The Ozark region surrounding Belleview, Missouri sits at elevations between 500-1,700 feet, creating varied terrain for campers to explore. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Local campgrounds feature a mix of wooded sites and riverside locations with gravel or grass pads.
What to do
Hiking trails: Sam A. Baker State Park offers several trails of varying difficulty. "The park itself is huge... Swimming is great at the river and my favorite tree is here," notes Allyson D., though she mentions it can feel "cramped" during busy periods.
Creek exploration: At Red Bluff Campground, the Huzzah Creek provides clear water for swimming and exploration. "The Huzzah creek is rocky but beautiful. You have to be careful because there are sudden drop-offs, it can be two feet deep and then you take a few steps and it's seven feet deep," warns Gwenn W.
Historic sites: Washington State Park Campground features prehistoric petroglyphs worth visiting. "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! We camped in mid-March 2021 for 7 days and thoroughly enjoyed the area... The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," recommends Phil W.
River activities: Parks Bluff Campground offers float trips and equipment rentals on the Black River. "Access to the river is the best. They have float trips and canoes and kayaks for rent. River is crystal clear though it can get crowded," shares Alison S.
What campers like
Private campsites: At Marble Creek Rec Area, visitors appreciate the spacing between sites. "The campground is beautiful and the sites are spaced apart so that you don't feel like you're camping on top of your neighbors," says Mara F., adding that "they only have vault toilets that are reasonably clean and stocked with toilet paper."
Year-round options: Hawn State Park Campground provides camping throughout the seasons. One camper describes it as "a park like no other. Nowhere else in the state of Missouri have I been able to camp and feel like I'm in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. The car camping area is nestled in the middle of a pine filled valley."
River swimming: The Black River at Twin Rivers Landing offers prime swimming spots. "We liked going here. It was a little expensive as they charge per person and I have an 8 person family but it was worth it. The sites were big enough for 4 tents. They have a shop and the prices there were extremely cheap. It is right on the black river which was a nice easy float trip for us. Waters were super clear," reports Joshua Y.
Off-season tranquility: Red Bluff Campground can be especially peaceful outside peak times. "We were there during the week at the end of July and it wasn't very crowded. The folks that were there were very friendly & pleasant," mentions Kelly M.
What you should know
Campground size variations: St. Francois State Park Campground can feel congested during busy periods. "St. Francois is a nice park tucked in the forest off of Hwy 67. It's a quaint park that tends to fill up fast depending on time of year. The sites are a bit more snug together than I would prefer," explains Gonzo A.
Water availability: Some campgrounds have limited water access. At Marble Creek Rec Area, Mara F. notes "No fresh water on site, we had to drive into town on Saturday to buy a few gallons."
Noise considerations: Campgrounds near recreation areas can be loud. "The campground has oddly shaped campsites causing a crowded feel. The campground is also loud on the weekends especially if there are races at the nearby Bonne Terre drag strip," warns Cody S. about St. Francois State Park.
Cell service limitations: At Hazel Creek Campground, you'll be fully disconnected. "There is no cell phone coverage. Follow the USFS directions, not Google Maps," advises Art Z.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Marble Creek is excellent for children. One visitor shares, "This spot was perfect for our group of friends bringing children! Site #20 had a perfect path to the water, and a reasonable creek walk up to a swimming hole."
Playground availability: Sam A. Baker State Park has facilities for kids. "Great park for great biking, hiking, river access, restaurant, great camp store. This park always has a lot of activities for the campers!" says Jenny H.
Safety considerations: At Red Bluff Campground, supervise children closely. "The Huzzah creek is rocky but beautiful. You have to be careful because there are sudden drop-offs," cautions Gwenn W.
Educational opportunities: Washington State Park Campground offers historical learning experiences. "This park is so rich in Missouri and USA history - from buildings constructed by the African-American CCC stonemasons to Native American petroglyphs, there's some fascinating stuff here," explains Kyle K.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout, RV sites are well-maintained. "This is very new campground and is changing as they continue to add amenities. The new General store is great and very affordable. The showers and bathroom are clean. The fishing great and the camp sites are spacious and level," reports Bill L.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds require caution. For Hazel Creek Campground, Sterling M. notes, "The access road was rough but my wife's tiny compact car didn't have any trouble, but I'm sure it's a mess when wet."
Glamping alternatives: For those seeking glamping close to Belleview, Missouri, camping cabins offer convenience. At Twin Rivers Landing, Shawn M. explains, "We opted for a camping cabin to keep it simple. There are 4 small cabins with a double bunk, table and 2 chairs plus the A/C. There is a little porch: nice for sitting or gear stash. It was clean and simple. Bring your own bedding."
Hookup availability: Parks Bluff Campground provides good RV amenities. "We had a semi-secluded RV spot. Showers and bathrooms are all single stall which is nice, but dated," mentions Alison S.
