Camping in Central Missouri: Best Central Missouri Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
Missouri
—
Central Missouri

91% (911 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Central Missouri

Under $50

Top camping destinations

Finger Lakes State Park

334 campgrounds

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Mark Twain National Forest

527 campgrounds

Leasburg

61 campgrounds

Dog-friendly getaways

97%

(140)

Riverbend RV Park and Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Macks Creek, MO

Our small owner operated campground sits high above the Niangua River. Situated below Tunnel Dam and the locally famous Whistle, we have 250’ of Big Niangua River frontage. We offer several full hook-up RV spots and ultra secluded primitive spots and anything in between. We have a bathroom/shower house for campers’ convenience.

Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

7 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Dixon, MO

Experience the Missouri Ozarks in all it's glory! Our property sits on 7 acres running on both sides of the beautiful, crystal clear Big Piney River. We sit right at the bottom of a beautiful bluff right along the banks of the river! We have a dry cabin, with outdoor water, bathroom and cedar shower house. We have a fully stocked new camper with everything you'll need for up to 6 people, including ice cold A/C! We also own a large beautiful sand bar on the Big Piney River perfect for setting up your tent or hammock camping (only accessible by swimming or kayak, which we can provide for a fee)

Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

5 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Eldon, MO

We have a 60 acre property with plenty of space to explore. There’s a well maintained walking trail and a year-round creek that runs through the valley. Our pond is perfect for swimming or paddling around in one of our canoes. If you're feeling adventurous, hike along the creek to a beautiful waterfall.

DnD Lakefront Campground Lake Ozark

6 sites · Tents15 acres · Sunrise Beach, MO

Pitch your tent in our Lakefront campsites at DnD Lakeside Campground and have access to your own picnic table and fire ring on the shores of the beautiful Lake of The Ozarks, one of the Midwest's premier boating and lake fun destinations. Swim, fish and float in our quiet cove, take walks up our hiking trails and end your day enjoying the night sky sitting next to a fire. We are close to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Bridal Cave, many lakefront bars and restaurants and The Ozark Amphitheater. We are at the starting line of the LOZ Annual Shootout, a fast-paced boating event benefiting local fire and rescue agencies, held the last weekend in August. Make sure to book early for summer holiday weekends. Discounted prices for weekday rentals available. Limited boat slip rentals available for a fee.

Selby Farm Horse Retirement

10 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Wooldridge, MO

Summary: Easy access from I-70 Great views. Usually very quiet except for wildlife sounds Portapottie at both camping areas Great star viewing. Excellent conditions for pets Hosts live nearby and are good communicators via text or phone. Hosts can direct you to several local attractions and shopping options. Hosts are happy to take questions before, during, or after your stay. Narrative about Selby Farm: Selbys have lived on this 75 acre farm since 1990. Doug and Brenda are retired from teaching at nearby public schools. Our Farm is now dedicated to boarding retired horses for their owners. Feel free to review the Selby Farm Horse Retirement webpage if you are a horse fan. We encourage you to visit our business website where you will see more farm pictures, videos, and where you will learn more about us. We practice rotational grazing for the health of the horses and the health of our pastures. The horses live in a herd as they would in the wild. Basically, they are hanging out with their friends! They also get regular care and feed and so are VERY happy. You will see and probably interact with the horses if you wish. They are guaranteed to come closer if you have treats like carrots and apples slices. Our quiet county road used to be the main road along the river. A hundred years ago it was called "Shanty Road". The shacks that were along it housed workers that harvested food from farms in the river bottom. The only evidence of those shacks now is perrenial flowers growing in unusual places. The area is inhabited by professionals working in nearby towns and cities. In fact there are only five homes along our 1.5 mile section of Copps Chapel Road. The native Americans who used this area did so because of the great diversity of wildlife and availability of water. Also the view is amazing in all directions. Was using this ridge top encampment for security, or just because the view is so satisfying? The Missouri River is on the far side of the bottoms now, but has been very close historically. There is also a large spring flowing from a cave nearby. Witness the flint chips when you walk through our barn lot. You are likely to see a broken stone tool that was once worked on by a native American. These river hills are composed of soils blown in from the end of the last ice age. Being near the river, erosion has cut down the surrounding area making the scenic topography associated with Missouri River valleys and river hills.

