Campsites around Alexandria, Missouri sit within the rolling hills near the Mississippi River at approximately 600 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching into the 90s and winters dipping below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open from March through November, with several offering year-round camping options for those seeking solitude during cooler months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes at Boulder Lake Campground offer diverse fishing options within 35 miles of Alexandria. "A popular place, during the summer it's always full and kids running around, people walking and running and riding bikes, walking dogs. Great trails too, ranging from half a mile to 3 miles. Nice lakes, kayaking rentals available, and a swimming beach too," notes Mary N.
Historical exploration: Nauvoo's historic sites sit directly across from Nauvoo State Park Campground, making it convenient for history buffs. "Right across the street from the historic sites, if you're up for it it's just a little further to walk to main street," shares Gretchen F. The area contains numerous restored buildings and interpretive exhibits.
River watching: The lock and dam near Canton River Park provides an educational stop. "Just up the road a short walk is the lock and dam that you can visit with interpretive signs and nice benches to sit on while you watch the barges go through the locks," explains Annie C. This free activity offers glimpses into commercial river traffic.
What campers like
Shaded sites: The wooded campsites at many parks provide relief from summer heat. "Lots of shade, mostly wooded spots. There are a couple of close playgrounds you can walk to," mentions a camper about Nauvoo State Park. The mature trees help moderate temperatures during hot months.
River views: Waterfront camping at Canton City River Park puts campers approximately 50 feet from the Mississippi River. "All spots are about 50 feet from the water and about 100 feet from the railroad tracks. Overall we would stay here again and the view of the river is very nice," notes Andrew S. who visited in early spring.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms rank high with campers at Driftwood Campground & RV Park. "The showers and restroom were impressively clean. The hosts could not have made me feel more welcome," states Art Z., who visited during a bike tour along the Mississippi River Trail. The campground maintains 51 sites with concrete pads.
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Boulder Lake Campground offers varying degrees of privacy between sites. "If you can get site 44, you have probably the best site in the campground as it sits at the end of the loop with no close neighbors, close to the lake, and backs to nice trees. None of the other sites are as private," advises Annie C.
Seasonal facility closures: Winter campers should prepare for limited amenities. Stuart O. reported about Nauvoo State Park: "We stayed in mid-November when a lot of places are closed. They had electricity and the dump station was operating, but the water hookups were shut off and the bath house was closed for the winter."
Insect preparation: The riverside location means insects can be prevalent. "There were lots of frogs and mosquitos near the lake in which get very close to your site and public area," notes Grethel P. about Boulder Lake. Campers should pack insect repellent, particularly during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. At Updog RV & Camping, "Lots of trees for great shade in these hot days. Nice pond for some fun fishing," mentions Joe M., highlighting features appealing to families with children.
Kid-friendly trails: The trail system at Wakonda State Park provides options for families. "Great trails too, ranging from half a mile to 3 miles," notes Mary N. about Boulder Lake Campground. These varied trail lengths accommodate different ages and hiking abilities.
Swimming options: The beach at Boulder Lake offers summer recreation. "Elsewhere in the park is a nice swimming beach with a place to shower off the sand, and some interesting cement tunnels/bunkers that kids might have fun exploring," shares Annie C., describing features beyond the camping area.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad advantages: Many rv sites near Alexandria, Missouri feature improved parking surfaces. At Camp Nauvoo, "The sites are sunny and all are pull-through but some have shade. The park streets are gravel with concrete pull-through sites," reports David B. The concrete pads help keep rigs level even after rain.
Cell service variations: AT&T generally outperforms Verizon in the region. David B. reports: "AT&T had 3 bars of LTE and Verizon 1 bar of LTE service. AT&T Speedtest: 56.8 Mbps down, 9.3 Mbps up." This information helps remote workers plan accordingly.
Site spacing considerations: RV campgrounds around Alexandria differ in spaciousness. At Crossroads RV Park, "This was a nice spot for an overnight stay. The site was a full hookup- electric, water and sewer. I wouldn't stay longer than an overnight. The sites were close together and very close to a train track," observes Melissa A., highlighting that some campgrounds work better for brief stays.
