Nestled in the heart of the United States, the Ozark region offers an abundance of picturesque camping destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, where you can enjoy beautiful camping and hiking adventures. Whether you are seeking a serene retreat or an adventurous getaway, the Ozarks have something to offer everyone.
From Missouri and Oklahoma to Illinois and Arkansas, this region reaches across multiple states, each with its own camping spots to be explored.
The Ozarks at a Glance: Where to Camp
Here’s a table summarizing the camping destinations in the Ozarks:
| Destination | Description |
|---|---|
| Bull Shoals-White River State Park, Arkansas | Situated along Bull Shoals Lake, this park offers various campgrounds with lake views and is suitable for families and nature enthusiasts. It accommodates both tent and RV campers. The park provides opportunities for fishing, hiking, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. |
| Devil’s Den State Park, Arkansas | Located in the Boston Mountains, this park is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It offers a rugged camping experience amid sandstone bluffs and ancient trees. Visitors can explore picturesque trails, rocky caves, and the stunning Devil’s Den rock formation. |
| Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri | This Missouri forest is a part of the Ozarks region, offering diverse outdoor activities, including hiking and wildlife spotting. It’s an excellent destination for nature lovers and campers. |
| Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Kansas | Located in Kansas, this preserve showcases unique natural wonders and a different landscape. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Ozarks and engage in outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife observation. |
Bull Shoal-White River State Park
Nestled in the heart of the scenic Ozark Mountains, Bull Shoals-White River State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a perfect camping getaway. Located in north-central Arkansas, this sprawling state park offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation.
With its picturesque landscapes, serene waters, and abundant wildlife, Bull Shoals-White River State Park is an ideal destination for nature lovers and families alike. One of the main attractions at Bull Shoals-White River State Park is its namesake feature – Bull Shoals Lake.
Spanning over 45,000 acres and extending into Missouri, this crystal-clear lake provides a serene backdrop for various water activities. Anglers can cast their lines to catch bass, crappie, or catfish while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding hillsides.
Boating enthusiasts can take advantage of the boat ramps available throughout the park to embark on an adventurous journey across the expansive lake. For those looking to unwind and soak up some sun, there are numerous swimming beaches dotted along the shoreline where you can cool off on a hot summer day.
Main Attractions
In addition to its stunning lake views, Bull Shoals-White River State Park is also home to one of Arkansas’ premier trout fishing destinations – White River. Known for its cold-water currents teeming with rainbow and brown trout, this river attracts anglers from far and wide who are eager to test their skills against these elusive fish species.
Whether you prefer fly fishing or spinning gear, White River offers ample opportunities to hook into trophy-sized trout amidst its serene and picturesque surroundings. Beyond water activities, Bull Shoals-White River State Park offers a plethora of land-based recreation as well.
The park boasts miles upon miles of hiking trails that wind through dense forests and lead hikers to breathtaking vistas overlooking Ozark landscapes. For those seeking more excitement on wheels, mountain biking trails cater to adrenaline junkies with their challenging terrains winding through rugged hillsides.
Additionally, the park features numerous picnic areas where families can gather for a leisurely lunch amidst nature’s beauty. Bull Shoals-White River State Park in Arkansas is a gem within the Ozark Mountains, offering an array of outdoor activities and natural wonders for visitors to enjoy.
Whether you’re an avid angler, a hiking enthusiast, or simply seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, this state park has something to offer everyone.
Devil’s Den State Park
Devil’s Den State Park offers a captivating camping experience for outdoor enthusiasts. With its breathtaking landscapes and diverse recreational activities, this park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Located in Washington County, Arkansas, Devil’s Den State Park is easily accessible from neighboring states such as Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and even Illinois. Whether you are planning a family camping trip or seeking a solo adventure in nature’s embrace, Devil’s Den has something for everyone.
Main Attractions
One of the main attractions at Devil’s Den State Park is its extensive network of hiking trails. With over 20 miles of trails winding through woodlands and valleys, hikers can find themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds them.
The renowned Yellow Rock Trail offers awe-inspiring panoramic views from atop its namesake rock formation. As you traverse the trail, you’ll witness stunning vistas of the Ozark Mountains stretching as far as the eye can see.
Butterfield Hiking Trail promises a journey through diverse ecosystems with glimpses of cascading waterfalls and tranquil streams along the way. For those looking for a more adventurous experience at Devil’s Den State Park, rock climbing opportunities can be found within its rugged terrain.
