Old Highway 86 Campground

For many of us living in Missouri, the call of the great outdoors, especially the allure of the stunning Ozarks, is a strong one. If you're seeking a top-notch camping experience that combines natural beauty with exceptional service and convenient amenities, look no further than Old Highway 86 Campground in Blue Eye, Missouri. This highly-regarded campground offers everything you could want for a memorable escape, whether it's a peaceful weekend retreat or a fun-filled family vacation. As locals, we appreciate finding those hidden gems that offer both quality and accessibility, and Old Highway 86 Campground certainly fits the bill.

The Ozarks region is a treasured landscape within our state, known for its rolling hills, pristine lakes, and abundant recreational opportunities. Old Highway 86 Campground is perfectly situated to allow you to fully immerse yourself in this incredible environment. What truly sets this campground apart, as highlighted by fellow Missourians, is the outstanding service provided by the hosts, Norm & Rhonda Taft. Reviews rave about their helpfulness, from "ease of completing the entry process" to "leading us to our site" and ensuring campers are "safely in our spot." This level of personal attention ensures a smooth and welcoming experience from the moment you arrive, a rare find that makes a significant difference for any camping trip.

Beyond the stellar hospitality, Old Highway 86 Campground is consistently praised for its well-maintained facilities. Guests note that the "campground is WELL kept, asphalt sites, bordered with stone, picnic tables, dependable-clean electricity, 40psi water pressure, easy dump on the way out." These details are crucial for a comfortable RV or tent camping experience. Furthermore, its reputation as a "great, family friendly COE campground" underscores its suitability for all types of campers, from solo adventurers to multi-generational families. For Missouri locals, having such a high-quality, welcoming, and well-equipped campground right here in our state is an invaluable resource for enjoying the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Old Highway 86 Campground is ideally situated at 1791 State Hwy 86, Blue Eye, MO 65611, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of the scenic Ozark Mountains, offering breathtaking views and convenient access to one of Missouri's most cherished natural resources: Table Rock Lake. For residents across Missouri, the campground's location in Blue Eye makes it an excellent and manageable destination for a camping getaway.

From Springfield, Missouri, the drive to Old Highway 86 Campground is typically about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it an easy and popular choice for a weekend escape. For those coming from Joplin, the journey is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Even from further afield, such as Kansas City, the drive is a reasonable 3.5 to 4 hours, establishing it as a prime destination for a longer vacation. St. Louis residents can expect a drive of around 4 to 4.5 hours, a comfortable distance for a memorable camping trip. The well-maintained State Highway 86 provides straightforward access, ensuring your journey is as smooth as possible.

The campground's most compelling locational feature is its direct connection to Table Rock Lake. As reviews highlight, there is a "beautiful view of Table Rock Lake," and the campground even offers a "swim beach" and "good fishing spots" directly accessible from the premises. The famous Branson Belle also "cruises right by your camp site," providing an added touch of charm and entertainment. This immediate proximity to the lake means endless opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and various water sports. Additionally, while not directly adjacent, the vast Mark Twain National Forest is easily accessible from this region, offering further avenues for hiking, wildlife viewing, and immersing oneself in the Ozark wilderness. The balance of a serene lakeside setting and accessibility to major routes and attractions makes Old Highway 86 Campground an outstanding choice for any Missouri camper.

Old Highway 86 Campground, as a well-regarded COE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) campground, is known for providing a solid array of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all guests. Based on customer reviews and typical COE standards, here's what you can expect:

• Dependable & Clean Electricity: Campers consistently praise the "dependable-clean electricity" available at sites, ensuring that your RV or camping equipment runs smoothly without power issues.
• Pressurized Water Hookups: Sites offer access to water with "40psi water pressure," which is excellent for filling tanks and providing good water flow for showers and sinks in your RV.
• No Individual Sewer Hookups, but Easy Dump Station: While individual sites do not have sewer connections, the campground provides an "easy dump on the way out." This is a common setup for many well-maintained COE campgrounds and makes waste disposal convenient.
• Well-Kept Asphalt Sites: The campground boasts "asphalt sites, bordered with stone," indicating level, clean, and durable parking surfaces for RVs and tents.
• Picnic Tables at Sites: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining, meal prep, or simply gathering with family and friends.
• Clean Restrooms & Showers (Implied): While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, COE campgrounds of this caliber typically offer clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities for campers' convenience.
• Playground: For families with children, the presence of a "playground" is a significant amenity, offering a safe and fun area for kids to expend energy.
• Basketball Goal: An additional recreational amenity, a "basketball goal," provides another option for active fun for both kids and adults.
• Swim Beach: Direct access to a "swim beach" on Table Rock Lake is a fantastic feature, allowing campers to cool off and enjoy the water easily.

Old Highway 86 Campground distinguishes itself with several outstanding features and highlights that greatly enhance the camping experience, making it a favorite among Missouri locals.

