Developed campgrounds near Carthage, Missouri provide a range of camping experiences primarily centered around RV accommodations with some tent camping options. Big Red Barn RV Park features spacious sites with shade trees, grass, patios, and picnic tables, while Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park is situated along historic Route 66 and offers camping in tents, RVs, and cabins. The area also includes Coachlight Campground and Ballard's Campground, both providing full hookup sites for travelers exploring southwest Missouri.
Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round with varying levels of amenities. Big Red Barn RV Park and Coachlight Campground operate throughout all seasons, accommodating travelers regardless of weather conditions. The majority of campgrounds provide water, electric, and sewer hookups, with several offering additional amenities such as showers, toilets, and dump stations. Many sites require reservations, especially during peak travel periods, though some accommodate last-minute arrivals. A visitor noted, "We called on our way and the woman said they had plenty of space and since we were arriving after hours to just come in and pick any available spot and pay in the morning."
Campground experiences in the Carthage area tend to focus on convenience, quietude, and hospitality. Several visitors highlight the peaceful atmosphere despite proximity to highways. Camp Mi Casa offers unique access to local attractions including a nearby drive-in movie theater. Beagle Bay RV Haven Campground, located in nearby Sarcoxie, receives praise for its recreational amenities including a swimming pool, fishing pond, playground, and arcade. The tent camping area at Beagle Bay is described as undeveloped but with level ground and convenient access to clean bathroom facilities. According to one camper, "Tent area is undeveloped, but the lawn is fairly level, bathrooms and showers are only a short walk away." For those seeking water features, Zans Creekside RV Park in Joplin offers camping with river views and the relaxing sound of flowing water.
$32 - $68 / night
"We enjoyed a garden right outside our door. There was free wi-go and cable TV. There was a BBQ our first night which was so gracious and enjoyable after a long day of driving."
"This is a great, friendly campground, off the highway about a mile, so no highway noise. Very pet friendly. Long wide sites that have grass, patios and picnic tables. Open year round!"
"It was near the highway but oh so quiet. Checkout in the morning was easy and Mike at the office was so friendly. Excellent place to stay!!"
"Neighbors to our left had been here for a couple months and had a big dog that they didn’t clean up the poop very well and we about stepped in it many times."
"Near enough to town to enjoy the museum and pop in for lunch, far enough away to feel detached. There's also an old Drive in movie next door! "
"Tent area is undeveloped, but the lawn is fairly level, bathrooms and showers are only a short walk away. Nicole showed me to the site and was a wonderful help."
"They offer firewood to buy from them and propane as well if you run out on site and don’t want to drive anywhere. This is the best place we’ve stayed at yet!"
$20 - $40 / night
"Nice campground close to Joplin, MO. Friendly host, clean campsites, pet friendly."
"We did find 2 outside stalls with toilets but not until the next morning so that helped. Overall it was a nice place to stop and sleep for the night. Friendly people."
"Highway noice but didn't brother us at all."
"It is a parking lot behind a casino but backs up to a beautiful pasture with pond. Stay is free with a membership card from casino. Got card then went to gift shop to get space."
$25 / night
"Although it is a no frills campground it is across the street from a lengthy park with walking trails and a couple playgrounds as well as an active creek which advertises trout fishing on signs along the"
"We have 3 dogs and had plenty of walking trails for them. We would definitely stay here again."
TravelerLovely clean campground with level sites for my rv. I would have given 5 stars but, a highway runs between the various campgrounds and there's quite a bit of traffic noise.
GuideWe got in at dark but the road was fine under dry conditions. Quiet, remote location. It’s a smaller site but accommodated us and two others rigs comfortably. Grass is tall in spots but the sites were matted down well enough, all things considered it’s a cheap, reliable, quiet option, we’d recommend.
GuideWe were traveling in the off season and it was awesome to have someone answer the phone and get us booked same day. All sites are pull through. And the bathrooms are amazing!!! A sauna and private showers. It was a much needed pamper moment, while on the road. Nicole was so nice! And their sites have lit up numbers. Would stay here again!
ScoutClean campground and extremely friendly staff! Great food and very secure!
ScoutNo one to greet you, email giving code for bathroom and WIFI. The bathroom had only toilet & sink, old, cramped & dirty. Anyone could put in code & walk in on you. Toilet seat had dried poop on it. I could not find a shower. WIFI was down
GuideSmall donut shaped clearing. The middle and edges are overgrown with tall brush and weeds. My 20' trailer and truck and someone in a van are camping here and its cramped
Guidethe entire area is overgrown with tall brush. Difficult to find a spot to set up camp
GuideThis is a amazing place! Firewood provided along with outdoor furniture and gas grill! You don’t need to bring a thing! They have 2 restaurants on site that are full service! Enclosed dog park and nice
ScoutNice campground friendly staff. Tents and RVs, out house style toilets. Kinda loud being by the road but plenty of nearby places to visit
Camping spots near Carthage, Missouri provide diverse options in southwest Missouri, where the Ozark Plateau begins its gentle rise toward the south. At approximately 900-950 feet elevation, campers experience mild spring and fall seasons with hot summers where temperatures typically reach the mid-90s between June and August. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely falling below 20°F, allowing year-round access to many facilities.
