Best Tent Camping near Salem, MO

Recent Tent Reviews in Salem

632 Reviews of 20 Salem Campgrounds

• A

  Alicia N.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 4, 2024

  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!

• J

  James D.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 3, 2024

  Brazil Creek Camping Area

  Great Little Rest Stop

  Very nice free camp ground that is suitable for any type of camping.

  The Ranger, who was very nice, had good service with AT&T, I had TMobile at my campsite with a booster.

  Miles and miles of trails for Mountain Biking, horse riding or just hiking, and you can ride your ATV on the roads but you need an orange triangle.

  Well worth the 20 to 30 minute trip off the highway.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 28, 2024

  Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

  Quiet during the off-season but expect it would be poplular in the summer!

  General: Very large state park with six separate loops/areas:

  • Loop 1: 10 Equestrian sites with water and electric (50 amp)

  • Loop 2: 20 FHU sites (50 amp)

  • Loop 3: 21 Sites with electric only (50 amp)

  • Loop 4: 14 sites with no hookups

  • Loop 5: 14 walk-in sites plus three special use sites

  • Six cabins 

  Site Quality: We stayed in Loop 3. Each site was very generous in size and reasonably distanced from each other. Most had foliage separating them. All sites looked to be level, and the camper pads were either all concrete or concrete/macadam and in very good shape. A large wooden picnic table, lantern/garbage hook, and fire pit complete each site. 

  Bath/Shower House: The one closest to our site (and I’m assuming others are the same) had three toilet/sink combos and one family restroom/shower. On the other side of the building were three shower rooms. While they were clean, the floors were concrete, and the walls cinderblock and there was a bit of a musty odor. 

  Activities/Amenities: We were there during the week in May and the visitor center and both stores (one in the campground and one by the Shut-Ins) were only open on the weekends. There was a laundry room with very reasonably priced machines ($1 each for the washer and dryer), a playground, and an amphitheater (which also was not in use when we were there). There is a gravel path that bisects each of the loops providing a nice way to walk/run throughout the campground. The signage in the park is good so even though no one was at the check-in station, it was easy to find our site and other facilities. The big draw for this park is the shut-ins (narrow constriction or gorge in a stream) where people can swim/slide from one to the other via small waterfalls into pools of water. We did see a few hearty souls in the water when we were there, and I can only imagine what it would be like on a hot summer weekend! 

  We had almost the entire Loop 3 to ourselves, so it was a very quiet stay for us (except for the cicadas)!.

• 

  Joel R.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 27, 2024

  Round Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Great location for exploring

  Round Springs is a National Park campground. It’s about 12 miles north if Eminence MO on the Current River. There are only 50 sites, some have electricity. Most of the campsites are scattered along the road with lots of trees and privacy. The electric sites are in the center of the campground on the road with no shade. There are few walk in sites near the river. There is a shower and dump station.

• 

  Joel R.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 27, 2024

  Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Beautiful spot on the Jacks Fork Tiver

  Alley Springs is a Natural Park campground. It’s located right on the Jacks Fork River just a few miles west of Eminence MO. The highway to get here is narrow, winding, and hilly! But it’s worth the trip.

  There are 260 campsites some have electricity. Also a dump station. Sites are level, with shade. The campground is located on the flood plane, heavy rain may cause flooding and evacuation!

• 

  Justine S.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 23, 2024

  Candy Cane RV Park & Campground

  Adorable campground

  We found this place after hours and Shirley still answered the phone and had a spot for us. Both Shirley and Kevin were super nice. The campground is unique and adorable. Very cute and clean bathrooms, plenty of toilets and shower space. It seems like they are doing some updating of things so that's why the 4 stars, once they finish their updates I'm positive it will be 5 star worthy.

• K

  Katie H.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 17, 2024

  Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

  Clean and quiet park

  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. All sites have a concrete pad for the RV and for the picnic table. Includes water and electric. Playground, laundry room, and dump station. Hiking trails available from the campground and cave tours on weekends. We stayed at site #65 which is close to the entrance/restrooms and has no campsite on either side.

