Is Special Use Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Special Use Campground 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 Special Use Campground before I book?

Yes! Special Use Campground has 20 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.

Are there showers at Special Use Campground?

Special Use Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Special Use Campground?

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

Special Use Campground

5.00

8 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

755 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

755 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Special Use Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Missouri State Parks

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Campground Map

Special Use Campground

37.9631, -92.7706

Weather at Special Use Campground

Best Time to Camp at Special Use Campground

April through October brings full park access from 7am to sunset, with fall the standout season. Expect daytime temperatures of 50–70°F in October with nighttime lows in the mid-40s to low-50s. Leaf color peaks mid- to late October, and the crisp, dry air makes hiking to the ruins, natural bridge, and overlooks most comfortable. Weekdays and early October weekends see moderate crowds; pleasant weekend afternoons can get busy. November through March the park shifts to 8am–sunset hours. Winter visits are quieter but some amenities become limited.

Best

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Planning Tips

About Special Use Campground

Special Use Campground sits within Ha Ha Tonka State Park, a 3,700-acre reserve built around castle ruins, sinkholes, and Missouri's 12th-largest spring. The camping area serves organized groups and nonprofit youth organizations by advance reservation (call 573-346-2986). Three designated areas (A1, A2, A3) each have fire rings, covered cook tables, and picnic tables.

Weather and SeasonsApril through October brings full park access from 7am to sunset, with fall the standout season. Expect daytime temperatures of 50–70°F in October with nighttime lows in the mid-40s to low-50s. Leaf color peaks mid- to late October, and the crisp, dry air makes hiking to the ruins, natural bridge, and overlooks most comfortable. Weekdays and early October weekends see moderate crowds; pleasant weekend afternoons can get busy. November through March the park shifts to 8am–sunset hours. Winter visits are quieter but some amenities become limited.

Natural Features and SceneryThe park's geology defines the experience. Sinkholes, caves, and a massive natural bridge punctuate sheer limestone bluffs that drop toward Ha Ha Tonka Spring and Lake of the Ozarks. The spring discharges roughly 48 million gallons daily at the base of 250-foot bluffs. Woodland trails cross open rocky glades where cedars and hardwoods thin out over karst terrain. Views from the bluff tops stretch across the lake and down to the spring outlet. The campground itself occupies a quieter wooded section away from the main geologic features, accessible via gravel parking. North of the camping area is private property marked by fencing.

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Best CampsitesArea A1 is designated for campers with disabilities and offers the same setup as A2 and A3: fire ring, covered cook table, and 3–4 picnic tables. The three areas share a centrally located vault toilet. Reviewers note the restroom facilities are very clean. No electric or water hookups exist at any site, so bring all drinking and cooking water.

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Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

5.0

8 reviews

Top-Rated

Special Use Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Campers find Special Use Campground to be a good primitive site for groups, particularly scout troops. Reviewers highlight that the facilities ("lollies") are very clean, but note that there is no water available on site.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

["Well-suited for scout troops and group camping","Very clean lollies (restroom/facility area)","Quiet, primitive setting appreciated by groups"]

Based on 8 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Scout leaders and youth group coordinators who can call ahead (573-346-2986) and pack in all water. Areas A1, A2, and A3 each have fire rings and covered cook tables, and the park's 250-foot limestone bluffs, natural bridge, and spring are right outside camp.

Skip if

Families or individual campers expecting any hookups, potable water, or walk-up availability. There's nothing here for a solo or casual party, and you'll need to reserve by phone before arrival.

Nearby Campgrounds

4.6

(245)

Section 2

403 Highway 134, Brumley, MO 65017, United States

Section 2 sits in the wooded interior of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, away from the main marina and beach crowds. This is the smallest and quietest of the park's four camping sections, with shaded sites under oak and hickory canopy and paved loops. Sites include tent and RV options with electric, water, and sewer hookups, plus access to flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. The park charges standard Missouri State Parks fees (exact amounts vary by site type and season).