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Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park accepts pets on all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces with full hookups, and cabins. The park features recently renovated bathroom facilities, shaded campsites with picnic tables, and fire pits where campers can build fires. Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch also welcomes pets and offers electric sites for RVs, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals with newly added units each year. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Ava area maintain standard leash requirements and clean-up policies. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Ava, Missouri.
Rippee Conservation Area, a free campground on Bryant Creek, allows pets throughout its primitive camping areas with basic amenities including fire pits, grills, and toilets. The conservation area lacks water hookups or shower facilities but compensates with peaceful riverfront camping spots ideal for fishing with pets. Nearby Fishermans Paradise maintains pet-friendly policies at both their RV sites and tent camping areas with ponds for fishing and swimming where some dogs can cool off. Several campgrounds in the region feature wooded settings providing natural shade during summer months when temperatures can affect pets. Local campground stores stock basic pet supplies, though campers should bring sufficient food and waste bags as rural locations may have limited nearby services.
"We walked the dog around a little and she enjoyed that. Just across the street from Laura ingles wilder museum and home."
"Beautiful yard, walking trails and playground with resident kitty. Convenient location across from Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum. Would definitely stay here again!!"
"Generator camping is far away from everyone else so that’s nice. There’s limited bathrooms and showers but I think that’s going to change soon with additions to the grounds."
"I made the 10 hour drive in my jeep to stay at SMORR and hit the trails. The campgrounds are nicely maintained, the bathrooms and showers were always clean."
from $15 - $135 / night
Check Availability"The rv park at the top of the hill is great and pet friendly! Fish on!"
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability"There are a few tent locations that are located away from the main area if you what to be away from it all. There are cabins as well. "
"The trails are also maintained. I would not recommend hiking on these trails as ATVs and Bikes go fast on the trails and unless a hiker can hear the off roader coming they may get hurt."
"It is an off-roading park so be aware of the noise."
from $15 - $75 / night
Check Availability"There are a few tent sites along the road and there is plenty of grassy area near the creek for RVs/trailers."
"Stopped in for one night on my way through southern Missouri and so glad I did. Super friendly hosts, newer RV Park, great amenities!"
"Some train noise and freeway is close by. I'd stay again."
"It's a bit off the beaten path, but worth it for a day hike or a bit of backpacking. Since it's wilderness area, you can camp just about anywhere with few restrictions."
"Began hiking these trails over forty years ago. I have hiked all four Sean’s and even spent a December wedding anniversary there with my husband."
"Walk-in tent sites, but was able to find a site at the far end to park my van at the site. It was at the Long Creek Trailhead. It was mid-week, so it was quiet and peaceful here."
"We got here on a pretty hilly/twisty road late at night, found a spot close to the trailhead and had a quiet, peaceful night sleep. We saw just one other camper with a trailer close to the inlet."
GuideWe really enjoyed our stay here! It was the week after Labor Day and was mostly vacant, making for a quiet stay. Love the amenities for kids! The only reason I give 4 stars is the dog policy— it’s very strict, and there isn’t a dog park type area to let pets off leash to play & get energy out.
ScoutLocation is easy to find. Love being next to the water! Heard there is a dog park coming this summer. Great place to go if u want to vacation with someone that doesn't have a camper because of the cabins on property. we will be back.
GuideGreat atmosphere and sooo close to the Branson landing for dinner/shopping but also right on the river for a great day on the boat. Just a bit down river from Lily’s Landing (bait shop and a fun stop in for the kids to grab a snack). Walking distance to a park with play ground and two separate dog park areas (one fenced one open). Definitely an “RV PARK” nothing secluded about it if that’s what you’re looking for... very close to neighboring site and even in off season it was packed full the weekend we went. The sites along the river side had great big fire pits too.
LegendOf all the KOAs I have visited I was very eager to check out this one. Close to Springfield and not to far from the turn off to Wilson Creek Battlefield this one just kinda made sense for a visit.
