Dog-Friendly Camping near Benton, MO

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    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.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Benton (68)

      1. General Watkins Conservation Area

      3.9(8)3mi from BentonRVs, Tents

      "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."

      2. Hinton RV Park

      4.7(12)14mi from BentonRVs, Tents

      "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."

      3. Horseshoe Lake Alexander County

      4.0(4)13mi from BentonRVs, Tents

      "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."

      4. Trail of Tears State Park Campground

      4.1(21)24mi from BentonRVs, Tents

      "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"

      5. Bean Ridge Pond Campground

      3.7(3)14mi from BentonRVs, Tents

      "There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow."

      6. The Landing Point RV Park

      4.2(5)18mi from BentonRVs, Tents

      "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!"

      7. Magnolia Campground & Country Store

      3.0(3)15mi from BentonRVs

      "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

      8. Cape Camping & RV Park

      3.0(3)16mi from BentonRVs, Tents

      "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."

      9. Boomland RV Park & Campground

      4.0(3)18mi from BentonRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      10. Cypress Creek RV Park

      3.0(1)14mi from BentonRVs

      from $20 - $40 / night

      Check Availability

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Benton, MO

    419 Reviews of 68 Benton Campgrounds

    • M
      Oct. 24, 2026

      Fern Lake Campground

      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.

    • LThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 16, 2026

      Hinton RV Park

      Clean, quiet, easy access to resturants

      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.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 25, 2026

      Giant City State Park Campground

      Good staff & clean facility.

      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.

    • Jay L.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 19, 2026

      Pine Hills

      Great

      Great campground, no reservations required and has bathrooms available. Overall good location and an occasional train but overall great spot.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 13, 2026

      Giant City State Park Campground

      Quiet Retreat

      Campground was quiet and peaceful when I was there. Numerous trails within the park and I had them to myself while out hiking.

    • Kandice S.
      Sep. 8, 2026

      turkey bayou campground Illinois

      Nice Free Camp Site

      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.

    • Karen C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 1, 2026

      The Landing Point RV Park

      Easy access, level, quiet

      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!

    Guide to Benton

    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.

    Tips for camping with dogs near Benton

    • Trail of Tears State Park Campground offers ample space for your pets to roam, along with features like drinking water and picnic tables for a comfortable stay.
    • Hinton RV Park is known for its friendly atmosphere and clean facilities, making it a welcoming stop for pet owners traveling through the area.
    • General Watkins Conservation Area provides a peaceful environment with nearby trails, perfect for walking your dog while enjoying nature.

    Pet owners like the variety of activities available

    • At Trail of Tears State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and hiking along the scenic trails, ensuring your pets have plenty of outdoor fun.
    • The Landing Point RV Park features large sites and a dog park area, allowing your pets to play freely while you relax.
    • Horseshoe Lake Alexander County is great for fishing and kayaking, giving you and your dog a chance to explore the water and surrounding nature.

    Dog owners appreciate the amenities that cater to their needs

    • Cape Camping & RV Park has full hookups and a fishing pond, making it easy to enjoy a comfortable stay with your pet.
    • Cypress Creek RV Park offers beautiful trees and level sites, providing a serene environment for you and your dog to unwind.
    • Boomland RV Park & Campground features easy access to amenities and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for a quick overnight stop with your pet.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Benton, MO?

    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.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Benton, MO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 68 dog-friendly camping locations near Benton, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.