Types of Campsites and Maximum OccupancyDifferent types of campsites have different minimum and maximum occupancy. The following limits apply to campsites in front-country, back-country, and primitive campgrounds. Standard campsites are the smallest sites offered by the park. They have enough space for a small family or group of friends. Certain developed campgrounds offer sites with electric hookups. Electric sites are available by reservation only, so be sure to book in advance if you need electricity. Cluster campsites are offered at a few campgrounds, giving a mid-sized option. They charge a higher fee than standard campsites, but they support triple the number of tents and people. Group campsites are the largest in the park. They support 15-45 people. These sites are ideal for large outings, such as family reunions or Scouting adventures. Campground RegulationsPlease take time to review these regulations. It is your responsibilty to understand and abide by them while camping in the park. Check-In: 1:00 pm Central Time Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm - 6:00 am. Quiet hours are enforced for people, pets, and items like generators. Please be respectful of your neighbors and limit noise during these hours. Hammocks are prohibited from developed campgrounds and cannot be tied to trees. Self-standing hammocks are allowed. This rule applies regardless of the type of strap or fixture used. FirewoodFirewood should be obtained locally or collected from dead-and-down wood within the park. All firewood should be burned during your stay - do not leave firewood behind. Likewise, do not transport firewood over long distance! The emerald ash borer (and other non-native pests) can spread through firewood. Missouri Department of Conservation recommends not moving firewood more than 50 miles. Dead wood on the ground may be collected for campfires, with the following rules:
FiresLighting or maintaining fires is only allowed under rules outlined in the superintendent's compendium. A summary can be found below:
Campfires are permitted on gravel bars given they follow the relevant conditions above. Stoves / Lanterns
Generators are not allowed during quiet hours (established above). Generators are allowed outside of quiet hours, as long as they are not excessively loud. If you have a need for electricity at night, medical or otherwise, please book an electric site ahead of time.
Camping is allowed in designated camping areas only. For a full list, please check the camping section of the superintendent's compendium. Camping within 50 feet of any river access, landing, or cave mouth is prohibited. Camping inside caves is also prohibited. Camping stays are limited to 14 days in a 30-day period in the same campground. All camping equipment, including vehicles, must be removed from the camping area at the end of the 14-day period. Small critters like raccoons, skunks, and crows will visit our campgrounds from time to time. To prevent them from stealing food and making a mess, please keep your food and garbage in a proper garbage receptacle, vehicle, or hanging far out of reach. The park is not responsible for property lost or damaged by wildlife. Campers may not hold or reserve campsites for friend or family members, unless the site is paid for and occupied. Campers may not set up unattended tents, campers, or RVs in a campsite with the intention of holding the site 24 hours prior to camping. Camping equipment - including vehicles, campers, and trailers - must not be left unattended for longer than 24 hours. Refunds are not issued through the park. However, refunds may be available through the reservation website at recreation.gov. Camping Outside of Established CampgroundsCamping outside of campgrounds is allowed only under the following circumstances as established by the superintendent's compendium: Gravel bar camping is allowed for visitors who float in by motorized or non-motorized vessels. Visit our gravel bar camping page for information on park-owned gravel bars. Hikers can camp along the Ozark Trail throughout the year. Visit our Ozark Trail camping page for a rundown on rules and regulations. Camping in a non-designated primitive site requires a special use permit, subject to the approval of the Superintendent. For example: camping for special events, hunting camps, or scientific research may get permission through the special use permit process. Related Pages
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Last updated: October 15, 2026