12 top campgrounds in Central Missouri

97%

(140)

Riverbend RV Park and Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Macks Creek, MO

Our small owner operated campground sits high above the Niangua River. Situated below Tunnel Dam and the locally famous Whistle, we have 250’ of Big Niangua River frontage. We offer several full hook-up RV spots and ultra secluded primitive spots and anything in between. We have a bathroom/shower house for campers’ convenience.

DnD Lakefront Campground Lake Ozark

6 sites · Tents15 acres · Sunrise Beach, MO

Pitch your tent in our Lakefront campsites at DnD Lakeside Campground and have access to your own picnic table and fire ring on the shores of the beautiful Lake of The Ozarks, one of the Midwest's premier boating and lake fun destinations. Swim, fish and float in our quiet cove, take walks up our hiking trails and end your day enjoying the night sky sitting next to a fire. We are close to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Bridal Cave, many lakefront bars and restaurants and The Ozark Amphitheater. We are at the starting line of the LOZ Annual Shootout, a fast-paced boating event benefiting local fire and rescue agencies, held the last weekend in August. Make sure to book early for summer holiday weekends. Discounted prices for weekday rentals available. Limited boat slip rentals available for a fee.

Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

7 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Dixon, MO

Experience the Missouri Ozarks in all it's glory! Our property sits on 7 acres running on both sides of the beautiful, crystal clear Big Piney River. We sit right at the bottom of a beautiful bluff right along the banks of the river! We have a dry cabin, with outdoor water, bathroom and cedar shower house. We have a fully stocked new camper with everything you'll need for up to 6 people, including ice cold A/C! We also own a large beautiful sand bar on the Big Piney River perfect for setting up your tent or hammock camping (only accessible by swimming or kayak, which we can provide for a fee)

Selby Farm Horse Retirement

10 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Wooldridge, MO

Summary: Easy access from I-70 Great views. Usually very quiet except for wildlife sounds Portapottie at both camping areas Great star viewing. Excellent conditions for pets Hosts live nearby and are good communicators via text or phone. Hosts can direct you to several local attractions and shopping options. Hosts are happy to take questions before, during, or after your stay. Narrative about Selby Farm: Selbys have lived on this 75 acre farm since 1990. Doug and Brenda are retired from teaching at nearby public schools. Our Farm is now dedicated to boarding retired horses for their owners. Feel free to review the Selby Farm Horse Retirement webpage if you are a horse fan. We encourage you to visit our business website where you will see more farm pictures, videos, and where you will learn more about us. We practice rotational grazing for the health of the horses and the health of our pastures. The horses live in a herd as they would in the wild. Basically, they are hanging out with their friends! They also get regular care and feed and so are VERY happy. You will see and probably interact with the horses if you wish. They are guaranteed to come closer if you have treats like carrots and apples slices. Our quiet county road used to be the main road along the river. A hundred years ago it was called "Shanty Road". The shacks that were along it housed workers that harvested food from farms in the river bottom. The only evidence of those shacks now is perrenial flowers growing in unusual places. The area is inhabited by professionals working in nearby towns and cities. In fact there are only five homes along our 1.5 mile section of Copps Chapel Road. The native Americans who used this area did so because of the great diversity of wildlife and availability of water. Also the view is amazing in all directions. Was using this ridge top encampment for security, or just because the view is so satisfying? The Missouri River is on the far side of the bottoms now, but has been very close historically. There is also a large spring flowing from a cave nearby. Witness the flint chips when you walk through our barn lot. You are likely to see a broken stone tool that was once worked on by a native American. These river hills are composed of soils blown in from the end of the last ice age. Being near the river, erosion has cut down the surrounding area making the scenic topography associated with Missouri River valleys and river hills.

Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

5 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Eldon, MO

We have a 60 acre property with plenty of space to explore. There’s a well maintained walking trail and a year-round creek that runs through the valley. Our pond is perfect for swimming or paddling around in one of our canoes. If you're feeling adventurous, hike along the creek to a beautiful waterfall.

