Elwood camping areas sit along the Missouri River at an elevation of approximately 820 feet, featuring a mix of riverside habitats and forested conservation lands. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rain. Several conservation areas provide primitive camping with road access that varies seasonally due to river conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Most conservation areas have water access points for fishing. Rochester Falls Access offers direct river entry with "easy access to the beach there is incredibly helpful and the fishing was great," according to one camper who also noted finding "beautiful and unique minerals" for jewelry making.
Nature photography: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground features wildlife viewing areas near the small lake. "There is a trail to walk or bike ride. Small lake to canoe or kayak or fishing from the shore line," notes a visitor to Lewis and Clark State Park Campground.
Trail hiking: Weston Bend State Park offers hiking paths with varying difficulty levels. A camper mentioned the park "has an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail!" The trails provide excellent opportunities to spot local birds and wildlife throughout the 1,133-acre property.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at Weston Bend State Park Campground. "These are the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think maybe ever," wrote one visitor. Another noted "Regular trash dumpster and also recycling. Pit toilets also available."
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded spots. At Rochester Falls Access, a camper reported "a wood line surrounding the area so it does not feel like you are camping in the middle of a wide open field" and "enough trees to shade 90% of the camp."
Free camping options: Conservation areas provide no-cost alternatives to commercial campgrounds. Honey Creek Conservation Area earned praise as a "solid free campsite" where "the campsites were super clean." Another visitor noted it's "a good spot if you are not interested in a busy campground."
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Proximity to interstates affects some campgrounds. At Honey Creek Conservation Area, "you can hear some traffic noise from the freeway, but nothing outrageous." Similarly, at AOK Campground, a visitor mentioned "you could hear some highway noise, but in all the campground was pretty."
Limited facilities at conservation areas: Free sites typically have minimal amenities. One camper at Bluffwoods Conservation Area noted there's "no running water or electricity" while another mentioned Rochester Falls has a "vault toilet" but visitors should "wouldn't plan to use the bathroom and just head to the woods."
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs between locations. A camper at Honey Creek noted "Verizon signal fluctuates, but averages two bars," while at Weston Bend, visitors report "Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars." This information helps visitors plan accordingly for remote work needs.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: AOK Campground & RV Park provides multiple recreation options for children. "There was a pool, a playground, a sand volleyball area, and a basketball area," reported one visitor, making it suitable for families with various age groups.
Child-friendly hiking: Lewis and Clark State Park offers accessible trails for younger hikers. A visitor mentioned "The roads to, around, and within the campground are paved and great for a family walk or bike-riding" and that "there is a playground for children and a small lake nearby."
Visible campsites: Parents appreciate layouts that allow monitoring kids at play. At Lewis and Clark, a camper noted "kids playing with each other going from group to group getting more kids to play. You can see them from anywhere in the camp ground."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV compatibility varies widely between locations. At Sharp RV Park, sites are described as "some concrete pads, some gravel" with "easy in and out" access close to St. Joseph.
Leveling requirements: Terrain affects setup difficulty. A visitor to Rochester Falls noted one site might accommodate larger rigs, writing "Not really big rig friendly. One site, maybe. We got ours (43.5') in, barely. It's the first site out of the 6 or 7 here."
Electric options: Power availability differs by location. Weston Bend offers electric hookups at most sites, with a camper noting "All sites but #3 and 26" have electricity, while the conservation areas have no power connections available.
