Best Camping in and Near Lake of the Ozarks State Park

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Explore a gem of a lake in the middle of the state.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Lake of the Ozarks State Park

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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.

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(57)

Ozarks Piney Bend Riverfront

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, 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)

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(159)

B Berry Farms & Co.

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents42 acres · Elkland, MO

Would you like to try something different than your everyday routine? Well, then come on out to a little place in the country to unplug, unwind, or just enjoy life that's all around you. Our little spot is called B Berry Farms and Co. We are a 40-acre family U-Pick Berry farm and 24-hour Campground with 5 RV spots with 20 amp or 30 amp electricity your choice. And we are right in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks with over 4,000 you-pick Berry bushes (and fresh produce in 24' )covering, 7 acres we have something for almost everyone. If you want cleaner health products in your life then we can help you with that as well, We are also a natural skin care product manufacturer. Either Bonding by the wood-fired stove in our bunkhouse or cuddling up in the chairs outside enjoying hot cocoa as it snows. Just looking off into the distance and seeing the sun setting with bursting colors over the rows and rows of berries. Experience a darker night sky than most are used to. Or walk the many acres of colored coated diverse trails, enjoy 2 horseshoes pitching areas, pick delicious berries, throw axes at a log target, swing on several adult swings, play an intense game of pool on our table, climb a 12-foot high wall, enjoy our 10' bouncing net hanging from the ceiling, play in the many sandboxes, sweat out a game with a 35' professional Volleyball net (ball provided)and badminton(we have rackets and birdies), play in the water cube as it sprays in all directions or our new Waterhole WATERPARK play area which sprays water in all directions with water slide, ( Trampoline, 95' kids Zipline, 9'x9' colored swing net, 2 swings, 14' fireman's pole, monkey bars, rock climbing walls, swing bridge) and so many more things to do. Hot showers, 2 solar heated shower houses (seasonal frost to frost), 2 restrooms, a hand washing station, and a hand laundry tub. We sell farm fresh eggs, and baked goods(homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, muffins, and many fresh seasonal vegetables as well picked to order,and handmade natural products.

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MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

5 sites · Lodging170 acres · Hartsburg, MO

Enchanting hand-built and rustic off-grid cabin overlooks the Missouri River bottom, nearby bluffs, and scenic, peaceful 177 acre farm -Close to Columbia, Hermann & Jeff City -Spacious studio-style bedroom -Large sunny windows -Outdoor kitchen -Screened-in porch -Fire pit -Incredible views, total stargazers dream -Pets OK! -Outdoor shower (cold!) Secluded & surrounded by nature, find yourself restored after hiking, antiquing, cooking, or drinking wine and taking in the beautiful surroundings. THE SPACE The Moon-Rise Cabin sits atop a ridge overlooking the 177 acre farm and surrounding conservation land ridges. The views from this private little solar powered, off-the-grid getaway are stunning! THE TINY CABIN The cabin is equipped with solar powered lights, phone and computer charging stations, a propane powered heating system and kitchen range. Cold running water flows in the kitchen sink located in the hand built screened in porch and also in the outdoor shower- perfect for cleaning up after a long summer's day of hiking trails or biking on the Katy Trail. BATHROOM The half bath is a clean and comfy outhouse. The property boasts many delicate ecosystems that are thriving thanks to being fully organic and untouched by chemicals for over 40 years. OUTDOOR KITCHEN The outdoor kitchen (on the screened-in porch) includes a gas range for cooking and making morning coffee, and comes equipped with utensils, pots, pans, dish ware, etc. WILDLIFE Warmer months you'll surely encounter some of the resident tree frogs, birds, peregrine falcon, bald eagles, worms, Gary the groundhog, possums, snakes, armadillos, insects, dragon flies, bumblebees, lightning bugs, deer, wild flowers, trees, grass, turtles, fish and celebrity Justin Beaver. SWIMMING POND We have a swimming pond nearby with a little beach. You might also enjoy using our paddle board on the pond! FISHING We also invite you to fish in our pond. You are welcome to keep and eat any fish that you like, with the exception of all bass under 12 inches. Please be sure to release these until they get to breeding age in order to help us ensure the healthiness of our pond. Anything larger than 13 inches is all yours! ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS We have another cabin on the property that sleeps 2. Please inquiry if you'd like to make a family or friends trip to the farm! NEIGHBOURHOOD DESCRIPTION The Moon-Rise Cabin sits on 176 acres of beautiful wooded ridges and deep valleys, ponds and meadows and is directly adjacent to the 657 acre Hart Creek Conservation Area. The town of Hartsburg and the Katy Trail access is about a mile away and a flat and easy ride. Be sure to check out The Hitching Post, Hartsburg's local watering hole famous for its bluegrass jams! Hartsburg Hitching Post hours: Monday-Thursday open 4pm-1am, Friday and Saturday open 3pm-1am, Sunday open 12pm-12am. The Burg is a great place to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner on Friday and Saturday, or breakfast and lunch on Sunday. The Burg Cafe hours: Monday-Thursday Closed, Friday open 11 am-7pm, Saturday and Sunday open 7am - 1pm. The Burg has a small number of grocery items for sale as well, including ice and beverages! The closest grocery store is located in Ashland, Missouri, about 10 minutes north. The Moon-Rise Cabin is approximately 30 minutes south of Columbia and about 30 minutes north of Jefferson City, Missouri. GETTING AROUND The Moon-Rise Cabin is less than 2 miles from the nearest Katy Trail access and biking to the cabin is an easy ride through the town of Hartsburg and along the Hart Creek. The only access to nearby towns is by personal vehicle or bike as no public transportation is available. Important: We are committed to protecting our properties which is why we've partnered with Know Your Guest, the leading vacation rental guest-screening provider. Please note that before your booking begins, you will need to verify your details and ID through Know Your Guest. You will also be given the choice between paying a refundable deposit or buying a non-refundable damage waiver. We suggest you buy the damage waiver as this protects you in case you cause accidental damage during a booking.

