Best Campgrounds near Arrow Rock, MO

Arrow Rock, Missouri provides camping options within its state historic site campground and nearby dispersed locations. Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground features well-spaced electric sites suitable for both RVs and tents, with modern shower facilities and hookups for those seeking more amenities. For campers preferring more rustic experiences, Robert's Bluff offers primitive dispersed camping with minimal facilities approximately 10 miles south of Arrow Rock. The region also includes Katy Roundhouse Campground and Van Meter State Park Campground within 30 minutes of Arrow Rock, each providing additional camping alternatives.

Seasonal availability varies across campgrounds, with Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground open year-round but with limited services during winter months. "During off-season, bathrooms were locked and water was off, so we had full fresh tanks and jerry cans," noted one visitor who stayed in early March. The campground features a dump station for RV travelers and recycling bins, though some amenities may be seasonally restricted. Access roads throughout the area are generally well-maintained, though visitors should note that cell phone coverage can be limited, particularly with certain carriers. Weather conditions remain mild through most of the camping season, with summer temperatures typically warm but comfortable.

Campers consistently highlight the historic attributes that complement the camping experience. The proximity to Arrow Rock's historic town, approximately a half-mile walk from the campground, adds cultural value to overnight stays. One camper shared, "We spent three nights and saw all the area sights, Boonville, Franklin (the start of the Santa Fe trail), the Booneslick salt works ruins and of course the adjacent Arrow Rock State Historic Park." Hiking trails connect the campground to both the historic town and natural areas, including paths leading to the Missouri River. The campground layout receives positive feedback for privacy between sites, with one visitor noting, "Sites are well spaced and angled to increase privacy." For those seeking quieter experiences, midweek and off-season camping provides significantly reduced occupancy levels.

Best Camping Sites Near Arrow Rock, Missouri (60)

    1. Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site

    22 Reviews
    Arrow Rock, MO
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 837-3330

    "Spent 3 nights and saw all the area sights, Boonville, Franklin (the start of the Santa Fe trail), the Booneslick salt works ruins and of course the adjacent Arrow Rock State Historic Park."

    "Bathrooms were centrally located in the campground."

    2. Robert's Bluff

    9 Reviews
    Nelson, MO
    10 miles

    "Nice spot to camp for the night if you’re driving through Missouri. Not a terrible amount of mosquitos and the roads don’t get bad after an average rain"

    "Put in some miles and didn’t get in until about 2am and this was easy to find and great spots away from the highway but also didn’t have to trek far away"

    3. Roberts Bluff Access

    9 Reviews
    Nelson, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "Ground away from the campsite was a bit muddy and made a mess. No surprises there! Established campfire ring at 2 spots. Another ring farther down in the turnaround beyond the boat launch."

    "Only 2 miles off of the highway and is perfect for someone just passing by. I’m on my way from St Louis to Denver and it was perfect for one night."

    4. Katy Roundhouse

    4 Reviews
    New Franklin, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 848-2232

    "Camping right alongside the Katy Trail is hard to find. This campground is one of two I know of. Full hookups at most sites and nearly all are tree covered."

    "Great campground for short visit along Katy Trail. All sites are full hookup & pull-through. Most sites shaded with trees."

    5. Blackwater Bluffs RV Park

    1 Review
    Nelson, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 888-2011

    $49 - $53 / night

    6. Stump Island Park

    3 Reviews
    Fayette, MO
    12 miles
    +1 (660) 338-2377

    7. Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Miami, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 886-7537

    $12 - $23 / night

    "Before leaving, we took the short .10 mile Missouri River Overlook Trail. We had intended to fish in Lake Woolridge, but the gate was closed already for the night when we arrived."

    "The campground is one circular lot with I think around 18 spots. Some are basic just for tents and some have water and or electric. "

    8. Lodder Up & Camp

    2 Reviews
    Miami, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 815-1583

    $25 - $450 / night

    "Very small campground on the edge of town (appx 20ish sites). Full hookups and all most amenities you will find at larger properties: laundry, showers, picnic tables and fire rings."

    9. Harriman Hill Access

    1 Review
    Nelson, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    10. Franklin Island

    1 Review
    New Franklin, MO
    15 miles
    Website
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Recent Reviews near Arrow Rock, MO

249 Reviews of 60 Arrow Rock Campgrounds


  • Sarah K.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mussel Fork Conservation Area

    Quick overnight car camp

    Like other posters mentioned, nice open gravel lot just off the road but hidden from plain view. It was already late and dark so I didn’t drive back farther. No one else showed up until early the next morning. One other car camper and a sheriff, but he didn’t bother us.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Blackwater Bluffs RV Park

    Nice overnight

    Pull through FHU. Everything worked as it should host is super friendly .

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Roberts Bluff Access

    Nice Little Overnight Spot

    Super convenient overnight spot, about 5 min from I70. Pulled in at about 6:00 in the evening and 2 spots were already taken. We just pulled in for a quick stop for the night. The spot was big enough for our truck and pop-up camper. Quiet area and clean.

  • Kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site

    Quiet and clean

    We stayed 2 weekend nights in late summer/early Fall. Every site was occupied but still it was pretty quiet. The bathrooms/showers are clean, but maybe could use a few more given the number of sites.

    Nice ~2 mile walking trail through the woods was shady and cool despite the heat.

    We were in site 019, which was at the end of a loop and had only one neighbor. It backs up to the little lake, so we did hear some noise from the people fishing.

