Best Campgrounds near Shell Knob, MO

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Shell Knob, Missouri provides a variety of campground options located along Table Rock Lake, with several established campgrounds managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Campbell Point Campground sits directly on the lake, offering both tent and RV sites with amenities including electric hookups, water access, and sanitary dump stations. Other nearby options include Baxter Campground and Cape Fair, which similarly accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying levels of hookups. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature paved camping pads, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities.

Seasonal operations impact camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds open from April through October. Table Rock Lake water levels can fluctuate significantly depending on rainfall and dam operations, occasionally affecting swim areas and boat launches. Summer temperatures typically reach into the 90s with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds require advance booking through recreation.gov. "The grounds are beautiful and well maintained. The RV sites have nicely paved and level pads. You get everything you could need, including a very clean shower house. Every site if not on the water, has a nice view and it is pet friendly," one visitor noted about Campbell Point.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with many visitors highlighting the shade coverage and lake views as standout features. Most developed campgrounds in the Shell Knob area include swimming areas, boat ramps, and easy lake access. Campbell Point features a marina store and playground that families appreciate. The surrounding area offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, and boating, with proximity to both Roaring River State Park and the attractions of Branson. Campers should note that cell service can be spotty in some areas. Several visitors mentioned the campground hosts are helpful and the facilities are generally well-maintained. A camper remarked, "We loved staying at Campbell Point campground. The whole place was very well maintained and clean. The camp host was very friendly and relaxed but clearly cared a lot about keeping the grounds free of trash and the bathrooms well stocked and clean."

Best Camping Sites Near Shell Knob, Missouri (234)

    1. Roaring River State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 847-2539

    "Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."

    "Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."

    2. Mill Creek (missouri)

    30 Reviews
    Lampe, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 779-5378

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Every site has an amazing view of Table Rock Lake and MOST sites are literally on the water. We walked (10 steps) down to the water every day and swam right behind our site."

    "Some of these sites do have stairs and that could be a problem in some cases, and I definitely advise to be careful on these when it is wet outside as they can become very slick quickly(trust me on this"

    3. Table Rock State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Hollister, MO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 739-4627

    $12 - $42 / night

    "The campsite was large with an asphalt path and a nice spot for my tent. First weekend in May and the park was pretty much full. My campsite close to the facilities."

    "Nice campground with a paved walking/cycling trail from boat docks to the dam. Nice showers, fairly level campsites. Fishing within walking distance."

    4. Wanderlust RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Eureka Springs, AR
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 253-7385

    $39 - $136 / night

    "We have a smaller pull behind camper and picked one of the ridge sites with 30 amp full hookup. The sunsets on the ridge were amazing!"

    "This campground is very close to several religious attractions. So if you’re looking for Jesus he will be close by."

    5. Indian Point

    17 Reviews
    Kimberling City, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 338-2121

    $16 - $50 / night

    "CLICK HERE](https://www.branson.com) for Info on Branson

    For those looking for a campground near Branson which offers access to top attractions as well as Table Rock Lake, Indian Point is worth a"

    "This campground is located near Branson and is a great base camp area. The campground is mostly shaded and close to the waters of Table Rock Lake."

    6. Cape Fair

    10 Reviews
    Kimberling City, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 538-2220

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Bathrooms and showers are located close by and are very clean."

    "Nestled on one of the best lakes in Missouri is this clean, family campground. Fairly level sites with quite a few lake sites. Nice boat ramp and swim area."

    7. Campbell Point

    7 Reviews
    Shell Knob, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 858-3903

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Sites near water closer together. 1 newer bath house, 1 clean but very old bath house. Swim area in lake. No hook up spigot for black tank flush at dump station. 2 gas stations close to campground."

    "Nice access to the water. Large shady campsites. Easy to get to. Swimming access, boat launch, marina, nice bath house/restrooms."

    8. Baxter

    7 Reviews
    Lampe, MO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 779-5370

    $16 - $25 / night

    "The campground is close to Dogwood Canyon, a great blueberry farm and the famous Branson strip. There is a marina right by the campground and easy access to Table Rock Lake."

    "Beautiful lake side lot. Could use sand at the swimming beach"

    9. Lake Leatherwood City Park

    16 Reviews
    Eureka Springs, AR
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (479) 253-7921

    "On one trip I check out Lake Leatherwood City Park, a campground only about 10 minutes outside of the historic downtown area. This historic lake has both tent camping and cabin options."

    "Tent sites were nice and relatively spacious and close to the water. The hand full of RV sites were underwhelming and close together, and not near the water."

