Camping near Ashburn, Missouri offers diverse landscapes surrounding the Mark Twain Lake region at approximately 700 feet elevation. The area experiences humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly comfortable for outdoor stays. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer humidity often exceeds 80%.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area provides free paddle boats for exploring the 228-acre lake. "Lake with free paddle boats (do need life preservers) and fish hatchery across the street," notes Matthew H. Visitors must bring their own life preservers to use the boats.
Trail exploration: Cuivre River State Park Campground features well-maintained hiking paths through wooded terrain. "This park has plenty of well groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely. You could camp here for a weekend and stay busy," reports Tony M. The trail around the lake offers scenic views and moderate difficulty levels.
Water recreation: Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park offers seasonal water activities beyond standard swimming. "Being after Labor Day the water park was closed, but looked like fun. Mini golf was booming," shares Cathy S. The water zone typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day with daily admission fees.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Coyote Campground at Mark Twain State Park offers secluded camping spaces with natural borders. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby," observes Maria E. Sites include fire rings and picnic tables.
Clean facilities: Lazy Day Campground maintains well-kept amenities throughout the property. "The bathrooms/showers are adorable. The sites are well spaced and nice and level," mentions Darlene T. Their laundry facilities remain open year-round for extended stays.
Family-friendly environments: Several campgrounds cater to children with dedicated recreational areas. At Yogi Bears Jellystone Park, "Great for a family with kids of all ages. The activities are not all day, so plan on some campside entertainment before 10am and after 6pm," advises Ellyn P. Activities typically run between 10am-6pm during peak season.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Ashburn require advance booking during peak seasons (May-September). Hickory Ridge Campground offers both reservation and walk-in options. "Just passing through, we decided to start looking for a place to stay for the night. Called and the lady that answered was super friendly," reports Samantha H.
Seasonal operations: Water amenities typically close after Labor Day. At Mark Twain Lake Jellystone, "I found the camping area to be tight but what a fun place to be. Being after Labor Day the water park was closed, but looked like fun," notes Cathy S.
Wildlife considerations: Ticks and chiggers can be problematic in warmer months. At Coyote Campground, "Apparently ticks and chiggers are bad here. I did not hike because of this," cautions Bethany S. Proper insect repellent is essential from April through October.
Tips for camping with families
Pack life jackets: Several water recreation areas require personal flotation devices. At Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area, "Lake with free paddle boats (do need life preservers)," reminds Matthew H. Children's sizes are not provided at most locations.
Plan for downtime: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park schedules activities during specific hours. "The activities are not all day, so plan on some campside entertainment before 10am and after 6pm," advises Ellyn P. Bringing games and activities fills gaps between organized events.
Consider educational opportunities: Historical sites complement camping experiences. Near Coyote Campground, "Be sure to check out Mark Twain's Birthplace!" recommends Kelsie L. The historic site typically operates limited hours during weekdays.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: At Lazy Day Campground, "Sites are decently spaced, though some are closer together; ours was relatively close to the next site on the driver side," notes MickandKarla W. Request corner or end sites for additional space when making reservations.
Utilities placement: RV hookup locations vary by campground. "The gravel pad was fairly level, and although the utilities were toward the back of the site, we had no trouble connecting. There were two sewer hookups—a nice touch," shares MickandKarla W. about Lazy Day Campground. Bringing extension cords and hoses ensures successful connections.
Off-season advantages: Glamping near Ashburn, Missouri offers better availability and quieter experiences outside peak months. "We visited twice in the off-season we loved the campground so much. It's quiet and secluded," reports Bradley R. about Coyote Campground. Off-season rates may be reduced by 15-30% at some locations.
