Best Tent Camping near Salem, MO
Looking for tent camping near Salem? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Salem's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Salem, Missouri (22)
1. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground
22 Reviews•108 Photos•159 SavesIronton, MissouriTaum Sauk Mountain State Park offers basic, walk-in campsites and two special-use camping areas. The campsites allow for tent camping only. Pop-up or other trailers are not allowed. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no showerhouse or dump station. Water and a vault toilet are available in the camping area.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Cedar Grove/Dee Murray Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
2 Reviews•24 SavesJadwin, Missouri- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
3. Akers Group Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
1 Review•12 Photos•14 SavesJadwin, MissouriOverview
Two of America's clearest spring-fed rivers combine to create the Ozark National Scenic Riverways in the rolling, forested landscape of Akers. Visitors to the campground enjoy various water activities, as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.
Recreation
The crystal-clear Current River flows past the campground, offering excellent canoeing, tubing, swimming and fishing. Over 130 miles of waterways exist within the park. Canoe and kayak rentals and outfitters can be found nearby. Several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails crisscross the region, include the Alley Overlook Trail, Chubb Hollow Trail, Ozark Trail, Cave Spring Trail and Big Springs Trail.
Natural Features
Known for its caves, springs, sinkholes and losing streams, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways have over 300 identified caves within its boundaries. The caves range in size from a rock overhang to almost seven miles of identified passages. Eight caves, including an open sinkhole, have been designated as outstanding natural features. The Ozark forest is mostly White oak and Shortleaf pine, Missouri's only native pine species. Along the rivers, Sycamores, Cottonwoods, River birch and maples are common. Redbud and dogwood are also abundant, putting on a spectacular show during most spring months.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (573) 323-4236.
Nearby Attractions
Scenic Round Spring Cave is nearby, with ranger-guided tours offered daily during summer months. Historic and picturesque Alley Mill and Alley Spring are nearby. The mill is open daily in the summer and ranger-offered tours are available upon request.
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$25 / night
4. Mark Twain National Forest Loggers Lake Recreation Area
1 Review•8 SavesBunker, Missouri- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
5. Courtois Creek Dispersed
3 Reviews•12 Photos•116 SavesDavisville, MissouriThis 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Brazil Creek
5 Reviews•21 Photos•29 SavesPotosi, MissouriThe 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
7. Jerktail Landing Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
1 Review•13 SavesOzark National Scenic Riverways, Missouri- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Toilets
- Alcohol
$5 / night
8. Panther Branch Primitive Campground
2 Reviews•7 Photos•8 SavesBlack, MissouriBackcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out.
- Pets
- Tents
9. Ottery Creek Primitive Campground
1 Review•10 Photos•15 SavesBlack, MissouriBackcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring
- Pets
- Tents
10. Anutty Farm
Be the first to review!•3 Photos•1 SaveEdgar Springs, MissouriAnutty 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.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Firewood Available
$10 - $20 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Salem, Missouri
638 Reviews of 22 Salem Campgrounds
- BBarrett C.
Traveler
Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Wild Horses
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.
Taryn S.
Guide
Indian Springs Resort and Campground
Family-oriented, ideal for Meramec float trips
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.
- AAlicia N.
Scout
Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Small sites with little privacy - campground fine, but not great
I'd seen a lot of great reviews for this campground, so I had high expectations when we arrived for a night in early November. We reserved a spot in the 900 loop, just to be safe - a few of the camping loops allow reservations, and the rest are walk in. The loop was very open, spaces all fully visible to each other. The bathrooms were locked for the season after 10/15.
Since things were pretty empty, we moved to the 500 loop, which was more tree covered, near the river, and next to the shower house, which was the one park bath open for the winter. Bathrooms and showers were clean, though no camp host was present the night we stayed.
We were the only people on the 500 loop, so it was fine, but again - sites VERY close together. Some picnic tables were less than 20 feet apart. The 600 loop was the only heavily occupied loop when were there, filled with campers, presumably because of the electric access.
This is a NPS campground, so its amenities tend to be fewer than many MO state parks. I have other parks in this area that have more scenic and private tent camping. Just on the other side of the river is the Alley spring and mill, which are lovely - and ironically, some of the picnic sites are more spacious than these tent sites. I wish we could camp on that side!
- Gina L.Scout
Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground
Primitive and Full Hook Up
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.
- Dave B.Guide
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
A drive to the shut ins
We have stayed in cabins and tent camped. Beautiful spot, but can be very heavily populated
DaveGuide
Four Creeks Ranch Campground
Looked OK
Shelly seemed like a very nice person via text. She just wasn't there when we arrived, and we had a hard time determining property boundaries, tent site locations, etc. on our own. Unfortunately, the tent site we did find was pretty washed out, and we ended up leaving and camping elsewhere. If you have an RV/trailer, ATV's, etc. this place is probably a hoot. Best of luck.
Denni G.TravelerTimbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Great tent camping!
Love 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!
Marissa H.TravelerTimbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Wonderful Swimming Hole
This 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.
Crystal E.Guide
Montauk State Park Campground
Beautiful
Love the area. Tent sites are close to water, great fishing. Clean facilities and friendly staff!
- Will B.Guide
Onondaga Cave State Park Campground
Great park
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.
Wes U.TravelerAlley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Great!
Quite tent sites with restrooms in each loop and new shower house. Spring, mill, and the trails around the spring are a must!
