Camping in the Ozarks: The Ozarks are a stunning natural destination located in the Midwestern United States, spanning across Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. The area is known for its diverse terrain, including rolling hills, expansive forests, winding rivers, and pristine lakes, making it an ideal location for camping enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly campground or a secluded backcountry spot, the Ozarks offer a wide range of camping opportunities for all types of outdoor adventurers. In this article, we will highlight some of the best camping locations in the Ozarks to help you plan your next camping trip.
Camping in the Ozarks
- Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Lake of the Ozarks State Park is Missouri’s largest state park and offers a wide range of camping options for visitors. The park covers over 17,000 acres and includes over 85 miles of shoreline on Lake of the Ozarks. The park’s campsites offer both early and modern camping options, including RV hookups, water, and electricity.
For those looking for a more unique camping experience, the park offers several special-use campsites, including a yurt village, an equestrian campground, and a group camping area. Lake of the Ozarks State Park also offers numerous recreational activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and mountain biking.
- Ozark National Forest
Ozark National Forest covers over 1.2 million acres in northern Arkansas and offers a variety of camping opportunities for visitors. The forest features several developed campgrounds, including the popular Blanchard Springs Campground, which offers both early and modern camping options.
For those looking for a more secluded camping experience, the forest offers numerous backcountry camping opportunities, including the Ozark Highlands Trail. The trail covers over 165 miles and offers stunning views of the Ozarks’ rugged terrain. Visitors can camp along the trail at designated campsites or find a secluded spot off the trail.
- Table Rock Lake State Park
Table Rock Lake State Park is located in southwestern Missouri and offers over 350 campsites for visitors. The park’s campsites offer both early and modern camping options, including RV hookups, water, and electricity. The park also offers several special-use campsites, including a group camping area and a family-friendly campground with playgrounds and other amenities.
Table Rock Lake is a popular destination for water activities, including swimming, boating, and fishing. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the Chinquapin Trail, which offers stunning views of the Ozarks and Table Rock Lake.
- Buffalo National River
Buffalo National River is located in northern Arkansas and offers some of the best backcountry camping opportunities in the Ozarks. The river stretches over 135 miles and offers stunning views of the Ozarks’ rugged terrain. Visitors can camp along the river at designated campsites or find a secluded spot off the river.
For those looking for a more developed camping experience, the park offers several campgrounds, including the popular Buffalo Point Campground. The campground offers both early and modern camping options and is located near several hiking trails, including the Buffalo River Trail.
- Roaring River State Park
Roaring River State Park is located in southwestern Missouri and offers over 170 campsites for visitors. The park’s campsites offer both early and modern camping options, including RV hookups, water, and electricity.
The park is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts, with over 3 miles of stocked trout streams. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the Devil’s Kitchen Trail, which offers stunning views of the Ozarks’ rugged terrain.
- Mark Twain National Forest
Mark Twain National Forest covers over 1.5 million acres in southern Missouri and offers a variety of camping opportunities for visitors. The forest features several developed campgrounds, including the popular Paddy Creek Campground, which offers both early and modern camping options.
For those looking for a more secluded camping experience, the forest offers numerous backcountry camping opportunities. The Ozark Trail runs through the forest and offers over 350 miles of hiking trails and backcountry campsites.
- Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park is located in central Arkansas and offers over 120 campsites for visitors. The park’s campsites offer both early and modern camping options, including RV hookups, water, and electricity.
The park offers numerous recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. Visitors can hike to Cedar Falls, a stunning 95-foot waterfall located in the park.
- Johnson Shut-Ins State Park
Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is located in southeastern Missouri and offers over 80 campsites for visitors. The park’s campsites offer both early and modern camping options, including RV hookups, water, and electricity.
The park is a popular destination for swimming and floating, with several natural water features, including the shut-ins, which are natural rock formations that create small pools of water. The park also offers several hiking trails, including the Shut-Ins Trail, which offers stunning views of the Ozarks’ rugged terrain.
- Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine State Park is located in western Arkansas and offers over 100 campsites for visitors. The park’s campsites offer both early and modern camping options, including RV hookups, water, and electricity.
The park is home to the highest point in Arkansas, Mount Magazine, which offers stunning views of the Ozarks and the surrounding area. The park also offers numerous recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and hang gliding.
In conclusion, the Ozarks offer some of the best camping opportunities in the United States, with diverse terrain and a wide range of camping locations to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly campground or a secluded backcountry spot, the Ozarks have something for everyone. When planning your next camping trip, be sure to consider one of the many camping locations in the Ozarks.
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