D
David B.
Traveler
Travelerlittle lost creek
Nice quite little place. Few hikers walk on the outskirts of you site, but nice about it! Noisey road! More traffic than you’d think! Open skies, beautiful place! They give you a map here also.
Tent Camping near Wappapello Lake, MO
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Tent camping opportunities in the Mark Twain National Forest near Wappapello Lake, Missouri include both primitive and established sites with varying levels of amenities. Courtois Creek Dispersed and Brazil Creek Recreation Area offer tent-friendly sites with more rustic, natural settings. Both locations provide direct access to creeks for water activities and fishing while maintaining a wilderness experience.
Road conditions vary significantly when accessing primitive tent sites, particularly at Courtois Creek Dispersed where high-clearance vehicles are recommended. As one camper noted, "The road to get there isn't a road so much as an ATV trail." Most tent-only areas lack drinking water, electricity, and modern facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies including water and waste disposal tools. Brazil Creek features minimal amenities with just one designated fire ring and picnic table, though visitors have created additional rock fire rings throughout the camping area.
The tent camping experience at these locations emphasizes natural immersion and solitude. Brazil Creek offers proximity to both the Ozark and Berryman trails, making it ideal for hikers and backpackers seeking tent sites with trail access. Visitors at Courtois Creek enjoy a scenic creekside setting with opportunities for swimming and fishing right from camp. A reviewer described the area as "Very scenic and beautiful right on the river." Many tent sites feature level ground for pitching tents with tree cover for shade and hammock options. While these primitive areas lack modern amenities, they provide authentic outdoor experiences away from crowds, though campers should be prepared for limited or no cell service in these remote tent campgrounds.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Wappapello Lake (21)
1. Brazil Creek
"This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail."
"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 it. No facilities, no water, no bathroom, no lights."
2. Klondike Park
"There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings."
"A few drive up sites and lots of hike in spots around a quarry turned lake. Beautiful and clean setting. We stayed in site 24. There were picnic tables and a fire pit at our site."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 - $65 / night
3. Old Cove
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $75 / night
4. Courtois Creek Dispersed
"We 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"
"Puddles that could be who know how deep or what's in them (I may be the red flag here)."
5. Hagood Farm and Trails
Check Availabilityfrom $27 - $35 / night
6. St. Charles County Klondike Park
"The campground is located in a gym of a park located along the Missouri River. Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park."
"Stayed at a walk-in site for a night and enjoyed it. Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped."
7. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground
"It only has about 12 basic tent campsites, no water or electrical at the sites. The campsites were nicely spaced, most have a lot of shade, each has a picnic table and a place to make a fire."
"It is only tent sites, no RV's, campers or pop ups. I prefer setting up my tent and sleeping under the stars so I loved camping here."
8. Panther Branch Primitive Campground
9. Telleck Branch Primitive Campground
10. Fredericksburg Ferry Access
"Drive was safe in our heavy converted camper van. No off road vehicle or AWD needed. Ground is very level and not super rocky so this is a great site for tents."
Drive Time
- 57 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 39 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 1 hr 53 min from Columbia, MO
- 1 hr 55 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wappapello Lake
21 Photos of 21 Wappapello Lake Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Wappapello Lake
733 Reviews of 21 Wappapello Lake Campgrounds
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Patty F.TravelerHummingbird Hollow Outdoors Farm Sanctuary
It’s fun to see the animals. I was happy they have an outdoor shower because I needed it when I got here. I’d say the only down side is the animals roam so there is a lot of poop. Wouldn’t want to wander at night.
- DDavid B.Traveler
Daniel Boone Conservation Area
Pretty dirty from last people. Toilet paper everywhere. But it’s a quiet place to park for the night. Not recommending anything more than parking for the night.
Jamie S.
ScoutSundermeier RV Park
My favorite spot in all of St. Louis! The lady who is the owner and the front desk attendant are wonderful and I have never had a problem here with anything! Free WiFi, laundry, and a public shower and bathroom if needed! There’s also cool walking/biking trails and a park with a children’s playground as well! The gas station is also walking distance for any small necessities
- SShirley M.
GuideMeramec State Park Campground
It appears to be a typical state park. There are lots of old trees. Sites are pretty close together but it is late October so it is not crowded. Each spot has a level gravel spot, electrical hook up (some are 50 and others 30 and ours had a 110 plug in which is what we needed, as well as a picnic table, and a fire pit. There are both pit toilets and a large building that has flush toilets and showers. Everything is old and would benefit from a refresh but it was all clean enough for camping.
- RRaymond Z.Traveler
Johnson shut ins
Full range of sites and multiple hiking trails
Tent to electric to full hookups available. multiple shower toilet facilities throughout campground. All sites with nice concrete parking pad.
Juliana J.
RangerCourtois Creek Dispersed
Flawless Remote Camping
Yes, the road was a bit bumpy, but worth navigating if you can claim a spot. I scored what I would argue is the second best spot - right on the creek just feet from the flowing water. The spot to the right appeared larger and had a rope for the kids (and cool adults) to utilize for launching into the water. The family occupying this space was in ear shot, but I had total privacy aside from a couple groups checking out the the water during the day. The creek had super cool rocks and the water was perfect for casual wading, but too low to swim in the area I was in. No amenities nearby, so pack in and pack out. I did not have any Verizon coverage, so it was two full days of off-the-grid bliss. I would’ve stayed here a a few more days if I had prepared.
- GGary W.Scout
Dr. Edmond Babler State Park
Love MO state parks
Nice and easy. Good spacing between sites
- mmark F.Guide
Onondaga Cave State Park Campground
Peaceful and quiet
Quiet like the night. Clean well groomed spaces are about average size. Off season sure is nice.
Guide to Wappapello Lake
Tent camping near Wappapello Lake in Missouri offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed options available, campers can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and unwind.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Brazil Creek provides a peaceful setting with a picnic table and a metal fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings.
- Old Cove features group campsites equipped with a pavilion and picnic tables, making it ideal for larger gatherings.
- St. Charles County Klondike Park offers well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- At Hagood Farm and Trails, visitors can enjoy horseback riding along scenic trails, making it a great base for equestrian adventures.
- Adventure Outdoors provides access to relaxing float trips on nearby rivers, perfect for a fun day on the water.
- Lost Creek Conservation Area features hiking trails that lead to stunning views and natural beauty, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tent campers enjoy these local attractions
- Ottery Creek Primitive Campground is located near the Ozark Trail, offering excellent hiking opportunities and a chance to explore the area's diverse wildlife.
- Panther Branch Primitive Campground provides a serene environment close to a waterway, perfect for fishing and relaxing by the creek.
- Helds Island Access features a boat launch, making it easy for campers to enjoy water activities and explore the surrounding area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Wappapello Lake?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wappapello Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wappapello Lake is Brazil Creek with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Wappapello Lake?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Wappapello Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Wappapello Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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