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Best Tent Camping near Williamsville, MO

403 Reviews

Tent camping options near Williamsville, Missouri include several primitive sites within the Mark Twain National Forest and nearby state parks. Chaonia/Snow Creek offers basic tent sites with drinking water and toilet facilities, while Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground provides a more developed tent-only camping experience with 12 walk-in sites on Missouri's highest peak. Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm features 40 tent sites with amenities including drinking water, toilets, and designated areas for campfires.

Most tent campgrounds in the region operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-registration through an honor system. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offers only tent camping with no RVs or trailers permitted at the sites. Campsites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Vault toilets are common at established sites, while more remote backcountry areas require proper waste disposal practices. The primitive tent sites at Opossum Creek Campground have toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. During peak seasons, particularly weekends, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot at popular locations.

The backcountry tent camping experience in this region offers significant solitude and natural immersion. Sites at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park feature good spacing between campsites with ample tree cover providing shade and privacy. The terrain can be rocky and uneven, so careful tent placement is necessary. Many tent sites serve as excellent baselines for hiking, with direct access to trail networks including the Ozark Trail. A visitor commented that "the sites are all secluded from each other by trees and are very beautiful." Float camps along the Eleven Point River, such as Boze Mill Float Camp, provide unique tent camping opportunities with river access for swimming and fishing, though these primitive sites may require additional preparation for comfort.

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Best Tent Sites Near Williamsville, Missouri (28)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Williamsville, MO

13 Photos of 28 Williamsville Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Williamsville, MO

403 Reviews of 28 Williamsville Campgrounds

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Big Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway

    Memories of Days Gone By

    The people of Missouri gave a wonderful gift to the people of the United States.  A gift I did not know about or had never heard of till we made the decision to camp in Missouri.

    Big Springs was Missouri's first state park.  The CCC did a lot of construction on the park and so much of the buildings are still there.  In much need of repair and I do hope the federal government will restore.  Big Spring is off of Missouri Highway 160.  Turn onto State Route 103 to Big Spring.  The spring has a wheelchair accessible pathway that will lead right to the spring.

    The campground is large and open.  Tent sites along with with RV sites but the RV sites are small and very close together.  Some RV sites had electric but no water or sewer.  There is a dump site.  During the summer I think I would get a reservation for the RV sites if you need electric.  If you have the ability to generate your own electric stay in the open tent site area.  The tent site area is large and open to the sun.  Big Springs has flush toilets and hot showers.

    There are picnic areas with tables and grills scattered throughout the park along with two group shelters.

    The Ranger programs are well worth checking out.  Take advantage.

    The Current River makes a wonderful backdrop for nature lovers.  You have the options of hiking, biking, fishing, camping, floating, kayaking, and all sorts of boating with a ramp in the park.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It

  • S
    May. 26, 2022

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Dry camping dispersed NF campground

    There are 15 paved sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring and a pole to hang a lantern. Some sites are double width. There are two (nice & clean) vault toilets, one in the campground near the entrance and the other at the day use/boat launch site, no electric, water, dumpster or garbage. Pack it in and pack it out. There's a 1.3 mile paved trail along the lake and a dock. There is some noise from 60 but it's hardly noticeable. My time here has been quiet except for some drunken yahoos one night.

    The only negative is there are a lot of ticks! They are easy to spot on my white dog but I have to do a tick check every time he goes outside, and I always find some. Avoid the vegetation and you'll see less. Make sure you check yourself.

  • M
    Oct. 11, 2020

    Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

    Gorgeous in the Fall

    My group and I camped in two of the basic sites in Asher Creek campground and we couldn’t get enough of the front-row lake view! The sites closest to the lake are very level, and everyone in the campground is only a short walk from the cleanest park restrooms I’ve ever seen. If you’re like me and are just doing basic tent camping, I’d recommend a pop-up canopy for the table area since there is not a lot of tree cover in those sites. Overall, an excellent place to camp!

