Ellington, Missouri sits at an elevation of approximately 680 feet in the eastern Ozarks region, where Mark Twain National Forest creates a backdrop of oak and hickory forest surrounding the area. RV camping options spread across a 30-mile radius from Ellington, with most sites located along creeks or rivers that flow through the mountainous terrain. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F with high humidity during peak camping season.
What to do
**Creek exploration: Cool off in Big Creek, where multiple RV parks offer direct water access. "The creek is nice for cooling down on a hot day, but there is a pool if you'd rather do that," notes Mike T. from Big Creek RV Park.
**Saturday activities: Many campgrounds organize special weekend events. "Saturday is fun with different campground activities and an evening hayride," reports a visitor at Big Creek RV Park, while another camper mentioned "Duck races were fun" among the organized activities.
**State park access: RV campsites provide convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions. "The area has all kinds of state parks and natural attractions," explains a reviewer at Big Creek RV Park. From most Ellington area campgrounds, visitors can reach Johnson's Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks, and other natural features within a 45-minute drive.
**Biking trails: Several parks offer dedicated biking paths connecting camping areas to water features. At Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, "There is a beautiful bike trail connecting the campground to the rest of the park," according to Charlotte B.
What campers like
**Family-oriented atmosphere: Campground owners often create welcoming environments for families. Laura and Dave at Big Creek RV Park are "very friendly and helpful. The campground is clean and inviting," according to Mike T.
**Platform camping: Some parks offer elevated camping platforms. At Johnson's Shut-Ins, "The walkin sites are on platforms and are spaced for privacy," explains Chad K., which proves particularly useful during wet weather as "there was a flat deck for us to camp on (which was great on our rainy weekend)."
**Campground stores: Several parks maintain on-site stores with essentials and treats. A visitor to Johnson's Shut-Ins noted, "The store was nice, and we got some great ice cream on the way out," while others mentioned laundry facilities and arcade games at certain locations.
**Educational opportunities: Parks often host informative programs. "They also had neat programs going on while we were there including a smores contest and adult scavenger hunt," shares a camper at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
What you should know
**Supply planning: Stock up before arrival as retail options are limited. A camper at Big Creek RV Park advises, "Be advised, not a lot of supplies nearby. Make sure you bring with you."
**Reservation requirements: Campsites fill quickly, especially at popular parks. Charlotte B. notes about Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: "Managed to get the most secluded spot in the campground which is hard to do considering that you usually need to book months in advance."
**Pet restrictions: Not all trails allow pets. "The shut-ins trail DOES NOT allow dogs so that's a bummer," warns Erin J. about Johnson's Shut-Ins. Check park websites before arrival for current pet policies.
**Dump station policies: Some campgrounds charge for dump station use. At Current River Campground, a visitor reported: "I was told that they could dump for you for $20 or, you could back into a full hook up site and dump for a $5 fee."
Tips for camping with families
**Water safety: Popular swimming areas require supervision. At Little Sinkin Creek RV Resort & Campground, visitors enjoy "beautiful scenery nearby to explore" including swimming spots, but water levels and currents can change rapidly.
**Fall color viewing: Consider autumn visits for spectacular foliage. "We stayed in the fall and the colors were amazing," reports a visitor to Johnson's Shut-Ins, making this a prime season for family photography and nature exploration.
**Cart availability: Some parks provide equipment for transporting gear. At Johnson's Shut-Ins, a visitor appreciated that "The cart provided was great to walk our gear down the trail to our site," making primitive camping more accessible for families with children.
**Off-peak timing: Weekday visits mean fewer crowds. One camper noted, "Stayed on a Monday-Wednesday in a walk-in spot in loop 5" at Johnson's Shut-Ins, finding it more manageable despite every spot being occupied.
Tips from RVers
**Site spacing: RV spaces vary significantly between parks. At Camelot RV Campground, "Lots a little close but still plenty of room," while another visitor noted the campground has "larger sites and pull thru sites available too."
**Electrical capacity: Parks may have voltage limitations. At Current River Campground, a visitor reported "Multiple times, we were receiving less than 100 volts," causing electrical protection devices to shut off. Consider bringing a voltage regulator when camping at remote Ellington area RV parks.
**Assistance with parking: Some RV campgrounds provide setup help. At Camelot RV Campground, staff "escorted us to our site, offered help getting parked and set up," making arrival easier for less experienced RVers.
**Seasonal access: Most RV campgrounds near Ellington remain open year-round, unlike seasonal parks in northern states. At Fourche Creek RV Park, visitors find "Hosts were so attentive and helpful" throughout all seasons, with "gorgeous" grounds maintained even during off-peak months.