100%

(3)

Little Cabin On The Farm

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Jamestown, MO

Natural cabin for nature lovers on a little homestead. This cabin was built using local wood and is situated in a grove of mature oak and persimmon trees. Relax on the porch, sit around the fire, or enjoy looking out the window at wildlife (lots of birds!) and livestock. The cabin has a loft, galley kitchen, and a small bathroom with shower. Less than 20 minutes away from I-70, just over 30 minutes from Columbia, MO. Located close to Missouri river access at Lupus, and is approx 10 minutes away from Plowboy Bend Conservation Area, Prairie Home Conservation Area, and Big Muddy NWR. There is one twin bed on ground level and a twin and full bed in the loft, option to move full mattress to the floor. Family friendly, pets must be on a leash at all times (we have katadhin sheep, Irish Dexter cattle, plus many more).

100%

(111)

D'Ranch at Clearwater

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Gravois Mills, MO

D'Ranch at Clearwater is a small, 40 acre hobby farm located on the north side of the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri. What started as a simple love of backyard chickens has now become a dream farm for Tracey Durant and her husband Theodore. Nestled in the valley between two forest covered hillsides, and running adjacent to Clearwater Creek on the east and the lake on the south, D'Ranch could not have been a more perfect location for the Durants to plant their roots and get their feet wet. While they continue their love of backyard chickens with their small egg and hatchery operation know as HeebyJeeby Chickens, they have expanded their interests to an array of friendly farm animals including horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and an occasional turkey or two.

100%

(40)

Sawmill Hollow Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents54 acres · Warsaw, MO

Campsite - A private 1.5 acre campsite with a firepit (and plenty of wood to burn in it) and direct access to the Lake of the Ozarks. The campsite connects to a 1-mile trail around the perimeter of the 54-acre property. Guests have access to several kayaks for enjoyment of a secluded inlet of the lake. RV site - We also provide an RV hook-up site completely separate from the campsite with access to the mentioned amenities (trail, kayaks, canoe, paddleboat, etc.). See photos for directions to the sites and a map of the perimeter trail.

100%

(112)

Retreat to the Country

4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Holts Summit, MO

This land has been asking to be shared. First it was swings and little things for the grandchildren and their friends. Then the Cabin by the pond began to welcome visitors. Soon the steep slope anchored a Yurt with a wrap-around deck that puts you up in the trees. Our gathering spot by the creek became a camp site. Recently the grandkids' Bunk House found its way in. Our Retreat is 10 acres, narrow, but 1/4 mile deep, stretching down a steep wooded slope to a creek - and up the other side to the top of a bluff. It is only ten miles to Jefferson City but has a quiet and distant feel.

94%

(43)

Water Mountain

30 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · Belle, MO

Ive own this land since 2005 and have used it for camping, parties, and venue.Learn more about this land:This is a 180 acres of camping along the Gasconade River. Lots of great spots for camping, hiking, and UTV/ATV riding. 50% forest, 10% trails, 20% along river, 10% bluffs, and 10% flat with grass field.

83%

(15)

Peaceful Tent Camping

2 sites · Tents20 acres · Dixon, MO

Learn more about this land:We offer a peaceful setting with a wonderful lake view. You can fish for crappie, bass, catfish, blue gil, goggleye and perch. Take a hike around the farm and maybe see some cows and wildlife. Or sit around a camp fire telling stories and enjoying the stars.

100%

(1)

Highland Hills in Warsaw

4 sites · Lodging, Tents16 acres · Warsaw, MO

Our property is on a hill overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. We have 4 Katahdin hair sheep that mow some of our acreage for us. They are very friendly and would love for you to come scratch them through the fence! If we're around, we can bring out some grain for you to feed them by hand as a treat. :) In addition to our sheep we see lots of deer, pelicans, herons, turtles, rabbits, and foxes around our property. If you're willing to brave the overgrowth you're welcome to kayak or fish from our property. Warsaw also offers many fishing and boating put ins within a few miles from our home, as well as an extensive network of walking, hiking, and mountain biking trails. Lost Valley Hatchery is just across the water from us, and we're only a few miles from Truman State Park.