  • L
    Aug. 31, 2019

    Pinewoods Lake Rec Area — Mark Twain National Forest

    Peaceful

    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.

    There was a fire a few years ago so some burned out areas, lots of firewood, small lake for fishing no motorized boats, great hike/walk around lake.  There is a gas station/truck stop near.   Great stop to regroup on a long road trip.

  • Mike V.
    Aug. 3, 2016

    Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground

    Camping, hiking, sightseeing, & birding at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park in Missouri

    Gave this campground a 5-star rating, but it probably should only be a 4 star. 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. No trailers allowed at camp sites, just tents. There is one or two special-use camping areas that can be used for groups such as boy scouts, etc. It appears you can pay in advance and reserve some campsites, so that you be sure to get one for your trip. I went in late May on the Mon-Tue of-after Memorial Day weekend and was able to find an available campsite even though I did not have a reservation. Camping fees/rates were posted on a board near the restroom building by the honor system camping fee pay station.
    The restroom bldg only has pit toilets, not flush toilets. But they were cleaned very well by the workers on the 2nd day I was there. Also worth noting is that there is water faucet an a drinking fountain next to the restroom bldg, so you can get fresh water if needed. OK, so this sounds normal to average, so why give this campground a good rating? Because of location to the great stuff near-by on this mountain.
    Missouri's High Point is here on this mountain. There is a very nice overlook w/ viewing platform w/ handrails very close to the campground. Some awesome hiking trails are worth checking out, although they are a bit rugged in places where you could twist an ankle. One of the trails will take you to a nice waterfall, which is Missouri's highest falls. Note that I would not call it MO's largest waterfall. Further to all of this great stuff is that the birds were plentiful and quite active when I was there. Easy to watch and listen to them at the camping area, and at the overlook viewing platform. Birds were pretty much everywhere. There is also a look-out tower up on the mountain, which is probably used as a fire watch tower. A few pictures attached.

  • Leah H.
    Jul. 18, 2017

    Silver Mines

    Great Camping Near the River

    This camp site has RV hook-ups and tent camping. There are trees throughout the campground if you're looking to set up a hammock. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table and is a mix of grass and light gravel. Pit toilets, no showers. Water spigots throughout the camp ground. Keep an eye out for snakes though! I nearly stepped on a copper head in the outhouse! Camp sites are a 2 minute walk to the St. Francois River. Great hiking along the river and good fishing, swimming and kayaking in the river! Also not to far from the Castor River Shut-ins if you're looking to pack two rivers into one trip. We just celebrated my husband's birthday here last weekend, though we have been a few times before. Always a blast!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Mark Twain National Forest Watercress Recreation Area

    Same - Same Watercress

    Watercress and this campground is the same.  Mark Twain National Forest in Van Buren, Missouri along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway. During the 2017 flood there was some damage to a group shelter so be careful walking. The ground is uneven and there are a lot of blocks. Watercress sits along side the Current River and the river is a beautiful emerald green where you can see the bottom. The river is prime float territory whether it be by kayak, boat, tubes, just whatever. On the weekend it will be very busy so prepare for full parking spots. What better way to see an untouched landscape as you float along the river. No need to paddle the river does all the work. 

    First getting to the Watercress was a bit confusing to us. We drove pass the Forest sign and had to come back and start over. On Highway 60 turn onto Business 60 through Van Buren. When you see the National Park Service sign on the left had side of the road you will turn onto Watercress Road. That road will take you right into the park. The day use area will be on the left side and the campground will be on the right. Van Buren is a small town and worth the very short drive to the courthouse. If you love ice cream and amazing burgers stop by the Jolly Cone. It was established in 1953 and still going strong. Our chocolate malt was so thick we had to lick it off the straw. Can't wait to go back. YUM!!! The day we were there the Jolly Cone had sponsored a car show held around the courthouse square. These small towns offer so much history. Stop in. Watercress has 17 campsites for RV and tents. This is a First Come- First Serve. Watercress offers each site with a picnic table and campfire ring. No electrical or water at the sites. Campground is open May 1- October 1. A trash dumpster is located on site during that time frame. Vault toilets and drinking water available. Fees are$10-$20 depending on site or type of pass you have. There is a fee station. The group shelters are not open at this time. The Current River is a beautiful river to boat or float. Great for kayaks or tubes. While on the river drop a line to try your hand at fishing. Catfish, sunfish, bass and walleye. You will find the Songbird Trail for hiking 1.2 miles long to the Watercress Spring. You will even run across a Civil War earthworks on the trail. Boat launch is open and offers vault toilets and trash dumpster.   Sites are large and paved.

