Spot2NiteSpot2Nite
​
​

Deer Creek Campground

Lesterville, Missouri

Deer Creek Campground sits on the spring-fed Black River in Lesterville, Missouri—a Reynolds County Ozark community about two hours southwest of St. Louis where the Black River's cold, clear current, high quality of water, and accessible float corridor have made it one of the premier river recreation destinations in the Missouri Ozarks. The campground's combination of RV sites, cabins, and tent camping with an in-house float trip outfitting operation makes it a genuine Ozark river camp where the water is not merely adjacent to the camping but central to the entire experience. RV sites with hookup options, cabins of various sizes, and tent sites accommodate the full range of camping preferences, with outdoor pool, playground, a large pirate ship play structure for children, volleyball court, fire rings, picnic tables, and a covered pavilion available for rental providing the on-property recreational infrastructure. A camp store handles supply needs. The campground's Black River position means that creek access is immediate—the spring-fed water characteristic of the Ozark streams maintains temperatures in the mid-60s through summer, providing the cold, refreshing float and swimming experience that distinguishes Ozark river recreation from the warmer lake swimming that characterizes most Midwest summer camping. Deer Creek is also a river outfitter, offering four- to ten-person rafts, party islands, canoes, kayaks, and tubes for a seven-mile guided floating trip on the Black River—a self-guided float through the Ozark woodland where the river's spring-fed clarity, boulder-lined pools, and gravel-bar swimming holes define a distinctly Missouri outdoor experience. The float trip returns guests to the campground via shuttle, and multiple daily launches accommodate camping guests who want to spend more of their day on the water than a single float covers. The combination of the campground's location on the float corridor and its outfitting operation makes it one of the more self-contained river camping operations in the Missouri Ozarks. The Reynolds County Ozarks are anchored by a series of Missouri state parks that collectively make the area one of the most park-dense recreational landscapes in the state: Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, where the Black River flows through volcanic rhyolite formations creating natural rock water slides and swimming pools unique in Missouri, is the most famous. Elephant Rocks State Park, a field of billion-year-old granite boulders among the oldest exposed rock in Missouri, provides geological wonder accessible to visitors of all mobility levels on its paved trail. Sam A. Baker State Park, one of Missouri's most beloved parks, provides additional Black River access with hiking and camping in the St. François Mountains terrain. Deer Creek Campground operates through the Missouri Ozarks river season, with peak float trip demand from Memorial Day through Labor Day when the Black River's consistent spring-fed flow and moderate gradient make it accessible to all experience levels. Fall brings cooler temperatures, reduced crowds, and the hardwood foliage of the Ozark plateau in its full color display from early to mid-October, when the river's accessibility continues but the social intensity of peak summer diminishes. The campground's proximity to Johnson's Shut-Ins and the geological wonder of the Reynolds County state park cluster makes it a natural combination of river camping and state park exploration in a stretch of the Ozarks that rewards a multi-day stay.

What does this place offer

  • Bathrooms
  • Bird/Wildlife Watching
  • Cabins
  • Pet Friendly
  • Picnicking
  • Playground
  • Pool - Outdoor
  • River/Stream/Creek
  • Showers
  • State Park Nearby

