Fishing and boating enthusiasts will find direct access to both the Black River and nearby Clearwater Lake at this Army Corps of Engineers campground. River Road Park sits on the southern shore of Clearwater Lake within the broader recreation area, offering multiple ways to reach the water whether by car, boat, or on foot.
The campground divides into two distinct sections with different atmospheres. Remote spots like R1 provide electric hookups with water within 50 feet and vault toilets nearby, while back-in sites on the main loop offer full electric and water connections. Jeremy H. notes the R spots are "spaced out very well" in what he describes as a "very nice and quiet area with essentials nearby." However, the location draws steady lake traffic during busy periods, which some campers find disruptive.
Anglers can fish the spillway and downstream sections for catfish, perch, and bass, while the boat launch provides access to Clearwater Lake for swimming and additional fishing spots. The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through October, with sites accommodating RVs up to 120 feet. Reservations are available four days in advance, though shaded sites fill quickly.
For those wanting a different setting, Kempers Hideaway Resort sits just upstream along the same waterway.
Description
Overview
Set on the banks of a calming river, just below the entertaining Clearwater Lake lies River Road Park, known as a jolly ol' place to camp. The beautiful area is enhanced each spring by flowering shrubs and trees like the redbud, hawthorn, dogwood and wild plum. And bald eagles stay year-round and are known to nest near the lake.
Recreation
Look for wildlife and pretty landscapes on the Black River Hike and Bike Trail. The trail starts at River Road Park and connects with the Blue Heron and Bottomland interpretive trails. Wildlife includes wetland waterfowl, fox, deer and geese.The lake and river below provide excellent fishing, swimming and canoeing.
Facilities
The majority of campsites have electric and water hookups. Additional amenities include a dump station, hot showers, picnic shelters, a boat ramp, and a playground.Three group picnic shelters are available for reservation, and these also come with electricity.
Natural Features
River Road Park near Clearwater Lake lies below the dam on the Black River. The lake's shoreline is studded with picturesque bluffs covered in sweet william flowers, indented bays, and serene coves.
Nearby Attractions
In the area, campers enjoy visiting traditional drive-in movie theaters, the Sam A. Baker State Park, local golf courses, and the historic Civil War site at Fort Benton.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRiver Road Park is located in Missouri near Piedmont
Directions
From Piedmont, MO, follow state highway HH for 6 miles. Campground will be located just below Clearwater Lake Dam. Follow signs into campground.
Address
RR 3 BOX 3559D
Piedmont, MO 63957-9559
Coordinates
37.1336111 N
90.7669444 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/15/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/14/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/15/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 6/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 38 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 2 hrs 15 min from Jonesboro, AR
- 2 hrs 16 min from St. Louis, MO
- 2 hrs 37 min from Paducah, KY