Available this weekend

99%

(544)

Selby Farm Horse Retirement

10 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Wooldridge, MO

Summary: Easy access from I-70 Great views. Usually very quiet except for wildlife sounds Portapottie at both camping areas Great star viewing. Excellent conditions for pets Hosts live nearby and are good communicators via text or phone. Hosts can direct you to several local attractions and shopping options. Hosts are happy to take questions before, during, or after your stay. Narrative about Selby Farm: Selbys have lived on this 75 acre farm since 1990. Doug and Brenda are retired from teaching at nearby public schools. Our Farm is now dedicated to boarding retired horses for their owners. Feel free to review the Selby Farm Horse Retirement webpage if you are a horse fan. We encourage you to visit our business website where you will see more farm pictures, videos, and where you will learn more about us. We practice rotational grazing for the health of the horses and the health of our pastures. The horses live in a herd as they would in the wild. Basically, they are hanging out with their friends! They also get regular care and feed and so are VERY happy. You will see and probably interact with the horses if you wish. They are guaranteed to come closer if you have treats like carrots and apples slices. Our quiet county road used to be the main road along the river. A hundred years ago it was called "Shanty Road". The shacks that were along it housed workers that harvested food from farms in the river bottom. The only evidence of those shacks now is perrenial flowers growing in unusual places. The area is inhabited by professionals working in nearby towns and cities. In fact there are only five homes along our 1.5 mile section of Copps Chapel Road. The native Americans who used this area did so because of the great diversity of wildlife and availability of water. Also the view is amazing in all directions. Was using this ridge top encampment for security, or just because the view is so satisfying? The Missouri River is on the far side of the bottoms now, but has been very close historically. There is also a large spring flowing from a cave nearby. Witness the flint chips when you walk through our barn lot. You are likely to see a broken stone tool that was once worked on by a native American. These river hills are composed of soils blown in from the end of the last ice age. Being near the river, erosion has cut down the surrounding area making the scenic topography associated with Missouri River valleys and river hills.

D'Ranch at Clearwater

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Gravois Mills, MO

D'Ranch at Clearwater is a small, 40 acre hobby farm located on the north side of the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri. What started as a simple love of backyard chickens has now become a dream farm for Tracey Durant and her husband Theodore. Nestled in the valley between two forest covered hillsides, and running adjacent to Clearwater Creek on the east and the lake on the south, D'Ranch could not have been a more perfect location for the Durants to plant their roots and get their feet wet. While they continue their love of backyard chickens with their small egg and hatchery operation know as HeebyJeeby Chickens, they have expanded their interests to an array of friendly farm animals including horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and an occasional turkey or two.

Riverbend RV Park and Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Macks Creek, MO

Our small owner operated campground sits high above the Niangua River. Situated below Tunnel Dam and the locally famous Whistle, we have 250’ of Big Niangua River frontage. We offer several full hook-up RV spots and ultra secluded primitive spots and anything in between. We have a bathroom/shower house for campers’ convenience.

Sawmill Hollow Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents54 acres · Warsaw, MO

Campsite - A private 1.5 acre campsite with a firepit (and plenty of wood to burn in it) and direct access to the Lake of the Ozarks. The campsite connects to a 1-mile trail around the perimeter of the 54-acre property. Guests have access to several kayaks for enjoyment of a secluded inlet of the lake. RV site - We also provide an RV hook-up site completely separate from the campsite with access to the mentioned amenities (trail, kayaks, canoe, paddleboat, etc.). See photos for directions to the sites and a map of the perimeter trail.

DnD Lakefront Campground Lake Ozark

6 sites · Tents15 acres · Sunrise Beach, MO

Pitch your tent in our Lakefront campsites at DnD Lakeside Campground and have access to your own picnic table and fire ring on the shores of the beautiful Lake of The Ozarks, one of the Midwest's premier boating and lake fun destinations. Swim, fish and float in our quiet cove, take walks up our hiking trails and end your day enjoying the night sky sitting next to a fire. We are close to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Bridal Cave, many lakefront bars and restaurants and The Ozark Amphitheater. We are at the starting line of the LOZ Annual Shootout, a fast-paced boating event benefiting local fire and rescue agencies, held the last weekend in August. Make sure to book early for summer holiday weekends. Discounted prices for weekday rentals available. Limited boat slip rentals available for a fee.

