Best Dog-Friendly Camping near West Plains, MO

We stayed at this campground 1 night on our way between COVID-19 quarantine locations.  We found the park easy to navigate (no tight turns).  Large semi paved spaces (I say semi paved because the concrete pads were crumbling at least in our spot).  Good separation between sites with picnic tables, no shade but they do have a dog park.  Hookups were easy to reach and appeared to be in good repair.  Decent water pressure.  Many of the spaces were permanent campers or long term workers but it felt safe and appeared well maintained.

This is probably an excellent site in spring or fall. However summertime is hot at the site because of the lack of shade trees. Site 15 is by the water and has a large area for dogs or family. There is a staircase down to the water next to site 8. The fishing is good. It’s a pet friendly site however if your dogs bark neighbors will complain. The manager is friendly. They do not have trash pick up service; you just take your trash to a dumpster at the end of the camp, which is not a big deal. No grill available but has picnic tables and fire ring. WI-FI aid very good.

This is a great state park. Sites are level and have cement pads with full hookups. Not much shade now but they have planted trees between sites. Bathrooms are clean. There is also a lodge with store and restaurant just down the street. There are cabins there that can be rented also. And the real treat is the wild horses. Came right up to our site - but please do not feed or try to pet. The rangers will have to move them if they get to used to people.

Also local river rafting companies will pick you up at your site

My wife and I camped here for four nights. Overall it was nice, but there were some things that I wish we knew. The location is great in the sense that it’s easy to get to and it’s laid out well. Unfortunately, it’s directly under an overpass and it is loud- loud enough that I used ear plugs at night.

It’s located on the White river and has a very nice gravel boat ramp, which is a big positive. It also has fishing access during low water.

The WiFi is excellent and the staff are super helpful and friendly.

The biggest plus for us is the bathrooms were among the best that we have found. They’re clean and fairly new.

There is plenty of property to walk and they were very pet friendly. It looks like many of the guests are long term residents.

Echo Bluff State Park in Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Eminence, MO is a brand new “old camp”. 

Opened in 2016 the history is rather interesting. From 1929 until the 1980s, Camp Zoe was a children’s summer camp, founded by Russell S. and Margaret McMahan Louis County teachers. There is one of the structures still on site with plaques and information. More recently, it was home to music festivals — and an open-air drug market. I didn’t find any plaques in relation to that. However when the government gained control of the land in a court proceeding it was decided to bring more business into Shannon County by opening a very nice campground for people not wanting to rough it. 

And “BAM” you have very pricey accommodations from lodge rooms, to cabins and two story condos. The campground is pretty nice too but lacking in shade and privacy. There are walk-in (uphill) sites and nice wagons provided to transport your gear. Not my favorite style of camping. Completely full and busy, which is why it got a 4 instead of 5 star. This may be your type of camping and you would say a 5 star. Reserve ahead, I mean way ahead.

There is a huge pavilion that can be reserved that overlooks the area. It has a large fire pit and mega size grill, one of the trails meanders below the pavilion. This would be a nice venue for an extended family get together.

This is a very nice, new, recreation creation. The playground was given two thumbs up by my granddaughter. Then the river, which you can see from the lodge and playground was given 12 paws and 2 thumbs by dogs and grandkids alike. Crystal clear ice cold water that you can walk across to the sheer wall of rock. Bring your water shoes, the rocks aren’t fun to walk on.

A very cool feature , if you are lucky , you will see the wild horses that roam the area. They are not for petting, so use caution. 

Aside from the abundance of people we enjoyed Echo Bluff SP.

$10 per night, firewood, ice, and more amenities on site.  The owner is so nice.  His dog Lil' Dan also slept with me.  There is a horse next to the camp sites and it's just so beautiful.  Float launches from the campground, so convenient.  Close to Grand Gulf, Greer Spring, Mammoth Spring, and right on beautiful highway 19.  I will be back soon!

We stayed in 2 spots. The first one was beautiful and not much traffic. The next 3 nights, we felt like we on a highway. We also had people walk right through our camp on more than one occasion to walk their dog then left their waste. And no sewer hook up, cell service, wifi or TV.

We stayed here to utilize their shuttle services for kayaking the 11 point. It was the week before the Memorial Day holiday and we had the place to ourselves! There are bathrooms available and hot showers, awesome people to chat with and a cool dog named Dan. We stayed in the primitive camping section but were informed there are also cabins available. Our site was just what we needed with a Rim fire pit and a couple of picnic tables. Richards definitely catered to us as we decided at the last minute to take another float and they jumped right in and made it happen for us. The convince of having your own vehicle waiting for you after a long day of floating is worth every dime you pay for it! I would highly recommend Richards for their shuttle services and camping area.

I was able to get my 28' trailer in site 37 and managed to level it. There's a sign to keep car tires on pavement, but I wasn't able to and parked the Jeep on the grass next to the trailer. Unlike other sites at this campground, this site did not need stairs to get to the fire pit or picnic table; they were right outside the door. The fire pit was clean and I used the grill box everyday to cook all the meals. The weather was too hot to use the entire fire pit for a large fire.

Unfortunately, my view from the fire pit was of the shower building and watching people go in and out at the end of the day.

I have solar panels mounted on top and the large shading tree kept them from charging the batteries, but shaded the site very well. This made me look for portable panels after I got home. The lower branches should be trimmed to avoid damage to taller trailers. The branches barely cleared mine.

The ground is rocky and bent my flimsy tarp stakes. This made me look for better stakes when I got home. Haha.

