Are you planning a tent camping trip to Steelville? We've got you covered. Find the best tent camping sites near Steelville. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
The 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.
This 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.
Taum 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.
Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out.
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
$20 - $40 / night
Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out
Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring
Backcountry Primitive Campsite next to a water source with a fire ring. All garbage must be carried out.
Traveler
First of all this is way down Berryman Rd. Go look up Michael Berryman (RIP) and his movies, then come back to me.
Got that picture? Ok great.
First thing you see when you turn off the highway is a tiny Baptist (first red flag) church and graveyard to set the tone.
If that doesn't put you off, make sure your car can handle terrain and you can handle your car. This is barely a road. It's a trail of moguls for your tires. Fallen trees and branches that narrow the lane and threaten to scrape the sides of your vehicle. One tree overhead barely cleared my car. Puddles that could be who know how deep or what's in them (I may be the red flag here). You can not turn around anywhere on this road; you have to go to the end where there's a loop or worst case scenario reverse out while ideally not in a state of panic.
I however as a cultist who worships at the altar of my Subaru's cargo hatch forged ahead because gotta get that creekside spot.
Anyway I got to the site without popping any tires and half set up before going for a walk. There's not a lot of walkable ground out there, really just the flat ground around the campsites and the road. Road was barely even an option. Water-filled pits made the muddy road difficult to traverse and eventually prevented me from going any further. The brush and reedy grass were too thick to walk through safely to get around, and in places the roadside embankments were too steep and loose to climb up and around puddles.
I did see a big ol mudbug, which was cool, but it was terribly quiet out there during my short walk. I was glad to get back to my car, where up the low cliff on the opposite side of the creek was a nicer-looking house with the sounds of people hanging out on the deck.
As night fell and the animal sounds picked up, I decided to sleep in my car instead of the tent. If you're ever out and you hear the animals and insects go silent, and then the next thing you hear is dogs barking, you should also probably sleep in your car.
After a hot and filling foil wrap dinner, I enjoyed some of the good green, because who doesn't like a sleep aid that also activates the amygdala, especially in these particular conditions. I'm soaking up the stars and the moon and the sound of running water, when suddenly I heard a heavy-bodied splash in the creek right by me.
And when I tell you I bolted to the car so fast leaving behind a tangled trail of chair, blanket, charger cable, etc
Because the shore on my side of the creek is flat. Waltz right on up from the creek. Nope not here not me.
Anyway nothing ended up happening, I slept fine, woke up to a bright sun and beautiful view. I did still get out of there pretty fast.
⭐5/7 might go spook myself again
Guide
The campground has oddly shaped campsites causing a crowded feel. The campground is also loud on the weekends especially if there are races at the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip.
TravelerSt. Francois is a nice park tucked in the forest off of Hwy 67. It's a quaint park that tends to fill up fast depending on time of year. The sites are a bit more snug together than I would prefer. There are some nice hiking options within the park. It was exceptionally quiet when I stayed both times.
Scoutlots of disrepair, expensive for what you actually get, fast moving golf carts and side X sides, Kids driving golf carts, rude employees, filthy, gross bath/locker rooms in the Lodge, derelict campers onsite near the entrance, overflowing, smelly garbage dumpsters near the gate (Like 10 of them), terrible gravel roads with huge potholes and uneven RV sites. Our hookups worked but they were in need of updating, poor wifi signal, and just kind of needs to invest in its infrastructure and appearance. The miniature golf was tore up from neglect and although they have a teen center it was not open which left a lot of teenagers just slumming around out of boredom. Camp sites all had firepits that were decent and the fishing lake was beautiful. Could be a really nice park if the investment was made.
Scout
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.
Legend
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)!.
Legend
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.
Legend
This is an older RV park and campground, and the age shows. We spent several nights here due to engine problems with our tow vehicle. The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. (One advantage of being an older park.) But everything is just a little run down. The sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy. They come with water, sewer & electric. There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics. The bathroom and showers were clean, but dated. Not all facilities were in working order. Two of 6 washers were out of service, one bathroom stall was out of order, pot holes in the road. There are also cabins, and RVs available to rent. There is quite a bit of traffic noise from I-44 and there are a lot of excess lights kept on all night long. The staff was friendly and check in was easy. Many of the sites are occupied be semi-permanent residents. They have internet, but it is weak and spotty. Saturday night they had a band making noise for 3 hours!
Traveler
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.
Scout
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.
Legend
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.
Traveler
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.
ScoutI stayed from 9/4/24-9/8/24. I stayed in the primitive campground. It was very quiet and peaceful. My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean. There is a handicap shower unit as well that had a bench and hooks and a shelf to keep your things dry. The bathrooms were separate from the showers with 4 locking stalls. These too were kept clean and toilet paper was always full. Four sinks and mirrors and one outlet close to the sinks for hairdryer etc. The grounds were clean and grass was nicely cut. My campsite had a picnic table a campfire with grill grate and a light post to hang a lantern. The camp host were very friendly and drove around often on golf carts to make sure ppl were ok or needed anything. There was a place to fill your bottled water containers. The checkin office sold ice, campfire wood and a variety of ice creams, stickers and t shirts and sweatshirts. The park has trailheads to hike and an equestrian area. River access for swimming and fishing. There is a separate area with electrical sites and also handicap sites in the electrical and primitive campgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and will be returning often.
Scout
Great place for the price. The staff is very helpful and welcoming! We will be visiting again in the future!
GuideWe 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.
Scout
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.
Traveler
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
GuideWe 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!
Guide
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!
Guide
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!
Guide
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.
Guide
Fun trails and fishing from a fresh spring. Great and clean shower house. Well taken care of.
Scout
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.
Traveler
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
Guide
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.
ScoutEnjoyed the peaceful stay with nature. Enjoyed listening to the wind in the pine trees. It was a relaxing week. Will do again.
TravelerAwesome place to camp. Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups. Staff is super kind. Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule but that’s unfortunate for those of us who still want to listen to music and sit by the fire. Overall great camping spot!
Tent camping near Steelville, Missouri offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with various campgrounds providing unique amenities and experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Steelville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Steelville, MO is Brazil Creek with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Steelville, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Steelville, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
