The best camping near Lake Charles State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lake Charles State Park adventure.

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Discover the serene beauty of Lake Charles State Park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Lake Charles State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Lake Charles State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Charles State Park

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Camp River Campground LLC

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Alton, MO

Campground equipped with various types of lodging, camp store, walking trail, playground and boat rentals.

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Camp Cock-A-Doodle

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Hardy, AR

Experience Arkansas deep woods by primitive camping in our peaceful sanctuary! Camp Cock-A-Doodle is part of our three camp compound Explore the trails leading land marks like Gum Tree Rock and a Geocache! The Woodland Hills neighborhood is blessed with no railroad tracks or much noise pollution - or light Pollution! The Campground is not far from River access, plentiful creeks, waterfalls and lots of options for float trips. The cutest little river town is just down the road - Hardy Arkansas! You will understand why we all call this area of NEA paradise. Hardy has restaurants, junk shops, candy shop and a hippy store! Hardy beach is a treasure of a local swimming hole with waterfalls and rope swing. Camp Cock-A-Doodle is surrounded by tall trees and truly gives you that deep wood vibe. Details of the campground came right from the land. Large rocks collected from the land were used to create the fire pits. The cedar post marking each campsite were harvested right from the land.

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Robert's Redneck Retreat, LLC

3 sites · Lodging74 acres · Doniphan, MO

Robert's Redneck Retreat is located on about 16 acres of pasture and 58 acres of forested land with a creek and trails running through it. Our property also adjoins 1200 acres of the Mark Twain National Forest, dotted with springs, trails, rivers, lakes, ponds and breathtaking views. We have three small cabins on the property that are spaced out for privacy. There are also potential for tent camp sites.My husband and I love nature, farming, gardening, and sharing time with like-minded individuals. Our dream is small scale hobby farming adjoined with cabin rentals, allowing trees to regrow in places that were once pasture in order to do our part to help maintain habitat for wild animals and plants. It is a balance that we love and it is our pleasure to share this property with you. We are new here, but we are not new to the camping world; we have been helping campers have positive experiences since 2013 and already have over 170 positive reviews on Airbnb. We would love for Hip Campers to come experience our brand of cabin camping, with farm and forest experiences.A little history of the surrounding area: The Mark Twain National Forest was stripped by loggers in the 1800's and was purchased by the government as a preserve. Since then, it has regrown into hardwood forest, dotted with remnants of pine. It feels wild and untouched, despite knowing it's history. And within it, it harbors all manner of waterways, wildlife, plants, and fungi beyond your imagination. We love southern Missouri and hope you come catch a taste of the wildness that is the Forest. Disconnect, unplug, lose your cell signal, and come find yourself in the woods :)

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Pioneer Lane Farm

1 site · RV78 acres · Cave City, AR

Beautiful rolling open fields nestled in the Ozarks. This is a working farm with cattle, sheep, goats, chickens, dogs and more! We have a variety of trees, wooded area and fields. Lots of flat terrain with grass perfect for camping. Enjoy looking at all the animals on the farm and pet a goat! Come park your Rv or set up a tent for a relaxing retreat on this quiet farm with scenic views in every direction.

Cedar Ridge South Fork River

7 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Hardy, AR

Unplug, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature at Cedar Ridge. We offer the perfect blend of the outdoors and comfort for your next adventure. Discover serenity along South Fork Spring River, and create lasting memories with loved ones. Welcome to your Arkansas, remote, off-grid getaway in the foothills of the Ozarks! Discover the beauty of Cedar Ridge, your ultimate destination for outdoor adventure. Situated along the South Fork Spring River, our campground offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and exhilarating outdoor experiences. Whether you're an experienced outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking a serene escape, you will have a memorable stay. Cedar Ridge is a remote and intimate off-grid glamping experience. Located on nearly 20 acres of forested hillside with an extensive riverfront on the South Fork Spring River. Immerse yourself in nature while also enjoying some creature comforts in one of our fully furnished canvas bell tents or tiny homes. Unwind on a front porch or kick back in a hammock and take a deep breath…..you can finally relax. All the fun of camping without the work or frustration. Take a hike down one of our nature trails, fish for smallmouth or perch, plan a kayak float trip on the South Fork Spring River, go for a swim, or enjoy some outdoor games on the lawn by the river.

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Scott Family Farm & Retreat

34 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Batesville, AR

Remote and secluded, this beautiful valley 12 miles from Batesville AR provides the primitive camping retreat that you’re looking for. Located on our 140 acre family farm, you will cross a low-level creek to access this property. (Truck or SUV is recommended, 4wd during rainy conditions.) Sites have composting toilet/outhouses available as well as access to fishing, swimming and kayaking in Polk Bayou, and beautiful water views of Sullivan creek. Enjoy the hiking trails and take in the beautiful scenery of the Ozark Hills during your stay. Pets that are leashed and well behaved are welcome, but we must be notified that you will be bringing them. •NO ALCOHOL or drugs, unreasonable noise, violent behaviour, or displaying/discharging of firearms or other weapons are permitted on the property.

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Copper Top Campsites

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Doniphan, MO

Copper Top Campsites is a 4 slot boondock site near the Current River. Each lot has enough room for a vehicle and boat. Dumpster service is provided and each site has its own locally built custom fire pit. Firewood is available upon request. There are no hookups at this time, this is complete dry camping or boondock camping. It’s approximately 10 minutes to Doniphan where you can launch a boat, get groceries, eat out, and do some local shopping. If you are looking for other rivers the Eleven Point River is close by as well. For a few more amenities, Poplar Bluff is less than 45 minutes away.

