgeous. Sites were spacious and there’s not a “bad” site in the whole park. It was Peaceful and quiet at night. We walked through the walk in tent camping area and it was amazing. Sites were big, private and spread out through the woods with wooden platforms. Path through the area was gravel and very well maintained. The Betty Lea Lodge was close and had an awesome store and gift shop. We will definitely be back!
LegendMost people who are camping and visiting this part of the Ozark's are here to enjoy the river, but don't forget to checkout the caves. I spoke to the campground host and his wife and they told me that the Onondaga caves are the third most visited in North America. The staff at the visitors center was also friendly.
The campground was very clean and well maintained. There isn't a lot of tent camping, most people are visiting with RV's and camper trailers. There are a lot of folks with canoes and inner-tubes in the campground.
Checkout my one minute video with Mike, the campground host, talking about Onondaga Cave State Park.
Legend
This is a nice, large campground in the middle of Meramec State Park. The campground is a large level meadow between the river, the bluffs and the road. For being close to the road, there is not a lot of road noise. I noticed more river noise with boats buzzing up and down the Meramec. The campground was well maintained and nicely laid out with several loops. There didn't seem to be any real separation between the tent and RV sites, but on a early season weekend, you can manage to get a tent site away from the RV's. Some tent sites have good ham mocking trees, but not all sites do. And some sites were clearly in low lying areas that would definitely puddle in a decent rain. All sites had the standard fire ring and picnic table. I thought the shower house was really clean and well maintained, although for a campground this large I would have thought there would have been two. There is a nice hiking trail coming out of the campground that winds along the river and then along the base of the bluff. You can hike up into a large cave and get a birds eye view of everything through the trees. Across from the campground is Fisher's Cave which is open for exploration during the summer months. It was not open when I was there, but there is a trail going to the top of the cave, and of course you can stand at the gated entrance to the cave and feel the cold air coming out. I'm not a caver, but apparently this is a really good cave for exploring.
Scout
I took my daughter and a friend on their first camping trip here. We stayed the last weekend of the season (10/29-31). It was quiet with only two RVs on one end. We picked a tent site at the other end, right on the river. The girls ran all over the camp ground. The ranger was super friendly and shared information about the area. Since it was the end of the season, the coyotes were coming back closer to the area and serenaded us all night. We can't wait to go again next year
Guide
Beautiful campground, though Full hookup sites are on an unappealing parking lot. Sites with electric and water only are in nice oak woods overlooking Lake of the Ozarks. (Our site # J has a concrete stairway with 150 steps down to the water.) Tent sites are right on the water, with spectacular views. You can launch your own kayak or rent a motor boat to explore this gigantic lake. Free laundry facilities. Lean restrooms with nice shower. Very relaxed reservation procedure. We called and were told to just show up. They would hold a spot for us. It worked out fine.
GuideRV spots are pretty close together, but nicely shaded. Group tenting sites lack water and bathroom facilities, but make up for it in proximity crystal clear river water. Perfect for floating, fishing and swimming!
Legend
We stayed here with a large group of family members for a floating weekend. The sites were close together and there wasn’t much privacy. They have tent sites, and RV sites with 50 amp hookups, water, and sewer. Some sites have river access and some river views. There wasn’t much grass, and few trees for shade. There is a swimming pool, playground and store/gift shop. They have pay showers. Onondaga Cave State Park is right across the river. This is primarily a campground for people floating the Meramec River and other area streams. They provide canoe rental, and transport to the put-in points. On summer weekends it is crowded and noisy.
Guide
This campground on the beautiful Current River is operated by the National Park Service and features 6 are so full electric sites and numerous tent camping sites. It is located at the very beautiful Round Spring and the Round Spring Cave. Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5. The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations. An outfitter for canoe rentals and shuttle service is located across the road and offers ice, beverages and firewood. Reservations are a must for the electric sites. While all sites in this campground are reservable it is rarely full. There are also about five group sites located at this area. The current river provides some of the best canoeing anywhere in America as well as good fishing for Smallmouth Bass.
GuideWe booked our campsite very last minute and the staff was extremely helpful and kind! The only down fall to this reservation was we booked an electric tent site and the site the put us in and the ones around it had no electricity. The electric boxes were filled with wasps and spider webs... so if you book there be sure to make sure your reservations are correct! Other then that the camp ground was VERY homey and cute little place the shower houses were clean and they even had a little cafe and other entertainment things such as pizza and a little amphitheater! I feel like this is a local hidden gem! Will be returning here (hopefully on an electric lot lol)
GuideIf you’ve been coming to this campground for decades as my family has, prepare yourself. They’ve taken this hidden gem abounding with rustic, quiet character and turned it into a busy RV park. Most spots are not ideal for tent camping. The beaches are too small to accommodate the number of people now coming in. It’s just heartbreaking. It’s our ancestral home and we just don’t know if we can handle going back. The whole vibe is drastically different. It’s looks like every other RV park out there. It used to be a short walk to get to the water. Not anymore. They also got rid of the picnic area close to the water. It was extremely inconvenient getting my elderly mother down to the water (and then finding a beach spot on our side of the creek was impossible).
TravelerThis is the newest state park in MO. The campground is located at the bottom of a steep grade hill in an open area. New trees have been planted throughout the campground with established mature trees surrounding the outer boundaries. Basic and premium sites are available for RV’s and trailers along with a separate area for tent camping only. Pull type wagons are provided for tent campers to haul their belongings to their campsites. Restrooms and showers are conveniently located within the campground. A Clearwater creek is a short walk from the campground where swimming and floating may be enjoyed. The “Current River” is also less than a mile away and canoe rentals offer free pickup at the campground. One of the most unique aspects of the campground is the periodic presence of wild horses who roam freely throughout the campground and park. There are several well established hiking and biking trails.
Rolla, Missouri, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation in nature.
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