The dump station is at the entrance to the campground and there were two issues with getting fresh water. The fresh water tower had the elbow nozzle and I couldn't get it unscrewed to put my hose on. To fill up using the elbow nozzle and trailer's gravity fill port meant parking the trailer in the exit lane. Not knowing what to do, I proceeded to site 37. There is water near the shower building and thankfully my three hoses spanned the length and was able to fill up while parked in the site. When dumping on the way out, there was no issue with unscrewing the other non-potable water tower's elbow nozzle and putting my own hose on to flush the tank. Maybe I wasn't strong enough to remove the fresh water tower's nozzle.

The host was really nice and so were the park rangers.

No signs about generators; I used mine during the day. I didn't hear anyone else using one though and felt guilty. Heard lots of music and barking dogs so not too guilty.

The river is awesome, cold, and a highlight of the campground. People take their dogs and chairs to the bank and I'm sure they love it, but it's a busy bank with boaters and not a lot of room to separate from others. Instead, we waded to the center of the river, and after several minutes of getting used to the cold water, sat in the rushing water. It was great and the noise of the rushing water around us drowned (haha) out the barking dogs and peoples' conversations on the bank.

The walk on the trail and across the bridge to the country store was nice and took 15 minutes. Worth the walk for wifi and ice cream. The trail to the store is not marked well but figured it out.

I will go back, but choosing a different site.

This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. Rv sites are all full 30/50 amp with water and sewer. All spots have plenty of room but are back in. The pads are perfectly level and are concrete. Camp hosts are helpful and kind. The lodge is in walking distance and offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The food is pretty good also! They offer inside dining but the best place to eat and enjoy the outdoors is on their huge deck. Wonderful place all around and Missouri really has done this one the right way!

Fantastic 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.

I took the day off on Friday so we could have a full weekend of camping. We originally planned to go to Buffalo River in Arkansas, but there was a lot of rain in the area so we decided to check out Echo Bluff State Park instead.

I’m glad we did! It was beautiful and our campsite 🏕️ was perfect. There was a wooden platform that kept us drier than we might have been when it rained Saturday night and some water got in a few of the seams of our tent 😅

We tried to catch some fish in Sinkin’ Creek Friday and Saturday but no luck. The cool water felt wonderful both days but chasing away the copperheads 🐍 Saturday that were likely scaring away the fish 🐟 was so not fun 😂 neither was finding a tick on my arm but we found it soon enough to get it off without issue. We also successfully avoided all the poison ivy 🌱

Bf made some delicious steaks 🥩(as always 🤤) hot dogs 🌭, sausages and bacon 🥓

I don’t know where we’ll go next but I know it will be just as fun! And despite everything, we plan to return here at some point soon!!!

Also there is WiFi in the rv area and at the lodge. Otherwise absolutely no service for ATT or Verizon and I would imagine several others

Missouris newest state park was a huge disappointment. The campground is void of all trees!! in the summer there would not relief from the sun if you were in a tent. The facilities are top notch but it does not make up for the campground.

Echo Bluff State Park is nestled in the heart of Missouri's Ozarks. This natural haven offers a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The park boasts a stunning blend of scenic beauty, recreational activities, and comfortable amenities.

The first thing that strikes you about Echo Bluff State Park is its breathtaking natural beauty. The towering bluffs, dense forests, and the pristine Sinking Creek that meanders through the park create a picturesque landscape that's a joy to explore. Hiking trails like the Signal Hill Trail and Current River Trail offer hikers stunning vistas and the chance to encounter local wildlife.

For those looking to relax, the park offers a range of options. The modern campground facilities are well-maintained and provide all the comforts of home, while the cozy cabins offer a rustic yet comfortable escape. The Echo Bluff Lodge is a standout feature, offering a beautiful setting for meals and relaxation with its panoramic views of the park.

One of the highlights of Echo Bluff State Park is its accessibility to the Current River. Canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are popular activities, and the park provides easy access to the river. It's also a designated Missouri Trout Park, making it a paradise for anglers.

In conclusion, Echo Bluff State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful getaway. Its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and comfortable accommodations make it a must-visit destination in Missouri. Whether you're an avid hiker, a water sports enthusiast, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, Echo Bluff has something to offer everyone.

This is on the Jacks Fork River, blue green crystal clear water, vault toilets only, in October after closing can be solo camping.           Long beautiful drive in, narrow road would not reccomend for motorhome over 20' or any large camper as there is no backing up or turn arounds. 

Shannon County, Missouri Address: Birch Tree, MO 65438 Phone:(573) 323-4236

Free in off season

If you’re traveling through southern Missouri and looking for a park to stay in, this is a great choice! Right off the interstate and easy to get in to. Site are graveled and level, and most are full hookups. The majority also have picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of potty spots for the babies scattered throughout the park and a 25 acre trail area. John, the owner, is a great guy! Friendly and welcoming, he keeps the park well maintained. Will definitely be using again!

Excellent park for trout fishing in Missouri. Camping available from March through October, when trout are stocked daily and available to keep a limit of four per person per day. Well-maintained sites are subject to flash-flooding during heavy rain. Shower and bath houses are decent. Park has privately owned lodge with store, restaurant and motel rooms and free Wifi. Beautiful scenery along spring-fed river.

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. All locations looked similar. The grounds were well kept and all the folks working their we’re courteous, knowledgeable, and helpful. Very short drive to get to the spring & mill. Wouldn’t call it a “hike” but a very nice path to take a stroll on a loop at the mill. Highly recommend.

This place literally has everything you can want from walk in tent sites to an entire lodge with all the amenities. Campsites are all well manicured and offer everything from basic sites to full RV hook ups. The only negative is that we have experienced are that you need to reserve your side months in advance because this campground is so popular. And the only other negative is that all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade. But other than that it’s easy to see why the state park is a perfect representation of how much pride Missouri takes in its conservation and park system.

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.