Missouri's Ozark region provides diverse glamping opportunities near Summersville, with elevations ranging from 700-1,100 feet alongside crystal-clear rivers. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures often reaching the 90s, while spring and fall offer milder conditions better suited for extended outdoor activities. Primitive camping and luxury accommodations are available throughout the region, offering varying levels of amenities depending on the specific campground.
What to do
Cave exploration: Tour Round Spring Cave from June through October with a ranger guide for $5 per person. At Round Spring Campground, "the walk to the cave is kind of magical," according to Lea B., who adds that "fantastic water pressure" in the showers makes cleanup easy after your adventure.
Trout fishing: Purchase daily permits at Montauk State Park for $3, allowing you to keep up to 4 trout daily. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground noted, "This is where my love of camping started. I spent many summers as a child camping at Montauk State Park with my grandparents."
Hiking: Access the Ozark Trail from multiple campgrounds in the area. "About a half a mile down the Ozark Trail you can cross the Current River on a pedestrian bridge which is a pretty cool experience," reports Lea B. from Round Spring Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for otters and eagles near water access points. Theresa H. from Round Spring Campground shared, "We saw a bald eagle and a very curious little otter down by the river. Close proximity to the ozark trail."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple shower locations at most developed campgrounds. According to Jeff A. at Round Spring Campground, "The host was great did a nice show at the amphitheater about the local area bathroom and showers are great, not to mention the nice clean river."
Spacious sites: Look for outer loop locations for more privacy at Two Rivers. "We had a section of the river to ourselves and it was a large private spot," noted Jade G. at Two Rivers Backcountry Camping, adding that "hearing the sounds of the river and the chirping birds at night was amazing."
River access: Multiple entry points for swimming and fishing throughout the region. Laura from Harveys Circle B Campground shared, "Super clean campground. Great swim area. Shower house is basic. We stayed in our RV on a spot with river view. Was really nice!"
Camp stores: Essential supplies available at many locations without driving to town. "The store has everything you need, or forgot!" notes Tabby M. from Pulltite Campground, explaining that "you must make a reservation for the canoe" rentals available on-site.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends at popular sites. One camper at Echo Bluff State Park explained, "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."
Limited shade at some sites: Trees are still maturing at newer campgrounds. "The campground felt very sterile. You are not sheltered at all by the forest trees," notes Anita B. about Echo Bluff State Park, while Janet S. advises, "The trees are small but if you have an awning or some kind of shade mechanism, all is good."
Wildlife concerns: Secure food properly as raccoons, armadillos, and occasionally bears visit campsites. Ellen F. from Pulltite Campground warns, "The raccoons and armadillos can be a bit rowdy and too close for comfort some nights, so secure your food carefully. Also, in recent years, black bear sightings are becoming more frequent."
Cell service limitations: No coverage at many riverfront locations. Stephanie N. from Round Spring Campground advises, "It has zero cell service but you can drive about 2 miles up the road to the state park and connect their WiFi."
Tips for camping with families
Tent site selection: Choose level areas away from facility noise. Lea B. at Round Spring Campground suggests, "Choose Tent Site Carefully" explaining that "Sites 1-18 are fairly small and not very level. Sites 19-29 have larger, more level areas."
Kid-friendly programs: Attend ranger events at the amphitheater for educational opportunities. "We have used sites 115 for the space and 119 for the seclusion," recommends Kyle H. at Montauk State Park, adding that children can "feed the fish at the hatchery, or take in one of the nature programs at the amphitheater."
Swimming locations: Visit Tan Vat Access just outside Montauk State Park. "This is a great place to take young ones for a dip in its cool waters," shares Kyle H., who also recommends Ashley Creek reached via Bo's Hollow for family swimming.
Glamping options: Book climate-controlled accommodations for families with young children. J R. at Big Rock Candy Mountain Campground notes it offers "Tent, rv Hookups, cabins, yurt. Pool. Pleasant place for kids and adults. Good restaurant, live entertainment on occasion, views, trails."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Request specific locations when making reservations. At Echo Bluff State Park, Keaton K. reported, "This place is pretty new and they didn't spare any expense. Lodge and campgrounds were great. Camp host at RV park was awesome and helped us a couple times."
Hookup availability: Confirm electrical capacity as some campgrounds offer limited 30/50-amp service. Mike B. at Jason Place Campground shared an honest assessment: "ok place to camp for rvs. nothing fancy. grass sites were fairly muddy. has water and eclectic with a dump station."
Weekday visits: Plan non-weekend stays for quieter experiences and better site selection. Tenley D. from Two Rivers explains, "We were able to get a first come first served site around 4:30p on a Friday - it was one of two remaining sites so we likely lucked out."
Loop selection: Choose outer loop sites for more privacy and shade. Sandra M. at Ozarks Mountain Springs RV Park enthused, "Right off the interstate and easy to get in to. Site are graveled and level, and most are full hookups. The majority also have picnic table and fire pit."