    We occasionally got 1 bar on T-mobile.

  • J
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    Mostly Scenery.

    I do Not like that the fire pits nearest to the river are 30 inches from a 30ft drop off!  Only 2 people can enjoy the campfire because of that.  

    Secondly, they do Not provide tables for the campers.  Kinda expensive to Not have tables.

    Not a good fishing place because it's a treacherous walk down.

    The evening band was awesome!

    Will Not be back because of the above.

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    Perfect for me

    The camp sites are very close to each other. But the campers around us were very nice. Only needed one night and it worked prayer for us.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Robert's Bluff

    This is not campsite- this overnight sleep parking situation

    It was a great camping spot until. At least 10-15 cars drove in out of the area to see if available and then at around 9:30 pm pitch black someone decided to camped. It’s not very quiet at all. You will wake up from cars driving almost evreytime. There’s people that live in that area that were driving and screaming at each other driving 4x4 little cars. I hate camping in the Midwest

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Knob Noster State Park Campground

    Fine Tenting

    8/11/2025

    Fine tenting at this site (60). Easy enough to get stakes in, and a pretty reasonable price ($15) especially since there are plenty of shower/bath houses to make use of.


Guide to Arrow Rock

Arrow Rock camping options span from established campgrounds to rustic dispersed sites along the Missouri River. Located in central Missouri at approximately 700 feet elevation, the area features gently rolling terrain with oak-hickory forests interspersed with prairie remnants. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during the day while dropping to 65-70°F at night, with occasional thunderstorms between May and September. Spring and fall camping provide milder temperatures and fewer mosquitoes than summer months.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: The area surrounding Robert's Bluff Access provides river fishing access with a boat ramp. "Small, quiet and out of the way. A few spots for camping," notes one visitor, adding that the area is primarily used as "a quiet place to fish."

Historic site exploration: Visit nearby towns with historical significance. A camper at Katy Roundhouse Campground shared, "We used this as a stop on a longer trip and it worked beautifully for that. There are plenty of birds, rabbits, deer and other critters around, but really nothing else."

Hiking and nature trails: Van Meter State Park offers several short hiking options. "Several short hikes in the park that are appropriate for kids and dogs," writes one reviewer. Another adds, "I hiked on most of the trails in one day. I missed the memorial trail and boardwalk. Home that I walked on will maintained. Some of them are more difficult than others but none of them too strenuous."

What campers like

Quiet, private sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites at campgrounds near Arrow Rock. At Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground, one camper noted, "We stayed on site 13 for one night in October 2020. It's about 15-20 minutes from I70. Electric and water hookups, clean showers, very nice campground host."

Paddling opportunities: Finger Lakes State Park offers unique kayaking experiences just over an hour from Arrow Rock. A visitor describes, "This park is one of my favorite nearby spots to take the kayak out and just float. Paddling through these channels is such a dreamy experience. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent as well."

Star visibility: Campsites away from major light pollution sources provide excellent night sky viewing. At Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground, the natural darkness allows for "Beautiful Stargazing views" according to one camper who visited in August 2020.

What you should know

Seasonal amenities: Facilities availability changes throughout the year at campgrounds near Arrow Rock. A visitor to Robert's Bluff found it "Nice free camping to overnight if you are travelling on your RV, close to the highway but without noise. No toillets. Verizon signal works good."

Bugs and wildlife: The area's proximity to water means insect preparation is essential. A camper at Van Meter State Park advises, "Clean, well cared for campground. The even numbered sites are really big and back up to big open grassy area with shade trees. Bring plenty of bug spray. The campground is right by a marsh and it is REALLY buggy."

Cell reception variability: Mobile coverage differs significantly between carriers and locations. At Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground, one visitor reported, "We occasionally got 1 bar on T-mobile," while another campground visitor noted "No cell phone service really."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's play areas. At Van Meter State Park Campground, a camper mentions, "It had a nice playground for small kids including a little play area and some swing sets."

Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences for children. A visitor to Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground appreciated that "this campsite has it all if you are liking those camping comforts. showes, facilities, fire pit and lets not forget the hiking trails to include that the Santa Fe Trail crosses the MO river close to this sight. there is even a one room Jail and the george Caleb Bingham's house."

Kid-friendly campsite selection: When reserving sites, consider proximity to bathrooms and open play spaces. "The largest camp area of Arrow Rock is definitely geared towards RVs, but there is a 'basic loop' with twelve basic campsites for tent camping. There is a bathroom/shower house very close to the basic loop and the basic loop is well away from the RV area," reports one camper.

Tips from RVers

Overnight stops: Several campgrounds work well for single-night stays while traveling. A visitor to Robert's Bluff described it as a "Great free spot right off I-70" and mentioned "Parked 30ft travel trailer with no problems! Level ground for the most part!"

Hookup availability: For RVers requiring full hookups, Katy Roundhouse Campground provides complete services. "Great campground for short visit along Katy Trail. All sites are full hookup & pull-through. Most sites shaded with trees," notes one RVer.

Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires preparation due to limited services. A visitor to Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground in early March found "No bath house until April 1 and no cell coverage (T-Mobile) but wonderful walking, hiking and biking areas, quaint MO town nearby."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Arrow Rock, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Arrow Rock, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 60 campgrounds and RV parks near Arrow Rock, MO and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Arrow Rock, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arrow Rock, MO is Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arrow Rock, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Arrow Rock, MO.