1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campsites near Van Buren, Missouri range from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites, with several options along the Current River and within the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. Roberts Field Backcountry Camping offers walk-in tent sites accessible by boat or on foot, while Gooseneck/Hawes Backcountry Camping provides tent-only options directly in Van Buren. The nearby Turner's Mill campground features tent sites with picnic tables and toilet facilities, making it suitable for campers seeking basic amenities.
Most tent camping areas provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Vault toilets are available at established sites like Turner's Mill and Whitten River Access, while backcountry locations typically lack facilities altogether. Campers should bring water purification equipment, as drinking water is limited or unavailable at most primitive tent sites. The terrain consists primarily of forested areas with varying ground conditions—some sites feature level tent pads while others require careful placement to avoid rocks and roots. Access roads to many tent campgrounds are unpaved gravel, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles or short hikes from parking areas.
Areas along the Eleven Point River offer tent campers excellent water access combined with relative seclusion. The Irish Wilderness provides more remote tent camping experiences with opportunities for multi-day backpacking trips through the 20-mile Whites Creek Loop. Tent sites at Whitten River Access are particularly popular with kayakers and anglers seeking direct river access. A visitor commented that "The Eleven Point River is beautiful and cold. Some of the best outdoor fun for adventurous people." Many tent campsites in the region remain uncrowded except during peak summer weekends, allowing for peaceful camping experiences surrounded by the Ozark forest. Fall camping is especially rewarding, with cooler temperatures and colorful foliage enhancing the tent camping experience.
"She just wasn't there when we arrived, and we had a hard time determining property boundaries, tent site locations, etc. on our own."
"Firewood is sold on site as well."
from $15 - $30 / night
"I grew up going here and it is great , there is great trout fishing and several real good swing holes the campsites are right beside the river which is really nice , the only issue is the restroom is a"
"River access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!"
"We had a local with his hounds running around with a flashlight looking up trees for about an hour around 9PM. I'm guessing he was raccoon hunting...?"
"Totally alone with a gorgeous lake."
"Several dedicated camp sites that each have fire ring, shepherds hook, picnic table. There is one pit toilet building."
"Great place to go primitive if the weather is right and no matter the weather, the water is beautiful. Our favorite time to go is in the fall when the leaves begin to change."
"Plan around hitting the two springs on both legs of the 20 mile loop. car camping available at the camp 5 pond trailhead (no water available). BRING A GPS!"
"There's a vault toilet. It's otherwise primitive camping. Our group kayaks in during trout fishing trips and have never had a problem finding a place to camp."
"No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough."
"This is a very remote primitive campsite along the river and down seven and a half miles rough gravel roads. Site has access to the river and pit toilets. No other services are provided."
from $5 / night
GuideIt's off grid, quiet, and free. Not many spots and it looked like a couple of people had been there a while but everyone kept to themselves and I got a good night's sleep. This isn't luxury and there are no hookups. It's a great getaway for some solitude and to untether from the rest of the world.
TravelerTent to electric to full hookups available. multiple shower toilet facilities throughout campground. All sites with nice concrete parking pad.
ScoutWe stayed at Broken Arrow Campground in Eminence, MO just after peak season. This location was perfect due to the fact we were kayaking about 7 miles of the Jacks Fork River. We started at Alley Springs and pulled out at Broken Arrow Campground.
The campground could use some TLC, but you can quickly tell by the cheaper rates that it is more of a party campground in the summer months. The bathrooms work (bring your own TP), electric and water worked, and the sites have plenty of shade. There are a few walnut trees so be careful where you set your camp in the early fall months.
Is the place a little rough? sure, but it's priced reasonably...and you're camping. We will stay here again.
TravelerThe camp sites are full hook up with good size lots. Lots of room for dogs to run. They have hiking trails, lake for paddle boarding or kayaks( free to use on site), mini golf( have to supply own balls they have putters) 9 hole golf course,and Disc golf. The pool and shower house with game rooms are clean and showers open 24/7. Grounds keepers go a fantastic job
GuideIf you want to do some stargazing, you cannot find a much better place in Missouri than the Power Mill Campground. It is an NPS site so it very well maintained. We had a spot on the river side of the road but, since there are only eight spots in the whole campground, there is not a bad place to stay. No shade but easy river access. At night, you get the Milky Way and a zillion stars.
