Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Thayer? Find the best information on tent camping near Thayer, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
McCormack Lake Recreation Area is located near Greer Spring and offers good fishing and boating. It is located on paved Forest Road 3155 off of Highway 19. This site has semi-developed picnic and camping facilities. There is hiking at McCormack Lake Recreation Area also. This is a trailhead for the 3.7-mile McCormack-Greer Trail, which ends at Greer Crossing Picnic Area and also connects to Ozark Trail. The 15-acre lake is stocked annually with panfish and bass being the catch of the day. The lake is a non-motorized area; boat motors are not allowed. An electric trolling motor is permitted. There is ample parking for picnickers and fishermen. The campground is primitive with limited picnic tables, firerings and lantern posts. A vault toilet is provided. No water is available.
The Irish Wilderness is a dense forest of oaks and hickory. Wilderness is set aside by Congress as a natural area affected primarily by the forces of nature with little evidence of man’s works - “where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” Many outdoor enthusiasts seek out its peace and special closeness to experiencing the wonders of nature. No two individuals share the same meaning and values of the wilderness experience, but it is primitive and challenging, and recreationists must be self-reliant. In the mid 1800’s a Catholic priest dreamed of a place where Irish immigrants could escape the oppression of urban live in St. Louis. In this wild area of the Ozarks, Father Hogan established a settlement that would forever bear their name, Irish Wilderness. The Irish Wilderness, caught in the middle of the Civil War, became a “no man’s land” and was raided by both Union and Confederate troops as well as bushwhackers. It is not certain what happened to Father Hogan’s Irish immigrants, but after the war they were gone. A printable brochure (5.7m pdf format) of the Wilderness is available for download. Trails: The major way of travel within the Irish Wilderness is the 18.6 mile Whites Creek Trail. From the trailhead at Camp Five Pond to the Eleven Point River, visitors are exposed to a wide variety of natural terrain and geographical relief. From relatively flat land at the beginning, hikers traverse through many ecological zones including dried creek beds, grasslands, glades, bluff country, and breathtaking views overlooking the Eleven Point River. Whites Creek trail is not designed for horse use, but horse use is permitted. Motorized or mechanized use is not permitted. Rating: Moderate. Length: 18.6 miles Best Seasons: Fall, winter, and spring. Leave No Trace: Pack out what you pack in. Restrictions: Foot and Horse only. Please limit your party size to 10 persons. Safety: No drinking water is available at parking areas or along the trail; bring what you will need, or be prepared to sterilize water you find. The Irish Wilderness is a relatively large tract of land, so be sure to bring a compass and always carry a map of the area. Trail signs are minimal. If you become lost, don’t panic. Stay calm and try to remember how you got to your present location. Always let someone, family member or friend, know when you plan to enter the wilderness and when you plan to return. During temperate months, be prepared for biting insects, poison ivy and high temperatures. Be advised of hunting seasons. Avoid using the trail during excessively wet periods. Surface Type: Unsurfaced, native material.
Fourche Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful place to be outside. It is located on V Hwy approx. 2.5 miles off of HWY 160 W. There is a beautiful wooden dock to fish off of or just simply look at the lake. There is a vault toilet and picnic tables for picnickers. The dock, path leading to the dock, and bathroom are all handicapped accessible. There is dispersed camping available at 6 established sites with fire rings. There is no water or electric hookup available. There is a boat launch available only electric motors are allowed. Fourche Lake is 49 acres in size and provides opportunities for catching catfish, panfish and bass.
$5 / night
Guide
Tent camped here with a group of private boat paddlers from all over the country. Campground operations had not really started for the season. I arrived after dark and could not find the tent campsites. Nearly drove into deep mud on gravel road past RV sites. Fortunately had just enough cell signal to access their website. Found a campground map three layers deep on reservation page and located my group.
Tent sites were well-located along the river with basic tables and fire rings. I never found the store to be open so paid camping fee at bar and cafe at entrance. Great breakfast. $25/night for tents. Grass had not been mowed and was deep in tent area. RV sites appear to be a work in progress with much erosion around the new pads and access road. What may have been a shower house had key code locks but there was never anyone to ask. Bathrooms near the entrance lacked tp in some stalls. All one afternoon and evening a group of kids with gas weed trimmers noisely worked on a slope adjacent to the RV area.
This campground should improve over time a the management appears to be developing the grounds.
Scout
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!
Legend
The people of Missouri gave a wonderful gift to the people of the United States. A gift I did not know about or had never heard of till we made the decision to camp in Missouri.