• Exceptional Hosts (Norm & Rhonda Taft): The most frequently praised highlight is the "amazing" and "so very helpful" campground hosts. Reviews emphasize their dedication, from "ease of completing the entry process" to "leading us to our site" and ensuring campers are "safely in our spot." This level of personal, friendly service is rare and contributes significantly to a positive stay.
• Stunning Table Rock Lake Views: The campground offers a "beautiful view of Table Rock Lake," providing picturesque scenery directly from many campsites. Imagine waking up to the serene waters of the lake every morning!
• Paved and Level Sites: Sites are "paved and level," bordered with stone, making setup easy for RVs and providing a clean, stable surface for tents. This also makes them "great for biking" within the campground.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Repeatedly described as a "great, family friendly COE campground," it caters well to all ages. The presence of a "playground" and "basketball goal" ensures activities for children.
• Direct Swim Beach Access: A major draw is the dedicated "swim beach" on Table Rock Lake, offering convenient and safe access for swimming and cooling off during warmer months.
• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: Campers will find "plenty of good fishing spots" readily available, appealing to anglers looking to cast a line in the renowned waters of Table Rock Lake.
• Branson Belle Sightings: A unique and delightful highlight is the chance to see "The Branson Belle cruises right by your camp site!" This adds an unexpected element of charm and entertainment to your lakeside stay.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: The "campground is WELL kept," reflecting a commitment to cleanliness and maintenance, ensuring a pleasant and tidy environment for all guests.
• Dependable Utilities: Reviews specifically mention "dependable-clean electricity" and "40psi water pressure," guaranteeing reliable access to essential utilities throughout your stay.

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) campground, Old Highway 86 Campground primarily operates under federal recreation fee schedules. While they might not offer traditional "promotions" in the same way a private resort would, there are often ways for eligible individuals to receive discounts on camping fees. It's always best to inquire directly with the campground hosts or check the official recreation.gov website (which manages COE campground reservations) for the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates and potential savings.

Common "special offers" or discounts typically available at COE campgrounds include:

• America the Beautiful – National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series: Holders of certain passes, particularly the Senior Pass (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents aged 62 or over) and the Access Pass (for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities), are generally eligible for a 50% discount on campsite fees.
• Military Discounts: While not a blanket rule for all COE parks, some may offer specific discounts or have policies regarding active duty military or veterans. It's always worth asking upon booking.
• Long-Term Stay Options: Although not a "discount," some COE campgrounds may have limits on the maximum length of stay. For extended visits, it's crucial to confirm availability and any specific pricing structures for longer periods.
• Off-Peak Season Rates: While the daily rate itself may not change, during less popular seasons (e.g., late fall, winter, early spring), availability is higher, offering a more relaxed experience without the crowds. Some parks might also adjust rates during these times.

To get the most precise information regarding fees and any applicable discounts for Old Highway 86 Campground, we highly recommend contacting the campground directly or visiting the recreation.gov website, where COE campgrounds are typically listed for reservations. The helpful hosts, Norm and Rhonda Taft, as mentioned in reviews, would also be an excellent resource for any inquiries about booking and costs.

Ready to experience the wonderful hospitality and scenic beauty of Old Highway 86 Campground? Getting in touch to plan your visit is easy.

• Address: 1791 State Hwy 86, Blue Eye, MO 65611, USA
• Phone: (417) 779-5376
• Mobile Phone: +1 417-779-5376

Feel free to call them with any questions regarding site availability, specific amenities at certain sites, current rates, or to inquire about any eligibility for discounts. The hosts, Norm and Rhonda Taft, are highly praised for their helpfulness and will undoubtedly assist you in planning your perfect camping trip to Table Rock Lake.

For Missouri residents, Old Highway 86 Campground in Blue Eye stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for your next outdoor adventure. Its appeal to locals is multifaceted, combining convenient accessibility, top-tier amenities, and unparalleled access to the natural splendor of the Ozarks.

First and foremost, the short and manageable driving distance from major Missouri cities like Springfield, Joplin, and even Kansas City and St. Louis, makes it an ideal spot for weekend getaways or longer vacations without the stress of extensive travel. This means more time enjoying the campground and less time on the road, a significant advantage for any local looking to maximize their leisure.

The glowing reviews from fellow Missourians speak volumes about the quality of the experience. The "amazing" and "so very helpful" hosts, Norm and Rhonda Taft, truly set this campground apart, ensuring a welcoming and smooth arrival process that makes you feel instantly at home. This personal touch, combined with the "WELL kept" and "paved and level" sites, reliable utilities like "dependable-clean electricity" and "40psi water pressure," ensures a comfortable and hassle-free stay for both RV and tent campers.

But what truly cements its status for locals is its direct embrace of Table Rock Lake. With "beautiful view," a dedicated "swim beach," and "good fishing spots" right within the campground, Old Highway 86 offers immediate access to the aquatic recreation that Missourians cherish. Add to that the family-friendly amenities like a "playground" and "basketball goal," and even the charming spectacle of "The Branson Belle cruises right by your camp site," and you have a comprehensive package that caters to all ages and interests. Whether you're seeking a peaceful fishing trip, a lively family outing, or just a serene escape to nature, Old Highway 86 Campground provides a comfortable, convenient, and truly enjoyable experience that celebrates the very best of what our home state has to offer. It's a place where you can create lasting memories, supported by excellent service, right in the heart of the Ozarks.