Campgrounds near Ava, Missouri span from small family-owned parks to larger resort-style properties with varying terrain and elevations. Located in the Ozark region at around 1,400 feet elevation, Ava experiences distinct seasonal changes with humid summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round though winter facilities may be limited when temperatures drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing access: Cooper Creek Resort offers direct lake access for trout fishing. "Great place to stay when visiting Branson. Located on Lake Tanneycomo, in the cool water trout fishing portion of the lake. The water temp keeps this park cool during the hotter days of the summer." Boat rentals available at affordable rates.
History exploration: Visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum near camping facilities in Mansfield. "This campground is directly across the street from Laura Ingalls Wilder's home" notes one camper who enjoyed the convenient location. Most sites offer parking for both RVs and additional vehicles to accommodate day trips.
Water activities: Several campgrounds provide lake or creek access for swimming. At Bull Creek RV Park, families appreciate the "Amazing creek access for kids to swim (knee deep at most)," making it suitable for younger children while still being "10 minutes from Branson" for additional attractions.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: Many campers appreciate tree coverage at rv sites near Ava, Missouri. "Great RV Park with shaded sites. Convenient to the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum," mentions one visitor. The natural shade helps during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive frequent praise from visitors. Cooks RV Motor Park earns high marks for "Showers/restrooms/laundry are all in one building, and very clean and well kept" according to recent guests, with another noting "Very nice and very clean. The staff is very friendly and helpful."
Privacy options: Some campsites offer separation between neighboring units. At Edgewater Beach Resort, "Loved the solitude of being by the water. We had another RV next to us for a few days, but with the privacy fence in between you would never know it," making it ideal for campers seeking personal space.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Ozark region experiences seasonal flooding and storm risks. One practical safety feature mentioned at Cooper Creek Resort: "The thing that really struck me as a huge and unique offering was the storm shelter. The shelter is marked clearly on the map and explained when you check in and it is something I have never seen at any other park."
Site surfaces: Most campgrounds feature gravel pads. "Spaces are packed gravel, pretty level," notes one camper about Cooks RV Motor Park. Tent campers should prepare accordingly: "The downside to shared spacing however is that tents must set up on gravel and this can be uncomfortable and post the problem of anchoring."
Off-season availability: Many campgrounds operate with limited services during winter months. "We stayed here over Thanksgiving. The campground was about 1/3 full," reports one visitor, suggesting good availability during cooler seasons when temperatures can drop below freezing at night.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hide-A-Way Campground & RV Retreat offers recreational facilities for children. "They have since cleaned up the park, gotten rid of the long term campers who were not friendly. They've implemented security and rules and hired a fantastic manager. They have brought in new facility, renovated the office and community room."
Swimming options: Multiple pools provide alternatives to natural water bodies. Cooper Creek offers "2 pools in campground which is awesome if one is crowded go to other." This gives families flexibility during peak summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Budget considerations: Campground prices vary significantly around Ava. Basic tent sites start around $20 while premium RV spots with full hookups can exceed $50 per night. "Very good military discount," notes one camper at Cooper Creek, highlighting potential savings for eligible visitors.
Tips from RVers
Campsite spacing: RV sites near Ava, Missouri vary in size and separation. At Branson Lakeside RV Park, "Our site was a concrete pad that was perfectly level. The park is kept very clean, nice bathrooms, and helpful staff." However, another camper noted "our only complaint was how close sites were to each other, but the location made up for it!"
Hookup reliability: Electrical service quality varies between facilities. Some campers report concerns with low voltage or inconsistent service. At well-maintained parks, "Big rig friendly. Very nice campground staff at check-in. Friendly environment. Great full hook up site and easy to get into."
Road access considerations: Access routes may challenge larger vehicles at some locations. Consider campground proximity to main roads if driving a larger rig. Some parks offer pull-through sites that accommodate RVs with towed vehicles, while others may require disconnecting before navigating to assigned spaces.
