The Best Campsites for Missouri Survival Preppers!

When you live in Missouri, you’re surrounded by rich wilderness, rugged terrain, and diverse ecosystems perfect for survival prepping. From the rolling hills of the Ozarks to the dense forests and sprawling rivers, this state offers some of the most practical and scenic locations for campers and survivalists alike. If you’re gearing up for the possibility of having to rely on your survival skills, knowing where to camp, what to pack, and how to prepare is crucial. This is a guide to 30 of the best camping sites for Missouri survival preppers. Each of these sites offers unique features that make them ideal for long-term camping, bugging out, or honing your wilderness skills.

Survival prep isn’t just about having the right gear; it’s about practicing in the environment where you’ll need to use it. In Missouri, the unpredictable weather and diverse terrain will give you ample opportunity to sharpen your skills.

Let’s dive into the best camping spots you need to consider. These locations aren’t just about beautiful views or easy access to amenities. They’ll test your survival tactics, help you learn to forage, and offer opportunities for water purification, shelter-building, and tactical navigation. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or a newcomer, these sites should be on your radar.

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1. Current River State Park

Located in the Ozark Highlands, Current River State Park offers a scenic setting with numerous camping options, including primitive sites that are perfect for survivalists. It’s ideal for prepping due to its proximity to the river, making it perfect for water filtration training. In addition, the thick woods give you the chance to practice building shelters, foraging, and even fire-starting techniques.

2. Ha Ha Tonka State Park

This park, situated on the Lake of the Ozarks, offers rugged cliffs, caves, and a wide variety of terrain. The primitive camping sites here are isolated, which makes them excellent for honing your survival skills in a more challenging environment. There’s also ample wildlife, giving you the chance to practice hunting and tracking.

3. Sam A. Baker State Park

Nestled along the St. Francois Mountains, this park has an extensive network of trails through rugged, hilly terrain. If you’re looking to practice navigating difficult terrain and improve your wilderness skills, Sam A. Baker is the spot. It’s remote, and the primitive campsites are perfect for prepping in seclusion.

4. Meramec State Park

With its large caves, rugged terrain, and proximity to the Meramec River, this park is a great spot for preppers to practice everything from fire-starting to shelter-building. The river also provides an excellent opportunity for water purification exercises. The remote campsites give you a chance to experience isolation while still having some access to resources.

5. Rocky Falls

This area features a scenic waterfall and dense forest, making it a prime location for a prepper looking to practice resourcefulness. The primitive campsites here are more isolated than you might expect, providing the perfect environment for honing your wilderness survival skills. Be sure to pack in your supplies since there are no modern amenities here.

6. Big Piney Campground

This Missouri treasure is situated in the Ozarks, and the Big Piney River provides water for purification exercises. This location is fantastic for those looking to practice fishing, hunting, and living off the land. The primitive campsites give you a chance to test your preparedness and survive in a challenging environment.

7. Table Rock State Park

Not far from Branson, this park has numerous remote campsites surrounded by dense forests and access to the Table Rock Lake. Preppers can take advantage of the surrounding wilderness for learning how to set up shelter, gather resources, and create traps. If you’re looking for a more rugged environment, the backcountry campsites here are perfect.

8. Elephant Rocks State Park

Known for its large, ancient granite boulders, Elephant Rocks offers rugged terrain perfect for training survivalists in how to navigate tricky rocky environments. There are a number of primitive campsites that give you just enough seclusion while also keeping you close to natural resources like water.

9. Lake of the Ozarks State Park

This sprawling park features more than 100 miles of shoreline and vast wilderness, making it an ideal spot for preppers. The dense forests provide cover for setting up survival shelters, while the lake offers opportunities for water-based survival skills. The primitive campsites will challenge you to make the most out of limited resources.

10. Washington State Park

With its deep, forested areas and rocky terrain, Washington State Park gives survival preppers the chance to practice building shelters and finding food in a wooded environment. There’s a river here for water purification practice, and the park’s remote campsites allow you to practice being self-reliant.

11. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park

If you’re seeking a more unique experience, Johnson’s Shut-Ins features rugged river gorges, waterfalls, and large rocks to navigate. The primitive campsites allow preppers to practice all the basic survival skills, including shelter construction and food gathering. The river offers water purification practice as well.

12. Pine Ridge Campground

Located in the Ozarks, Pine Ridge is an excellent location for learning to live off the land. The area features dense woods and streams, offering opportunities to practice foraging, purifying water, and hunting. The campsite is remote and quiet, making it ideal for prepper training.

13. Mark Twain National Forest

For the ultimate prepper experience, the Mark Twain National Forest offers over 1.5 million acres of wilderness. It’s a massive space with diverse ecosystems, providing ample room for all kinds of survival training. You’ll find primitive campsites that give you a true wilderness experience. From deep forests to mountainous terrain, it’s perfect for honing your skills in isolation.

14. Shannon County Campground

The Shannon County Campground is a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path camping spot with river access and great natural surroundings. This location offers solitude and seclusion, which is perfect for preppers who want to simulate real-world bug-out situations.

15. Bennett Spring State Park

Known for its spring-fed stream, Bennett Spring is a prime location for survivalists looking to practice fishing and other food procurement methods. The park’s primitive campsites provide a challenging yet rewarding environment for survival preppers.

16. Chouteau’s Island

Located near St. Charles, Chouteau’s Island is an ideal location for practicing navigation and wilderness skills. The island’s remote setting and diverse vegetation make it a perfect spot for honing your survival strategies.

17. Missouri River Campground

For water-based survival training, the Missouri River Campground offers access to one of the state’s major waterways. This campground is ideal for practicing water purification, fishing, and using the river as a survival resource.

18. Niawauk Campground

Located near the Ozark region, Niawauk offers a secluded campsite, perfect for practicing survival techniques in a less-traveled area. You can practice food foraging, water purification, and navigation in this wild and remote location.

19. Cuivre River State Park

This park offers rugged terrain and dense forests, making it a fantastic training ground for preppers. It’s a great spot to practice shelter-building, food gathering, and navigating through thick woods.

20. Prairie State Park

For preppers who want to simulate living in an open, flat environment, Prairie State Park offers wide open spaces and grasslands perfect for practicing fire-building and creating shelter under challenging circumstances.

In conclusion, Missouri offers a wide variety of camping locations that are ideal for survival preppers looking to hone their skills. Whether you’re learning how to navigate dense forests, purify water from a river, or build a shelter from scratch, these campsites provide the perfect backdrop for real-world training. Survival prepping isn’t just about acquiring the right gear—it’s about developing the mindset and practical skills to survive in any situation, and Missouri’s diverse landscapes give you the opportunity to practice all of it.

As a prepper, you must be proficient in a variety of skills, including fire-starting, shelter construction, water purification, navigation, and food procurement. Camping in Missouri’s remote sites helps simulate real-life scenarios where access to modern conveniences is limited. The state’s rugged terrain and unpredictable weather will challenge you to adapt and test your resourcefulness.

In addition to survival basics, these locations also allow for tactical training, such as practicing stealth movement through dense woods or using natural materials for camouflage. Wilderness first aid, mental toughness, and managing your supplies are all key aspects that you’ll develop when spending extended periods in Missouri’s wild places.

No matter your level of experience, these campsites offer valuable opportunities for growth. So, whether you’re a beginner prepping for an emergency or an experienced survivalist refining your skills, Missouri has the perfect spots to help you prepare for whatever the future may hold. By regularly camping in these areas, you’ll not only sharpen your practical survival skills but also build a deeper connection with nature—a crucial mindset for any prepper looking to thrive in a post-collapse world.