Camping near California, Missouri offers diverse options within 40 miles of town. Several conservation areas provide free primitive camping with minimal facilities while established campgrounds offer more amenities. Access to many sites requires travel on gravel roads that become challenging during wet weather, particularly in spring when seasonal flooding affects riverside locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Binder Park Campground, visitors find excellent fishing in the 137-acre lake. "The lake offers amazing fishing wether from boat or shore. Lots of bass crappie and catfish. Lake has a motor restriction and a bait shop. Lots of fun places to paddle and only a short drive to town," notes Josh S.
Biking trails: The Katy Trail connects several camping areas and provides dedicated paths for cyclists. At Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina, "Katy bike trail is easy biking beautiful views, shaded. Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out," according to Brenda P. who visited the site.
Disc golf: Several camping areas include disc golf courses for recreational play. Binder Park features "a full disc golf course nearby and several ball fields," reports Josh S., making it ideal for active campers wanting variety beyond hiking and fishing.
What campers like
Sunset views: Missouri River campsites provide exceptional sunset viewing opportunities. At Cooper's Landing, Miles H. reports, "We caught an AMAZING sunset from our site!" Rebecca M. adds that the campsites were "right on the Missouri River. Had great views and a stunning sunset."
Live entertainment: Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground and Cooper's Landing offer social environments with scheduled events. "Cooper's Landing has a stage for live music," notes Shawn A., while Candy H. elaborates: "They have live music Thursday through Sunday. They wrap everything up by 10pm and it's very quiet late night."
Food options: Several campgrounds near California feature food service, eliminating the need to cook. Cooper's Landing campers appreciate the dining variety, with Charlotte B. suggesting, "I suggest trying the Thai food, but if you aren't into that they also have BBQ." Candy H. appreciates that "food trucks come in and there is a cash bar/store with drinks, snacks, firewood and ice."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring flooding affects riverside camping areas, particularly along the Missouri River. Some campgrounds close entirely during winter months. Ron R. notes about Pine Ridge Recreation Area: "I arrived at the site in April of 2025, and was greeted with a locked gate and signage stating rates are $15 per night."
Site spacing: Many RV campgrounds have closely positioned sites with minimal privacy. At Cottonwoods RV Park, David E. observes, "The only negative thing I would say is the spaces were very close to each other. Our slide nearly went over the patio of the next site over."
Access challenges: Several primitive camping areas require advance planning for access and supplies. Ruby W. describes Three Creeks Conservation Area: "The particular spot we stayed at was about a two minute walk from the parking lot, which was nice given we were just staying for the night while driving across the county."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Cottonwoods RV Park, Brittany W. notes, "Great playground. Several large rigs in our row, we still fit. Decorated wonderfully for Halloween. Kids are happy!"
Swimming access: During summer months, several camping areas provide swimming opportunities. David W. observed at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, "Beautiful scenery—able to camp with a view of the lake. With the beach I'm sure the place gets busy in the summer but it was very peaceful in early spring."
Wildlife viewing: Many conservation areas offer wildlife observation opportunities. At Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Anthony C. reports, "Huge beautiful park. A lot of hiking and biking trails. Boat ramp and store in the park. We saw about 20 deer each day."
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many sites in the region require leveling equipment. Jenny H. notes about Lake of the Ozarks State Park, "Our site was kinda tricky to get into, especially if you have a longer trailer. Seemed like quite a few were that way, so do your research."
Site length: When booking, verify site dimensions match your equipment needs. At Cottonwoods RV Park, Never Sitting S. reports, "Large level gravel spots that can accommodate any size. Visited in March 2021, some pot holes in drive way, but manageable."
Hookup availability: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. Todd M. describes Versailles City Park as a "Clean city park, 30amp elec, $15/night, dump station, couple hydrants to top of tanks. Strong Verizon and AT&T signal."
