The best camping near Clearwater Lake

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

Discover Clearwater Lake: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.  

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Community favorites near Clearwater Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Clearwater Lake

98%
(713)

Arcadia Valley Outdoors Land

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents150 acres · Ironton, MO
A wooded, more private camping experience with unique site designs and natural elements. Wood-burning sauna and hot tub available for guest use. Primitive Camping Van/vehicle Camping Small Trailers Glamping Bike Trails, Hiking, creek sit-in' on site! Best of the midwest biking, hiking, Ozark Trail, rock climbing Elephant Rocks Park, Johnson Shut-ins and more swimming holes nearby! Wood for sale on site, $5 per bundle, Fire starters also available. Ask us about our "Really Good At Camping" merchandise. We have shirts, mugs & wine tumblers! *Cash Only* at this time. We Have free stickers! *For camp site locations please refer to our map in the campsite listing photos. We are located just west of the Ironton Water Works Plant and the Shepherd Mountain Lake dam. Turn right after the dam, drive through Shepherd Mountain Lake Park. If our "campground guests only" gate if it is closed, and please close gate behind you. Thank you! No Hook Ups No swimming in the lake and no outside boats, but we have boats for campers to use free of charge! General Store and restroom facilities/showers coming soon!
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$30
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98%
(181)

Cinco de Mayo Campground

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · MO
Every morning that I wake up at Cinco I think how fortunate I am to have a place on this earth where I am excited to be. Whether it is sweaty-hot summertime or deep-freeze, snow-covered wintertime I treasure the moments sipping a cup of tea on the riverbank listening to the birds competing over food and mates...or to the ice breaking up with the morning heat. Starting the day this way can sure alleviate a lot of stress!   The tenants and guests that have stayed here make my favorite place on earth truly precious.  Sharing with others magnifies the experience.  Please give yourself the gift of staying here for a weekend.Learn more about this land:Sleep right on the banks of the river or in the clean level yard just a few feet away. Kayak or fish all day then enjoy a nice warm shower in our bathhouse. You can freshen your gear in our new mini-laundromat. Bring quarters or download an Iphone app to start the laundry machines.  
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$15
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(10)

Scottish Highland Cattle Ranch

9 sites · RVs, Tents235 acres · Glen Allen, MO
Learn more about this land: We have five campsites in 135 acres of acres of forest and ranch land in our working cattle and sheep ranch.  Located in a serene valley in the Ozark Highlands, the Ranch has Sheep, Scottish Highland Cattle, Chickens, Ducks and Great Pyrenees livestock guard dogs (only in the sheep pastures - and they are friendly).  If you want to meet our animals and see the farm we are happy to show you around! This is a unique site located in the Ozark Highlands. Only 45 minutes from Cape Girardeau (a small river town on the Mississippi), and 45 minutes from the Arcadia Valley including Taum Sauk mountain (the highest point in Missouri), Elephant Rocks, the Johnston Shutins, and other beautiful areas in the highlands.  The farm is five minutes from Marble Hill, which is home to the Bollinger County Natural History museum which highlights the only dinosaur bones found in Missouri. The bones were found at a farm in Glennallen (a few minutes from our farm) as well as a great barbeque (Jay’s Restaurant) and a good catfish restaurant (Jers Restaurant). On the way to our farm, feel free to stop at the 1,700 foot deep artesian well to get a cool, refreshing jug of natural artesian well water – the water is free, but you have to bring your own containers!  We are two and a half hours southwest of St. Louis, and two and half hours northwest of Memphis.
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$24
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100%
(56)

