RV camping areas near Ashburn, Missouri provide access to Mark Twain Lake and surrounding wilderness areas in northeast Missouri. The region sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F, while winter temperatures can dip below freezing, affecting campground availability from November through March.
What to do
Fishing access: Mark Twain Lake offers multiple fishing spots accessible from nearby campgrounds. "There are a couple of water spikots scattered around the campgrounds, and there is one hiking trail that heads out of the campground near the woodlot," notes a visitor about Boulder Lake Campground at Wakonda State Park. The lakes provide opportunities for bass, crappie, and catfish fishing.
Nature trails: Hiking options range from short walks to longer treks. "Great trails too, ranging from half a mile to 3 miles. Nice lakes, kayaking rentals available, and a swimming beach too," reports another Boulder Lake Campground visitor. Most trails are rated easy to moderate with minimal elevation change.
Local attractions: Small towns surrounding Ashburn offer cultural experiences. "The town of Hermann (19 miles away) is a beautiful town and great German food," mentions a reviewer at Lazy Day Campground. The Mark Twain Boyhood Home in Hannibal is approximately 30 miles from many area campgrounds.
What campers like
Shaded sites: Many RV parks near Ashburn feature wooded camping areas. A camper at Indian Creek RV Park notes, "The whole campground is in the woods so there's lots of shade. Some spots are full hookups." Tree coverage provides relief from summer heat while maintaining satellite access at select sites.
Lake views: Several campgrounds offer waterfront sites. "The basic sites sit right on the edge of a small lake and is a wonderful sight waking up to," shares a visitor to Boulder Lake Campground. Waterfront sites typically cost $2-5 more per night than standard sites.
Clean facilities: Restroom and shower quality varies by location. A camper at Driftwood Campground & RV Park reports, "The showers and restroom were impressively clean." Some campgrounds maintain laundry facilities with reasonable rates ($1.00-1.75 per load).
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many RV parks have limited winter services. According to a reviewer at Cozy C RV Campground, "Currently this is an RV only campground due to Covid restrictions, but there is ample space for tent camping when they return to allowing tents." Call ahead during off-season months to confirm availability.
Wildlife encounters: The rural setting means regular wildlife sightings. "The lakes are not clear and had snakes which we saw while fishing," warns a visitor to Boulder Lake Campground. Ticks and mosquitoes are common from April through October.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. "The campground is wedged between the highway and a cow farm, so expect some noise, especially with few trees or landscaping to absorb the sound," notes a Cozy C reviewer. Sites farther from main roads generally offer more quiet.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several locations offer swimming areas for children. "Elsewhere in the park is a nice swimming beach with a place to shower off the sand, and some interesting cement tunnels/bunkers that kids might have fun exploring," mentions a Boulder Lake Campground visitor. Swimming is typically available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Recreation amenities: Many campgrounds include family-friendly facilities. A visitor to Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park shares, "Mini golf was booming. They had nice pavilion areas for gatherings. There was also a large swimming pool." Some facilities charge additional fees for recreation areas ($3-8 per person).
Site selection: Family groups should consider proximity to amenities. "Boulder Lake is the larger of the two campgrounds here at Wakonda State Park... The tent part is a loop with sites in the middle (37-50) having the best trees for hammocks," advises a camper. Corner sites typically offer more space for family activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV parks offer different utility configurations. A Kan-Do Kampground visitor notes, "We had site 30- nice pull through spot with no length issues at all with our 40 ft toy hauler. Prices are super reasonable and full hook ups." Most parks provide 30/50 amp service with water and sewer for $30-45 per night.
Leveling needs: Site conditions vary across the region. "The gravel pad was fairly level, and although the utilities were toward the back of the site, we had no trouble connecting," reports a Lazy Day Campground reviewer. Carrying leveling blocks is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Cell coverage: Internet access varies by provider and location. "We got 2 bars on Verizon and 3 bars on T-Mobile, and our T-Mobile Home Internet worked very well," shares another Lazy Day visitor. Verizon generally provides the most reliable coverage throughout the region.
