Best Campgrounds near Van Buren, MO

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Van Buren. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Missouri camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Van Buren, Missouri (146)

    1. Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    23 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $20 - $140 / night

    "Big Spring Campgrounds near Van Buren, MO is still being renovated after the flood in 2017.

    That being said porta pots are in evidence but they were clean. The showerhouse is crowded and old."

    "For Labor Day we stayed at Big Spring State Park CG, near Van Buren, Missouri which is part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. "

    2. Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    15 Reviews
    Ellsinore, MO
    14 miles

    $15 - $25 / night

    "Stopped here while passing through Missouri on a Saturday on 4th of July weekend and there were only 3 other campers when we arrived late afternoon."

    "Just off highway, it is dispersed camping in a park that no longer charges, blacktop pad, lantern hook, picnic table, fire ring w cooking grate at ea site, vault toilets."

    3. Log Yard Campground Backcountry Camping — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    8 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    9 miles

    "This area has access to the shores of the current river. No campsites, just the open rocky shores. You can park right on the shores and set up camp. Beware!"

    "This site was a fantastic spot hidden pretty far off the beaten path. We had to fjord an overflowing stream that went across the road but didn’t have any trouble in our Jeep Wrangler."

    4. Ozark Riverfront Campground

    5 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (573) 351-8349

    "Right off the Current River, walking distant to downtown Van Buren."

    "****Van Buren, MO is in the midst of to the Ozark National Scenic Riverway."

    5. Watercress

    2 Reviews
    Van Buren, MO
    1 mile
    Website

    $10 - $25 / night

    "Sweet place to camp and so close to the river. My kids and I loved it! Comfortable ,but no RV hook ups."

    6. Alley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    28 Reviews
    Eminence, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-4236

    $20 - $140 / night

    "Chose this location to be our hub while completing a Missouri springs tour. Visited 8 springs in total. Checked out the camping facilities at every spring that offered camping."

    "At this campground you have walking distance access to the river and a rental place nearby. Check out the Alley Mill while your there."

    7. Current River Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Doniphan, MO
    15 miles

    "Water moves a bit faster than most of the floating rivers/creeks in Missouri. Expect about 3-3.5 mph. Plenty of places to disperse camp between Tan Vat, down to Two Rivers Landing."

    "The water was crystal clear, and the surrounding nature was breathtaking. We encountered some gentle rapids, which added a thrill to the journey without being too challenging for novices like us."

    8. Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Patterson, MO
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 856-4411

    "State Park in Southeast Missouri along Big Creek. Well maintained campsites with electric hook ups. Water and dump stations, but no water hook up sites."

    "Shower houses were conveniently located in camping area. Big River was just a small walk away from the campsite. I know they had been flooded, but I am still cleaning rocks and dirt from the camper."

    9. Current River Campground

    1 Review
    Van Buren, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (573) 323-8612
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Showing results 1-10 of 146 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Van Buren, MO

626 Reviews of 146 Van Buren Campgrounds



Guide to Van Buren

Camping near Van Buren, Missouri, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful landscapes and various campgrounds, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around Echo Bluff State Park. One visitor mentioned, "The hiking trails like the Signal Hill Trail offer stunning vistas and the chance to encounter local wildlife."
  • Fishing: The Montauk State Park Campground is known for its excellent trout fishing. A camper shared, "This place is perfect for easy stream and running water fishing."
  • Canoeing and Kayaking: The Current River is a popular spot for water activities. One review noted, "Big Spring is a great, quiet spot to take in some hiking with access to the Current River."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A review for Sam A. Baker State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms were clean, roads were well maintained, and the signs were very clear."
  • Secluded Camping: Many enjoy the peacefulness of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground. One camper said, "Very nice secluded camping. Only a handful of other campers at the site."
  • Wildlife: Campers love spotting wildlife. A visitor at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park mentioned, "We even had a deer run through our campsite while we sat fireside!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground noted, "You are off grid in this park with Verizon or T-Mobile."
  • No Showers at Some Sites: Not all campgrounds offer shower facilities. A review for Alley Spring Campground mentioned, "Showers were a little far from our loop."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Silver Mines advised, "Reservations recommended, especially on weekends."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with shallow water areas. A family at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground said, "The water is slow and shallow enough in tons of places for littles."
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some areas have limited cell service, pack games or books. A camper at Montauk State Park Campground suggested, "If you want to have any entertainment, BRING DVDs."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Pinewoods Lake Rec Area noted, "The only complaint would be the enormous amount of bugs."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have smaller sites. A review for Big Spring Campground mentioned, "Nice paved site a bit on the small side."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Many campgrounds don’t provide firewood. A camper at Red Bluff Campground advised, "Bring your own firewood."
  • Use Dump Stations: Make sure to locate dump stations before your trip. A visitor at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground mentioned, "There was a dump station in loop 4."

Camping around Van Buren, MO, has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, you’ll find it here!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Van Buren, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Van Buren, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 146 campgrounds and RV parks near Van Buren, MO and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Van Buren, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Van Buren, MO is Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway with a 4.4-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Van Buren, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Van Buren, MO.

What parks are near Van Buren, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Van Buren, MO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.