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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
