Best Campgrounds near Carl Junction, MO

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Carl Junction. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Carl Junction, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Missouri camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Carl Junction, Missouri (102)

    1. Zans Creekside RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Joplin, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 782-0441

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Nice campground close to Joplin, MO. Friendly host, clean campsites, pet friendly."

    "We did find 2 outside stalls with toilets but not until the next morning so that helped. Overall it was a nice place to stop and sleep for the night. Friendly people."

    2. Big Red Barn RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Carthage, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 358-2432

    $32 - $68 / night

    "We enjoyed a garden right outside our door. There was free wi-go and cable TV. There was a BBQ our first night which was so gracious and enjoyable after a long day of driving."

    "This is a great, friendly campground, off the highway about a mile, so no highway noise. Very pet friendly. Long wide sites that have grass, patios and picnic tables. Open year round!"

    3. Downstream RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Joplin, MO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 626-6750

    "Highway noice but didn't brother us at all."

    "It is a parking lot behind a casino but backs up to a beautiful pasture with pond. Stay is free with a membership card from casino. Got card then went to gift shop to get space."

    4. Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Carthage, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 358-7829

    "Neighbors to our left had been here for a couple months and had a big dog that they didn’t clean up the poop very well and we about stepped in it many times."

    "Near enough to town to enjoy the museum and pop in for lunch, far enough away to feel detached.  There's also an old Drive in movie next door!  "

    5. Schifferdecker Park

    3 Reviews
    Joplin, MO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 624-6937

    6. Joplin KOA

    3 Reviews
    Joplin, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 623-2246

    7. Coachlight Campground

    4 Reviews
    Carthage, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 358-3666

    "It was near the highway but oh so quiet. Checkout in the morning was easy and Mike at the office was so friendly. Excellent place to stay!!"

    9. Ballard's Campground

    3 Reviews
    Diamond, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 359-0359

    $35 - $575 / night

    10. T and S RV Park

    1 Review
    Asbury, KS
    16 miles
    +1 (620) 674-3304
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Recent Reviews near Carl Junction, MO

201 Reviews of 102 Carl Junction Campgrounds


  • Liz C.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Shady Beach Camp & Canoe

    Easy to plan a trip and relax once you arrive

    Once arriving the owners/ staff were friendly and helpful. The convenience shop had everything you could possibly forget at home and plus! They have thought of everything you might need while camping. Kayaking/ Canoeing is so laid back , there was absolutely nothing to fuss over. Bonus was the float ended right at the camp site. How can that be topped!

    Will be returning hopefully for many years.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Four Oaks RV Park

    Goof Transit camping with great staff

    Super helpful staff for late check-ins. It is a good RV campsite when you are on the move and need a place to stay near the the high way (a bit noisy with traffic) and traveling with a pet. They have a place for dogs to play.

  • Stephen B.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Ballard's Campground

    Stay away

    After reviewing the camp map, I found C1 shown as a pull thru site available for the week we would be staying. Easy peasy. Until 2 days before we are set to show up, I get an email and we have been moved to a back in site. When ask I was told pull thru sites are for are monthly renters. So why did your reservation system allow me to rent for a week? Then they tell me C1 isn't a pull thru site after all, although the map outside the store shows it as pull thru, great then I shouldn't have been moved give me C1. It is already filled. So a site I reserved was given to someone else and I never got an honest answer as to why. During the conversation the staff was rude and condescending. The camp store is not stocked well. The sites are close together and not level at all. The bath house smelled moldy. The worst campground we have ever stayed out.

  • Casey G.
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Big Red Barn RV Park

    Just passing through

    We were pulling our camper on our way to Nebraska and needed somewhere to stay the night. Tried booking online but were unsuccessful. Called, got a spot. Upon setting up, went to the shower house for a shower (they DO NOT provide linens as another review stated) Shower house was newly remodeled although the water pressure wasn’t all that good. Grounds were nice and well manicured.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Crystal Springs RV Resort

    Just PERFECT

    There is a little spring onsite and very friendly owners !

  • Leslie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 2, 2025

    Sunset Mountain

    Coolest place, great hosts & eclectic people

    This is a great way to enjoy naturalism in a family friendly, smaller camp. The owners, James and Amy are amazing at making you feel at home and a beautiful and clean camp.
    This is an adults only campground with family friendly expectations. Fig leaves are optional in all areas, including pools and hot tub. We have visited several times, made friends with many and looking forward to more visits.

  • Dustin O.
    Jun. 18, 2025

    Ballard's Campground

    Large Pull Throughs Shaded with Nice Patio's

    Great stay over the weekend. Debbie and Mike where so hospitable. We booked our return stay before we left.

  • Leslie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Sunset Mountain

    Private, quiet, adults only with family values

    Adults only, fig leaf optional, working cattle farm. Quiet, beautiful, amazing place. The amenities are new and clean. The views of the sunset are phenomenal. The owners are wonderful and accommodating. Looking forward to enjoying another camp that was rebooked before we left.

  • Joe M.
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Crystal Springs RV Resort

    Great camping

    Nice peaceful valley surrounded by springs and walking trails. Close to elk river access.


Guide to Carl Junction

Camping near Carl Junction, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at places like Roaring River State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Great place to fish. Nice open camp spots, easy access to hiking trails and great fishing!"
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Stockton State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Great trails. Bring the kayaks. They have some pretty cool kayak marked trails on the lake."
  • Relaxing by the water: At Cedar Ridge Campground—Stockton Lake, you can enjoy beautiful views. One camper shared, "Beautiful views from many of the sites."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites. A reviewer noted, "This is a very nice park... it’s clean and has showers and laundry year-round."
  • Spacious sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites at Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area. One visitor said, "Spots can be a bit narrow for bigger rigs but not too bad. Some gorgeous spots."
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campgrounds like Echo Hollow - Twin Bridges are great for families. A camper mentioned, "There are horseshoes, volleyball, and a nice playground for entertainment."

What you should know:

  • Primitive camping: If you’re looking for a more rustic experience, Prairie State Park Campground offers primitive sites. One camper warned, "No hookups/ no electricity/ no running water. Good for star gazing."
  • Traffic noise: Some campgrounds, like Twin Bridges State Park, are near busy roads. A visitor noted, "The campground was quite dated... busy road that runs next to campground despite the rural setting."
  • Limited amenities: Campers at River Ranch Resort found the amenities lacking. One review stated, "The bathrooms smell like sewage and are dirty."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly spots: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like Blowing Springs RV Park & Campsites. A reviewer said, "This isn’t my typical style of campground... they have a really cool hang out area, a clear creek to play in."
  • Plan for activities: Bring along fishing gear or hiking supplies. One family at Stockton State Park Campground enjoyed, "Fishing is great. Listening to the river while falling asleep is also hard to beat."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. A camper at Cedar Ridge Campground—Stockton Lake mentioned, "The campground has private boat ramp and parking away from public use so things stay secure overnight."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A visitor at Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area said, "Spots can be a bit narrow for bigger rigs but not too bad."
  • Use a booster for signal: If you need to stay connected, consider a signal booster. One camper noted, "My AT&T signal didn't work here at all until I set up my WeBoost."
  • Be prepared for limited hookups: Some campgrounds, like River Ranch Resort, have no electric hookups. A reviewer shared, "The rv spots weren't bad to get into. Site was fairly level."

Camping near Carl Junction, Missouri, has its perks and quirks. Whether you’re fishing, hiking, or just soaking up nature, there’s a spot for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carl Junction, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carl Junction, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Carl Junction, MO and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Carl Junction, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carl Junction, MO is Zans Creekside RV Park with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carl Junction, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Carl Junction, MO.