Backcountry Camping

Star4.63
170 reviews
873 SE 10, Knob Noster, MO 65336-2011, United States

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Showers and widespre...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

Opens Missouri State Parks site

Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026
Backcountry Camping
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Nightly camping rates vary by facility and season; see the Missouri State Parks camping rates page for details. Reduced rates are available for...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Missouri State Parks
Provider
660-563-2463
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 170 reviews

166 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietsites

Some mention

noise

"Visitors describe Knob Noster as a smaller, quiet and peaceful park with wooded trails and good birding. The backcountry offering provides two secluded, primitive hike‑in sites along McAdoo Trail for backpackers seeking a short, remote experience."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

873 SE 10, Knob Noster, MO 65336-2011, United States
No map location available

Best Time to Camp at Backcountry Camping

Plan your backcountry adventure between mid-April and October 31st to enjoy full amenities including showers and water access throughout the park. While summer draws the most visitors, spring and fall offer ideal camping conditions with comfortable temperatures and peak bird migration activity that will delight any nature enthusiast. Winter camping is possible for hardy adventurers, though you'll need to prepare for freezing temperatures and limited water availability—making those off-season trips best suited for experienced backcountry campers.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer draws most visitors; on‑season amenities available April–Oct.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quiet, wooded trails and pleasant fall weather make it a prime season for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring birding and trails are highlighted; on‑season begins April 1 for full amenities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Services and water/shower access are limited or off‑season after Oct. 31.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Showers and widespread water service are usually available in the on-season (typically April 1 through Oct. 31); on-season exceptions exist at some parks. Park facilities and services are reduced in the off-season.

About Backcountry Camping

Escape into the peaceful oak woodlands of Knob Noster State Park, where Clearfork Creek winds through a landscape dotted with prairie openings and the ecologically rich Pin Oak Slough Natural Area. Adventure seekers can claim one of two remote backcountry sites along the McAdoo Trail, perfect for those craving a true hike-in camping experience away from the crowds.
Designated backcountry/backpack sites (hike-in, primitive) located along the McAdoo Trail.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.


Activities you can enjoy

Backcountry camping and backpacking along the McAdoo Trail. The park also offers hiking on multiple trails, fishing in small lakes and Clearfork Creek, birding and wildlife viewing, and other park activities such as mountain biking and interpretive programs in the developed area.
HikingMcAdoo Trail provides hike-in access to the two designated backcountry sites; multiple other trails are available for day hikes.
FishingFishing available in the park's small lakes and Clearfork Creek (commonly caught: bass, crappie, catfish).
Biking
Wildlife viewing
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported on-site hazards include abundant thorny vegetation in places and typical woodland insect concerns (ticks, mosquitoes). Water access is limited in the off-season, so plan water resupply before heading to backcountry sites. Nearby military aircraft overflights may be a noise consideration for some visitors.
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.

Weather at Backcountry Camping

Reviews

4.6
170 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Backcountry Camping is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors describe Knob Noster as a smaller, quiet and peaceful park with wooded trails and good birding. The backcountry offering provides two secluded, primitive hike‑in sites along McAdoo Trail for backpackers seeking a short, remote experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 170 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, wooded backcountry sites; easy access via McAdoo Trail; good birdwatching and varied trail terrain; quieter and less crowded than larger parks.
Based on 170 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve in advance (sites are limited). Carry all necessary water and supplies, plan to pack out trash, check the main campground for in-season water and showers before hiking out, wear protective...
Show more
Based on 170 reviews

Camper Quotes

Visitors commonly call the park 'quiet' and 'peaceful' and praise the wooded trails and birding opportunities.
Based on 170 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Backcountry Camping? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated February 17, 2026
Advertisement

Popular campgrounds in Missouri

Campgrounds
Knob Noster State Park
Backcountry Camping