General Watkins Conservation Area
Nice quiet little spot. 4 spots. Have fire rings and picnic tables.
68 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
General Watkins Conservation Area provides primitive camping for pets and owners with four gravel sites featuring picnic tables and fire pits. This free camping spot near Benton allows dogs throughout the grounds with standard leash requirements. Sites accommodate both tents and smaller RVs, though the area lacks water hookups, showers, and flush toilets. A portable toilet is available for campers. Hinton RV Park offers a more developed alternative with full hookups, clean facilities, and pet-friendly policies across its level gravel sites. The park maintains a quiet atmosphere with mature trees providing shade for pets during warm weather. Local campers note the conservation area gets busy during Missouri firearm deer season in mid-November.
Trail of Tears State Park Campground welcomes pets at sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings approximately 20 miles north of Benton. The park features multiple hiking trails suitable for leashed dogs, with paths winding through forested areas. Horseshoe Lake Alexander County provides another pet-friendly option with water access where dogs can cool off during summer camping trips. Most campgrounds in the region enforce standard leash policies and expect owners to clean up after pets. The area between Benton and Cape Girardeau offers several camping options ranging from primitive sites to full-service RV parks, all accommodating responsible pet owners. Camping areas near water features like lakes and ponds provide additional recreation for pets, though wildlife encounters require keeping dogs under control.
"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."
"The facility allotted pets, sewer, water, and electric hook up. If had a few mature trees but mainly a place to catch-up before heading off again."
"Lots of places to eat nearby. Can hardly hear the highway noise, It's very quiet as well."
"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."
"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."
"Three miles to a grocery store, close to all other parts of Cape Girardo. I'd stay here again. I paid $60 for full hook-ups...tank draining time!"
"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)."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Boomland RV Park& Campground was super easy to find off I-57 near the I-55 junction. After passing the Boomland complex, the large campground sign clearly marks the right turn into the park."
"Easy to access off the highway, easy gas station nearby, cheap, AND fhu. Office looks like it hasnt seen a soul in 20 years but this place is the perfect stop."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability











Nice quiet little spot. 4 spots. Have fire rings and picnic tables.
I’m not sure where the good reviews come from. Ive tried to find another Fern Lake to make sure I was at the correct one. Bath facilities have half doors so you are shitting in public. Your kids get the nice look over by any of the weird full timers living junk squaller. The power poles are only standing by the shear strength of all the cobbled together wires and electric tape. It’s not safe. It’s fucking dangerous. Most the fire “pits” are shitty rings from 60 years ago at least. There is zero maintenance here. It’s very loud next to the freeway. Sites are small and on top of each other. Lots are small. Not level. And little gravel. The cinder blocks keep you from backing in too far. Most of the water posts are “shared” because others don’t work. Picnic tables are a fucking joke. Rotten. Lead paint and worthless. The water retaining POND has a grass path around it so you can admire what recycled concrete can create where there was once no POND. One star is extremely generous. Just like the generous $10 a bundle for wood. Keep on trucking. It’s not far to go to find something worthwhile. This is a 100% pass. Before you think I’m some kind of pre Madonna, I will say we are a minimalist family that camps in unimproved spots and boondocks all the time. This place is gross. And disturbing that anyone reviews it for more than a 1 star. Most of the reviews are flat out lies. One talks about the clean bathrooms, hot showers, and one mentions a fucking pool! Wtf? Shitting in your own fire ring is more private. Pictures sooooo under tell the story of what a shot hole this place is. It’s off the freeway very close. And there is a Mexican restaurant across the street and a Casey’s essentially attached. If that’s what you like. Have fun. But any great reviews are from either someone who came and went in the dark. Or are from the owners.
check-in was nice and smooth. Deep parking pad is very level. The RV park is extremely clean and really nice, we're just staying overnight but good price as well. Lots of places to eat nearby. Can hardly hear the highway noise, It's very quiet as well.
I stayed at a walk-to tent site for which the price was $8 per night. Pretty solid Verizon cell signal. Clean showers and well kept. The place did sound pretty loud as far as older partiers, though around 9pm, it was near silent. I'd definitely stay here again.
Bathroom and showers are super clean. Some Verizon cell signal. Quiet. You can faintly hear train sounds in the distance. Hosts are extremely welcoming.
Great campground, no reservations required and has bathrooms available. Overall good location and an occasional train but overall great spot.
Campground was quiet and peaceful when I was there. Numerous trails within the park and I had them to myself while out hiking.
Super Long Gravel road, decently groomed though, otherwise no complaints. This place is clean, picnic tables and fire rings at every site. Nice pond. Tether ball. Horse shoe pit. Cell Service isn’t too bad. And when you factor in that this place is completely taken care of by volunteers you come to appreciate how clean and well taken care of it is even more. Good free camp spot if you’re passing through or even if you need a little remote weekend away.
Traveling in my 22' Class B, and there are Class A and fifth wheels here, too. Concrete pad, full or partial hook-ups, laundry (reasonable price!). Looks like some seasonal and some transient people. It's on a country road, with a little traffic, but the noise wasn't a problem. Three miles to a grocery store, close to all other parts of Cape Girardo. I'd stay here again. I paid $60 for full hook-ups...tank draining time!
If you're looking for pet-friendly camping options near Benton, Missouri, there are several great spots where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Benton, MO is General Watkins Conservation Area with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
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