Best Campgrounds in Missouri: 2026 Guide

Missouri might not top every camper's bucket list at first glance — until you discover its spring-fed rivers. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways protect some of the clearest water in the country, flowing past limestone bluffs, hidden caves, and campgrounds where the only noise is the splash of a canoe paddle. From Table Rock Lake in the southwest to Truman Lake in the west, the Show-Me State shows you what heartland camping is really about.

Why Missouri Stands Out

Two words: spring-fed rivers. The Current and Jacks Fork rivers pump out millions of gallons of crystal-clear water daily, making the Ozarks a paddler's paradise unmatched east of the Rockies. Beyond the rivers, Missouri offers sprawling Army Corps lakes ringed with shaded campgrounds, plus the Mark Twain National Forest blanketing over 1.5 million acres of Ozark highland. The float-trip culture here is a way of life, and campgrounds along these waterways let you camp right where you pull your canoe ashore.

Top Campgrounds to Explore

Akers

Where two of America's clearest spring-fed rivers converge in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Jadwin. Akers is a classic float-trip basecamp with direct river access and forested sites.

Alley Spring

Named for its stunning blue spring near Van Buren, this campground sits along the Jacks Fork River in the Ozark Scenic Riverways. The spring pumps 81 million gallons of water daily into an impossibly blue pool.

Big Spring

One of the largest natural springs in the world, Big Spring near Van Buren anchors this Ozark Riverways campground. The rolling forested landscape and emerald water make it a photographer's dream.

Baxter

A spacious, sunny campground on the White River Arm of Table Rock Lake near Lampe. The highly productive fishing waters draw anglers year-round, while families enjoy swimming and boating.

Campbell Point

Shady sites along the White River Arm of Table Rock Lake near Shell Knob, with soft grassy areas perfect for picnicking and evening campfires overlooking the water.

Cape Fair

On the James River Arm of Table Rock Lake, Cape Fair offers spacious shaded sites ideal for water lovers and nature enthusiasts exploring the southern Missouri lake country.

Cedar Ridge

Set on Stockton Lake in the scenic Ozark Mountains near Aldrich, Cedar Ridge provides excellent lake recreation with countless opportunities along the shoreline.

Bluff View at Clearwater Lake

Near Piedmont, this aptly named campground delivers panoramic bluff views over Clearwater Lake. Swimming, boating, and fishing fill the days, while wetland wildlife fills the evenings.

Bucksaw

On the Grand River Arm of Harry S. Truman Lake near Clinton, Bucksaw is an excellent all-around destination in the hills of western Missouri with diverse water recreation.

Planning Tips

Float-trip season runs May through September, with June and July being peak. Book river-adjacent campgrounds well in advance for summer weekends. Spring and fall bring fewer crowds and spectacular foliage along the bluffs. Missouri summers are hot and humid — riverside sites offer natural cooling but bring bug spray. The lakes are busiest on holiday weekends; midweek visits reward you with solitude.

Find More

Browse all Missouri campgrounds on our Missouri camping page, or explore the full campground directory to plan your next trip.