    Check out Big Spring while in the area. It is Missouri's largest spring. There are three springs in the United States that lay claim to being the largest in the US and at different times of the year I am sure that each one is the largest. Beautiful spring. 

    Have Fun- Stay Safe 

    Leave No Trace 

    Better Than When You Found It.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2021

    Watercress

    Joy on the Twain

    Mark Twain National Forest in Van Buren, Missouri along the Ozark National Scenic Riverway.  During the 2017 flood there was some damage to a group shelter so be careful walking.  The ground is uneven and there are a lot of blocks.

    Watercress sits along side the Current River and the river is a beautiful emerald green where you can see the bottom.  The river is prime float territory whether it be by kayak, boat, tubes, just whatever.  On the weekend it will be very busy so prepare for full parking spots.  What better way to see an untouched landscape as you float along the river.  No need to paddle the river does all the work.

    First getting to the Watercress was a bit confusing to us.  We drove pass the Forest sign and had to come back and start over.  On Highway 60 turn onto Business 60 through Van Buren.  When you see the National Park Service sign on the left had side of the road you will turn onto Watercress Road.  That road will take you right into the park.  The day use area will be on the left side and the campground will be on the right.

    Van Buren is a small town and worth the very short drive to the courthouse.  If you love ice cream and amazing burgers stop by the Jolly Cone.  It was established in 1953 and still going strong.  Our chocolate malt was so thick we had to lick it off the straw.  Can't wait to go back.  YUM!!!  The day we were there the Jolly Cone had sponsored a car show held around the courthouse square.  These small towns offer so much history.  Stop in.

    Watercress has 17 campsites for RV and tents.  This is a First Come - First Serve.  Watercress offers each site with a picnic table and campfire ring.  No electrical or water at the sites.  Campground is open May 1 - October 1.  A trash dumpster is located on site during that time frame.  Vault toilets and drinking water available.  Fees are $10 - $20 depending on site  or type of pass you have.  There is a fee station.  The group shelters are not open at this time.  Sites are large and paved.

    The Current River is a beautiful river to boat or float.  Great for kayaks or tubes.  While on the river drop a line to try your hand at fishing.  Catfish, sunfish, bass and walleye.

    You will find the Songbird Trail for hiking 1.2 miles long to the Watercress Spring.  You will even run across a Civil War earthworks on the trail.  Boat launch is open and offers vault toilets and trash dumpster.

    Check out Big Spring while in the area.  It is Missouri's largest spring.  There are three springs in the United States that lay claim to being the largest in the US and at different times of the year I am sure that each one is the largest.  Beautiful spring.

    Have Fun - Stay Safe

    Leave No Trace

    Better Than When You Found It.

  • R
    Nov. 22, 2021

    Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

    Late Fall Tent Camp

    We tent camped in loop 3 in late November for one night. The bathroom and showers were still on in this camping area. The spots are slightly close together but still very wooded. Not a lot of people camping at this time of the year even on a Saturday. Camp hosts were fabulous. The sites aren’t really set up for tents. More for Trailers. We had to get creative to find a spot to put up the tent in order to stake it down. Large parking pads, fire rings, and picnic tables at each camp site.