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True Ozark Mountains Off-Grid.

10 sites · Tents1 acre · Ash Flat, AR

This property is in the mountains. In the woods. You'll have cellphone reception, but it's completely undeveloped, save for a few campers around from people who tried to go off-grid and left. There are rabbits, deer and fish. It's a hunting ground if you have a license. It's incredibly peaceful.

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Two River Ranch RV and Tent sites

1 site · RV, Tent50 acres · Alton, MO

Looking to take a step back and have a peaceful getaway? This beautiful property sits on 50 acres of seclusion and privacy. Bring your four legged friends, along with your ATV's. You can rest and relax or go exploring on several trails constructed on the property. We have four kayaks and only 5 miles from the scenic Eleven Point River boat launch and swimming hole. Roughly the same distance is Fourche Lake Recreation Area, Mark Twain National Forest. Also, we are 20 miles from the Current River, both rivers are known for trophy fishing and world class floating/rafting/boating all summer long. Just a short drive up the road is the Irish Wilderness and Mark Twain National Forest, which is ideal for hiking, hunting, mushroom foraging and photography. Don't forget your Kayak, fishing pole, ATV, horses ,and Camera! Also we have corn hole, Croquet, latter ball, and various fun competition games.

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River Rock Farm

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Hardy, AR

Please join us at our beautiful farm located on the lower Spring River just outside Hardy, AR. We have a 3+ acre river lot for dry camping or boondocking. We also have 20+ acres of adjoining land with beautiful river views. Come fish or float the beautiful Spring River with take-out or put-in from our property. Fish for small mouth bass from the banks of our property. If you don't have your own boat, kayak, or canoe there are outfitters in our area who will be happy to assist. Hunters will also love staying at our property as we neighbor the wildlife management area and many other local hunting spots. We are located close to the mouth of the Spring River at Mammoth Spring State Park. Use us a base camp to explore the Ozark National Forest, Lake Norfork, Blanchard Springs Caverns, the Mark Twain National Forest, and many other lakes, rivers, and streams. We look forward to hosting you in your next adventure!

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Williams Camp : Eleven Point River

9 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · MO

Learn more about this land: To view a map of local points of interest, please visit https://bit.ly/WilliamsCampPOI (You will have to copy and paste that link! You'll have a private place of your own, with access to some of Missouri states most hidden springs, rivers, waterfalls, fishing, hunting, hiking, (some of the best) horseback riding trails, and historic landmarks. Rather you're after solitude or sport, this area has you covered. Kayak, canoe, and shuttle rental, service is available at hufstedlers.com and is a short 11.5 mile drive. Beautiful eleven point river offers blue, red, and white ribbon, spring fed trout/walleye water. If you're looking to float the river, be sure to research the many springs on the way down your trip and the historic mill communities that once flourished there. These are perfect opportunities to take a break, eat a meal, and explore the area. Most also will have public bathrooms. Unless there are multiple reservations, you will be allowed to hookup/stay at whichever site is the easiest for you to get parked at. Maps of the area and things to do will continue to be updated as they are developed. In the mean time, a great resource is MissouriScenicRivers.com. We do not live near this site so this is an exclusively non-hosted listing.

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Camp Miramichee Falls

5 sites · Lodging2 acres · Hardy, AR

Camp Miramichee Falls is located at the site of the original YWCA Camp Miramichee which was founded in 1916 as a retreat for girls. In 2019, my husband and I acquired and renovated some of the original Miramichee stone cabins. We are located on the Southfork River, in Hardy, Arkansas. We have 2 cabins on the river and 3 cabins on a wooded hillside for rent here at Camp Miramichee Falls. There are a few other privately owned cabins in the neighborhood and we live on the property.

The best camping near Lake Charles State Park guide

Overview

About

Modern lakeside camping, a sweet nature center, and world class fishing? Ya, Lake Charles State Park has all of that for you and they aren’t shy about it either. Stunning woodland trails like the Butterfly and Blooms trail, yurts for those who want to glamp, and all the fishing, boating and lake swimming you can handle are just the highlights of what the park has to offer. And let’s not forget the orange-pink sunsets, friendly rangers, and the best...a party barge lake tour! “I didn’t have fun on the party barge”, said no one ever. Amp up your adventure with your whole crew or take a solo trek for some quiet reflection at Lake Charles, you simply can’t go wrong here.

Notable campgrounds

Class AAA Campsites - Enjoy waterfront camping with full hookups, including water, 50 amp electric, and sewer services.
Rent-A-Yurt - Experience a unique stay in a fully-furnished YURT, perfect for those looking for a different kind of camping adventure.
Class B Campsites - Ideal for smaller setups, these sites offer water and 30 amp electric, close to the park's natural beauty.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your preferred spot, especially during peak season from March to November.
Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
Keep an eye on cancellations for last-minute opportunities.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a site.

When to go

The best time to visit Lake Charles State Park is from March to November when the visitor center is open daily and all amenities are available. Winter months offer a quieter visit but with limited services. Always check for seasonal closures before planning your trip.

Know before you go

Check the park's website for any alerts or closures before your visit.
Remember, there is no lifeguard on duty at the swim beach - swim at your own risk.
Visitor center hours vary by season, so plan your visit accordingly.
Water is not available at the campgrounds from December to February.
For a hassle-free visit, familiarize yourself with the park's rules and regulations.