- Donna H.Traveler
Bass' River Resort
Great Campsite
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.
- Shona H.Traveler
Red Bluff Campground
Small and Inviting, Peaceful
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.
Mike G.Traveler
Froggys River Resort
A lot of space and next to a river
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.
- JJesse C.Traveler
Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground
Great Place
Full 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.
- Scott M.Traveler
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground
Camping within the trees
I like this camp site because you are within the trees the whole time. It is tent camping only. Where we camped, the ground was covered in moss. That made for very soft sleeping, except for the few large rocks spread over the area. We had room for two portable canopies and about 35 cub scouts and family members.
Matt S.
LegendJohnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Johnsons Shut-Ins is a special place
Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is an amazing park that combines the comforts of an RV park with the rustic side of walk-in tent sites. It is the best maintained park in the Northeastern part of the Ozark's. It has a store in the middle of the campground. The sites all have concrete pull-ins and the bathrooms and shower houses are all brand new, modern, and clean.
The sites are spread a part giving plenty of room to campers. There are several tent sites that you can walk into to get away from the concrete. There is a gear cart to help you get everything back from your car to your site.
This is a place where you could spend several days and have a lot of fun. This is the premiere campground in that area of the Ozark's.
The staff is also very helpful and friendly.
- BBarbie B.Guide
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Nice park with a lot to do in the park and the surrounding area.
The campsites are very nice. I don't mind the concrete pads they have for camping and parking. We have a camper but used cots when we tent camped so concrete was not a problem for us.
The kids loved the shut ins. We didn't even make it all the way to the back as it was a very long walk. We also visited some of the historical sites in the area.
- SShelby B.Traveler
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Perfect for any experience
There are hookup sites as well as a primitive loop for tent camping. The cart provided was great to walk our gear down the trail to our site, and there was a flat deck for us to camp on (which was great on our rainy weekend). The store was nice, and we got some great ice cream on the way out. We drove in, but the people next to us backpacked from another campsite. Absolutely a great experience.
- BBill J.Scout
Ozarks Mountain Springs RV Park
Best campground on road trip!
This campground was wonderful! We needed a tent site for one night and we ended up getting a whole grove of trees to ourselves! It was a Saturday night and there was an open mic night and bbq. The atmosphere was light and fun and the people rocked! Very clean bathrooms and showers. The rates were very very affordable too! 10/10!!!
J K.LegendTimbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Missouri’s newest state park has it all!
This 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.
- RRebeccaTraveler
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Late Fall Tent Camp
We tent camped in loop 3 in late November for one night. The bathroom and showers were still on in this camping area. The spots are slightly close together but still very wooded. Not a lot of people camping at this time of the year even on a Saturday. Camp hosts were fabulous. The sites aren’t really set up for tents. More for Trailers. We had to get creative to find a spot to put up the tent in order to stake it down. Large parking pads, fire rings, and picnic tables at each camp site.
- Danielle Y.Scout
Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Simple and spacious!
This campground is very large thus always having availability for tent camping! They have ranger presentations on weekend evenings about the local wildlife and rivers and springs-Jacks Fork & Current River that are very informative! Great place to bring family and an equally reasonable price!! Offers group camping too! Harvey Kayak and Canoe rentals is right around the corner and will pick you up right at your campsite! I highly recommend this campground. They also have RV hookups and a private beach!
- Aimee T.Guide
Akers Group Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Awesome primitive site with river access
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.
- Cathy S.
RangerOnondaga Cave State Park Campground
Great Camping and a Cave or Two
Wonderful 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!
- CCindy P.Scout
Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Absolutely perfect!
First, 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!
- J K.Legend
Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Great campground close to eminence
This is a great campground that is just outside of eminence and has just about everything that you need from spacious tree covered tent sites to full RV sites as well. Easy access to both the jacks for river and Alley spring Because flooding destroyed the old restroom a new one has been built in its place with a full shower house as well. If you want a nice peaceful campground that is in the heart of the Ozarks scenic River Ways you will definitely want to check this place out
Guide to Salem
Tent camping near Salem, Missouri offers a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Ozarks, with various options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.
Tips for tent camping near Salem
- Cedar Grove/Dee Murray Backcountry Camping provides a primitive experience with no drinking water, so be sure to bring your own supplies for hydration.
- Mark Twain National Forest Loggers Lake Recreation Area features reservable sites and drinking water, making it a convenient choice for families looking for a well-reviewed spot.
- Brazil Creek is a great free camping option along the Berryman Trail, perfect for those who enjoy hiking and fishing in a serene environment.
Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $0
- Akers Group Campground has a nightly fee of $5, offering access to the Current River and basic amenities like toilets and trash disposal.
- Jerktail Landing Campground charges a $5 nightly fee, providing a remote and peaceful setting ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
- Panther Branch Primitive Campground is free, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious campers who appreciate a truly primitive experience.
Tent campers should check out these unique features
- Adventure Outdoors offers electric hookups and showers, making it a comfortable choice for those who want a mix of nature and convenience.
- Anutty Farm provides a private camping experience with amenities like drinking water and firewood available for purchase.
- Ottery Creek Primitive Campground is known for its proximity to the Ozark Trail, making it a fantastic base for hikers looking to explore the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Salem, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Salem, MO is Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Salem, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 22 tent camping locations near Salem, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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