Campgrounds near Ava, Missouri offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts within the Mark Twain National Forest. The area features elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet across the Ozark Highland region, creating varied terrain for camping and recreation. Visitors can expect significant temperature variations between day and night, even during summer months, with valley locations often 5-10 degrees cooler than ridgetop campsites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Fishermans Paradise, the ponds are stocked with game fish. "Biggins in the ponds, and great music events! The rv park at the top of the hill is great and pet friendly!" notes one visitor. The site features multiple fishing ponds and on-site kayaks.
ATV trails: Cobb Ridge offers extensive off-road recreation. "There are nearly 80 miles of inter connected loops that go from easy to hard terrian, winding in and out of forested hollers and along ridge tops. ATV must be 50 inches wide or less," explains one reviewer. Trail difficulty ranges from beginner to advanced levels.
Hiking exploration: Hercules-Glades Wilderness Area provides backcountry hiking with varied terrain. "This is a short four mile hike into cool shut ins that provide a swimming hole and water falls. Along the way on the ridge you can see all the way down into Arkansas," writes a visitor who has hiked there for over forty years.
What campers like
Historical attractions: Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park appeals to literature enthusiasts. "Convenient to the Laura Ingalls Wilder museum," notes one camper. Another visitor mentioned, "This campground is directly across the street from Laura Ingalls Wilder's home."
Water activities: Creekside camping at Bar K Wrangler Camp creates refreshing summer options. "When we arrived a few people were sitting in the creek so we moved further up stream and found a nice site with easy creek access," explains a camper. Another notes, "The creek was obviously spring fed, crystal clear and had a gravelly bottom."
Privacy and quiet: Many campsites provide secluded spots away from crowds. "We were likely the only group for at least 2 square miles," reports a visitor to Bar K Wrangler Camp. Primitive sites at conservation areas often allow campers to find their own space with minimal development.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires extra preparation. Temperatures can drop unexpectedly at night, especially with the region's variable weather patterns. Bring appropriate cold-weather gear even when forecasts seem mild.
Road access challenges: Many campgrounds have limited access routes. Bar K Wrangler Camp has "about a mile of dusty, gravel road that is a little rough," according to a recent visitor. Forest service roads may become difficult to navigate after heavy rainfall.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the area. A Bar K visitor reports, "We had great T-Mobile 10 miles south, but it dropped to zero by the time we drove into camp." Prepare for potentially no service in wilderness and conservation areas.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park provides "beautiful yard, walking trails and playground with resident kitty," as one visitor noted. The family-oriented atmosphere makes it welcoming for children.
Educational opportunities: Southern Missouri Off-Road Ranch combines recreation with learning experiences. "I've camped here 2x for Jeepstock in September. Brandon, the owners closes the park for the event but it's still maxes the facilities capacity," reports one visitor, noting the ranch hosts special events.
Swimming holes: Natural water features provide entertainment for children. At Fishermans Paradise, families appreciate the "ponds for fishing and swimming," with one visitor calling it a "hidden gem" perfect for families needing last-minute accommodations when original plans fell through.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Gravel pads made leveling easy," notes a visitor to Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park about their 31-foot Class A motorhome. Another mentions the park is "on a hillside that is terraced at each site."
Size restrictions: Larger rigs face limitations at some locations. The Hitching Post RV Park provides 52 sites with full hookups, though some access roads in the region restrict big rig access. Advance measurement verification prevents arrival difficulties.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. One visitor to Fishermans Paradise noted, "The 30 amp sites are not on level ground. No water or sewer connections for the 30 amp sites." Call ahead to verify specific utility needs, especially during peak seasons.
