How much does camping cost at Paddy Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Paddy Creek Campground range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Paddy Creek Campground?

Paddy Creek Campground is open Specific peak pricing or shoulder season dates not provided.. 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 Paddy Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Paddy Creek Campground have?

Paddy Creek Campground has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Paddy Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paddy Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Paddy Creek Campground?

Paddy Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paddy Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Paddy Creek Campground include Hiking, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paddy Creek Campground

Q: Is Paddy Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Paddy Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lack of reservation system may lead to travelers guessing spot availability as noted in some user reviews.

Q: Can I have a campfire at Paddy Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Paddy Creek Campground: Campfires are allowed using dead and downed wood only. All campsites are equipped with fire pits with grated tops.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.46

90 reviews

108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483

Top 25% in MOFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Missouri#3 Hiking Camping Missouri Primitive Camping Missouri +3 more

Quick Facts

800 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability

Get Directions

Quick Facts

800 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability

Get Directions

Paddy Creek Campground

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight camping costs $15 per single site. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on single campsite fees...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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USFS

Provider

417-967-4194sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483

Paddy Creek Campground

108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483

Nearby places

Rolla (approximately 1 hour drive), Ft. Leonard Wood (1 hour drive), Houston (local ranger district office location)

Nearby supplies

An RV waste station with potable water is available for a fee north of the campground at Three Springs RV Campground (24125 US Rt. 63, Rolla, MO). No further details on groceries, fuel, or camping supply stores nearby are provided.

Driving directionsIn Licking, MO, at the intersection of State Rt. 32 and US Rt. 63, take Rt. 32 west 12.9 miles to Paddy Creek campground sign. Turn right onto Paddy Crk. Rd (gravel) and go 6.6 miles to a 'T' intersection (just before a low water bridge). Turn right onto Campground Dr. and go 0.4 miles to campground. Alternative, not recommended for RVs: In Licking, MO, at the intersection of State Rt. 32 and US Rt. 63, take State Rt. 32 west 3.8 miles to State Rt. N. Turn right onto Rt. N and go 2.2 miles to State Rt. AF. Turn left onto Rt. AF and go 8.9 miles to Paddy Creek Recreation Area sign (Paddy Creek Rd.). Turn left onto Paddy Creek Rd. and go 1.8 miles to campground sign (Campground Rd.). Turn left and proceed to campground. NOTE: The last 4.5 miles is gravel, steep, and very curvy in places.

The last 4.5 miles leading to the campground are gravel roads that are steep and curvy, which might pose a challenge for RVs or smaller vehicles. Driving directions suggest alternative routes that are not recommended for RVs.

Weather at Paddy Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Paddy Creek Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs in the 50s to 70s°F and nights dipping into the 30s to 40s make hiking comfortable, with peak foliage typically mid-October. Fewer biting insects and lower humidity than summer. Public hunting seasons run October through November, so wear blaze orange if hiking then. Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temperatures. Summer means cool creek swims but higher humidity. The campground stays open April through December.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in MO

Fall called best: comfortable temps, peak foliage mid-October and fewer biting insects.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Specific peak pricing or shoulder season dates not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from April 1 through December 1 each year.

About Paddy Creek Campground

Paddy Creek Campground sits at the eastern gateway to Paddy Creek Wilderness in Mark Twain National Forest, about 800 feet above sea level. The 23 sites are secluded and heavily wooded, accommodating tents, RVs up to 34 feet, and primitive campers for $15 per night. First-come, first-served only.

Paddy Creek Campground supports primitive camping with no electric hookups. It is suitable for tents and small RVs, with one double-sized site available. Group camping is not specifically supported, and there are no cabins or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs in the 50s to 70s°F and nights dipping into the 30s to 40s make hiking comfortable, with peak foliage typically mid-October. Fewer biting insects and lower humidity than summer. Public hunting seasons run October through November, so wear blaze orange if hiking then. Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temperatures. Summer means cool creek swims but higher humidity. The campground stays open April through December.

ElevationPerched at 800 feet above sea level, Paddy Creek Campground enjoys a naturally cooled microclimate that provides welcome relief from summer heat. This gentle elevation creates the perfect conditions for a diverse forest canopy that filters sunlight into dappled patterns, maintaining comfortable temperatures even on warm days and ensuring peaceful, cool nights under the stars.

