Prairie State Park Campground features four primitive tent sites located in a wooded hollow where the forest meets the native prairie lands. Campers can drive to campsites but must cross a stream to reach the campground area, which can become impassable during heavy rainfall. The region surrounding Asbury, Missouri offers several camping options with varying levels of remoteness and amenities, from drive-up sites with basic facilities to more secluded hike-in locations.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Prairie State Park Campground, visitors can observe free-roaming bison herds across the prairie landscape. One camper noted, "The main draw for me other than it being close to where I live is that you get to be around buffalo without fences. It is a surreal experience and worth the time to locate the herd in the park."
Hiking trail exploration: Multiple hiking trails ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 miles traverse the park, totaling 14 miles of pathways. According to a visitor, "The multiple hikes are fun and you get the true prairie experience." The trails offer opportunities to experience native grassland ecosystems that once dominated the Midwest.
Stargazing sessions: The open prairie landscape at night provides excellent conditions for observing celestial objects. A camper mentioned, "Good for star gazing. Two sites have a paved pad and two do not...depends what you're looking for."
What campers like
Peace and solitude: Most tent sites in the region remain uncrowded, creating tranquil camping environments. One Gibson Spring Back Country Site visitor shared, "This site would be great for someone just getting into backpacking as it is a short hike to the campsite from the closest trail head (took me only seven minutes)."
Natural soundscape: The evening hours bring distinctive wildlife sounds. A camper at Prairie State Park reported, "You'll hear the coyotes all night howling and barking...the bison are roaming around which you will be able to see where they've been by the scat droppings around the road and trail system."
Accessible backpacking experience: For those new to wilderness camping, Fort Crowder Conservation Area offers an entry-level backpacking opportunity. A reviewer noted, "Gibson Spring is a back country camp site and the only location in Fort Crowder Conservation Area where camping is allowed. Located at Gibson Spring this camp area has plenty of room for numerous tents."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Tent camping near Asbury means preparing for primitive conditions. One camper at Robert E. Talbot Conservation Area advised, "This posting looked good to us, and we put it in our itinerary for a boondock stop. When we got there we found a locked gate across the entrance to the conservation area!"
Water considerations: At Gibson Spring, the spring itself serves as the water source, though filtering is essential. A visitor warned, "Your water source is the spring itself, remember to treat the water."
Tick prevalence: Several campers mention encountering ticks during their stay. One Prairie State Park visitor candidly stated, "Lots of ticks. Good clean campground. Bathroom. Bison roam the park. Ticks also roam the park."
Tips for camping with families
Nature center opportunities: The nature center at Prairie State Park provides educational experiences for children. A camper noted, "The nature center is small but they have two bison, a coyote, and many other learning opportunities inside."
Spacious campsites: Families benefit from the generous site dimensions at Schifferdecker Park, though one visitor clarified, "This is a city park with park hours at night depending on the season. There are no spots for camping, and overnight staying is not allowed. It is a nice park with aquatic center, golf course, skate park, basketball court, tennis court and a museum."
Weather monitoring: Weather conditions significantly impact accessibility, particularly at Prairie State Park. A camper advised, "Since you have to drive through this stream to get to the campground beware when there has been heavy rain as it may not be accessible."
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: At Prairie State Park, two sites feature paved pads while two have gravel/dirt surfaces. A reviewer explained, "2 sites have paved pads and the others are gravel/dirt. The 2 outer gravel sites back up to a curved stream that runs along the perimeter of the campground but are lower and more shaded and more prone to hovering clouds of bugs."
Solar power potential: Certain sites at Crawford State Park offer better sun exposure for solar panels. One camper shared, "I think I stayed in site 4 and it was great for my solar panel. I did have steady cell service with AT&T while here."
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Asbury lack utility connections. A visitor to Prairie State Park stated, "The tiny campground is located in a wooded hollow at the edge of the prairie and has 4 primitive sites, no electric or water at sites, no showers and one vault toilet only."