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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.

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River Bluff Woods

1 site · RV, Tent25 acres · Buffalo, MO

Many generations of Native American tribes made these Ozark Mountain river bluffs home, long before settlers came from the east. Listen to the music of the wildlife or play your own music in this remote peaceful paradise.Learn more about this land: Firewood is provided! Camp in a peaceful setting above the Niangua River under the canopy of tall oak trees. Enjoy 25 acres of complete privacy and seclusion! It's a pretty steep trail from the campsite down to the banks of the river, and then a short trail to the canoe put-in spot where a 3-person canoe awaits. Contact me for flexible check in/out times.

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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.

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Natural Farms - Campground

52 sites · RVs, Tents241 acres · MO

Your Tent, RV, or Camper Trailer camping experience at Natural Farms could be one of your life's ten most-memorable events. Your host is a world renown preparedness expert, and widely popular nationally syndicated radio broadcaster - You will most likely meet him. We are so confident that you will be delighted with your camping experience we back it with a money-back Guarantee (If you leave before noon of the first day). Situated on 241 Acres, Natural Farms is UNIQUE in the world of camping - Serenity, Tranquility, Fun, and Educationally focused. Almost 1,000,000 square feet are dedicated to camping - A private campground on an all-natural cattle farm. Settled six years before the Civil War, the farm has remained natural - No pesticides, insecticides, nor commercial fertilizer. This is a Closed-Herd farm where all cattle are born and raised on this farm. Each campsite is in a pasture along a wooded creek and is approximately 100' wide with it's own fire pit. Drive right up to your campsite. Hiking trails, fish-feeding pond, Children's playhouse with swings and slide, tire-runs, and horseshoes for the adults are included. Guests may also enjoy the Scavenger Hunt list and a take-home rock of their choosing (up to a softball size) to remember their visit. Guests may purchase Natural Farms USDA inspected beef patties, steaks, beef sticks, and beef jerky – And grill over the wood-fire at your campsite – free grills grates are available for your use. Free tree-limb pickup wood is available or buckets of clean and dry oak is available for purchase. Our pasture-raised and free-range chickens lay the finest brown and blue eggs for our Guests. Have you ever eaten a blue egg? Nature in it's full glory is always on display at the farm. The sounds of nature are soft and omnipresent. And, just in case, Natural Farms has a Full- Service Automotive Repair and Tire Shop - We can service you vehicle while you camp - Jump-starts are free.

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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 our canoe. If you're feeling adventurous, hike along the creek to a beautiful waterfall. (There is no bathroom on site, so don't forget your camping potty!)

