Searching for the best camping near Benton, MO? Benton is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"Sites are only a few miles from our house, we use it to test out new gear (hammocks)
General Watkins has a good amount of ponds (great fishing) and has a few good walking/ small hiking trails."
"There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon."
"Our only hiccup was we passed it first time driving by so look closely for the entrance. Veterans discount. We would 100% stay again if we needed to."
"This little RV Park is not far off the highway and it was easy to find. Staff was nice and friendly. Each space has full hookups and its own picnic table."
"Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty. Showers dated but clean. They are multiple stalls.
Of note, there is not much around in the way of stores."
"Due to the pandemic, only one host has volunteered for Trail of Tears."
"PRO
Senior discount saving $6
Able to reserve on-line 365 days prior to arriving
Very friendly and helpful camp host
Unobstructed view of the Mississippi River
Great dark sky viewing
No highway"
"There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow."
$40 / night
"Road noise from nearby I‑57 noted. Felt $40/night was a bit high.
CatTrailzz (24 Jul 2024)
Quiet despite being near the freeway. Loves the deli (noting salads and pulled pork)."
"Water park close by (5 minute drive) that was great for the kids on a hot day. Camping spots was all nice and level. looked like all the spots was full hook ups."
"There is a big grassy area in the middle of the loop of wanting to play games and run around."
"There was a public paved walking trail along the back of the CG, which was very nice to walk the dogs. There was also a 2 acre fishing pond for CG residents to use."
TravelerOverall we’ve really enjoyed our stay. Came over the Labor Day weekend and staying a week. Super friendly camp host, conveniently located off the interstate and feels pretty secure and tranquil. I will say some of the gravel was washed out which is surprising given how dry it’s been. A little noisy at night with the interstate in the distance but we’d expected that. Only thing we wish we would’ve known about was the paving of the road happening directly outside of the park. They obviously can’t control that but a heads up would’ve been helpful. One day we couldn’t get out for a bit and thankfully we had flexible plans. Overall- it’s a great park with decent proximity to a lot of nature. Anna, Marion and Harrisburg are your best bets for restaurants and grocery etc. Vienna only has a dollar general and a few restaurants- a diner, longhorn cafe, Mexican restaurant and Family Pizza- we tried the last one and it was good! Prepare for a 40 min wait time if picking up and it gets packed if you want to dine in. Would def stay here again to visit Shawnee.
ScoutI had a Reservation for a month long stay. I get there and he said that he would have to guide me to the Site. He guided me for sure right into another Camper. It did over $3,000.00 Dollars of Damage to my Camper. I don't know what the Claims Adjuster paid for Damages to the Camper that the Campground Owner guided me into. His sites are not 25-40 feet wide and 35-100 feet long. If the campsites were that big, the owner wouldn't have had to guide me to my site. I'm going to get a Lawyer and Sue the Campground for all of my Damages to my Camper and the Camper the owner guided me into.
RangerDid a 2 hour pontoon tour offered at the TN State Park Visitor Center (https://tnstateparks.com/parks/reelfoot-lake). Guide was excellent. Neat to see a bald cypress in one of TN's only 2 natural lakes. The history of Reelfoot is interesting, parts of the tour feel like you are in a cypress swamp, not a lake. Saw 10 bald eagles, osprey, egret, blue heron. Worth the price and time!
RangerStayed here for 2 nights at site 25 on the back side of the campground. The back sites have sewer. These sites were paved, but not level, so be prepared to level. TIP: If using those yellow camco "lego" block to level, be sure to put a canvas tarp or rubber mat between the blocks and the pavement, otherwise they will slide when you try to roll on top of them. My daughter used the bathhouse, and she said it was not good. Leaky, standing water. The park was awesome, which made the bathhouse an oddity. The little snack shack over by the chain was a nice evening diversion of ice cream and funnel fries. The camp host couple was wonderful. The park is clean and well maintained.