GuideGreat site. Loved the bike path to the shut-ins. Hosts were awesome. Camp store had lots!!!
GuideWe reserved space A14 which is described at 55' length. Our rig is 36' and we could not fit. The host did find us another GREAT, even better spot. Enjoyed our stay, 2 nights. Wish it had water hookup, we may have stayed longer. The views are out of this world. The camp host was wonderful. Very accommodating. Hopefully they update the site details on site A14
ScoutThis campground is very well maintained right off of Current River, with all the basic amenities like restrooms and showers. There are non-electric sites that are cheaper or electrical sites that cost a little more. I really enjoyed my visit!
ScoutOnly 1 other camper here on a Tuesday night. Wonderfully peaceful with a view of the lake. Most sites have electricity and can fit an rv. Restrooms and shower house are very clean.
Tent campers visiting Van Buren, Missouri can explore diverse camping options throughout the Ozark Highlands. This region features elevations ranging between 600-1,000 feet with predominantly oak-hickory forests covering the hillsides. The area experiences relatively mild winters and humid summers, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable camping conditions. Most primitive sites lack cell service, so preparation is essential.
Explore springs and mills: Turner's Mill offers excellent access to natural springs and historical structures. One camper noted, "Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!" The site provides a combination of natural beauty and historical interest.
Fish for trout: McCormack Lake Rec Area offers solid fishing opportunities. A visitor mentioned it's "A really nice place to go hang out" with "great fishing." The lake provides a peaceful setting for anglers of all skill levels.
Backpacking adventures: The Irish Wilderness features extensive trail systems for overnight hikers. A camper advised, "Plan around hitting the two springs on both legs of the 20 mile loop. BRING A GPS! The trail is very easy to lose and after 20+ miles you'll want the comfort of knowing where you have been/are going!"
Riverside camping: The proximity to clear, cool rivers draws many visitors. At Boze Mill Float Camp, one camper shared, "Great place to go primitive if the weather is right and no matter the weather, the water is beautiful. Our favorite time to go is in the fall when the leaves begin to change."
Solitude on weekdays: Many sites offer peaceful experiences outside peak periods. At Jerktail Landing, a visitor observed it's "Very quiet and lightly used on weekdays but can get a bit busy on Friday and Saturday nights." This pattern holds true across many local camping areas.
Natural swimming opportunities: The cold, clear rivers provide refreshing swimming spots during hot weather. A Turner's Mill camper reported, "The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in. Great spot if you are in the area."
Limited facilities: Most sites offer minimal amenities. At Whitten River Access, a camper described it as having "river access via a boat ramp and 'dock'. There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for RVs. It's otherwise primitive camping."
Road conditions: Access roads can be challenging, especially for larger vehicles. At Whitten River Access, a visitor warned, "The road in is rough gravel and a big RV will be slow going."
Wildlife encounters: Local camping areas feature active wildlife. At Four Creeks Ranch, a camper mentioned the "dogs are friendly and IMO a good addition to make the place feel comfortable." Always store food properly to avoid attracting wild animals.
Check water levels: River conditions can change quickly in this region. For kayaking families at Four Creeks Ranch Campground, a visitor noted, "The river is beautiful. Great place to go hopping and find some cool rocks."
Bring insect protection: Bug activity can be significant in warmer months. One Eleven Point River camper reported, "I always get eaten up by mosquitos in this area."
Consider off-grid training: These sites provide good introductory wilderness experiences. A camper at Four Creeks Ranch observed it's "a good place if you're new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society."
Size restrictions: Large RVs face limitations at most sites. At Jerktail Landing, a visitor cautioned, "Probably not a good idea to try to bring large camping units to this site. It is a facility of the National Park Service and has a $5 nightly fee with half off for holders of senior passes."
Site selection: Finding level ground can be challenging. At Whitten River Access, a winter camper noted, "Found a level spot by the river, ground was frozen or it would have been muddy."
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations can be significant. The same winter camper at Whitten River Access reported, "No one around on this 5 degrees F night. Access road is steep but not rough."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Van Buren, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Van Buren, MO is Four Creeks Ranch Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Van Buren, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Van Buren, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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