Dispersed camping opportunities near Annapolis, Missouri include options for primitive tent sites, RV connections, and yurt accommodations across several established campgrounds. Located in the St. Francois Mountains region at elevations ranging from 500-1,700 feet, the area experiences warm summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F and mild winters. The crystalline streams and rivers in this region flow through dolomite and granite formations, creating distinctive water features and camping environments.
What to do
River access adventures: Marble Creek Recreation Area offers connections to the Ozark Trail with an 8-mile section from Marble Creek to Crane Lake. A visitor noted, "The campground is an adventure to get to. Located on a winding road off of 72/21 just south of Arcadia. Nice campsites close to the creek."
Swimming in crystal waters: Sam A. Baker State Park Campground provides swimming areas along the St. Francois River. According to one camper, "Beautiful camp sites and a beautiful river to paddle around on. This park usually isn't very crowded which is really nice. It is very tranquil and perfect for a weekend get away."
Fishing opportunities: Access 22-acre lakes and flowing rivers at multiple sites. A camper at Bluff View mentioned, "Quiet and beautiful campground. Great swimming and fishing. Marina is great and have boat rentals available. We love it there and go back every year."
Trail exploration: Several parks connect to the wider Ozark Trail system. One visitor to Marble Creek Recreation Area shared, "Marble Creek is the starting point for the only free standing portion of the Ozark Trail. It is 8 miles from Marble Creek to Crane Lake."
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Parks Bluff Campground offers sites directly adjacent to the Black River. A camper mentioned, "These sites are nestled up against the most beautiful Black River. You can drive you vehicle right up to the river and play. The river make this worth the camp."
Spacious sites with privacy: Campers appreciate the separation between sites at many locations. At Twin Rivers Landing, a visitor reported, "The site we stayed at was a premium tent/basic RV slot, so essentially we had access to an electrical outlet and our own water. The site was huge, plenty of space for our two tents, a pop up, and our 'camp kitchen'."
Yurt camping options: Yurt accommodations provide elevated comfort near Annapolis, Missouri. A camper at Huzzah Valley shared, "We stayed in cabin with our dog nice and clean good prices. They offer trail rides on their horses. Dog friendly. Connected to ozark trail."
Seasonal availability: Most sites operate from March through November, with peak season during summer months. A Parks Bluff visitor noted, "Admittedly a little underwhelmed at first glance but we ended up really enjoying our stay. We had a semi-secluded RV spot. Showers and bathrooms are all single stall which is nice, but dated."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary: Not all sites offer modern facilities. One camper at Marble Creek noted, "They only have vault toilets that area reasonably clean and stocked with toilet paper. No fresh water on site, we had to drive into town on Saturday to buy a few gallons."
Weekend crowds: Popular floating locations can become crowded during summer weekends. A Sam A. Baker visitor observed, "Very popular, and therefore very crowded. While it was pretty, it did not feel exceptional in any way."
Water access considerations: River levels fluctuate seasonally. One camper at Sam A. Baker shared, "We spent four days at the park with friends during the higher rain and very, high river. I have never seen the river through the park so high to the top of the banks."
Reserve early: For premium sites, especially during peak season. A visitor to Webb Creek Park noted, "Smaller, older park with limited hookups but beautiful scenery- is off a marina so is a wonderful place if your family has a boat as well."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Look for shallow entry points and swimming areas. A visitor to Marble Creek shared, "This spot was perfect for our group of friends bringing children! Site # 20 had a perfect path to the water, and a reasonable creek walk up to a swimming hole."
Campground activities: Some sites offer organized events. A Sam A. Baker visitor mentioned, "This park always has a lot of activities for the campers! We love Sam A. Baker!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks offer chances to see local fauna. A camper observed, "The park as usual was yet maintained in almost perfect conditions, staff was very nice. We spent time walking around the park, relaxing and just talking."
Consider non-peak times: For quieter family experiences, avoid summer weekends. A Sam A. Baker camper shared, "My family camps at Sam A Baker every year. It is clean and everyone there is friendly. They have a nice gift shop and some great places to swim."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven sites challenging for larger rigs. A Webb Creek visitor warned, "Older campground, very tight and some sites are uneven. Does have dump station, showers, boat ramp, playground and a swimming area."
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer options vary widely. A visitor to Beaver Springs Campground shared, "A really nice smaller privately owned campground that still has all of the perks. Pool, clean bath house, ice, fire wood, etc. Bordered by a spring branch and just a mile from Clearwater lake access."
Seasonal operations: Many facilities have limited operations outside peak season. A Kempers Hideaway guest noted, "Save your money and buy firewood here at the hideaway, best value ($7) and a large amount, you can also purchase ice here as well in the office area."
River proximity considerations: RV sites near water may flood during heavy rains. One camper shared, "We were the only tent in the park on laborday weekend and it was very nice, we slept great, everyone that pasted by our campsite waved or chatted very friendly."