Big Springs was Missouri's first state park. The CCC did a lot of construction on the park and so much of the buildings are still there. In much need of repair and I do hope the federal government will restore. Big Spring is off of Missouri Highway 160. Turn onto State Route 103 to Big Spring. The spring has a wheelchair accessible pathway that will lead right to the spring.
The campground is large and open. Tent sites along with with RV sites but the RV sites are small and very close together. Some RV sites had electric but no water or sewer. There is a dump site. During the summer I think I would get a reservation for the RV sites if you need electric. If you have the ability to generate your own electric stay in the open tent site area. The tent site area is large and open to the sun. Big Springs has flush toilets and hot showers.
There are picnic areas with tables and grills scattered throughout the park along with two group shelters.
The Ranger programs are well worth checking out. Take advantage.
The Current River makes a wonderful backdrop for nature lovers. You have the options of hiking, biking, fishing, camping, floating, kayaking, and all sorts of boating with a ramp in the park.
Have Fun - Stay Safe
Leave No Trace
Better Than When You Found It
TravelerQuite tent sites with restrooms in each loop and new shower house. Spring, mill, and the trails around the spring are a must!
ScoutWe enjoyed clean well-maintained bathrooms. Men’s showers were hot and the women’s were cold! The grass was mown well, so it was easier to tent camp. Staff was very helpful and accommodating. Scenery was spectacular.
TravelerHave stayed here twice so far and love it. Price is cheap and they work off the trust system. They have electric and water camper hookups and tent camping. They also have a little bath house there too. Not 5 star lodging but the view over white river is breathtaking.
Guide
The eleven point river is a Hidden Gem. I love the campsite and the cleanliness of the bathrooms. I love the shaded tent campsites and easy access to firewood, boat dock and open area perfect for large family gatherings
Scout
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!!!
ScoutThis 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!
LegendThis 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
Scout
There’s a nice river next to the campground for swimming and boating. The whole place is a nice quiet setting. The sites themselves are not on top of each other. I’ve had good Verizon signal here.
Currently has 8 electric only sites, and 12 tent sites. All are first come, first serve. There are water spigots available for fresh water. The only dump station is in town at the Rocky River Resort, $10. The host told me that the three year plan is to have all sites set up for water and electric, with a dump station at the top of the hill. I’m staying here 5 days, spot #4, and the campground hosts are a nice couple. I’d recommend it.
GuidePROS- First the floating was excellent on the northfolk River. Great wildlife along the way including cranes, turtles, ducks, fish. Fantastic on site restaurant with bar and grill that has Saturday karaoke and Friday live bands. The best showers with privacy and cleanliness. Has extras on site like cornhole, basketball, Foosball, and a pool table. The campsites were large. The tent sites were shady and grassy with even ground and near the river. CONS- The RV sites have zero shade and very little grass so it's mostly clay mud on the ground, which would have been fine but since it rained it made a giant mud soup mess. The cost is higher than the recreation government sites online for camping.
Legend
We stopped for 1 night on the way to Wyoming it is way off the beaten path but what a nice campground. The owners were selling it when we were there they had it a long time. The Pool was so cool and refreshing and no one was there. There's nothing around there so come prepared. There are rolling hills, narrow road and paved.
We almost had the place to ourselves so quiet and well maintained.
FEATURES AND SERVICES: Large, Clean Sites Full Hookups Pull-thrus and Back-ins 20, 30, and 50 AMP Mostly Shaded Picnic Tables Tent Sites 17 Sites and a Library.
Clean Restrooms Laundry Modem Hookup and Fax Service In Ground Pool Playground Shuffleboard and Horseshoes Catch and Release Pond Fishing Animal Friendly People Friendly Recreation Hall Recreation Room.
Guide
We've stayed here for 3 of our Current River float trips. I LOVE THIS CAMPGROUND!! The tent sites are great, the ground is wonderful and not rocky. It's very well maintained. The little store where you check in is so convenient for anything you may have forgotten...and the staff is friendly and helpful!! You can even have pizza delivered to your site, and are within walking distance to an ice cream shop, yet you don't feel like you're out of town. It's right on the river and next to the float check in area. The bathrooms and showers are clean. There is just so much convenience it's crazy. And the absolute best is that there is campground karaoke on Saturday nights when the sun goes down!! I love how that gets the campground to gather and have some fun together! I honestly wish I could live here for the summer.
Legend
From Thayer Missouri travel on MO 142 east, turn onto MO V for several miles and look for the Fourche Lake sign on the right, immediate turn to the right. No more than a couple of miles down a well maintained gravel road you will see a boat launch. The road will bear to the left and maybe a tenth of a mile you will see the first campsite. Total peace and tranquility will invade your senses and take over your being.