Fish at convenient locations: Beagle Bay RV Haven Campground in nearby Sarcoxie features a small fishing lake perfect for casual anglers. A visitor noted, "We are in a tent on the back lawn by a small fishing pond. Nice playground for younger kids and you can't beat the atmosphere and the birds."
Enjoy water recreation: Zans Creekside RV Park offers direct river access with opportunities for tubing. According to one camper, "The river is pretty, seems like great fishing opportunity. We were just passing through so we didn't fish." Another visitor shared their experience: "Tubing from the falls was a blast!"
Visit local attractions: Staying at Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park puts you near interesting local spots. A camper mentioned, "Near enough to town to enjoy the museum and pop in for lunch, far enough away to feel detached. There's also an old Drive in movie next door!"
Quiet environment despite highway proximity: Many campgrounds maintain peaceful settings even when located near major roads. At Big Red Barn RV Park, a visitor reported, "Convenient to Interstate 49, but virtually no traffic noise and none while inside the van."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention cleanliness as a standout feature. A guest at Big Red Barn noted, "The bathrooms were toasty warm and VERY clean. Lavatory hot water got warm quickly, plenty of soap and towels."
Pet amenities: Dog-friendly features receive high praise from pet owners. One camper shared, "They have an off-leash dog park area which our dogs loved and used it 3-4 times the nite we were there."
Tent camping limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate tent camping. At Neosho City Campground, a frustrated camper reported, "No tents allowed. I think it's stupid what campground says no tents?!"
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds have flexible check-in procedures. At Coachlight Campground, a visitor shared, "We called on our way and the woman said they had plenty of space and since we were arriving after hours to just come in and pick any available spot and pay in the morning."
Train noise affects some locations: Railroad tracks near certain campgrounds create periodic disturbances. A camper at Neosho City Campground mentioned, "Train tracks adjoining the park and these are busy tracks with trains running day and night."
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Beagle Bay RV Haven Campground offers multiple activities for children. A visitor observed, "They have everything you could want! Arcade, swimming pool, kids playground and a pond to fish."
Consider swimming options: Several campgrounds feature pools for hot summer days. One camper at Camp Mi Casa shared, "The swimming pool is a little small but my kids love it! My 2 year old was able to learn to swim better in it."
Find campgrounds with staff who engage children: Some campground staff go above and beyond for younger guests. A camper at Beagle Bay noted, "Kim came by and took my son and 2 other kids on a golf cart ride on the trail behind the lake and they had a blast."
Casino campground benefits: Downstream RV Park offers unique perks for RVers who also enjoy gambling. A visitor explained, "Stay for free if you are a casino card holder. Pros: it's a free concrete parking lot with hookups. Clean, a little grass for pets. Did I mention the first night is free if you register at the Casino and get a players card."
Level sites save setup time: Well-maintained sites reduce the hassle of leveling RVs. A camper at Coachlight Campground shared, "The pull-through sites are great for our 40' home, and level enough that it required about 2 minutes to setup."
Discount programs available: Some campgrounds participate in discount networks. A visitor to Downstream RV Park noted, "Passport America stop, 17.50 per night. Highway noise but didn't bother us at all."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free camping available at Lake Carthage?
There is no free camping directly at Lake Carthage. Most camping areas near Carthage require fees. As an alternative, consider Kamp Siesta, an established campground with reasonable rates located adjacent to fairgrounds and a city park that overlooks the Neosho River. The park includes amenities like a swimming pool, tennis courts, pavilions, and playgrounds. For lake camping within driving distance, Stockton State Park Campground offers well-maintained sites with lake views, though fees apply for overnight stays.
What RV and trailer parking options are available in Carthage?
Carthage and its surrounding area offer several quality RV parking options. Big Red Barn RV Park provides full hook-ups and is conveniently located near Carthage with big-rig-friendly sites. Another excellent option is Coachlight Campground, which features level sites, water, and toilets suitable for RVs of various sizes. For those interested in outdoor recreation while RV camping, Rush Springs Ranch offers plenty of space for RV parking with hookups, priced around $35 per day plus camping fees, and provides access to numerous off-road trails.
Where are the best camping options near Carthage?
The Carthage area offers excellent camping within a short drive. Prairie State Park Campground is one of the most underrated parks in the region, located about 45 minutes from Joplin. Its spacious sites include tables, fire pits, and bathroom facilities, with a nearby creek for added tranquility. For those willing to venture a bit further, Roaring River State Park Campground provides diverse recreation options including trout fishing, hiking, and swimming, while being conveniently located for day trips to Branson or Eureka Springs.
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