Paddy Creek Campground

Star4.55
90 reviews
108 S. Sam Houston Blvd. Houston, MO 65483

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

Opens Houston/Rolla/Cedar Creek Ranger District site

Official Website
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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...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
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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USFS
Provider
417-967-4194sm.fs.marktwainnf@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.55

Top-Rated

Based on 90 reviews

81 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleansites

Some mention

noise

"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."

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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

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.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Paddy Creek Campground

Experience the ever-changing moods of the Ozarks throughout the camping season, which welcomes visitors from April through December. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect hiking temperatures, while autumn transforms the forest into a spectacular canvas of gold, crimson, and amber. The campground truly shines during these shoulder seasons, when comfortable days give way to crisp nights perfect for campfire gatherings. Summer brings refreshing dips in cool creek waters, and even late-season campers are rewarded with peaceful solitude and the forest's subtle winter preparations.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Popular in summer for cool creek waters and swimming holes; many positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is popular for vibrant foliage and hiking; reviewers note autumn appeal.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring wildflower blooms and pleasant hiking temperatures welcome visitors from April.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Dec–Apr, limiting winter use.

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.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported.

About Paddy Creek Campground

Tucked away in the heart of Mark Twain National Forest, Paddy Creek Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This hidden gem borders the pristine Paddy Creek Wilderness, where secluded campsites nestle among towering trees and the gentle murmur of creek waters creates nature's perfect soundtrack. Here, tent campers discover their own private slice of paradise, with some sites offering front-row seats to the creek's meandering journey. Well-maintained grassy clearings provide comfortable camping spots, while nearby hiking trails lead adventurers to breathtaking scenic overlooks that showcase the rugged beauty of the Missouri Ozarks.
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.
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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.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingMultiple hiking options are available, including the 1-mile Paddy Creek Trail and an 18-mile loop within the Paddy Creek Wilderness. Some trails have elevation changes of up to 500 feet.
SwimmingSwimming spots are available along Paddy Creek, which features clear, cool water and swimming holes. However, these areas are not managed or supervised.
Wildlife viewingThe dense vegetation and riparian habitat attract a variety of birds and wildlife. Campers might encounter turtles, raccoons, and colorful fish in the creek.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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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.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Paddy Creek Campground

Reviews

4.6
90 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Paddy Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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...
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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...
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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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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