How much does camping cost at Buck Creek?

Camping fees at Buck Creek range from $16-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buck Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Buck Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Buck Creek before I book?

Yes! Buck Creek has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Buck Creek?

Buck Creek is open May 01 to October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Buck Creek?

Yes, Buck Creek has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Buck Creek have?

Buck Creek has 38 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Buck Creek?

Pets are not allowed at Buck Creek. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Buck Creek?

Buck Creek offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buck Creek?

Popular activities at Buck Creek include Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buck Creek (Mo)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Buck Creek?

Fire policies at Buck Creek: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.51

137 reviews

10600 S State Hwt 125, Protem, MO 65733, USA

Top 25% in MOFall

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Missouri RV Camping Missouri Boating Camping Missouri

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

$16 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open May 01 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Buck Creek Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

653 ft

Price

$16 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open May 01 to Octob...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Buck Creek Campground Official Website

Get Directions

Buck Creek (Mo)

$16.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

30 AMP W/ WATER: $24.00; 50 AMP W/ WATER: $26.00; GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00; TENT SITE W/ WATER: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

417-785-4313null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

10600 S State Hwt 125, Protem, MO 65733, USA

Buck Creek (Mo)

10600 S State Hwt 125, Protem, MO 65733, USA

Nearby places

Mountain Home, AR - 24 miles (~30 minutes), Branson, MO - ~75 miles (~1.5 hours)

Weather at Buck Creek (Mo)

Current alerts(4)

No firearms allowed
No livestock at this facility
Off-road vehicles are not permitted
STOP THE SPREAD OF INVASIVE SPECIES. Remove plants, seeds, animals, and mud from boots, gear, pets, and vehicles. Clean your gear before entering and leaving the recreation site. Stay on designated roads and trails, and follow local guidelines for firewood.

Best Time to Camp at Buck Creek (Mo)

Best season: fall. Visiting in fall gives you the best combination of comfortable weather and spectacular Ozark scenery — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (around 55–75°F) in September–October, with crisp, cool mornings ideal for campfires. Water temperatures remain pleasant into early October, so boating, fishing, and late-season swimming are still excellent while the surrounding hardwoods turn bright gold, orange, and red (peak color often occurs in mid-October). Crowds thin compared с Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MO

Fall recommended: pleasant temps, foliage and water warm into October for boating/swimming.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 01 to October 30.

About Buck Creek (Mo)

Buck Creek sits on Bull Shoals Lake near Protem, Missouri, offering shaded lakefront camping with electric and water hookups. This mid-sized campground provides direct water access for swimming and boating, with flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Reviewers praise the quiet atmosphere, spacious sites, and lake views, though bathroom cleanliness can be inconsistent.

Buck Creek Campground caters to a range of camping preferences, from RV camping to tent setups. Most sites are equipped with electric and water hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Visiting in fall gives you the best combination of comfortable weather and spectacular Ozark scenery — daytime highs typically range from the mid-50s to mid-70s°F (around 55–75°F) in September–October, with crisp, cool mornings ideal for campfires. Water temperatures remain pleasant into early October, so boating, fishing, and late-season swimming are still excellent while the surrounding hardwoods turn bright gold, orange, and red (peak color often occurs in mid-October). Crowds thin compared с Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation653 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBull Shoals Lake stretches across 71,000 acres, created by the White River and ringed by rolling Ozark hills. Native hardwoods and cedars shade most campsites, filtering morning light and providing cover from afternoon sun. The interplay between water and woodland creates views that shift with the seasons. Deer wander through at dusk. Songbirds are active from dawn on. The campground sits at 653 feet elevation.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned, but the campground offers shaded areas and most campsites include picnic tables and fire rings.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are listed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Guest limits not explicitly stated for individual campsites.

Groups

The campground offers a group shelter with electricity, which is priced at $50 per night during peak season.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed, though one review mentioned the need for holes in the ground to be filled to avoid tripping hazards for vision-impaired campers.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious, with "plenty of space" between sites. Some sites offer concrete pads and cabana-style covers over picnic tables.

PrivacyCampsites reportedly provide good privacy. One review highlighted, "The spacing between each site was really nice.

Total Campsites38 campsites

Recommended SitesBring extension cords and cable management tools for sites like B02 where electrical outlets are inconveniently located.

Best CampsitesSites B12 and B05 get frequent mentions for size, shade, and views. Some sites have concrete pads and cabana-style covers over the picnic tables. Power outlets sometimes sit on the opposite side of the parking pad from where you'll want them, so bring an extension cord. High lake levels occasionally flood certain sites.

Need help booking Buck Creek (Mo)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Buck Creek Campground offers a range of amenities for a relaxed camping experience. Notable features include 38 campsites, with all but two equipped with electric hookups. "The campground caters to kids with a playground and swimming area, and campers with boats can make use of the launch ramp." Other facilities reported include a marina and shaded areas. However, reviews highlight maintenance challenges, such as "orange cones on sites" and "trash at campsites." Additionally, the restrooms and showers received mixed reviews, with some describing them as "exceptionally clean" while others reported "bathrooms were so dirty."

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Buck Creek offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. It's a great place for water sports enthusiasts and families alike. "Bull Shoals Lake has great appeal to jet skiers, water skiers, fishermen, birders, hikers and those who just want to 'get away from it all.'"

Swimming

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but there were several complaints about litter on the campsites. Recycling services are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageCell service is limited, but some visitors mentioned that they could "call and text in certain locations." This makes the campground a good place to disconnect and enjoy nature.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

137 reviews

Top-Rated

Buck Creek (Mo) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Buck Creek Campground are mixed, with an overall positive sentiment for the natural surroundings and helpful staff. Many reviewers praise the campground for its "friendly and helpful hosts" and "great views," while others criticize poor maintenance and cleanliness issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 137 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects noted include "shaded campsites," "clean facilities," and "beautiful lake views." Many users appreciated the quiet surroundings, spacious sites, and accommodating staff.

Based on 137 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include inadequate maintenance (e.g., "trash at campsites," "dirty bathrooms") and issues with campground infrastructure, such as "power outlets on the wrong side of some sites" and "high...

Based on 137 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific sites such as B02 and B12 received mentions for unique features like lake views and table covers. However, B02's power setup was criticized as being "on the wrong side."

Based on 137 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing an extension cord for certain sites, as "the power outlet may be on the opposite side of the parking pad." Several reviewers advise checking the site for cleanliness upon...

Based on 137 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular for water activities but can bring challenges like high lake levels and poorly defined swimming areas. Fall offers beautiful foliage, making it a recommended season for visits.

Based on 137 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The view of the lake is wonderful," "Shawn and his family are so accommodating and wonderful," "Bathrooms were spotless," "The campsite was nice and clean," "If you're looking for a place to get...

Based on 137 reviews