149 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Salem area in the Ozarks region of Missouri features several established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within close proximity to rivers and springs. Montauk State Park Campground serves as a primary destination with options for tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. Other developed campgrounds include Pulltite Campground along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway and Flying W Store & Campground, which provides electric hookups and water access. Little Scotia Pond offers free dispersed camping for those seeking a more primitive experience. Most campgrounds provide amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water recreation.
Access to many campgrounds requires advance planning, particularly during peak fishing and floating seasons from spring through fall. Montauk State Park and other developed sites accept reservations, while dispersed areas like Little Scotia Pond operate on a first-come basis. Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for accessing dispersed sites, especially after rain. A camper noted, "Great quiet site. Wasn't a bad drive in. Decent amount of wildlife hanging around. Will probably hear the beaver if you stay at one of the two sites by the pond."
Trout fishing represents the primary attraction at many Salem area campgrounds, with Montauk State Park and other locations along the Current River receiving consistently high ratings for fishing access. The stocked waters support year-round angling opportunities, with daily trout tags available for purchase. Mixed-use campgrounds balance fishing areas with family-friendly amenities, including playgrounds, hiking trails, and swimming areas. Developed campgrounds like Montauk feature modern facilities with showers, flush toilets, and electrical hookups, while dispersed sites offer more solitude with minimal amenities. A visitor described their experience at Little Scotia Pond as "paradise for nature lovers" noting wildlife sightings including deer, beavers, raccoons, and even bears with cubs. Riverside camping spots at several developed campgrounds allow for immediate water access, though these premium sites typically fill quickly during summer months.
"The water right next to the site was taped up, probably turned off for winter, but we were able to fill our fresh tank at the campground entrance before parking."
"It is just South of Salem, MO. The park has a fish hatchery and is noted for trout fishing! The campground is very large, with 3 or 4 loops. The sites are mostly level but close together."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete."
"Echo Bluff State Park is nestled in the heart of Missouri's Ozarks. This natural haven offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers."
from $13 - $34 / night
Check Availability"Nestled in Mid Missouri this place is a jam! Popular with locals there are trails, historic iron works and a fish hatchery…very cool place. Close to highway, good overnight spot!"
"Maramec Spring Park is a great place for camping and fishing in Missouri. The Park contains the fifth largest spring in the state."
from $16 - $36 / night
Check Availability"About every thing you want to do is near by, I recommend you to give this place a try first before going anywhere else. They are Open all year round!"
"You also have a trail that leads down to a little private beach area on the river but this past year the campground was so full, people were camping right on the beach."
"There is a very nice trail with the trailhead near the group sites. It goes through different terrains, including along the river bank."
from $20 - $140 / night
Check Availability"For our annual cousin campout in our ancestral home of Davisville we reserved site 24 and the group site (2) directly behind it."
"Shaded, grassy, and very private except for the occasional visitors who drive up the road to see the overlook near these two campsites."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Although the old rv park across the water is nice and level, we ended up wanting to be closer to the water and there happened to be a trail."
"Wasn’t a bad drive in. Decent amount of wild life hanging around. Will probably hear the beaver if you stay at one of the two sites by the pond. Only saw one other group camping here while we did."
"Supplies close by in Rolla. WiFi wasn't very good and cell was spotty even with the booster.
No showers or toilets on site so you need to be self-contained."
"Staying here for five or six months while working very nice place quiet lots of wildlife pond to fish in, but it is catching release good Wi-Fi and has a creek and walking trails"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Other than the water, Onondaga Cave SP has been one of my favorite places to camp in Missouri for more than 20 years."
"We stayed one night on our way through Missouri. It’s only about ten minutes south of I-44. The campground was only about half full, so it was nice and quiet."
from $15 - $57 / night
Check Availability"It is located on the Black River, and the water flowing through the shut-ins is crystal clear and cool."
"Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located on the Black River in Missouri, just south of St. Louis. This makes it a popular location on hot summer days, especially weekends."
from $15 - $80 / night
Check Availability
TravelerStaying here for five or six months while working very nice place quiet lots of wildlife pond to fish in, but it is catching release good Wi-Fi and has a creek and walking trails
ScoutIn the past my cousins and I would camp here every year at least once with Grandparents and my aunt and uncle. Always had a great time swimming, fishing and hiking. The park is beautiful and the camp sites are very nice. It does get pretty packed at times. Everyone seems to get along and its always nice to meet people from other cities or even some locals. I'm planning on setting at least two dates per year to take my kids and grandkids camping here so they can have the great experiences I had as a kid. Alot of spots to chose from if available.
ScoutWe got our F350 with a slide in camper down to the creek. About a mile off the main road but it was super tight. Would recommend having a saw in case tree is down: def scraped some branches but it was nice at the end with the creek there. Very peaceful
GuideNo frills, high tech self park facilty w paved lots and full hookups-ups.
Pros: 1. Door Dash delivers to site 2. Can purchase 12 hours for a quick stop or full 24 hous no matter time you arrive. Cons: its a bit pricey. It was listed as 30 for 24 its 50 for 24
GuideIf you want to do some stargazing, you cannot find a much better place in Missouri than the Power Mill Campground. It is an NPS site so it very well maintained. We had a spot on the river side of the road but, since there are only eight spots in the whole campground, there is not a bad place to stay. No shade but easy river access. At night, you get the Milky Way and a zillion stars.
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
ScoutWe stayed one night on the 4th of July weekend. The campground was accordingly busy. The primitive area is all the way in the back, so besides the foot traffic of people walking past to get to the spring, it was nice and quiet. The spring was beautiful with a nice walkway next to it. The bathroom building was a little older, but the toilets and sink were clean. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience. Side note: If you want to fish for trout, you will need a permit for the day.