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Misfit Acres

11 sites · Tents17 acres · Rolla, MO

Escape to nature's embrace at our idyllic farm nestled near Mark Twain National Forest and the enchanting Meramec and Onondaga Caves. Embrace tranquility away from the city buzz with primitive camping amidst secluded woodlands. At our farm, you can feed and care for our friendly animals, creating memories to cherish forever. As you enter the Ozark Mountains, be mesmerized by the sweeping scenic views that surround our farm, offering a backdrop of natural beauty that enhances your stay. Experience the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation in the heart of Missouri's breathtaking countryside. Local attractions include: fugitive beach, lane springs recreation area, onondaga Cave, Meramac Caverns, local strawberry and blueberry picking farms, St. James Winery, Spencer Manor Winery, the Public House, Ozark Scenic Riverways, 2 hrs to St. Louis and Springfield, 45 minutes to Fort Leonard Wood, Mark Twain National Forest, 1.5 hrs to Johnson Shutins and Elephant Rocks, historic Route 66. For foodies: Crepe Escape, Public House, St. James Winery, Public House, Alex’s Pizza, Spencer Manor, Kusina Filipino, Popcorn Corner, Prince Solomon’s Royal Indian Restaurant, Southside Creamery, Master Donuts, Pryors Pizza

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Dripping Creek Cabin

1 site · Lodging20 acres · Ashland, MO

This is a cabin that has 20 acres to hike and a creek to walk! There’s a swimming hole to splash in when the water is up. It’s close to Ashland and Hartsburg for any grocery or eatery needs you may have. There’s a firepit and a hot tub. It’s also close to Mark Twain National forest, the Missouri River, and Conservation wild areas.

Ozark Adventures RV Campground

40 sites · RVs20 acres · Sunrise Beach, MO

Ozark Adventures is a new park in the Lake of the Ozarks area, located on the west side of the lake. Our park is configured around privacy, space and integrating the camping experience with the natural forest setting. Our sites are at least 50 feet apart and provide plenty of trees and shade. Almost all of our sites are pull through, located between two roads coming down a hillside. You pull into your level site from one road and pull out onto another. All the roads are one way traffic so as to not force campers to negotiate steep uphill roads. Located adjacent to a well supplied supermarket for all your camping needs. We have a large community fire pit and games courts for playing lawn games, all lit up at night. In our modern camphouse we have beautiful showers and a brand new laundry facility for your convenience open 7am till 10pm daily. Our regular season is April - October, but in the winter we do offer long term stays with a minimum 28 day stay. Those are at $350 plus electric during the winter . We also have dry tent sites at $25 daily. For attractions make sure to check out our trademark Patatay mountain bike/ hiking trail with challenging switchbacks, bridges and other attractions being added as you read this. We also have a private, 3 acre lake on our property open for fishing for our guests. A brand new fishing pier makes it fun to enjoy peaceful fishing and fabulous sunsets on Hawk Lake.

The best camping near Lake of the Ozarks State Park guide

Overview

About

Centrally located in mid-Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks State Park draws visitors from across the state and beyond. The park’s namesake lake is the center of the action, offering jewel-toned waters surrounded by gentle hills. On the shores, visitors will find a full menu of activities, ranging from traditional items like hiking and biking all the way to less-traditional finds, like metal detecting and cave exploration. Both tent and RV campers can find scenic campsites; cabin and yurt rentals are also offered. Lake of the Ozarks is at the middle of a growing vacation destination, with Osage Beach offering dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Notable campgrounds

Best for hikers: Lake of the Ozarks Campground Section 1 has easy access to two trails.
Best for boaters: Lake of the Ozarks Campground Section 4 has a marina onsite.
Best for peace and quiet: Lake of the Ozarks Campground Section 2 is the smallest of four sections.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations open at 7am CST 12 months in advance and may be made through the Missouri State Parks website or phone line.
On weekends, two-night reservations are required (Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday).
Campgrounds are open year round, but reservations are only available during specified months, which vary by campground section.
Water and showers are available April 1 through October 31.
Walk-up reservations are allowed for non-reserved campsites.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is a popular park; reservations for the summer months sometimes fill months in advance.

When to go

If you’re seeking lake fun, summer is the prime time for Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The lake has a reputation as a “party lake,” so you should anticipate more activity during peak season. For quieter waters, visit during the spring or fall. It may be too chilly to take a swim, but the weather and landscapes are pleasant. Throughout the year, weekends and holidays are especially busy. Campgrounds are open in the winter, but be prepared for occasional freezing temperatures and the possibility for snow and ice.

Know before you go

If you are bringing a boat or all-terrain vehicle, you may be allowed to park the trailer on the grass (which isn’t allowed at all Missouri State Parks).
This park offers deluxe cabin and yurt rentals outfitted with a small fridge, microwave, electricity, heating, and air conditioning. These accommodations do not have running water or supplied linens.
The park offers basic and electric campsites (some with 50 amp hookups). Water and sewer are not available at campsites, but the park does provide dump stations and water spigots.
HaHa Tonka State Park is a short drive away. Take a hike around the historic ruins of a burned-out castle, located on a picturesque bluff.