    10. COE Table Rock Lake Old Highway 86 Park

    17 Reviews
    Blue Eye, MO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 779-5376

    $25 - $50 / night

    "They only had a few spots open and gave us a great spot right by the water even though we had two dogs with us (which might bother some families, who surrounded us)."

    "Having stayed at the portion of Table Rock previously nearest Branson, I had no idea about this location and just how much it had to offer."

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Recent Reviews near Shell Knob, MO

1060 Reviews of 234 Shell Knob Campgrounds


  • marty S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2025

    America's Best Campground

    Thumbs up!

    What a awesome experience, we enjoyed our stay, and plan on coming back. The host were amazing, so kind n helpful. The entire staff was awesome!

  • Mel M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2025

    Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area

    Peaceful Retreat

    My husband and I rented our first camper van to see if short trips meant to create memories are do-able in a camper van, for us. 1000% yes.

    This was our first experience and got exactly what was described. The road was bumpy but we had zero problems with our 4x4 rig.

    Sunsets and sunrises were stunning!!! Great fall retreat. We even met a stray cat we wish we could have taken home with us. Poor thing is starving. She will come if calls and purrs when petted. We named her “Sugar” after the location.

    There seems to be a private off-road recreation area that provided moderate traffic. We were kind of tucked back a bit from the road and it didn’t bother us.

  • Philip S.
    Nov. 22, 2025

    Branson Shenanigans RV Park

    Definitely voming back

    Beautiful area inside the heart of Branson! Hosts are beyond helpful and wonderful to talk with. Definitely made us feel at home and will definitely come back.

  • Travis A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 14, 2025

    Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area

    Overgrown with brush

    Small donut shaped clearing. The middle and edges are overgrown with tall brush and weeds. My 20' trailer and truck and someone in a van are camping here and its cramped

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    The Embers Glamping and RV Resort

    Clean/New/Expensive/Great Location

    Little expensive, but does it all right. Super nice shop with coffee shop and pizza attached.

  • Jennifer O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Buffalo outdoor center

    Most beautiful place in Arkansas

    I love this area, we’ve enjoyed the cabins at BOC and brought our RV this time. I have zero complaints about the RV park except be aware it sits on top of the mountain. So wind can be an issue and there’s zero shade. Full hook ups, convenient to all the hikes and activities, totally level pads, and they don’t pack them in here like sardines- there’s only 15 spots. Be aware site 7 is low so if it’s rainy you will have water in your spot.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Hercules Glades (Watch Tower)

    Nice campground with access to trails

    Camped here in mid-October 2025. Free national forest primitive campground. Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead. It was mid-week, so it was quiet and peaceful here. Only one other camper here during our visit who car-camped in a parking lot. Sites included a metal fire ring and table; some with tent pads. Hammock camping is possible depending on the site. My site had a grass and dirt surface. The vault toilet was clean and equiped with tp. No potable water. Hiking into the Hecules Glades Wilderness Area was wonderful. The trails into the wilderness area appear to be open to hikers, backpackers, hunters and equestrian riding. Hitching rails are available at the campground. Access to the campground on the forest road was good; a 2wd passenger car should be able to make it here. Overall, a nice, peaceful overnight stay.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Bentonville Bike Camp

    Great place to explore Bentonville and amazing biking trails

    Great private small business! Owners Julie & Jason very easy to communicate with. Campspot registration went smoothly. While we enjoyed Dry Camping meadow, they have a few basic cabins, and several electric sites. If you enjoy supporting a small family business and basic accommodations this place is for you!


Guide to Shell Knob

Campbell Point Campground provides tent and RV camping sites near Shell Knob, Missouri along Table Rock Lake. The campground sits at approximately 915 feet elevation with lake levels that can rise significantly during spring rains. Flooding can affect the swim areas during certain periods, typically following heavy precipitation events from March through June when rainfall averages 4-5 inches monthly.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Mill Creek Campground offers excellent access to Table Rock Lake fishing with most sites directly on or within view of the water. "It is well maintained and clean. It can be hard to get in, but worth the effort!!!" notes Sue M. Many campsites have direct lake access for shore fishing.

Hiking trails: Roaring River State Park Campground features multiple trail options through the Ozark hills. "There are several hiking trails through out the park, a visitors center, bath houses, a pool, and swimming holes (the water is very cold—great in the hot summer)," explains Wendy M. The park also contains a cave system visitors can explore.

Watersports access: Cape Fair provides boat access with courtesy docks and a marina. "This is the upper end where the James River comes into tablerock lake. Fishing is usually great," reports Jarrod L. The campground includes a swimming area and beach access for cooling off during hot summer days.

What campers like

Lake views: Old Highway 86 Table Rock Lake campground offers waterfront sites that provide unobstructed views. "It has amazing views of the lake from everywhere you look. The bathrooms and shower house are nice and clean," shares Melissa A. The campground sits on a peninsula with waterfront sites all around.