Natural Features and SceneryDense forests of oak, cedar, and hemlock blanket the hillsides surrounding this sheltered hollow. Redbud trees add seasonal color to the canopy. Paddy Creek flows through the campground over rocky beds, creating deeper pools during drier months. The creek corridor supports riparian habitat that attracts birdlife, and hiking trails climb to scenic overlooks above the forest. Ancient limestone and dolomite formations shape the dramatic Ozark topography here.

Geological RegionCarved into a sheltered hollow where Paddy Creek begins its journey to join the Big Piney River, this campground occupies a special ecological niche at the eastern gateway to Paddy Creek Wilderness. The landscape tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where ancient limestone and dolomite formations create the dramatic topography that defines the Ozarks. Dense forests of oak, cedar, and hemlock blanket the hillsides, while redbud trees add seasonal splashes of color to the verdant canopy. The creek corridor supports a lush riparian ecosystem, and hiking trails climb to scenic overlooks that reveal the full majesty of this untamed landscape, where forest, water, and stone create one of Missouri's most enchanting natural sanctuaries.

Scenic ViewsThe campground offers scenic overlooks along Paddy Creek Trail and serene views of the babbling Paddy Creek. Dense vegetation limits the visibility of the creek from certain campsites. The riparian environment and rocky creek bed enhance the natural vistas.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style lodges or accommodations are not present. The campground supports tents and RVs for camping.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in details not provided.

Check-out

Check-out details not provided.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per single site and 16 per double site.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly supported at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutAn open meadow at the entrance provides space for outdoor activities. Sites are secluded and surrounded by dense vegetation, though close enough that noise from neighboring campers sometimes carries. Grassy clearings throughout.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not applicable; sites are first-come, first-serve.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lack of reservation system may lead to travelers guessing spot availability as noted in some user reviews.

Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy provided as reservations are not permitted.

AccessibilityToilets are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeSites can accommodate RVs up to 34 feet in length.

PrivacySites are largely secluded and surrounded by dense vegetation, offering significant privacy.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites adjacent to the creek provide easier access to swimming holes. Consider sites in wooded areas for privacy and ample shade.

Best CampsitesSome sites sit near Paddy Creek, offering direct access to swimming holes and the creek bed. Reviews mention securing a site early matters since it's first-come, first-served.

Amenities available

The Paddy Creek Campground provides a range of basic amenities that cater mainly to primitive camping experiences. Campers can find picnic tables, lantern posts, fire rings, and trash disposal facilities. The campground is specifically designed for minimalistic, rustic camping without advanced facilities.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Paddy Creek Campground offers various recreational opportunities, with a focus on hiking, swimming, and outdoor exploration. The nearby Paddy Creek provides options for wading and cooling off, while the surrounding wilderness offers hiking trails and wildlife viewing.

Hiking

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThis is Black Snake country, as noted by Gene S. However, the snakes are non-venomous and consume rattlesnakes. Tick infestations are common, and campers should be prepared.

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Only vault toilets are provided.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed using dead and downed wood only. All campsites are equipped with fire pits with grated tops.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Emergency ServicesHouston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District office located at 108 S. Sam Houston Blvd., Houston, MO, provides emergency contact services. Nearest hospital or police station information is not specified.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is provided, with locking trash cans available along the camp roads.

Water FeaturesPaddy Creek flows year-round and is accessible from multiple locations in the campground. Deep pools are available even during dry seasons.

Camp HostInformation on campground hosts is unavailable.

Cell CoverageNo explicit details about cell phone reception are provided.

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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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

90 reviews

Recommended

Paddy Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Paddy Creek Campground is praised for its cleanliness, privacy, and scenic beauty. Campers appreciate the quiet, rustic atmosphere and proximity to hiking trails and the creek. Some concerns include noise from other campers and the lack of advanced facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 90 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Awesome clean and organized campgrounds!' - 'The campsites are very private with lots of trees.' - 'Loved it as much as I did when I was younger!' - 'Great place to primitive camp and hike.'

Based on 90 reviews

Common Concerns

- Raccoons scavenging for food. - Noise from other campers' children at night. - No reservation system, leading to uncertainty about site availability. - 'Needs more sheriffs patrolling after ten due...

Based on 90 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Some campsites have direct access to the creek, but dense vegetation limits views. - Sites near the open meadow at the campground entrance are less secluded.