Select your site to book online

Location

Deer Creek Campgrounds, 628 Co Rd 200, Lesterville, MO 63654, USA

Things to know

Check-in: 3:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Rules

Registration and Arrival Check-In Procedure - For all cabins, tents, and RVs, check-in time is 3p, and check-out time is 11a. - The maximum occupancy in any site or cabin is six (6) people, including children. - While each park attempts to accommodate your exact spot request, the on-site manager has the ultimate decision for spot placement. After Hours Arrivals - Our office is open daily from 10a to 6p. - If you will be arriving after 6p, please contact the office in advance for any pertinent information. - Please note: for tents and RVs, we do not allow arrivals after 8p. - Setting up a campsite is a noisy endeavor, and your neighbors deserve a peaceful and quiet evening. Early Check-In/ Late Check-Out - We are unable to accommodate early check-ins without prior authorization. - Please do not arrive early, as you will have no place to park and wait, and you will be asked to leave until the appropriate check-in time. - If you need a little extra time on the day of your departure, please contact the office. - Pending availability, we will do our best to accommodate your request. - A $25 fee will be charged to your account. Site and Park Navigation - Please be respectful of your neighbor and do not walk between sites when navigating the park. - Use main roads, sidewalks, and designated public paths to walk around the campground. Light Noise - We are working to be a certified Dark Sky Place. - This ensures our guests have the perfect spot for stargazing, watching meteor showers, or just getting away from the suburban glare. - Please limit outside lighting to only what is strictly necessary, and all outdoor lights must be shielded and pointed down to reduce glare. Campfires - Each site has its own fire pit. - Please do not leave campfires unattended, and extinguish all fires before retiring for the night. Children - Children under 18 must be supervised by an adult at all times. Pets Policy - We love our pets. - However, should they have difficulty abiding by our pet policies they will be asked to leave. - Should you choose to leave with them, no refunds will be given. Leash - Pets must be on a leash at all times. - This helps you, your pet, and other guests stay safe. Buildings and Pool Area - Pets are not allowed in any buildings or communal spaces (pool, playground, communal fire pits, etc.). Cleaning Up After Your Pet - This is a natural space, and your pet’s fecal matter is not part of the ecosystem. - Please clean up after your pet. Leaving Pets Unattended - Pets may not be left unattended in our park. - Leaving your pets unattended is dangerous for your pet as many factors including weather, power outages, etc. can affect your pet’s well-being while you are away. Barking - Excessive barking—whether man or beast-is not tolerated. Vehicle Policies Parking - Parking is limited, so each RV, cabin, and tent is allowed one vehicle per spot. - Should you need a second parking space, please contact the office prior to arrival. - Please do not park your vehicle on an adjacent site. Speed Limit - The park speed limit is 5 mph and is strictly enforced. - Safety is our number one priority for our guests. ATVs. Dirt Bikes, Motorcycles, and Golf Carts - OHVs are welcome onsite but may not be used within the park. - They may only be used to get to and from your site. - Golf carts are permitted for use on the property. Visitors - Only registered guests are permitted in the park. - All visitors must stop in the office to register, pay a $10 per person fee and receive a parking pass. - Visitors may not bring pets. - Day visitors must depart by 8:00p. - Registered guests are responsible for ensuring their visitors are properly registered and that all campground rules are followed. Restrooms - Restrooms and shower facilities are open 24/7, with the exception of a temporary closing for daily cleaning. Pool - Pool hours vary by season, so please check with your camp host for hours of operation. - Please note that no lifeguard is on duty. - Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. - No horseplay, running, or diving will be tolerated. - No food or beverages are allowed in the pool. Playground - Our playground is open from 8a to dusk. - Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Quiet Time - Quiet time is 9p to 8a and is strictly enforced. Trash Disposal - Be mindful that you are in a forest full of forest critters that are attracted to food waste, so please tie trash bags completely closed and place in the dumpster. - Do not place your trash on the ground. Drones - Drones are not permitted in our park. Fireworks and Firearms - Fireworks and firearms are strictly prohibited in our park. - The prohibiting of fireworks includes sparklers, smoke bombs, aerials, and firecrackers. - The prohibiting of firearms includes all guns including air soft, BB, and pellet guns. - If these items are seen outside of your RV, you will be asked to leave immediately without a refund. Repairs - Repairs to RVs and vehicles are not permitted in our park. Emergencies - In case of emergency, please see your camp host, or call the office immediately. - If you need to call 911 for any reason, and time allows, please alert the host so they can be prepared to escort the emergency personnel to your site.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy - We understand that plans change. - Should you need to cancel your reservation you will be refunded your deposit less a $10 cancellation fee. - This fee covers our credit card processing and Campspot costs. - Reservations cancelled less than 48 hours prior to your scheduled arrival will forfeit your deposit. - All Spot2Nite reservations require payment in full at the time of booking. - Please contact Spot2Nite to cancel a reservation via email to [email protected] or call (877)778-2683, Option 1. - Spot2Nite convenience fees and credit card processing fees are non-refundable.