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Camping near Carl Junction, MO

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Camping options near Carl Junction, Missouri include a mix of RV parks, established campgrounds, and facilities with cabin accommodations. The area features several developed campgrounds within a 20-mile radius, including Joplin KOA and Zans Creekside RV Park, which cater to both tent and RV campers. Most facilities in the region provide electric hookups, with several offering full hookup sites with water and sewer connections. Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park, located near Carthage, is one of the few locations that offers cabin camping alongside traditional tent and RV sites.

    Several campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though amenities and site availability may change seasonally. Most developed campgrounds provide basic facilities including restrooms, showers, and trash service, while primitive options are limited. "This RV campground is great for the ones looking for a quiet place to stay for a couple days or longer. It is very easy to get into from I44, the park is very well maintained and level sites, lots of trees," noted one visitor about Big Red Barn RV Park. Road access to most campgrounds is suitable for standard vehicles, with many sites specifically designed to accommodate larger RVs and fifth wheels. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote areas.

    Waterfront camping draws many visitors to the Carl Junction area, particularly at Zans Creekside RV Park along Shoal Creek. One camper described it as a "nice shady spot overlooking the river" with "the sound of the river in the background." Campgrounds in the region typically feature level sites with crushed stone pads and grassy areas. Many locations offer fire pits or grills, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. The proximity to Route 66 adds historical interest to several campgrounds, with some facilities located directly along this iconic highway. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at several campgrounds, particularly those situated near waterways or in more natural settings away from major roads.

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    Best Campgrounds near Carl Junction (105)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Zans Creekside RV Park

      4.1(8)9mi from Carl Junction5 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $20 - $40 / night

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      2. Downstream RV Park

      4.7(7)12mi from Carl JunctionRVs, Tents

      "A bit noisy with the nearby highway traffic, but our A/C drowned out the noise thru the night.  Will stay again, if we ever come back through the area."

      "Highway noice but didn't brother us at all."

      Check Availability

      3. Big Red Barn RV Park

      5.0(7)14mi from Carl Junction6 sitesRVs

      "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!"

      from $32 - $68 / night

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      4. Joplin KOA

      4.2(5)11mi from Carl JunctionRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping
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      5. Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park

      3.8(4)9mi from Carl JunctionRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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!  "

      Check Availability

      6. Coachlight Campground

      4.6(5)14mi from Carl JunctionRVs, Tents

      "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!!"

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      7. Schifferdecker Park

      3.0(2)6mi from Carl JunctionTents
      Check Availability

      8. Baxter Springs Riverside Park

      3.0(5)14mi from Carl JunctionRVs, Tents

      from $5 / night

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      9. Ballard's Campground

      3.0(3)14mi from Carl Junction2 sitesRVs

      from $35 - $575 / night

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      10. T and S RV Park

      5.0(1)16mi from Carl JunctionRVs, Tents
    View all 105 campgrounds

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    Recent Camping Photos near Carl Junction, MO

    27 Photos of 105 Carl Junction Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Carl Junction, MO

    229 Reviews of 105 Carl Junction Campgrounds

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 3, 2026

      Regatta On Grand

      First Class Resort

      Registration is totally online- you register, pay, and check in online. You will receive a text message the morning of your arrival day asking you to provide an ETA. You will be assigned a concierge who will meet you when you arrive and escort you to your site. 

      All the park and on-site restaurant staff we dealt with were very friendly and helpful. The entrance to the resort is directly off the main road and is easy to navigate for any size rig. The same inside the park; it's well-marked and easy to navigate. 

      We were assigned to pull-thru site number S-6. All sites had concrete pads, and they all appear to be fairly level. Power, Water, and Sewer were all conveniently located, and the power supply had no issues at all. We use a power management system, and all electrical parameters were spot on during our stay. Water pressure was very good, and the in-ground sewer connection was conveniently located. Bathrooms, showers, and a laundry area aren't available, although both restaurants on the property do have bathrooms for their customers. 

      Wi-Fi, Satellite, Cable, and OTA: there is no Wi-Fi in the park. We were able to get AT&T 5G with 4 bars. AT&T achieved 399 Mbps down and 10.6 Mbps up. Satellite reception should not be an issue at most sites, as you can move your dish around to an open area on your site. There are plenty of OTA stations available, and they all had great reception with clear HD pictures. Cable was not available. 

      Dog Park: They have a nice fenced-in park that is in great condition. The park has a covered bench, and they also provide doggie bags and a trash can. 

