Camping near Eminence with horseback riding

The crystal waters that flow through Eminence were so beautiful that the National Park Service opted to create its first unit to protect a waterway, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, in 1964. Today, much of the area remains as untamed as it was decades ago, thanks to this protection. It’s a superb place to go paddling, fishing, and swimming—and then wander through the small towns to explore the history and culture of the southeastern Missouri Ozarks. Historic mills, stunning springs, and deep Ozark hollers are all waiting to be experienced. Eminence is the basecamp for these adventures, offering private RV parks, campsite rentals, and public campgrounds nearby.

Considered the “gateway to the Ozarks,” Echo Bluff State Park opened in 2013. Sinking Creek runs through the park, providing a focal point for outdoor adventures under the massive bluffs that line the waterway and give Echo Bluff its name. A modern campground offers walk-in tent camping sites and RV sites, with full hookups, free wifi, bathouses, and more.

Summer is hot, but it’s the most popular time to visit Eminence due to the waterways. Temperatures can get above 100 degrees, with high humidity. Spring and fall are especially good if you plan to spend more time on the trails instead of in the water, with fall being particularly scenic as the leaves change. Winter is generally cold, and campers may encounter snow, ice, and freezing temperatures, though some campgrounds offer year-round access.