Tent camping near Cadet, Missouri occurs in the heavily forested eastern Ozark highlands where elevations range between 700-1,200 feet. The region receives approximately 44 inches of annual rainfall, creating numerous clear creeks and streams that flow through the camping areas. Most tent sites in this region feature natural forest floor surfaces with variable terrain that can become muddy after rain.
What to do
Hiking Berryman Trail: The 24-mile Berryman Trail loop connects to multiple camping areas and offers moderate to difficult terrain. At Brazil Creek Recreation Area, one camper shared that the campsite is "along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail" and noted "the camp is right by the creek which is ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in."
Explore Missouri's highest point: Located approximately 35 miles southeast of Cadet, Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground offers access to several notable trails. A visitor reported, "Hike the tallest mountain in MO, not a long hike. Endless green rolling vistas! Also had deer at our tent." Another camper mentioned the "trail options are either a short loop or a loooong out and back along the famous Ozark Trail."
Creek fishing: Multiple stream access points provide fishing opportunities. At Courtois Creek Dispersed camping area, a visitor observed "the water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing" and mentioned that "the dogs got to run and swim" during their stay. Some campsites offer direct access to streams containing various fish species.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Many campers appreciate the genuine isolation available at these primitive sites. At Courtois Creek Dispersed, a camper wrote that they "arrived on Wednesday and camped for a couple of days, very beautiful and peaceful and just gorgeous, no toilets and no electricity and no cell signal but it was amazing."
Clear water access: The streams and creeks offer refreshing opportunities during warmer months. A Brazil Creek visitor mentioned there is "beautiful clear water creek runs directly behind this 'pull off' campground" and that "the creek which is ice cold" provides relief for hikers and backpackers.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Peter Cave Hollow Creek reported that "it was nice having a solid water source next to the campsite and someone hauled in some chairs which made it nice as well." The primitive nature of these sites means minimal artificial lighting affects the night sky.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Cell service is extremely limited throughout the region, requiring alternative navigation methods. A Brazil Creek camper advised: "have your map to get there, because it's easy if you do. Your phone will not get you there."
Variable road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping areas often require careful navigation. At Ottery Creek Primitive Campground, a visitor noted this is "one of my favorite campsites on the trail. It is right next to the trailhead and can be accessed by a short hike from the parking lot." Some areas require high-clearance vehicles during wet conditions.
Weather preparedness: The Ozark region experiences unpredictable weather patterns. One camper at Peter Cave Hollow Creek shared, "The weather in the Ozarks can be unpredictable. We were expecting temperatures in the 50's to 60's and ended up getting snowed on several days. It slowed us down tremendously."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for comfort: Choose established campgrounds for easier family camping. Padfield Branch Primitive Campground offers an interesting experience as one visitor noted: "It has a natural spring that feeds one creek with another creek running separately on the other side. There is also some old remnants of what used to be a living quarters for someone who lived in the woods."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area hosts diverse wildlife watching opportunities. A camper at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park reported "had deer at our tent" and the primitive setting increases chances for wildlife encounters at dawn and dusk.
Pack all essentials: No convenience stores exist near most camping areas. A Brazil Creek visitor warned that this is "a bare bones campground, located in Mark Twain National Forest, it has a place for you to camp and a fire pit, that's not it. No facilities, no water, no bathroom, no lights."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Most areas near Cadet are tent-only with few RV accommodations. Klondike Park offers some of the closest RV-compatible sites, though a camper noted "campsites are walk in, but a short walk. Some are more private and shaded than others."
Access road considerations: Many forest service roads have narrow passages and tight turns. A Courtois Creek camper observed "the road to get there isn't a road so much as a ATV trail" although another visitor countered that "I drive a Toyota Highlander and I did the road with no problem...There was 1 big puddle and 1 sharp rocky turn that I just went slow through."
Site spacing awareness: When RV camping is available, site proximity varies significantly. At Klondike Park, a visitor mentioned that "campsites are pretty close to each other is the only downfall" but "the views make up for that."
