Camping options near Bennett Springs, Missouri extend beyond the state park to various private and public lands throughout Dallas and Laclede counties. The area sits within the northern Ozarks at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, characterized by rolling hills, oak-hickory forests, and limestone bluffs. Several streams and rivers including the Niangua River create numerous water access points at many campgrounds, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Riverfront Campground and Canoe provides direct river access where campers can fish the Niangua River. "The float trips on the Niangua are gorgeous. I recommend going on a weekday to avoid the crowds," notes Jason W., who also mentions the campground is "only a short drive from Bennett Springs State Park, where you can fly fish and pull trout from the river from dawn until dusk."
Swimming at gravel bars: The Niangua River offers natural swimming areas. Ken K. from Riverfront Campground and Canoe notes, "The river has a couple nice gravel bars for swimming," making it an accessible option for cooling off during hot summer months.
Hiking trail options: Paddy Creek Recreation Area connects to trail systems suitable for day hikes. Josh C. explains, "Stayed at this campground as a halfway point hiking the Big Piney Trail loop," indicating its function as a basecamp for longer hikes. Walking paths are also available at some private campgrounds, though dedicated equestrian trails are limited in the immediate Bennett Springs area.
Berry picking opportunities: Seasonal berry picking adds a unique activity. At B Berry Farms & Co., Nick S. shares, "We enjoyed picking black berries right next to our campsite to have with breakfast in the morning," offering a farm-to-table experience not commonly found at standard campgrounds.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate spacious, separated camping areas. At B Berry Farms & Co., a reviewer notes, "The camp sites are spread out so there's plenty of room," while another adds that the sites are "private, dispersed sites with natural surroundings." This contrasts with some other area campgrounds that feature more conventional layouts.
River sounds for sleeping: Proximity to flowing water creates natural soundscapes. At Froggys River Resort, Mike G. reports, "I was right next to the river, and the sounds of the water made everything tranquil," highlighting the sensory experience of waterfront camping near Bennett Springs.
Wildlife viewing: Natural settings attract various wildlife. At Froggys River Resort, a camper mentions, "In the morning, a bald eagle flew up the river," demonstrating the potential for wildlife sightings. The rural setting around Bennett Springs provides habitat for deer, turkey, and various bird species.
Limited cell service: Some campers value disconnecting from technology. At Paddy Creek, Lyric O. shares, "We love being able to have an escape from the world and forced to not have our electronics since there is no service," highlighting the digital detox aspect of certain campgrounds in more remote locations around Bennett Springs.
What you should know
Primitive facilities at some sites: Not all campgrounds offer full services. Paddy Creek Recreation Area features basic amenities only. Kura O. notes, "Vault toilets were a plus, but no water source that we saw," while Gregory adds it has "a picnic table, Shepard's hook, and a fire pit/grate." Campers should prepare accordingly with water supplies.
Accessibility for larger vehicles: Site limitations affect RV camping options. At Paddy Creek Recreation Area, Cheryl M. cautions, "Parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much," indicating size restrictions that limit access for larger trailers.
Horse camping limitations: Dedicated equestrian facilities are scarce near Bennett Springs. While many campgrounds permit pets, specialized accommodations for horses are limited. None of the reviewed campgrounds advertise horse corrals or designated equestrian camping areas, requiring horse owners to seek specialized facilities further from Bennett Springs.
Seasonal considerations: Water levels fluctuate seasonally. A Froggys River Resort reviewer warns, "Depending on the time of year, the river can be quite low, so be sure to check the forecast before planning a stay. It was only about 6 inches deep when I was there," highlighting the importance of timing water-based activities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Berry Bend offers family-friendly recreation areas. Carol R. notes it has "nice spacious spots, lake views, friendly campers," while Kendall K. adds, "This is a great family campground!!! It's not nearly as busy as the state park which is awesome!!" Families can enjoy the beach area and water activities.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds feature recreational facilities. Joshua P. from B Berry Farms & Co. mentions they have "everything from axe throwing to free coffee," while Hannah B. notes "there is so much to do and for all ages. Great family fun activities and very nice layout."
Cabin options for comfort: For families wanting more amenities than tent camping provides, cabins offer an alternative. At Riverfront Campground, Jason B. notes, "They have added cabins to rent as well," providing options for families who prefer not to camp in tents, though cabin quality varies significantly between properties.
Bathroom facilities: Consider bathroom access when camping with children. While some campgrounds have modern facilities, others like Paddy Creek have only vault toilets. As Gregory notes, "There is a vault restroom if needed," which may be challenging for younger children or longer stays.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. At Berry Bend - Harry S. Truman Lake, electric hookups and dump stations are available but not full hookups at all sites, requiring planning for longer stays.
Level site challenges: Finding level parking can be difficult. Angela M. from B Berry Farms & Co. reports, "The one site suitable for large RVs is not very level. We have a 40' Renegade Verona and it took 6 tries to find a place near the hookups where our auto-level would find a good position (no 'excessive slope' error)."
Electric service limitations: Power capacity varies between campgrounds. Angela M. also notes, "We knew from the start there was only 30 amp service and no sewer," highlighting the need to check specific hookup details before arriving, especially for RVs with higher power requirements.
Concrete pads at select sites: Some campgrounds offer more stable parking surfaces. Ken K. from Riverfront Campground mentions, "Level concrete pads on most sites," which provides easier setup for RVs compared to gravel or dirt surfaces found at other area campgrounds.