Star Hosts in Central Missouri

99%

(83)

DnD Lakefront Campground Lake Ozark

6 sites · Tents15 acres · Sunrise Beach, MO

Pitch your tent in our Lakefront campsites at DnD Lakeside Campground and have access to your own picnic table and fire ring on the shores of the beautiful Lake of The Ozarks, one of the Midwest's premier boating and lake fun destinations. Swim, fish and float in our quiet cove, take walks up our hiking trails and end your day enjoying the night sky sitting next to a fire. We are close to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Bridal Cave, many lakefront bars and restaurants and The Ozark Amphitheater. We are at the starting line of the LOZ Annual Shootout, a fast-paced boating event benefiting local fire and rescue agencies, held the last weekend in August. Make sure to book early for summer holiday weekends. Discounted prices for weekday rentals available. Limited boat slip rentals available for a fee.

Riverbend RV Park and Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Macks Creek, MO

Our small owner operated campground sits high above the Niangua River. Situated below Tunnel Dam and the locally famous Whistle, we have 250’ of Big Niangua River frontage. We offer several full hook-up RV spots and ultra secluded primitive spots and anything in between. We have a bathroom/shower house for campers’ convenience.

Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

5 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Eldon, MO

We have a 60 acre property with plenty of space to explore. There’s a well maintained walking trail and a year-round creek that runs through the valley. Our pond is perfect for swimming or paddling around in one of our canoes. If you're feeling adventurous, hike along the creek to a beautiful waterfall.

Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

7 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Dixon, MO

Experience the Missouri Ozarks in all it's glory! Our property sits on 7 acres running on both sides of the beautiful, crystal clear Big Piney River. We sit right at the bottom of a beautiful bluff right along the banks of the river! We have a dry cabin, with outdoor water, bathroom and cedar shower house. We have a fully stocked new camper with everything you'll need for up to 6 people, including ice cold A/C! We also own a large beautiful sand bar on the Big Piney River perfect for setting up your tent or hammock camping (only accessible by swimming or kayak, which we can provide for a fee)

Selby Farm Horse Retirement

10 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Wooldridge, MO

Summary: Easy access from I-70 Great views. Usually very quiet except for wildlife sounds Portapottie at both camping areas Great star viewing. Excellent conditions for pets Hosts live nearby and are good communicators via text or phone. Hosts can direct you to several local attractions and shopping options. Hosts are happy to take questions before, during, or after your stay. Narrative about Selby Farm: Selbys have lived on this 75 acre farm since 1990. Doug and Brenda are retired from teaching at nearby public schools. Our Farm is now dedicated to boarding retired horses for their owners. Feel free to review the Selby Farm Horse Retirement webpage if you are a horse fan. We encourage you to visit our business website where you will see more farm pictures, videos, and where you will learn more about us. We practice rotational grazing for the health of the horses and the health of our pastures. The horses live in a herd as they would in the wild. Basically, they are hanging out with their friends! They also get regular care and feed and so are VERY happy. You will see and probably interact with the horses if you wish. They are guaranteed to come closer if you have treats like carrots and apples slices. Our quiet county road used to be the main road along the river. A hundred years ago it was called "Shanty Road". The shacks that were along it housed workers that harvested food from farms in the river bottom. The only evidence of those shacks now is perrenial flowers growing in unusual places. The area is inhabited by professionals working in nearby towns and cities. In fact there are only five homes along our 1.5 mile section of Copps Chapel Road. The native Americans who used this area did so because of the great diversity of wildlife and availability of water. Also the view is amazing in all directions. Was using this ridge top encampment for security, or just because the view is so satisfying? The Missouri River is on the far side of the bottoms now, but has been very close historically. There is also a large spring flowing from a cave nearby. Witness the flint chips when you walk through our barn lot. You are likely to see a broken stone tool that was once worked on by a native American. These river hills are composed of soils blown in from the end of the last ice age. Being near the river, erosion has cut down the surrounding area making the scenic topography associated with Missouri River valleys and river hills.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(4)

Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Osage Beach, Missouri

Bennett Spring State Park

Bennett Springs, Missouri

89%

(19)

Mark Twain National Forest

Bunker, Missouri

100%

(3)

Pomme de Terre State Park

Hermitage, Missouri

Camping in Central Missouri guide

Overview

Looking for the best camping in Central Missouri? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of Missouri hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip in Central Missouri.