ScoutLove it here, it’s got tons of campsites to choose from. Fees are very reasonable, and 30A & 50A options available. Fishing & boating close by. Laundry at restrooms.
LegendWe were driving south on I24 towards Nashville and needed a spot to stop for the night. We booked online and were pleasantly surprised when we arrived. The campground is really nice and had a great paved walking trail to stretch our legs and walk the dog. Would definitely recommend if in the area.
Scout🌳 Highlights
Welcome & Hospitality Newly opened in October 2020 and family-run by Rick & Glenda Wilson, guests often highlight their warm, friendly service . One reviewer said:
> “Owners and staff all super friendly, engaging and kind.”
Campground Quality Features include full hookups (30/50 amp, water, sewer), gravel pull-through sites for big rigs (up to ~43 ft), free WiFi, dump station, propane fill, fire pits, picnic tables, laundry, and a shower house .
On‑site Country Store & Deli A notable perk is the store with fresh deli items and daily lunch specials—particularly Friday catfish dinners—plus occasional breakfast on Saturdays .
⭐ Guest Reviews Snapshot
Mick & Karla (30 Mar 2025)
Booked same-day, chose pull-through site, enjoyed 40 psi water, decent WiFi/cell service.
Friendly staff and solid amenities, though gravel/dirt sites got dusty or muddy depending on weather.
Road noise from nearby I‑57 noted. Felt $40/night was a bit high.
CatTrailzz (24 Jul 2024)
Quiet despite being near the freeway. Loves the deli (noting salads and pulled pork).
Clean facilities, new shower room.
Plans to stay again.
QueenMartell (16 Mar 2024)
Friendly check-in, excellent service.
Accommodated a 43 ft fifth wheel with ease.
Highly recommends, loves the Friday catfish.
Other reviewers (Kitty, Kyla D, Tergeo)
Consistently mention friendly owners, clean/gravel sites, good common areas, and a strong likelihood to return .
Pros & Cons
👍 Pros 👎 Cons
Warm, personal service Sites are gravel/dirt—can be dusty or muddy Full hookups and big‑rig friendly Road noise from I‑57 On-site deli with fresh food & catfish dinners Wi-Fi and cell coverage are serviceable but not exceptional Clean shower/laundry facilities Price (~$39–40/night) might be a bit high for basic amenities
Summary
Magnolia Campground is a great overnight or short-term stop if you’re looking for friendly hospitality, solid basic RV hookups, and the novelty of a country store with good food in southeast Missouri. It’s particularly suited for large RVs, travelers who enjoy a welcoming vibe, and those who appreciate a Friday catfish dinner. It’s not a destination resort, so if you're seeking plush amenities or a quiet nature getaway, plan accordingly.
Bottom Line
If you're rolling through with an RV and want a hassle-free, friendly, quick stay with full hookups and good food, Magnolia is a solid choice. For longer stays, be prepared for gravel underfoot and some road noise—but clean facilities and warm hosts might still make it worth it.
If you'd like help booking, directions, or comparisons to nearby campgrounds, just let me know!
TravelerMy husband and I loved this place. It was easy to find just off the interstate. Nice level sites, friendly staff. We had some issues and needed an extra day last minute and we're able to stay on until things got fixed. Plenty of things close in the area.
LegendUnique campground in that it is on a former golf course. Has the old golf cart paths as walking/biking paths! The sites are spacious and have picnic tables and fire rings. Full hookups is a plus. Super convenient to 24 but not too close that it is loud. There is no playground or pool. The sites are loose gravel and not level front to back, so you need to unhook. No biggie. It's a pleasant place overall. The camp host is a sweet older woman.
Camping near Benton, MO, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Benton, MO, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground details and reviews to find the best fit for your adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Benton, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Benton, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 86 campgrounds and RV parks near Benton, MO and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Benton, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Benton, MO is General Watkins Conservation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Benton, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Benton, MO.
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