Camping in Missouri

A complete guide to camping in Missouri

Stunning Mark Twain National Forest landscape in southern Missouri by Gautham Y

Photo Credit: Gautham Y

Overview

Missouri camping builds around water. The Ozark Plateau in the southern half of the state holds spring-fed rivers, limestone bluffs, and over 80 named springs that create some of the clearest paddling water in the Midwest. The Current and Jacks Fork rivers run through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first designated national scenic river in the country. Osceola, Warsaw, and Stockton anchor a lake district in the west-central region where large reservoirs provide waterfront camping.

The northern half of the state flattens into agricultural prairie with fewer camping destinations. Kansas City and St. Louis serve as the major metro areas, each with state parks and private campgrounds within an hour's drive. Branson in the southwest corner combines Ozark mountain tourism with a concentrated camping scene. Mark Twain National Forest covers 1.5 million acres across the southern tier, providing the state's most extensive dispersed camping opportunities.

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Best Seasons to Camp in Missouri

Spring

Mar-May

High 61°F · Low 49°F

Dogwood blooms through the Ozarks in April. River levels rise with spring rain, creating excellent float conditions. Temperatures climb into the 60s and 70s. Ticks emerge by April.

Summer

Jun-Aug

High 82°F · Low 70°F

Hot and humid. The Ozark rivers provide cooling relief. Float trips on the Current and Jacks Fork peak in July. Lake campgrounds fill on weekends. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Chiggers and ticks are at their worst.

Season	Months	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Spring	Mar-May	61°F	49°F	Dogwood blooms through the Ozarks in April.
Summer	Jun-Aug	82°F	70°F	Hot and humid.
Fall	Sep-Nov	61°F	49°F	Ozark fall color peaks in late October.
Winter	Dec-Feb	40°F	28°F	January averages 32 degrees statewide.

Camping Regions in Missouri

Region	Terrain	Key Areas
Ozark National Scenic Riverways	Forest	Eminence, Van Buren, Salem, Round Spring
Lake District	Lakefront	Osceola, Warsaw, Stockton, Clinton
Branson and Southwest Ozarks	Mountain	Branson, Reeds Spring, Forsyth, Kimberling City
Mark Twain National Forest	Forest	Lebanon, Rolla, Poplar Bluff, Fredericktown
Kansas City and Northern Missouri	Plains	Kansas City, Smithville, Excelsior Springs

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Forest · Eminence, Van Buren, Salem, Round Spring

The Current and Jacks Fork rivers form the heart of Missouri's camping identity. Gravel bar camping, float trips, and spring-fed swimming holes define the experience. The Riverways offer developed campgrounds and primitive riverside sites. Water clarity is exceptional. Eminence and Van Buren serve as outfitter and supply towns. Circle B Campground and Broken Arrow Campground near Eminence, and RiverTime RV in Van Buren provide private bases for river float trips.

Lake District

Lakefront · Osceola, Warsaw, Stockton, Clinton

Reservoirs across the Ozark Plateau provide waterfront camping with fishing, boating, and swimming. Stockton, Pomme de Terre, and Truman lakes in the west. Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals near Branson in the south. Lake of the Ozarks is the largest and most developed. Arrowhead Point RV Park and Cabins near Osceola and Pecan Grove Campground near Warsaw serve the western lake corridor.

Branson and Southwest Ozarks

Mountain · Branson, Reeds Spring, Forsyth, Kimberling City

The state's most concentrated camping corridor. Large private campgrounds serve the Branson tourism market. Table Rock Lake and the upper White River provide natural recreation alongside the entertainment district. Silver Dollar City and the Branson Strip drive seasonal traffic. America's Best Campground and Branson Lakeside RV Park anchor the Branson entertainment corridor campground scene.

Mark Twain National Forest

Forest · Lebanon, Rolla, Poplar Bluff, Fredericktown

Scattered across the southern tier of the state in multiple units. The largest public land in Missouri at 1.5 million acres. Developed campgrounds and extensive dispersed camping. The Ozark Trail runs through several units, providing backpacking access. Terrain varies from river bottoms to forested ridges. Riverfront Campground and Canoe near Lebanon and Doolittle Acres RV Park near Rolla provide developed bases near forest trailheads.

Kansas City and Northern Missouri

Plains · Kansas City, Smithville, Excelsior Springs

State parks serve the KC metro with lake and river camping. Weston Bend, Watkins Mill, and Smithville Lake provide weekend escapes. Northern Missouri is flat agricultural country with fewer camping options. The Missouri River corridor provides some waterfront access. Worlds of Fun Village in Kansas City and Crows Creek Campground near Smithville serve the KC metro weekend camping crowd.

Camping Tips for Missouri

Ticks carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis in Missouri. Tuck pants into socks, use permethrin-treated clothing, and check for ticks after every outing from April through October.
Chiggers inhabit tall grass and brush throughout Missouri in summer. Sit on a camp chair rather than the ground. Sulfur powder on boots and ankles deters them.
Ozark rivers are float-trip territory. Canoe and kayak rentals operate along the Current, Jacks Fork, Meramec, and Gasconade rivers. Gravel bar camping is a Missouri tradition on the scenic riverways.
Mark Twain National Forest allows dispersed camping throughout its 1.5 million acres. No permit required. Stay limits of 14 days apply.
Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake campgrounds fill for Memorial Day through Labor Day. The western reservoir lakes (Stockton, Pomme de Terre) have more mid-week availability.
Eastern copperhead and timber rattlesnakes inhabit rocky Ozark terrain. Watch where you step on bluffs and near rock outcrops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is gravel bar camping in Missouri?

A Missouri tradition on Ozark rivers. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways allows camping on exposed gravel bars along the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. Paddle to a bar, set up camp, and sleep next to the river. No fee or permit required for gravel bar camping. Water levels affect bar availability.

When is the best time to float the Current River?

May through September for warm-weather floating. July and August see peak recreational traffic on weekends. Spring flows (March through May) are higher and better for experienced paddlers. Fall offers lower water, exposed gravel bars, and fall color. Water temperatures drop by late September.

How bad are ticks in Missouri?

Ticks are a serious concern from April through October. Missouri has lone star ticks, deer ticks, and dog ticks carrying multiple diseases. Check your entire body daily. Use permethrin on clothing and DEET or picaridin on skin. The Ozarks and wooded areas have the highest populations.

Is dispersed camping available in Missouri?

Mark Twain National Forest permits dispersed camping across its 1.5 million acres in southern Missouri. No reservation or fee required. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways allows gravel bar and riverside camping. State parks require reserved sites. State forests allow primitive camping in designated areas.

What fishing is available at Missouri campgrounds?

Missouri offers excellent fishing for bass, crappie, catfish, and trout. The Ozark spring-fed rivers support rainbow and brown trout with special catch-and-release sections. Lake campgrounds provide access to walleye, bass, and crappie fishing. A Missouri fishing license is required.