• 

  Joel R.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 14, 2024

  Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park

  Everything I hate in a campground

  I’ve been coming to the Current River area for over 60 years, before the National Scenic Riverways, when Round Springs, Alley Springs, Big Springs, and Montauk were all state parks. They were great places for camping, swimming in the Current River, and canoeing. This new State Park at Echo Bluff is everything I would eliminate from a campground. Sites are packed close together, everything is concrete. No privacy, no shade , no natural beauty. A big modern lodge, cabins and townhouses. I made reservations for two weeks expecting a state park experience. Sorely disappointed! We left early. The staff mostly didn’t bother us. But we watched the cop that sat along the road partway down a steep hill almost every day and gave out tickets for exceeding the 20 mph limit. Showers/bathrooms were new, but not centrally located. Probably would not go back.

• D

  Dan W.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Montauk State Park Campground

  Not just for fishing

  Well kept state park and trout hatchery. Recently upgraded electric in campground 4, which was nice. Each campground has its own host, which is great when you need it. I hung out with friends in a basic group site, too, and there was plenty of room and a nice setting (site 116). Food at the lodge was better than anticipated and friends in the cabins had no major complaints either.

• 

  Tammie

  Scout

  

  Sep. 6, 2024

  Arapaho Campground, Canoe, Raft Rental

  Labor Day

  Great place for the price. The staff is very helpful and welcoming! We will be visiting again in the future!

• A

  Art Z.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 24, 2024

  Onondaga Cave State Park Campground

  Great campground. Great cave. Fun river. Avoid campsite 65

  We stayed one night in campsite 65. Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened July 4, 2024. The river is still fantastic fun, especially for our grandkids ages 9 and 12.

  Avoid campsite 65 when it rains. We had over an inch of standing water on the concrete pad when we arrived. 18 hours after it stopped raining, we still had some water on the concrete pad.

  Other than the water, Onondaga Cave SP has been one of my favorite places to camp in Missouri for more than 20 years.

• 

  Bj M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 10, 2024

  Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

  My second stay at Berryman

  I like that quite surroundings. But as a July 1 2024 they started cutting the timber. An they are going to a paid camping area. They have fire rings, tables and blacktop parking spots.
  It's a shame it's going to cost to be here.

• 

  Joseph A.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 7, 2024

  Huzzah Valley Resort

  Camping at the zoo

  If it's your birthday or a bachelor/Bachelorette party, this is your place. They have a family side and a party side (the zoo). Don't expect to get much rest in the zoo. There are plenty of campsites to enjoy. Reserve yours early they fill up fast in the summer. Huzzah Valley is the know party camp ground if you live in the Saint Louis metropolitan area

• 

  Allie A.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 29, 2024

  Huzzah Valley Resort

  Weekend away

  We took a couples float during the week to get away from our busy lives and relax. The huzzah resort is always top notch. Very clean(except the port-potties), great amenities and if you forget something you can always get it at the shop! The river was perfect and we practically had the place to ourselves with only one other tent in view! Not to bad for a Week day camp trip!

• 

  Allie A.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 29, 2024

  Boiling Springs Campground

  Pretty weekend

  This camp ground is a little hidden gem and so pretty! It has running water bathroom and showers! They are so kind and aware. They make shuttling your personal watercraft SO easy! This camp are is very clean and family friendly! The river was pretty!

• 

  Allie A.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 29, 2024

  Parks Bluff Campground

  A Busy Weekend

  We arrived later and the staff was so attentive and kind! They remembered our groups names and were so kind at the shop! We had a large camp ground, two spots fit our group of 8 with room! We also had 5 vehicles. The camp sites in the #70’s are so close to the water and a short walk to the toilet/shower house! The bathrooms could have been cleaner and some of the lights were out but not the worst I have seen! (Your camping anyways) the float shuttle was a bumpy ride but the drivers were nice and the men at the raft pick ups were kind also! I would recommend this lil place! Maybe not In The summer time when the river is busy but to camp anytime!

• 

  Taryn S.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 25, 2024

  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.

• 

  Nick W.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2024

  Maramec Spring Park

  Great state like park

  Fun trails and fishing from a fresh spring. Great and clean shower house. Well taken care of.