At Fourche Lake you will find dispersed camping at it's best. A well maintained pit toilet with toilet tissue and a fishing dock. The fishing dock is handicap accessible along with a small day use area with a picnic table but no camping in that small area. The pit toilet is handicap accessible. There are suppose to be six camping sites but we could only work out three. Picnic table, fire pit, no water, electric or trash service. Our fire pit had burned items that do not burn. Please people PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT.
On a calm day you will have wonderful photo ops of a mirror image on the lake. The trees surrounding Fourche Lake provide a beautiful backdrop of perfection. This is a very small campsite and for most of our stay we were the only ones there. Fishermen would come and go and anyone who did camp was very quiet. Boating in the lake is by paddle or electric motor only.
Bring all your camping supplies with you otherwise you will have at least a thirty minute or longer trip in front of you. Remember this roads are narrow, curvy, and hilly. Typical back roads in the Ozarks. If you do need anything when you drive back to the highway turn right and just a matter of a few miles you will find a service station and they might have what you need. They also have gas at a reasonable price considering you are in RURAL Missouri.
If you plan to go fishing make sure you have your license because even if this is a dispersed site we saw a ranger at least once every day. If fishing you will find catfish, bass and panfish. Good luck. BTW swimming is allowed.
The grass was freshly mowed and smelled wonderful. No mosquitoes, flies, tick or chiggers, course we stayed out of the woods. Do not know if that is the norm or we were just lucky. If you hope to use solar and need to recharge the site next to the pit toilet at the round about will give you some sun No trails to be found.
The closest actual town would be Doniphan, Missouri. Check out Doniphan if you are able to pull yourself away from the lake. It is an older Ozark town and the courthouse with its old jail on the ground floor is rather interesting. You will also find a great tubing and or kayaking river. There is a vendor that will rent kayaks or tubes and shuttle you up the river so you can have an amazing time. Pack a lunch and hang out on one of the gravel bars along the river.
I listed that this could be a group site and pull through area because the first campsite has it's own road and is a large site. Easy for more than one rig.
TravelerPretty 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.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Sullana Farm has a great remote location for campers looking to pitch a tent or even bring the RV in. Check them out and share some pics on the Dyrt!
Scout
Great place to take the family. Water hook ups , electric , dumping station . Camp in tents , rvs. No pets. Camping along the Spring river with excellent waterfront views. Small store on the campground for necessities and close enough to local shopping in town.
Ranger
On North Fork river, open sites w fire pits. Best for tents n small rigs, vault toilets. No other facilities, river is popular for water activities, kayaking, canoe, river trips fishing.
Traveler
Very busy place in the prime time (literally memorial day - labor day busy). Big stop for the college kids and younger groups but was still nice. Has a store, canoe/raft/kayak rentals, tent and camper spots, fire wood. Can be load cause of the parties. Still recommend it
RangerThis place has some amenities, and a very friendly staff that help upkeep the area very well. I really loved how the river was just a short trot away from the tent
TravelerNice place but he's a little high on price for electric only hookups. Tent is $10 a night and $5 a head. Camper/rv is $15 a night + $15 a night for electric and $5 a head. But its right on spring River and has a brand new boat ramp.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're excited to welcome Harmony Hill to our platform. If you're seeking an off-grid camping experience, this is the place for you! Grab you tent, bring your RV, or rent the cabin, then settle in for a night under the stars. Check them out and post some pictures here!
Legend
I would not suggest this place. We looked at the site and decided not somewhere we wanted to camp. The "lake" looked sickly, with brown foam looking stuff floating on top. The fish were alive and maybe it's a Missouri thing I'm not familiar with. The sites were primitive and maintained.
RangerLoved this campground. Some curvey roads to get to it. Has historic mill and plenty of river places to fish and play. Canoe floats available. We had several family’s camping and had taken almost a whole loop. We had everything from tent campers to large motor homes. Great fun !
RangerFantastic campground. Had all porta potties. Bathrooms were being rebuilt over half were done. Float trip start point for one company. Great water and amazing water. Red wheelhouse on campus is breathtaking. A must visit in Missouri.
Scout
THis is a great campground that is federally taken care of. The ranger come by every evening to check on all campers. Has all the amenities you would need with a camp store within walking distance. Right by the river. Make sure to place your tent on high grounds if rain is in the forecast. Flooding happens a lot.
Tent camping near Thayer, Missouri offers a variety of scenic locations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from river access to beautiful springs, there's something for everyone.
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