Guide to Williamsville

Tent campers near Williamsville, Missouri can access remote sites throughout Mark Twain National Forest, where elevations range from 600 to 1,700 feet. The region receives approximately 44 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forests and reliable water sources at many camping areas. Seasonal temperature variations are significant, with summer highs often exceeding 90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing.

What to do

Hiking to waterfalls: Turner's Mill offers access to impressive natural water features. "Beautiful secluded area. Small (only 3 or 4 sites). River access and super close to stream/cave/waterfall area. Water from the cave is so fresh and clear! Truly a beautiful area!" according to Kaylee D.

Kayaking the Eleven Point: Boze Mill Float Camp provides excellent river access for paddlers. Michael D. notes, "I have never camped here but visit when kayaking. You can access it from the river and it is a short walk and well worth it."

Wildlife viewing: The forests around Williamsville support diverse wildlife. One visitor at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground reported, "We were the only people in the campground that night, which was a little freaky, but also very peaceful. A few cars did drive through the campground later at night, but they didn't stop."

What campers like

Peaceful isolation: For the best tent camping near Williamsville, Missouri, consider how many campers value solitude. Amanda C. from Taum Sauk Mountain State Park Campground mentioned, "We stayed here on a Tuesday evening in early November. It was election night so we were happy to not have a cell signal for the night."

Water activities: Four Creeks Ranch Campground provides access to multiple waterways. Bedriah A. shared, "We had a wonderful time! Shelly, our host was so kind and the dogs were so sweet. The outhouses are comfortable and clean, and the river is beautiful. Great place to go hopping and find some cool rocks."

Historical features: Several camping areas contain remnants of the region's past. Glen T. remarked about Boze Mill Float Camp: "Well worth the walk or float, such a beautiful place it used to have a big sycamore tree we could swing off of or jump out of, the old rock damn / bridge is still there and a nice place to take pics."

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most campgrounds near Williamsville feature basic amenities. William M. explains that Boze Mill Float Camp has "Several dedicated camp sites that each have fire ring, shepherds hook, picnic table. There is one pit toilet building."

Seasonal considerations: Fall brings ideal conditions but requires preparation. Charlotte B. states, "Our favorite time to go is in the fall when the leaves begin to change. The water may be chilly, but the views and the fishing are perfect. I highly suggest this place, but I do suggest lots of bug spray."

Tent placement challenges: Rocky terrain requires careful site selection. At Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm, campers appreciate the natural setting but must contend with uneven ground when pitching tents.

Tips for camping with families

Interactive farm experiences: Wanderers End Sanctuary offers unique opportunities for children. Bonnie M. shared, "We had so much fun playing in the creek learning about as Aztec and their gardening methods. Very adorable, baby goats and baby chicks that were just all over and loving living."

Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature natural or historical learning experiences. At Taum Sauk, Erica P. advises, "Taum Sauk Mountain is known for being the highest peak in Missouri but has a lot more to offer with its breathtaking views. There are three trails that are within Taum Sauk Mountain and you don't want to miss out on these views!"

Group accommodations: For larger family gatherings, specific sites work better. Lisa P. noted, "We stayed in the group site. It is very close to several points of interest - Fort Davidson in Pilot Knob, Elephant Rocks & Johnson Shut-ins. Super price for the group site."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Williamsville lacks RV facilities. Lynn G. warns about Taum Sauk Mountain State Park: "TENT CAMPING ONLY!!! My friend had been turned away on a previous trip! (There are some other parks nearby if you are in an RV.) Fills up fast."

Electric-only sites: Mark Twain National Forest Float Camp Recreation Area provides limited hookups. Jeff C. reports, "Currently has 8 electric only sites, and 12 tent sites. All are first come, first serve. There are water spigots available for fresh water. The only dump station is in town at the Rocky River Resort, $10."

Off-grid testing: Some campgrounds provide transition experiences. About Four Creeks Ranch, a reviewer noted, "This is also a good place if your new to off grid camping and want to test your gear before you say bye to society."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Williamsville, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Williamsville, MO is Wanderers End Sanctuary Forest Farm with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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