Devil'S Backbone Campground

4.63

23 reviews

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Missouri

Quick Facts

876 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

On-season: April 1–O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Missouri State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

876 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

On-season: April 1–O...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Missouri State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Devil'S Backbone Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Nightly camping rates vary by campground, utilities provided, and amperage for electric sites; on-season and off-season rate schedules are posted by...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 23 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietspacioushikinglake

"Reviewer sentiment is generally very positive: campers describe the campground as quiet, spacious and well-maintained with friendly staff. Many reviewers note good electric service year-round and convenient lake access."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Devil'S Backbone Campground

38.2806, -93.4491

Driving directionsAccess via local roads off Highway UU; roads to some loops are curvy and narrow. (Supplemental—check park map or contact park for precise directions.)

Nearby places

Warsaw, ~10–15 minutes (by road)

Best Time to Camp at Devil'S Backbone Campground

The campground's rhythm follows two distinct seasons: the bustling on-season from April through October brings full services and warm Ozark summers perfect for water activities, while the quieter off-season months offer solitude for hardy campers who don't mind limited amenities. Winter visitors should come prepared for classic Ozark conditions—cool temperatures, the possibility of ice and mud during wet spells, and the peaceful stillness that settles over the hills when the crowds thin out. Note that water, showers, and dump stations take their own winter rest during the coldest months.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Below Average

Lake access, trails and year-round electric sites make summer appealing.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in MO

Ozark ridges and forests make fall foliage and views especially good.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Below Average

Trails, clear waters and foliage make spring a strong season to visit.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Above Average

Open year-round with electric sites but few winter activities noted.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: On-season: April 1–October 31; Off-season: November 1–March 31. (Exceptions noted for some parks: Roaring River, Bennett Spring, Montauk begin on-season Feb. 25; some northern parks begin on-season April 15; Table Rock on-season runs March–November.)

About Devil'S Backbone Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, Devil's Backbone Campground offers a gateway to the sprawling waters of Truman Lake and the rugged beauty of the region's forested ridges. Whether you're seeking a summer escape with full amenities or a quiet off-season retreat, this campground adapts to the rhythm of the seasons—with select electric sites welcoming visitors year-round and seasonal services available during peak months.

Campground contains electrified sites suitable for RVs and family camping; some sites noted as level and spacious with occasional water views.

Historical SignificancePark is part of Harry S Truman State Park, named for President Harry S. Truman. No specific historical or cultural significance for Devil's Backbone campground is provided in available sources.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground's rhythm follows two distinct seasons: the bustling on-season from April through October brings full services and warm Ozark summers perfect for water activities, while the quieter off-season months offer solitude for hardy campers who don't mind limited amenities. Winter visitors should come prepared for classic Ozark conditions—cool temperatures, the possibility of ice and mud during wet spells, and the peaceful stillness that settles over the hills when the crowds thin out. Note that water, showers, and dump stations take their own winter rest during the coldest months.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Ozark Plateau reveals itself in layers here: dense canopies of oak and hickory give way to dramatic limestone bluffs and ridgelines that sweep down to Truman Lake's edge. Wake up to lake views filtering through the trees from select campsites, then spend your days exploring nearby trails that wind through the forest or casting a line along the shoreline. The lake itself becomes your playground for boating and fishing, while the surrounding ridges invite you to discover the timeless character of the Ozarks.

Geological RegionMissouri Ozarks / Ozark Plateau

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsWeb (online reservation system/UseDirect), Call center

Cancellation PolicyCanceling a reservation incurs a $10 fee (general campers) in addition to forfeiture of the original nonrefundable reservation fee. Reservation fee itself is nonrefundable.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Devil's Backbone Campground at Harry S Truman State Park offers lake access and trails, with opportunities for fishing, boating and trail-based recreation. Interpretive programs and seasonal park programs are offered at the park.

HikingSeveral trails in the park including the Bluff Ridge Trail (about 3.9 miles reported).

FishingAccess to Truman Lake (reported ~55,600 acres) for fishing; multiple shoreline and boat access points.

SwimmingSmall beaches and lake access reported; swimming available at lake access areas (seasonal conditions may apply).

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks and deer commonly reported; narrow and curvy approach roads in places (Highway UU). Seasonal hazards include mud, ice or limited services in winter. Occasional electrical issues have been reported by visitors.

Weather at Devil'S Backbone Campground

Reviews

4.6

23 reviews

Top-Rated

Devil'S Backbone Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewer sentiment is generally very positive: campers describe the campground as quiet, spacious and well-maintained with friendly staff. Many reviewers note good electric service year-round and convenient lake access.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Quiet, spacious campsites; friendly rangers/staff; year-round electric sites (30A/50A reported by users); easy access to Truman Lake, hiking trails and boat ramps; generally good cell service for...

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

If visiting in winter, expect limited amenities and bring your own water; request campsites known for level ground and lake views (users call out certain site numbers); bring tick protection; check...

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

Very quiet and peaceful. Sprawled out, spacious and descent sites.; Wonderful to find a camping area with electric open in the winter months!; Verizon gets pretty good service in this loop.

Based on 23 reviews

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