• 

  Sarah M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 17, 2024

  Riversedge Campground

  HORRIBLE Customer Service

  Last year my family and I stayed at the Wilderness Lodge as I have done for over 30 years. We decided to go on a float trip at the Rivers Edge Campground which is affiliated with the Wilderness Lodge. When we made the reservation we had to pay for 2/4 people that were going when I made the reservation over the phone. On Sunday when we arrived to the Rivers Edge to go on our float, we were informed that there were severe storms headed in and we could not go on the float. We totally understood and asked if we could just get a rain check. We were able to get a rain check but they said that I would need to pay for the additional two people to get a rain check since there were 4 in our party total. I was told to hold onto my receipt and rain check because without those two items the rain check would not be honored. Fast forward to this week and we decided we would like to go back and use the rain check they had issued to us. When I called I was informed that they would not be honoring ANY rain checks because the property had been sold and the new owners will not honor ANY previously issued rain checks because the new owners were not paid the money for any outstanding rain checks..?? I was told by the lady on the phone that she would try to reach out to the new owner Mike and see what could be done and she would call me back. She did indeed call me back the same night and said she could not get a hold of the owner and then she was silent not offering ANY sort of solutions. I asked her if she could call me the next day and let me know what he said or if I could even speak with him. She never called back… so now I sit with a“RAIN CHECK” that I spent$170 for 4 floaters that clearly has an issue date, an expiration date, my name and address, what it is for, and why it was issued. It is stapled to my original receipt as well but I guess they will not be honoring it. This has to be one of the worst customer service experiences and poor business practices I have encountered in my life. It is apparently OK that I am out$170 for a float that I was told we could not go on that day and that seems to be perfectly OK with these new owners. I am completely disappointed in the lack of follow up and poor customer service. This is definitely not a best practice for a business and I will be letting everyone I know and on every forum I can that you basically stole$170 from my family and while it may seem like not a big deal to you it certainly is to me and my family.

• l

  lori W.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 16, 2024

  Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout

  Lots of fun close to home

  Nice rv park. Lots to do. The golf carts are genius. We used all weekend and had a great time. Played in the waterhole, played on the lake w/paddleboats and kayaks. Nice campsites and showerhouse. The bar and store were beautiful. Arcade, pool,games for kids and adults. Loved it

• A

  Art Z.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 8, 2024

  Hazel Creek Campground

  Spacious and Beautiful

  We spent a one night get-away at Hazel Creek with our 30 foot travel trailer. The gravel road into the campground was no problem for a pickup with a trailer. It would be fine for a passenger car, too.

  The campsites are large. Several back up to the creek, which is shallow and pretty. The rest are scattered through the wooded campground. Come for the scenery and the hiking. You won't be disappointed.

  There are no amenities other than fire rings, picnic tables, and food posts. There is no cell phone coverage. Follow the USFS directions, not Google Maps. That will put you on good paved roads.

• 

  Bj M.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 21, 2024

  Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

  Peaceful stay

  Enjoyed the peaceful stay with nature. Enjoyed listening to the wind in the pine trees. It was a relaxing week. Will do again.

• 

  Gage D.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 16, 2024

  Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

  Cool campground, terrible bathrooms

  Campground was nice, pretty buggy, but bathrooms were in shambles, showers were full of mud and dirt

• 

  Kelsey S.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 14, 2024

  Maramec Spring Park

  Wonderful spot!

  We stayed for 1 night, great trails to walk around, don’t forget bug spray! Good lookouts you can walk to as well. We didn’t do any fishing but saw plenty of people out enjoying the day!

• 

  Allie A.

  Guide

  

  May. 28, 2024

  Huzzah Valley Resort

  Memorial Day -Camping Trip

  Such a pretty camping sesh. Love this campground and its aminities it’s always cleaner and organized.

• M

  Madison G.

  Traveler

  

  May. 27, 2024

  Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

  Needs tent pads

  Pretty campground with river access and accessible restrooms. Showers were a little far from our loop. I wish the sites had tent pads as it was hard to find a flat spot to place the tent and several holes in the terrain. There is NO cell signal, so I highly recommend you take a weather radio. I wish we had.

• 

  Gwenn W.

  Guide

  

  May. 26, 2024

  Red Bluff Campground

  Not What it Was

  If 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).