Whether you want to camp near the attractions in Branson or get away from it all for some solitude in nature, there are many options for camping in Missouri. Most campgrounds are set up for RV’s and tents with some having resort-like accommodations. Others are more primitive camping, private in the middle of the forest so you can enjoy some peace and quiet. Here are the 5 best places to camp in Missouri this summer!
1. Branson: America’s Best Campground
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Branson is known for its variety of entertaining music shows but also for Silver Dollar City (amusement park), Aquarium at the Boardwalk (where you can see stingrays, sharks and a giant Pacific octopus) and Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park for some zip lining fun! There are great restaurants and fun shops to check out but at the end of the day, settling into your campsite at America’s Best Campground may be the best part.
The campground is only 5 miles north of downtown Branson and has 158 RV sites and 9 cabins. There is a nice swimming pool and spa on site for guests as well as a camp store for convenience. The facilities really are first class with modern restrooms, showers and laundry. You can see why it is one of the best places to camp in Missouri this summer!
| America’s Best Campground | |
|---|---|
| Location | 5 miles NE of downtown Branson |
| Nearest City | Branson |
| RV sites | 158 sites, some with full hookup, others just electric, room for extra large RV’s |
| Tent sites | 0, no tent camping |
| Cabins | 9 cabins for rent, |
| Picnic Tables at each site | Yes |
| BBQ grills at each site | Yes |
| Amenities | Restrooms, showers, laundry, swimming pool, spa |
| Pet Friendly | Yes, dog park onsite |
| Reservations | Yes |
| What makes it one of the best | So close to all the sites in Branson! |
2. Mark Twain National Forest: Loggers Lake Campground
©iStock.com/Christine Robbins
Located in the southern half of Missouri, NE of Branson is some of the most lush forest land in the state. The Mark Twain National Forest has 750 miles of trails for everything from hiking to horseback riding to mountain biking. There are many streams throughout the park and certain areas are great for kayaking, canoeing or even taking an inner tube downstream.
There are 14 campgrounds scattered throughout the park but one of the best is the Loggers Lake Campground which is right on Logger Lake. All 14 campsites have views of the 22-acre spring fed lake. Doesn’t that sound relaxing? There are only non-motorized boats allowed on the lake so you can take your boat out for a peaceful fishing trip. Fish for sunfish, largemouth bass and channel catfish, maybe you can catch your dinner to fry up at your campfire!
| Loggers Lake Campground | |
|---|---|
| Location | Southern Missouri |
| Nearest City | Bunker |
| RV sites | No, just tent camping |
| Tent sites | Yes, 14 non-electric |
| Picnic Tables at each site | Yes |
| Fire Pit at each site | Yes |
| Amenities | Vault toilets, drinking water |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Reservations | Yes |
| What makes it one of the best | Peaceful camping at its best! |
3. Ozark National River
©iStock.com/StevenSchremp
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a series of rivers and streams that are a kayakers dream! The two main rivers, Current River and Jack Fork River, offer some of the best floating in the Midwest. Look for some of the common birds, like the belted kingfisher, great blue heron or the smaller little blue heron. Plan a day trip down one of the riverways or make it an overnight trip with camping along the shores on one of the designated gravel bars. You can stay in one of the developed campgrounds like the Big Springs Campground which has 123 campsites, 23 of which have electric hookups. All of the campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. There is a canoe access to the river right from the park as well as a larger boat ramp. A great pit stop for an epic summer kayak trip in Missouri!
| Ozark National River | |
|---|---|
| Location | Just south of Van Buren |
| Nearest City | Big Spring |
| RV/Tent Sites | Yes, 123 sites including 23 with electric |
| Picnic Tables at each site | Yes |
| Fire Pit at each site | Yes |
| Amenities | Restrooms, showers |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Reservations | Yes and No, some sites are first come first serve |
| What makes it one of the best | Best adventure kayaking trip for the summer! |
4. St. Louis West Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday
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If you are visiting the sites in St. Louis like the Gateway Arch, Botanical Gardens or the unique City Museum, you can camp just outside of St. Louis at the West Historic Route 66 KOA. The campground is also only 5 minutes from the Six Flags so definitely centrally located for all the fun in the St. Louis area.
The KOA has resort-like accommodations with deluxe cabins, a swimming pool, jumping pillow and activities for the kids. There are also RV sites with a variety of hookups and spacious tent camping too. After a day of sightseeing head back to your campsite to grill up some dogs on the campfire, then go for a refreshing swim.
| West Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday | |
|---|---|
| Location | SE of downtown St. Louis, right off Route 66 |
| Nearest City | Eureka, MO |
| RV/Tent Sites | Yes, with a variety of hookup options |
| Cabins | Yes, Deluxe hotel-like cabins |
| Picnic Tables at each site | Yes |
| Fire Pit at each site | Yes |
| Amenities | Restrooms, showers, laundry, swimming pool, jumping pillow, playground |
| Pet Friendly | Yes, Kamp K9 dog park too |
| Reservations | Yes |
| What makes it one of the best | So close to St. Louis and Six Flags! |
5. Roaring River State Park
©pfluegler-photo/Shutterstock.com
One of the most popular state parks in Missouri is Roaring Rivers State Park located in the SW Ozark Hills. With seven different hiking trails you are sure to see something different on each hike like white-tail deer, grey squirrels and hawks. Anglers especially like the park because it is stocked with rainbow trout. The record rainbow trout to beat in Missouri is an 18lb. 1oz rainbow caught by Jason Harper from the Roaring River back in the summer of 2004!
The campground is split into three areas with a total of 187 campsites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, grate and there are restrooms and hot showers nearby. Take a dip in the campground swimming pool or let the kids check out the playground before dinner. This is one of the best places to camp in Missouri this summer because of the classic camping experience it offers.
| Roaring River State Park | |
|---|---|
| Location | SW Ozark Hills |
| Nearest City | Cassville, MO |
| RV/Tent Sites | 187 campsites at 3 separate areas |
| Picnic Tables at each site | Yes |
| Fire Pit at each site | Yes |
| Amenities | Restrooms, showers |
| Pet Friendly | Yes |
| Reservations | Yes |
| What makes it one of the best | Classic camping experience! |
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Sources
- , Available here: https://americasbestcampground.com/home
- , Available here: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251547?tab=info
- , Available here: https://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/big-spring-campground-map11.htm
- , Available here: https://koa.com/campgrounds/st-louis-west/
