Missouri’s Best Campgrounds
For those who like pristine wilderness, the Mark Twain National Forest offers the Ozarks the way it was. Over a million and a half acres of unspoiled, unimproved forest ranges across southern Missouri with three campgrounds.
Look for Big Bay near Shell Knob for an experience that offers the forest and yet is minutes away from family fun in Branson. At Noblett Lake, eight miles from Willow Springs on State Highway 76, camping is available along with swimming, hiking trails, and horseback trails. Red Bluff, east of Davisville, offers fishing, camping, hiking, and swimming on 133 acres of forest.
Lakeside camping is available at Indian Point near Branson. The Army Corps of Engineers operate a campground on Indian Point just down the road from theme park Silver Dollar City. Campers can set up camp beneath tall shade trees with a lake side view and nature’s peace minutes from bustling Branson. Another Corps of Engineers campground in the area is located on the shores of beautiful Bull Shoals Lake to the south of Branson. Another Corps of Engineers campground is located on Table Rock Lake as well.
Other state locations with Army Corps of Engineer campgrounds can be found on Stockton Lake, on Pomme De Terre, and on Wappapello Lake near Popular Bluff in the southeast region of Missouri.
Civil War buffs may want to pitch a tent at the Battle of Lexington state campground near Lexington. A cannon ball remains wedged in the courthouse from the Civil War battle. Another battle site now a state park is at the Battle of Athens state park.
Trout fishermen may enjoy a trip to the Roaring River State Park near Cassville. Located on the edge of the Mark Twain forest, this state park dates back to the 1930’s when it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Famous for trout fishing, the park offers camping, cabins, and a lodge. Nestled between Ozark foothills, the park has a swimming pool, visitor’s center, and fishing in cold, clear streams. Horses are available for rent to ride the rugged trails through the hills. Roaring River was a favorite spot of late former President Harry Truman.
Cavers may want to spend the night at the Onodaga Cave state park. Camping is available as is boating, swimming, fishing, hiking and more. Northeast Missouri visitors may settle in at the Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville and even boasts a marina. In the opposite end of the state, campers can stay where the Cherokee tribe stayed during their forced migrations into Oklahoma. The Trail of Tears State Park commemorates this sad event near the mighty Mississippi River.
Other state parks with campgrounds include Watkins Mill near Kansas City, the site of a former woolen mill, a Mark Twain State Park near Florida, MO that remembers one of the state’s most famous native writers, and Lake of the Ozarks, a park with caverns, marina, and horse rentals.
In the extreme southwest corner of the state, many campgrounds can be found along the clear, cool waters of Elk River near the towns of Noel and Lanagan. At the Mt. Shira Campground, campers enjoy the river and the scenery that includes rugged bluffs and Ozark hills.
Many KOA parks can be found in the state, some even within the major metropolitan areas.
Pack the gear and bring the tent or RV to Missouri. There’s something for everyone in the Show-Me State.