When I ventured to check it out I quickly noticed that the site spacing was not the best when it came to the RVs, it looked claustrophobic. When it came to the tent sites I felt a bit more like I could breathe and stretch out. Kind of strange that this was the case as usually the RV section at a KOA is more accommodating, in my own personal experiences.
The staff was very friendly and helpful and the overall amenities were pretty inclusive. Some of course obvious upgrades coming at additional charges while others were standard.
In true KOA fashion there is WIFI, which I personally always welcome because I work remotely and sometimes do not have the best of signal. Additionally they had standard features such as a dog park area, playground for the kiddos and a pool, although the pool is not open year round like some.
A few things that were a bit less common however, they had a pet play room which was pretty cool and though I don't travel with my pets found it to be a very friendly touch. I also noticed that in addition to snacks you could pick up in the store they also had pizza during certain times if you were not wanting to use your own kitchen or the common space camp kitchens.
I was pretty impressed overall but with all the good there were those claustrophobic rv sites I just couldn't get past and the pricing of a KOA always hurts the pockets a bit more even with them being nice and the common kitchen area I was attempting to use and had a few issues, this could have been just when I was visiting so I don't want to completely hold that against them but it was having issued.
TIPS:
* Visit Wilson's Creek Battlefield to explore, learn and hike. When you come to this KOA it obviously does not have any hiking, but the battlefield offers a lengthy system of trails .* Bass Pro's home is Springfield, MO so you will not only find the largest Bass Pro there but also a unique museum of all animals which is quite spectacular.
LegendAshley here from The Dyrt! We’re excited to have this new partner online. This park is dog friendly with a dog park and offers a large community fire-pit (among other things.) Check them out and leave them some love.
ScoutMy wife and our children stayed here in the summer while we traveled for work and we were extremely pleased with both the grounds and the staff. They have great amenities and clean facilities as well as washers and dryers. They were so accommodating. The only drawback is a train close by. They have a small gated dog park and I huge open field. They have a seasonal swimming pool, kids playground, game room and few more things to keep the kids busy. Good WiFi and a shop that sells/makes/delivers pizza to your campsite. We will be visiting again in the future definitely.
TravelerWe stayed at this campground 1 night on our way between COVID-19 quarantine locations. We found the park easy to navigate (no tight turns). Large semi paved spaces (I say semi paved because the concrete pads were crumbling at least in our spot). Good separation between sites with picnic tables, no shade but they do have a dog park. Hookups were easy to reach and appeared to be in good repair. Decent water pressure. Many of the spaces were permanent campers or long term workers but it felt safe and appeared well maintained.
ScoutWe can here in October stayed until April and got to some great people very friendly .pet friendly nice dog run.under new manger . under new owners the place is looking better .we really enjoyed the stay here will be back in October close to town .I can just say this is the only campgrounds we would stay at .if you want to meet friendly people and have a great time come to hide a way campground.
TravelerThis is probably an excellent site in spring or fall. However summertime is hot at the site because of the lack of shade trees. Site 15 is by the water and has a large area for dogs or family. There is a staircase down to the water next to site 8. The fishing is good. It’s a pet friendly site however if your dogs bark neighbors will complain. The manager is friendly. They do not have trash pick up service; you just take your trash to a dumpster at the end of the camp, which is not a big deal. No grill available but has picnic tables and fire ring. WI-FI aid very good.
Pet-friendly campsites near Ava, Missouri range across a variety of terrain from creek-side primitive spots to dedicated equestrian areas. Located in the heart of the Ozarks at approximately 1,100 feet elevation, this region features numerous waterways including Bryant Creek and Swan Creek that offer fishing opportunities and water access. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from June through August, making water access particularly important for campers with pets.
Creek exploration and swimming: Rippee Conservation Area provides direct access to Bryant Creek, where campers can enjoy wading and fishing. "It's a beautiful spot on the Bryant creek," notes camper Ashlin S., who appreciated the peaceful natural setting.
