1 campground with availability this weekend
The Mark Twain National Forest surrounding Winona, Missouri offers several primitive tent camping options along the Eleven Point River and within the Irish Wilderness. McCormack Lake Recreation Area provides free dispersed tent camping with basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables. Turner's Mill and Whitten River Access offer established tent sites near crystal-clear water, while Roberts Field Backcountry Camping in the Ozark National Scenic Riverway provides more remote tent camping experiences.
Most primitive tent sites feature minimal development with dirt or forest floor surfaces. Campers should bring all necessary supplies as drinking water is unavailable at most locations. Fire rings are common at established sites like Turner's Mill and Boze Mill Float Camp, but not guaranteed at more remote backcountry locations. Vault toilets are available at several campgrounds including McCormack Lake and Whitten River Access, though Roberts Field lacks toilet facilities. Access roads to many sites are rough gravel, with Whitten River Access requiring slow travel for larger vehicles and Roberts Field needing 4WD with decent ground clearance.
The backcountry tent camping experience in this region centers around water access and solitude. Many sites sit directly beside rivers or lakes, offering swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities. The Eleven Point River provides crystal-clear water at locations like Turner's Mill and Boze Mill Float Camp. Tent campers at Irish Wilderness can access the 20-mile Whites Creek Loop trail system, though navigation challenges exist. A reviewer noted that Turner's Mill offers "beautiful secluded area. The mill and springs are soothing and crystal clear. The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in." Weekday visitors often find complete solitude at primitive tent sites, with weekend use increasing moderately during summer months.
"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."
"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!"
"This is on the Jacks Fork River, blue green crystal clear water, vault toilets only, in October after closing can be solo camping. "
from $5 / night
"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
"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."
"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."
"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!"
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!
TravelerWe stayed here in June of 2026. The Campground Managers were friendly and helpful. The facilities were clean. It was nice and easy-going campground. We would stay here again.
Primitive camping options near Winona, Missouri center around the Mark Twain National Forest and Ozark National Scenic Riverway. The region sits within the rugged Ozark Highlands at elevations between 600-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for campers to navigate. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer conditions typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
Trout fishing access points: McCormack Lake Recreation Area provides fishing opportunities in a secluded environment. A reviewer notes, "A really nice place to go hang out" with "great fishing" according to Glen T.
Kayaking day trips: Whitten River Access offers excellent river entry points for paddlers. Ralph S. describes it as a "Great place for kayakers" with a boat ramp and dock, mentioning "our group kayaks in during trout fishing trips and have never had a problem finding a place to camp."
Cliff jumping spots: Stinking Pond Float Camp features natural water recreation beyond swimming. According to Glen T., it "has a huge cliff you can jump off of" and is "not a bad place to float into and camp overnight."
Spring exploration: Several campgrounds feature natural springs with unique characteristics. At Boze Mill Float Camp, William M. reports, "There is a beautiful blue spring coming out of the bottom of a pool formerly used to power Boze Mill."
Crystal-clear springs: Turner's mill receives consistent praise for its water features. Kaylee D. describes it as a "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!"
Remote river settings: The best tent camping near Winona, Missouri often includes water access. Marty C. describes Jerktail Landing as a "very remote primitive campsite along the river and down seven and a half miles rough gravel roads" with "access to the river and pit toilets."
Scenic swimming holes: Rymers Backcountry Camping on the Jacks Fork River offers unique water features. Glen T. notes it has "a great swimming hole and beautiful scenery with nice tall cliffs" and "a couple big rocks out in the water you can swim to and jump off of."
Solitude on weekdays: Multiple campers mention having sites to themselves during weekdays. At McCormack Lake Recreation Area, Meghan B. reported, "Had the whole place to ourselves on a Thursday night, for the most part."
Water conditions vary: Some campers report mixed experiences with water quality. At McCormack Lake Recreation Area, Shelly S. warned, "The 'lake' looked sickly, with brown foam looking stuff floating on top."
Access challenges: Many primitive tent sites near Winona require difficult travel. For Roberts Field Backcountry Camping, Dave N. warns, "I was able to get into this area on foot, but it is surrounded by private property. It is accessible with a 4wd vehicle with decent ground clearance, or on horseback."
Trail navigation: Hiking trails can be difficult to follow in wilderness areas. In Irish Wilderness, Tony R. cautions, "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!"
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites lack basic amenities. Ralph S. describes Whitten River Access as "free and first come camping" with a vault toilet but "otherwise primitive camping."
Best swimming locations: Look for sites with gradual water entry for children. At Turner's mill, Jared G. notes, "The river is shallow enough to wade across and cool off in."
Site selection timing: Boze Mill Float Camp offers family-friendly amenities but requires planning. William M. describes "Several dedicated camp sites that each have fire ring, shepherds hook, picnic table."
Insect preparation: Charlotte B. advises families to bring protection at certain locations, noting "I do suggest lots of bug spray. For some reason, I always get eaten up by mosquitos in this area."
Weather contingencies: Seasonal conditions affect camping comfort significantly. Linda C. reports camping at Whitten River Access "on this 5 degrees F night" and notes, "ground was frozen or it would have been muddy."
Road condition warnings: Irish Wilderness access routes require caution for vehicles. Tony R. notes "car camping available at the camp 5 pond trailhead" but warns "no water available."
Size limitations: Large RVs face challenges on narrow access roads. At Jerktail Landing, Marty C. cautions, "Probably not a good idea to try to bring large camping units to this site."
RV access points: Ralph S. reports that at Whitten River Access, "There are several level, clear places to camp with enough room for rv's. The road in is rough gravel and a big rv will be slow going. However, I've seen so good size rv's there."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Winona, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Winona, MO is McCormack Lake Rec Area with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Winona, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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