Privacy and spacing: Indian Point provides well-spaced sites for a more secluded experience. "This campground was well kept, with clean bathrooms, a playground and a great swim beach. Choose your site wisely though, i reserved a site unseen and ended up only having enough space for my popup and parked at the bathrooms," advises Bryan C. Many sites are shaded with tree cover.

Clean facilities: Baxter Campground maintains high standards for restroom cleanliness. "We had a great time. Fishing, boating, swimming, hiking. Beautiful lake side lot," says Rhonda M. Visitors consistently mention the well-maintained facilities and helpful campground hosts.

What you should know

Reservation timing: Mill Creek fills quickly during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "Great campground. Most sites are on the lake but others are, at least, lake view. Some sites are fairly short, so be sure and check the length. Book early... fills up very quickly!" advises Collette.

Site characteristics: Many Shell Knob area campgrounds feature varying site elevations. Campbell Point has "slightly hilly so most sites have retaining walls and multiple levels. Sites near water closer together," explains Julia. Tent sites often include a tent pad, though the location relative to the fire ring may require planning.

Limited amenities: Lake Leatherwood City Park requires self-sufficiency for supplies. "The campground was closed to tent camping but open for RV's when I was there(Covid-19 precautions), but I was able to check out the tent area. It's down by the lake, with some sites at the back of a large meadow with a tree line(a few good hammock trees!) and some sites right next to the lake," describes Annie C. Most campgrounds require bringing all supplies as nearby stores are limited.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Roaring River State Park offers educational opportunities at the fish hatchery. "Our girls had a blast there! For first timers, this place is great! Quiet, relaxing, and a nice hatchery/hiking area!" shares Miles H. Children can feed the fish and learn about the trout life cycle.

Swimming options: Cape Fair includes designated swimming areas with variable water depth. "This parks facilities are superb! Right up on the waterfront, with grassy/sand beach access. Bird watching is great, saw many herons walk by me whole reading a good book," notes Lauren H. The swimming areas often include shallow entry points for smaller children.

Playground access: Campbell Point features playground equipment near campsites. "We loved staying at Campbell Point campground. The park has a marina store and playground that families appreciate," mentions a visitor. Many families appreciate the clean shower facilities and proximity to recreational areas.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling: Old Highway 86 provides well-constructed sites for easy setup. "Site 46- Love love love this place! Camp host are great, bathrooms/ Showers are very clean," reports Brent M. The paved parking pads help simplify the leveling process for most RV types.

Hookup details: Most campgrounds near Shell Knob offer electric and water hookups, but sewer connections are limited. Campbell Point has electric and water at most sites with a "dump on the way out" as noted by a camper. Specific amperage options range from 30-50 amp depending on the campsite.

Site selection: When selecting camping sites near Shell Knob, Missouri, check specific site dimensions. "Sites in some of the facility are a little smaller and many others are very good sized, make sure to ask. Pretty level sites once you get squared away," advises John F. about site selection when booking at area campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities do Shell Knob camping areas offer?

Camping areas around Shell Knob typically provide essential amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Big M offers large grassy sites with electricity and water hookups, and some with sewer connections. The campground features paved, level sites, well-maintained bathrooms and showers, plus a playground for children. At Branson Shenanigans RV Park, though sites may be compact, you'll find full hookups in a charming setting that's conveniently located near Table Rock Lake. Many area campgrounds also provide boat ramps, swimming areas, and clean shower facilities to enhance your camping experience.

What recreational activities are available when camping in Shell Knob?

Shell Knob's location on Table Rock Lake creates endless recreation opportunities. At Table Rock State Park Campground, enjoy fishing within walking distance and explore the paved walking/cycling trail that runs from the boat docks to the dam. Water activities dominate with swimming, boating, and fishing being the main attractions. For day trips, consider visiting Ozark Campground — Buffalo National River, where you can explore Carwash Falls via scenic Jeep trails. The area also offers proximity to Branson's entertainment venues, shopping at Branson Landing, and hiking throughout Mark Twain National Forest for those seeking land-based adventures.

What campgrounds are available in Shell Knob?

Shell Knob offers several quality camping options around Table Rock Lake. Campbell Point is a popular choice directly in Shell Knob with drive-in and boat-in access, reservable sites, and facilities for both tent campers and RVs. Just a short drive away, Cape Fair provides fairly level sites with numerous lakefront spots, a boat ramp, and clean shower facilities. Other nearby options include the dispersed camping at Sugar Camp Lookout Tower Dispersed Area in Mark Twain National Forest, which accommodates multiple rigs and features established fire rings.