Based on 90 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Lock food in your vehicle to prevent raccoon activity. - Bring all necessary supplies, including water, as potable water is not available. - Arrive early to secure a site since reservations are not...

Based on 90 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most popular in summer and fall, thanks to its cool creek waters and vibrant foliage. Seasonal closures from December to April limit winter use.

Based on 90 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'We just liked the camping area so much that we decided to spend the day relaxing and chatting fireside.' - 'Vault toilets have TP in them. The creek is cold and super clear!' - 'The serene...

Based on 90 reviews

Accessibility Features

The wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are appreciated, but no other specific accessibility features are mentioned.

Based on 90 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs on leashes are welcome, and campers note that pets enjoy the creek and trails.

Based on 90 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall hikers get the best of it: mid-October foliage, comfortable temps, fewer bugs, and access to an 18-mile wilderness loop with 500 feet of elevation gain. Arrive Friday morning to land a creek-access site before the weekend crowd does.

Skip if

No potable water on site means hauling every drop yourself, and the first-come setup is a genuine gamble on busy weekends. If a guaranteed site and a working faucet are baseline requirements, this place will frustrate you.

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345 County Road 6670, Salem, MO 65560

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345 County Road 6670, Salem, MO 65560-9025, United States

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Campgrounds

Mark Twain National Forest

Paddy Creek Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Paddy Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

This campground is near the Paddy Creek Wilderenss Area.  It is just a short drive or walk from the Paddy Creek Recreation Area's picnic and day use site.  At the day-use site, there is a trailhead to enter into the Paddy Creek Wilderness Area.  The campground is usually open from April 1 through December 1 each year.This area is perfectly located one hour southwest of Rolla and only an hour drive from Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, Paddy Creek Campground is nestled in a hollow along Paddy Creek, a major tributary to Big Piney River, just a few miles away.  Paddy Creek flows year-round and is a crystal clear, wading creek with a few swimming holes. This is one of the most scenic areas on the Mark Twain National Forest.  Paddy Creek Trail offers several spectacular scenic overlooks.  Located adjacent to the east boundary of the Paddy Creek Wilderness, which offers hiking and dispersed camping opportunities.

About the campground

The elevation is 800 ft. This quiet, pretty campground stretches alongside Paddy Creek on the eastern edge of Paddy Creek Wilderness Area in a stand of dense, lush deciduous and conifer trees. The variety of plants and trees range from Redbud and oaks to cedar and hemlocks, providing ample shade, excellent privacy, and could be a botanists delight. The assortment of vegetation suggests great fall foliage. The campsites have a trimmed grassy understory, great for tent campers and a lantern pole. Some campsites are adjacent to Paddy Creek but the dense vegetation limits the view. The riparian environment provided by Paddy Creek means lots of birds and the creek's rocky bed offers young rock hounds hours of exploration.

Seasons & access

Open April 1 through November 30.

RV information

The parking aprons are paved and all about the same size. An RV waste station, with potable water, is available for a fee north of the campground at Three Springs RV campground located at 24125 US Rt. 63, Rolla, MO; GPS coordinates: N37 44.764, W091 51.405

Directions

In Licking, MO, at the intersection of State Rt. 32 and US Rt. 63, take Rt. 32 west 12.9 miles to Paddy Creek campground sign. Turn right onto Paddy Crk. Rd (gravel) and go 6.6 miles to a "T" intersection (just before a low water bridge). Turn right onto Campground Dr. and go 0.4 miles to campground. Mark Twain National Forest 261 Alternative, not recommended for RVs: In Licking, MO, at the intersection of State Rt. 32 and US Rt. 63, take State Rt. 32 west 3.8 miles to State Rt. N. Turn right onto Rt. N and go 2.2 miles to State Rt. AF. Turn left onto Rt. AF and go 8.9 miles to Paddy Creek Recreation Area sign (Paddy Creek Rd.). Turn left onto Paddy Creek Rd. and go 1.8 miles to campground sign (Campground Rd.). Turn left and proceed to campground. NOTE: The last 4.5 miles is gravel, steep, and very curvy in places.

National Forest: Twain National Forest
Ranger District: Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek
Elevation: 800
Rate: Donation requested; $5 suggested.
Maximum Stay: 14