Off-road adventures: Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch offers extensive trail systems for Jeep and ATV enthusiasts. Valentina A. shares, "The trails were incredible and we had a blast! I can't wait to go back," after making a 10-hour journey specifically to experience the trails.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple ponds stocked with game fish are available at several campgrounds. "Ponds are full of bass and brim, a perfect spot to take the family," reports Jack T. about the fishing options at Fishermans Paradise.
Hiking with pets: The area features numerous trails ranging from easy creek-side paths to more challenging wilderness routes. "I did the Coy Bald hike and loved it. Most of the trail was fairly easy to navigate," writes Ramie W. about trails in Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area.
Affordability and value: Free camping options exist throughout the region, particularly at conservation areas. Glen T. mentions, "Very great place to camp, and it's free," when describing Rippee Conservation Area, which offers basic amenities despite being no-cost.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. "The bath house was excellent - very nice showers and bathrooms, very clean, very private," reports Laur H. about their stay at Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park.
Secluded camping spots: Bar K Wrangler Camp provides ample space for privacy. Brandon D. noted, "We were likely the only group for at least 2 square miles," highlighting the seclusion available at this free horse camp.
Historical connections: Several campgrounds offer proximity to historical sites. Timothy F. mentioned that Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park is "directly across the street from Laura Ingalls Wilder's home," making it convenient for visitors interested in literary history.
Access considerations: Several campgrounds require navigation on gravel or dirt roads. Patricia S. warns about Bar K Wrangler Camp: "There is about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough," something to consider when bringing pets or larger vehicles.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in this rural area lack reliable connectivity. "We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp," reports Patricia S. about Bar K Wrangler Camp.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds offer water hookups or drinking water. N I. emphasizes, "NO WATER" when describing Bar K Wrangler Camp, making it essential to bring sufficient water for both humans and pets.
Seasonal wildlife concerns: Ticks and snakes are common during warmer months. Crystal C. warns, "This area is also one which you will find many snakes lurking during warmer months so beware!" when discussing hiking in wilderness areas near Ava.
Water recreation options: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas for cooling off during summer heat. Sarah T. recommends, "Ponds for fishing and swimming. On site kayaks," when describing the family-friendly amenities at Fishermans Paradise.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. Holly M. notes that Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park has a "Beautiful yard, walking trails and playground with resident kitty," providing entertainment options for families.
Group camping spots: Cobb Ridge accommodates large family gatherings with specialized sites. "There are sites perfect for 1 all the way up to 40. Our tribe has reached 45 before, but we all still fit nicely," shares Cheri F. about their family tradition at the campground.
Safety precautions: When hiking with children and pets in wilderness areas, stay alert for hazards. "I always suggest on wilderness hikes to not hike alone or camp alone but this one I found to be more problematic with limited to no cell service for assistance should you encounter danger," advises Crystal C.
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. Joe J. warns about Fishermans Paradise, "The 30 amp sites are not on level ground. No water or sewer connections for the 30 amp sites. The road also gets a little steep and winding to the 30 amp sites."
Pull-through availability: The Hook Up RV Park offers convenient pull-through sites that accommodate larger vehicles. "Small but pull through sites are nice," reports bj M. about this pet-friendly RV park option near Ava.
Amenities for extended stays: Laundry facilities are important for longer visits. Kandi R. appreciated "the clean and well appointed restrooms, showers and laundry" at The Hook Up, noting there's "plenty of space for your pup to run!"
Seasonal considerations: Be aware of potential seasonal crowds at popular campgrounds. Beth M. observed at Cobb Ridge, "This beautiful campground in classic Ozark hardwoods is a haven for things with motors. Bikes, ATVs, gold carts, all manners of off-road thingies, and the louder the better," which might affect camping with pets during peak seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ava, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ava, MO is Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ava, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 130 dog-friendly camping locations near Ava, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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