GuideThis is a USFS campground that is perfect if you want a secluded spot to disconnect for awhile. No water, electricity, or cell service, but the views are amazing and Paddy Creek is beautiful. Campground requires a six mile drive on somewhat rough gravel roads and and a paved creek crossing if you are are coming from the Licking, MO side of the forest.
There are about two dozen campsites, each with a narrow and short concrete pad to back a vehicle into. A small popup camper or travel trailer may fit, but anything medium or larger is not going to work. All sites have good shade from tall trees and include a picnic table and fire ring. The single vault toilet was clean and stocked.
Cost is $15 a night and is paid for in the iron ranger nearby. The campground appears to close in late fall and open again in the spring at different dates each year, so be sure to check the USFS website before planning a trip.
ScoutWe were there on a Friday of 4th of July weekend. We used the day-use area but drove though the campground loops to check it out first. Campground was not full, even on a holiday weekend, sites are spread out, and we will definitely come back for camping. Very peaceful.
Day use area was well maintained, easy path to spring, and river access just past the spring. Plenty of tables and grills. Lovely in the evening with the fog creeping up the river!
Dispersed camping sites and established campgrounds surround Salem, Missouri in the Mark Twain National Forest. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the Ozark Highlands with limestone and dolomite terrain creating numerous springs, caves, and clear streams. Winter temperatures average 25-45°F while summer temperatures range from 65-90°F with high humidity.
Cave exploration: 5 miles from Salem. Round Spring Cave at Round Spring Campground offers ranger-led tours from June through October. "Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5. The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations," notes Marty C.
Wildlife viewing: Year-round. Little Scotia Pond provides opportunities to observe beaver activity. "Great quiet site. Lots of wildlife hanging around. Will probably hear the beaver if you stay at one of the two sites by the pond," reports Chris J.
Historic site visits: Accessible year-round. Maramec Spring Park features preserved iron works from the 1800s. "The park has a country store, and a museum with the remains of an old iron furnace," mentions Joel R., who adds that the park "contains the fifth largest spring in the state. An average of 100 million gallons of water flows from the Spring daily."
Horseback riding: Summer months. Several forest service roads near Salem accommodate equestrians. At Echo Bluff State Park, "they even got a place to park your horse," according to Martin K. from Flying W Store & Campground.
Secluded pond camping: Available year-round. Little Scotia Pond 4x4 Dispersed Site requires four-wheel drive access. "Although the old rv park across the water is nice and level, we ended up wanting to be closer to the water and there happened to be a trail. Easy to get in but could be tricky for a small car to get out (boulders, trees, incline and possible rain/mud) 4x4 recommend," advises Malik H.
Shade coverage: Critical in summer. Red Bluff Campground offers well-shaded sites. "We stayed at site 26. It was very quiet since it was only 1 other tent there. Nice clear spots for the tents," reports AC.
River jumping spots: Best in summer months. Flying W Store & Campground connects to the Current River. "At the very back where it connects to the current river are some amazing bluffs to jump off of," shares Elizabeth R.
Clean facilities: Year-round. Flying W Store & Campground maintains high standards. "We have stayed here four or five times now, so clean and the people working are friendly. We have stayed other places and this is by far the most clean and maintained," explains Shawna J.
Flash flood risk: Spring through fall. Red Bluff Campground is situated in a flood zone. "Campground is subject to flash flooding," warns Joel R. about Maramec Spring Park.
Tick prevention: Essential May through September. Haven Hollow RV Park visitors note tick problems. "We were here in late May and had to use bug spray as the ticks were out in mass," shares MickandKarla W.
Cell service gaps: Throughout the area. Round Spring Campground has "zero cell service but you can drive about 2 miles up the road to the state park and connect their WiFi," advises Stephanie N.
Reservation requirements: Critical April-October. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park fills quickly. "The campgrounds and cabins can be a bit difficult to book, if visiting on a Friday or Saturday, but the park is worth it," reports Jesse C. from Montauk State Park.
Platforms for tent camping: Reserved in advance. Johnson's Shut-Ins offers elevated camping areas. "The walkin sites are on platforms and are spaced for privacy," notes Chad K.
Kid-friendly water activities: June through August. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park provides natural water play areas. "Our kids loved climbing all over the shut-ins. We have already planned to return in the summer to swim!" shares Ashlee B.
Educational programs: Summer evenings. Round Spring offers ranger-led activities. "The host was great, did a nice show at the amphitheater about the local area," says Jeff A.
Fishing instruction: Stocked waters. Maramec Spring Park supports young anglers. "This is a Trout Fishing Park!" emphasizes Joel R., perfect for teaching children basic fishing skills.
Site leveling concerns: Plan accordingly. Timbuktu Campground at Echo Bluff State Park offers level pads. "Clean, new, beautiful. All the campsites are well manicured and offer everything from basic sites to full RV hook ups," mentions J K., though they note "the only negative is that all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade."
Fresh eggs available: Local purchase. Haven Hollow RV Park offers farm products. "We bought ice for $3 and farm fresh eggs for $2," shares Deborah C.
Dump station locations: Limited availability. Round Spring Campground has facilities for waste disposal. "There is a dump station," confirms Joel R., while noting to "fill your tank before arriving" since there are no direct water hookups.
Road conditions: Access challenges. Haven Hollow RV Park requires careful navigation. "Road going in is narrow and steep but any rig should make it," advises Deborah C.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Salem, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Salem, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Salem, MO and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Salem, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Salem, MO is Montauk State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salem, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Salem, MO.
What parks are near Salem, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Salem, MO that allow camping, notably Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Mark Twain National Forest.
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