Camping opportunities near Clarksville, Missouri center around the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, creating a unique ecosystem with seasonal flooding patterns that affect accessibility. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow. Most riverside camping areas sit at approximately 450 feet above sea level, with inland sites reaching elevations up to 800 feet in the surrounding hills.
What to do
Fishing access points: The William R. Logan Conservation Area offers several stocked lakes for fishing enthusiasts. "There are some larger stocked lakes with another primitive camping area but the road was temporarily closed," notes one camper who visited the conservation area.
Kayaking on Lincoln Lake: At Cuivre River State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy water activities on Lincoln Lake. "The campground is close to Lincoln Lake for kayaking," reports a camper who appreciated the spacious sites and quiet atmosphere.
Miniature golf: The Cozy C RV Campground includes an on-site miniature golf course for family entertainment. A visitor mentioned that the campground has "a miniature golf set up" among its amenities, making it suitable for families seeking activities beyond hiking and water sports.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout at Pittsfield City Lake, where sites aren't crowded together. "Real nice campground with bathrooms and showers. Only $5 to tent camp here! Great view of the lake and easy to hike trails," shared one visitor who enjoyed the affordable pricing and lake views.
Riverside wildlife viewing: The Mississippi River corridor provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. One camper at Silo Access Area noted it was a "Hidden Gem! No facilities, short drive into town," highlighting the appeal of this more remote site.
Family-friendly activities: McCully Heritage Project offers experiences beyond just camping. "I just love the bridge across the pond. We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment," mentioned a day visitor who enjoyed the family-oriented amenities.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many riverside campsites experience closures during spring flooding. At Cozy C RV Campground, they temporarily restricted tent camping: "Currently this is an RV only campground due to Covid restrictions, but there is ample space for tent camping when they return to allowing tents."
Noise considerations: Train tracks run near several Mississippi River camping areas. "The campground is wedged between the highway and a cow farm, so expect some noise, especially with few trees or landscaping to absorb the sound," reported a camper staying at Cozy C RV Campground.
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas near Clarksville have minimal amenities. William R. Logan Conservation Area offers "Free primitive campground near a lake... No frills camping at about 8-10 sites near the main entrance off Route RA," according to a visitor who noted the vault toilet was closed during their visit.
Tips for camping with families
Family-oriented activities: Jellystone Park at Pine Lakes offers structured programming for children. "Great for a family with kids of all ages. The activities are not all day, so plan on some campside entertainment before 10am and after 6pm," advises one family who visited this campsite near Clarksville, Missouri.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide swimming opportunities beyond the Mississippi River. McCully Heritage Project has "a small and not crowded place to camp with all you need and hospitality. Great for tent camping and hiking," according to a visitor who appreciated the uncrowded atmosphere.
Wildlife encounters: Children often enjoy spotting local animals at Cuivre River State Park. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!" shared a family who enjoyed the natural setting.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Pittsfield City Lake, RV campers should note hookup placement issues. "The electric and water hookups on some sites, at least ours, was at the back and on the wrong side. Our electric cord just reached the post," warned an RV owner with a 36-foot Class A motorhome.
Level sites: RVers appreciate the well-maintained sites at Cozy C RV Campground. "Pulled in 4/12, smaller campground, very few people here this time of year. Very nice owner Helen, came by the site to check us in," reported one RVer who found the site conditions satisfactory despite some hookup limitations.
Cell service information: Connectivity varies widely around Clarksville camping areas. "AT&T coverage varied, with 1-2 Bars of LTE service and speeds between 0.4 and 3.5 MB/s," noted an RVer at Pittsfield City Lake who also shared that satellite services worked well with "clear view of the southern and northern sky."
