Camping near Brookline, Missouri offers diverse terrain options including densely forested sites and riverside locations within 30 minutes of Springfield. The area sits at approximately 1,300 feet elevation in the northern Ozarks, with seasonal temperatures ranging from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Most local campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though primitive sites may have seasonal closures from December through February.
What to do
ATV trail riding: Cobb Ridge Campground features nearly 80 miles of interconnected trail loops ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty. "There are beginner trails and extremely advanced trails! Don't go without a map!!" notes Cheri F., who has visited for over 30 years.
Water activities: Hootentown Canoe Rental & Campground provides direct river access with equipment rentals. "River is excellent floating. Great campground along river bank. 3 spots to putin upstream quick easy shuttle by float service business with lots of canoes an kayaks to rent," reports Steve A.
Axe throwing: B Berry Farms & Co. offers unique recreational options beyond traditional camping activities. As Joshua P. describes, "Upon entering, you can feel the magic created when human creativity meets divine inspiration... This place has everything from axe throwing to free coffee and the property is engineered and planned very nicely."
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: At B Berry Farms & Co., campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "Each spot is tucked away and very private, with a firepit, firewood and logs or homemade seats for you," shares Madison R., who also mentions their homemade products: "We even got to pick a complimentary lip balm and the strawberry shortcake is amazing."
Convenient location: Cooks RV Motor Park earns praise for its accessibility. "It's convenient to I40, just a few minutes away, and quiet at night," explains Tom H., who adds that "Spaces are packed gravel, pretty level. As others have said, it's convenient to I40, just a few minutes away, and quiet at night."
Clean facilities: Springfield Route 66 KOA maintains high standards according to multiple reviewers. Michael R. notes, "Spend a couple days here it was busy people were nice it was quiet shower houses were clean bathrooms are clean staff is nice that's a nice place to stay for visiting the Springfield area."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds in the area experience train disturbances. At Springfield Route 66 KOA, Steven N. explains: "Because you're going to see and hear a lot of them, as there is a train track very close to the site... If it wasn't for the trains coming by blowing their horns, this would easily be a favorite spot."
Permit requirements: Busiek State Forest has specific requirements for overnight stays. Anthony S. clarifies: "Camping is by permit only, and permits can not be obtained online or by phone, you have to go in person to the Missouri department of conservation office."
Cell service: Connectivity varies by location. At Springfield Route 66 KOA, Jennifer H. reports "WiFi and cell service were good," while more remote locations like Cobb Ridge offer limited coverage with one reviewer noting "Enough Verizon signal to get Facebook."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Table Rock State Park Campground offers activities for all ages. Jeremiah K. shares, "Excellent park. Beautiful and scenic the campsites are clean and in great condition... Plenty to do with hiking, fishing, and boating a mere walk away."
Educational opportunities: Table Rock provides learning experiences for children. As Gabbie G. explains, "Table Rock state park allows for some amazing opportunities to expand your knowledge and your children's knowledge of the wildlife, and outdoors. Great family trip."
Bunkhouse option: For families wanting more comfort, B Berry Farms & Co. offers unique accommodations. Hannah B. describes, "We stayed in the quaint little bunkhouse with an air conditioner and all the amenities that we needed- a little frig, toaster oven, microwave, sink, coffee maker with pods, storage... and the bunk beds that held 5 of us."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Pay attention to terrain at some campgrounds. At B Berry Farms & Co., Angela M. advises: "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."
Full hookup options: Lambert's Cafe RV Park offers practical amenities for overnight stays. Nancy V. explains, "Great spot to stop for a night while traveling. Basically just a parking lot behind Lambert's Cafe, but with full hookups for $30. Self serve station for registering makes it easy."
Delivery services: Some RV parks offer unique conveniences. At Springfield Route 66 KOA, Sonja M. shares, "One of the best KOA's I've stayed! They even delivered pizza right to our site. Super easy check in and the most gracious hosts."