The rock formations offer challenges and ascents that will test your physical fitness and reward you with unmatched views once you reach the summit. To fully appreciate Devil’s Den State Park’s natural wonders while enjoying modern amenities, visitors can opt to stay at one of its well-equipped campgrounds or cabins.
The park offers both primitive campsites for those desiring a more rustic experience and developed sites with electricity and water hookups for added convenience.
Imagine waking up amidst nature’s tranquility, surrounded by the soothing sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves.
Its closeness to neighboring states makes it a solid choice for families and people seeking a getaway. With its extensive hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and comfortable campgrounds, Devil’s Den State Park invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature.
Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine State Park, four hours from Springfield, asks campers to discover the highest point in Arkansas and see gorgeous views. While the Cameron Bluff Campground may not stand out among the park’s offerings, a visit to this natural wonder, located about 20 miles south of Paris, Arkansas, proves to be a rewarding experience filled with activities and unparalleled views that extend for miles on clear days.
At the park, hikers can ascend the Signal Hill Trail, a relatively quick and easy route, albeit somewhat unremarkable, leading to Arkansas’s pinnacle. Also essential is a visit to The Lodge at Mount Magazine, providing panoramic views of the Petit Jean Valley and Blue Mountain Lake.
Main Attractions
For seasoned hikers, the Bear Hollow Trail presents a challenging 5.6-mile round-trip path offering pretty sights. The park’s allure extends beyond hiking, as visitors can partake in rock climbing (if equipped), observe hang gliders, and witness stunning sunsets from the Cameron Bluff Overlook Drive.
For calmness by the water, the nearby Cove Lake Recreation Areahas an undisturbed shoreline. To end your day, dining at The Lodge’s Skycrest Restaurant offers a delightful experience.
During your stay, be ready for encounters with local wildlife, including deer, and if fortune favors you, a sighting of the elusive black bear. (be careful)! The Cameron Bluff Campground provides 18 shaded campsites, each with water, electric, and sewer hook-ups, offering privacy and ideal spots for hammocks. It’s a good idea to bring an RV or air mattress, as the terrain at the sites can be quite rocky.
Mount Magazine State Park promises a great outdoor adventure for hikers, campers, and nature enthusiasts. With captivating vistas, diverse activities, and opportunities to connect with the natural world, it’s a destination well worth the journey.
Praire State Park
Prairie State Park, a mere 1 hour and 45 minutes from Springfield, Missouri, provides a tranquil escape from the typical Ozarks landscape.
This 4,000-acre park, located near the Kansas border in Mindenmines, is a haven of tallgrass prairie, with wildflowers and waving grasses.
The park is home to free-roaming bison and a plethora of bird species, offering guided hikes to spot the bison herd and access to bird and wildflower checklists. With easy trails and opportunities for birding, hunting, fishing, and trapping, the park’s low traffic and primitive camping, including ADA-compliant sites, make it a unique getaway. For those seeking a more bougie stay, the Himmel House Bed & Breakfast in Pittsburg, Kansas, is a convenient half-hour drive away.
Tyler Bend Campground
Discover the natural wonders of the Buffalo National River at Tyler Bend Campground, just a convenient two-hour drive from Springfield, Missouri. This campground is in the river’s middle district, south of St. Joe, Arkansas, offering easy access to the Buffalo National River. The region is great for outdoor enthusiasts, with crystal-clear waters perfect for floating, easy hiking trails, and memorable views of towering bluffs and the starry night sky.
Tyler Bend Campground is a perfect place for those looking for a civilized camping experience. It gives a range of camping options, with 28 regular sites, 10 walk-in sites, and five group sites, which are the only ones available for reservation. While the campground doesn’t offer hookups, it has amenities like restrooms with showers, water spigots, and a dump station.
During the winter months, only primitive camping is available, and fees are not collected. From the campground, you can access the river or go hiking on one of the Tyler Bend Campground Trails, which cater to hikers of all skill levels.
Tyler Bend Campground provides a gateway to the Buffalo National River, where you can find yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundingsFor those looking for a more comfortable stay, just 15 minutes away, The Gilbert General Store offers cabins at Buffalo Camping and Canoeing, providing a retreat after a day of exploration and hiking.