Tent camping options near Arrow Rock, Missouri range from secluded conservation areas to private land with varying levels of amenities. Sites are typically available year-round though seasonal conditions affect accessibility. Most tent camping areas require visitors to bring their own water and supplies, with few offering more than basic facilities. The region experiences hot, humid summers and mild springs and falls, making shoulder seasons ideal for comfortable camping experiences.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area offers excellent fishing from multiple docks around its 48-acre lake. A camper noted, "Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet. Parked lakeside. Quite night with one fishing boat late morning."
Hiking and trail exploration: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park features extensive primitive trails marked by distance and difficulty. "I explored some of the extensive primitive trails, first by hiking and then by trail running. There are beautiful sights along the way, from wildlife to old, abandoned silos," shares one visitor.
Wildlife observation: At Slate and Wild Roses, campers can listen for nocturnal wildlife. One camper reported, "As the evening wore on I heard barred owls and coyotes, as well as the nearby cows. The fireflies came out at dark and gave me an impressive show."
Creek exploration: Several conservation areas feature small creeks for cooling off during summer months. A visitor to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park mentioned, "Great trails for biking and hiking and the creek is perfect for cooling off."
What campers like
Solitude and privacy: Many conservation areas provide quiet camping experiences away from crowds. At Franklin Island, a camper appreciated the "Great quite and secluded camp sigh," though noted potential for muddy conditions.
Lakeside camping: Several campgrounds offer direct lake access. At Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area, you can set up "at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks."
Diverse terrain options: Campgrounds like Slate and Wild Roses offer varied camping landscapes. A visitor described, "Due to recent rains and expected heavy rains, I picked a site along the tree line on top of an open hilltop."
Horse-friendly facilities: Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area caters to equestrian campers with specialized sites. As one camper observed, "There are several equestrian campsites +20 throughout the park. Also a shooting range centrally located in the park."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal variations that affect camping conditions. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures but occasional rain, while summer brings high humidity. Winter camping requires proper cold-weather gear.
Road conditions: Access to more remote sites can be challenging after rain. At Slate and Wild Roses, a camper warned about the dirt roads: "Just know that rain will affect your ability to navigate the farm road which is gravel to a point and then a dirt two track that disappears and reappears in between the wild roses and grasses."
Limited facilities: Most tent camping in the area requires self-sufficiency. Harriman Hill Access has toilets but limited amenities, requiring campers to pack in all necessary supplies.
Safety awareness: Some camping areas may have security concerns. At Harriman Hill Access, a recent visitor reported, "Not bad camp spots here, but there are a lot of drug deals going on here. Don't feel very safe at all."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: For families with children, campgrounds with basic facilities like vault toilets make for easier camping experiences. Farrington City Park offers "shower and bathroom facilities were basic, but more than adequate."
Visit during weekdays: Popular areas like Rock Bridge Memorial State Park can get crowded on weekends. A camper noted, "This place can get really really busy," making weekday visits preferable for families seeking quieter experiences.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Even in summer, nights can be significantly cooler than days. Bring layers and appropriate sleeping gear for children who may be more sensitive to temperature changes.
Look for natural features: Farrington City Park provides well-maintained grounds with interesting local culture. One visitor mentioned, "There were a number of horse-drawn buggies that came through in the early evening."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Arrow Rock is primitive and not suitable for RVs. Conservation areas typically lack hookups and have limited space for larger vehicles.
Consider seasonal access: Spring flooding can make some areas inaccessible to vehicles, particularly at Franklin Island where seasonal flooding creates muddy conditions.
Look for vault toilets: For minimal comfort while maintaining a primitive experience, select conservation areas with vault toilets like Rudolf Bennitt. "It has been a windy month so I relocated farther up hill to nestle in more with the trees," shared one camper about finding protected spots.