1855 Campground

7 sites · Tents45 acres · Black, MO
LATEST NEWS: The 2024 camping season has come to a close. A big thanks for all those campers, 1st and 2nd time campers, who made this a banner year. So good to see all of you. Though are campground is close but this site and my office remain open for all your bookings and questions. The campground opens the 2025 season March 1st. And will run through Sept 30. Hope everyone enjoys the fall and upcoming holiday season. See ya here next year. TIRED OF NOISEY OVER CROWDED CAMP GROUNDS, we’ll give us a try! 1855 Campground is a 45 acres of private property, my natural preserve, dedicated to fostering the natural Ozark experience.   We border the Mark Twain National Forest!! Come enjoy the outdoors at its bests!  This nature space offers seven large campsites generously spaced to provide privacy and the ability to become one with nature. JUST OPEN. A hiking trail that takes you around the property. It’s a one mile, clearly mark trail that requires a level 4, strenuous, skill. It’s free to all campers. A reminder we are 15 minutes from the Ozark Trail head located on highway A. Make 1855 Campground you base camp! I offer a wide range of campsite and locations.Site 1, boarders Little Brushy Creek and you can park there. Site 2, Nancy’s Landing, it’s a smaller site close to the creek and you can park close by. Site 3, Bills Hill, located high up in the woods. Site 4 n 5, large flat grassy area in a meadow, Walnut Grove. Site 6, Hidden Hollow, and site 7, Roberts Mountain another campsite high up in the woods. Campsites 3,4,5,6, and 7 are remote wooded campsites. No vehicles are allowed to those sites so free shuttle is available upon request. When booking those sites please arrive before 8pm on the day of arrival. FYI for campsites 1 and 2 you may park at those sites so long as you don’t block the road. This land borders the Mark Twain National Forest, so hiking is abundant and encouraged and being far away from the city this area is ideal for star gazing and planet photography. There is on-site fresh spring water flowing all year round.  Enjoy fishing, swimming, or just hanging out at the pond or in the babbling brook that runs alongside the prosperity. There is also an off grid home where I live an I am willing to share my experience with you. Just opened campsite 7! Yes a new wilderness campsite located on top of the highest hill on the prosperity. It’s borders the National Forest a like all other sites it’s very private. Only a fire pit is available. It’s a must see and experience. Those of you who like site 3, the other wilderness site, will like this. This will be a popular site!  1855 Campground is in close proximity to:      Floating activities along the Black River      Johnson Shuts State Park      Bell Mountain Hiking Trails       Elephant Rocks      Counsel Bluffs Lake      Tip Top Park      Taum Sauk State Park      Historic town of Caledonia       Clearwater Lake      Shepard Mountain bike trial  The details:       Campsites are large enough for multiple tents      All sites have fire pits and the first bundle of wood provided is included       All have BBQ grills and tables (except site 3 and 7).  Bring charcoal      Outhouses and outside shower is available      Parking space provided, once check in assistance to campsite is provided       For your peace an quite no vehicles, guns or loud music allowed back in campground      1855 Campground lives by “Leave no trace Principles” take out what you bring  in.      2023 season runs to Oct 2nd      Additional firewood and charcoal can be purchased at office. Campsite fees:  Weekend rate ( Friday and Saturday nights) $30/ per night per site ( 4 campers per site) children under 5 stay free. Weekday special ( Sunday- Thursday night): 40% off! $20/ per night per site.   Note: some campsite can hold more than 4 people, message Bill for more details. Get away from the vibrations of city life and enjoy existence within the arms. Special note to interested campers: The office /house is open 9 to 9 daily through the season. It’s worth noting that the office/ house is “ off grid” that is it is not connected to the National electrical grid for its power. It’s been off grid for over 25 yrs. Bill, the manager, of the campground has been living full time off grid for over 8 yrs and would be willing to field question on the subject during normal business hours.
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$18
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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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$45
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(52)

The Holliday Landing on the Lake

44 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Greenville, MO
Learn more about this land: Holliday Landing Resort & Marina offers a variety of beautiful campsites to meet your camping needs. There are 11 sites with water, electric, and sewer hook-ups, 28 sites with water and electric, there is a secluded mini-loop where tent campers can enjoy the same access and amenities. All water and electric campsites have 30/120 amp electric service and frost-free water. Guests may use the modern restroom facility with showers. A dump station is available for your use. Each non-primitive site has a gravel pad for RV campers and parking, a grassy area for tent camping, visiting, or playing, a picnic table, and a fire ring with grill. Each primitive site has a grassy area, picnic table, and fire ring with no designated parking area. For your convenience, camping guests may use the boat ramp and may rent a boat slip for a $10 nightly fee.  Kids and adults alike can play together at our playground area. Camping guests also have access to an inground swimming pool at no extra charge.
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$35
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(25)

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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$35
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The best camping near Clearwater Lake guide

Overview

About

Embark on an adventure at Clearwater Lake, where the crystal waters invite you to dive into a variety of activities. Paddle through serene waters, hike along lush trails, and fish for your next big catch. As the sun sets, gather around a crackling campfire and gaze at the starlit sky from your campsite, immersing yourself in the natural beauty that surrounds you.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Clearwater Lake is during the spring and fall months, when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer brings warmth perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winter can be chilly, so pack accordingly if you plan a serene, off-season retreat.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Remember to pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent for a comfortable day out.
  • Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions that may be in effect during your visit.
  • Accessible facilities are available, but it's best to confirm ahead for specific needs.

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