      Amenities: Lots of items are listed on their website, and you are only a few miles from area stores and restaurants. Summary: A great place for an overnight or an extended stay, even if they don't have the normal RV park amenities like showers, bathrooms, or a laundry area

    • Shaye D.
      Jul. 23, 2026

      Crossroads RVs and Cabins

      Deceitful

      The website pictures have definitely been AI generated or edited. It looks nothing like the pics. The place is in disrepair. Bathroom/shower house was filthy. No office exist, pool is not usable, half the park is flooded from a “water break” that appears to have been ongoing for quite sometime. I can see attempts at “upgrades” but it looks like it was started quite some time ago and they ran out of fund. Sites ARE NOT EVEN CLOSE TO LEVEL. Camp host did greet us and was kind. Laundry facilities did work with credit card. Booking online is not accurate. You will not get the lot you choose because I was told “yeah the app ain’t right”. You will have to hunt down door codes for bathroom and laundry. I didn’t bother trying to get WiFi but no check in our out instructions were given. We slept well and it was quiet.

    • Damien E.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 21, 2026

      Whispering Woods RV Park

      RV Park for Indigo Sky Casino

      Sites have water and electric, and a dumping station. Really nice showers and bathrooms. Don't have to gamble, and fairly cheap to stay with access to the hotel pool.

    • DThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 20, 2026

      Downstream RV Park

      Huge facility, well kept & clean.

      Huge facility, well kept and clean.  Affordable spacious sites, with 30/50 amp power with water.  Separate dump station.  A bit noisy with the nearby highway traffic, but our A/C drowned out the noise thru the night.  Will stay again, if we ever come back through the area.

    • LThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 13, 2026

      Oak Point Campground — Crawford State Park

      Lots of sites!!!!

      I got here on a Sunday in July and there are lots of open sites around me, which makes it a great place to camp. There are lots of folks enjoying the water and the deer and lightning bugs are out. Yay. Campground hosts are nice, bathhouses are clean, and there is ice and wood - of course I cannot understand why folks are sitting by a fire when it is 92 degrees and humid as hell, but whatever!

    • Tobin B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 7, 2026

      Baxter Springs Riverside Park

      Little Cabin Anywhere

      There are two side to this campground on one side there are fees to stay on the other side free camping. Great for fishermen and woman. Lots of people were fishing during our stay. They fish all day and all night night if it isn't pouring the rain. Great view of the river. We went past the picknick tables and camp spots to the end of the road and stayed 2 nights. Caught a few fish and enjoyed watching the others fish too.

    • Carole I.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 1, 2026

      Joplin KOA

      Joplin koa pig TV

      It’s just an ok place off highway. Sites need to be mowed

    • DJ C.
      May. 18, 2026

      Marvel Park

      Tent sites

      I called ahead, they don’t allow tent camping

    Guide to Carl Junction

    Campgrounds near Carl Junction, Missouri offer sites in a region where Ozark highlands meet plains. Located in Jasper County, campsites sit at elevations between 900-1,000 feet and experience four distinct seasons with humid summers and moderate winters. Most camping options cluster along Highway 43 and the historic Route 66 corridor, providing both water-adjacent and wooded spots for overnight stays.

    What to do

    Swimming opportunities: Joplin KOA features a swimming area popular during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F. "We were just passing through and stayed for a night. We had sewer, water, and electric hookup. A nice dog park, and even found some 4 leaf clovers!" notes camper Kelsey S. about Joplin KOA.

    Fishing spots: Spring River at Baxter Springs Riverside Park offers bank fishing access points along both shores. "Quite, picnic area, handicap accessible, boat ramp, playground, shaded, can fish both sides by standing on the bank, grassy areas, plenty of parking," writes Jamie F. about Riverside Park.

    Historical route exploration: Camp Mi Casa sits directly on Route 66, allowing campers to experience this historic highway. "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! Makes you want to get an airstream and cruise down Route 66," shares Mychele B.

    What campers like

    Clean facilities: Big Red Barn RV Park maintains spotless bathroom facilities with reliable hot water. "The bathrooms were toasty warm and VERY clean. Lavatory hot water got warm quickly, plenty of soap and towels," mentions Gregg L. who appreciated these amenities during cooler months.

    Riverside relaxation: Many campers enjoy the peaceful setting at Zans Creekside RV Park where sites overlook Shoal Creek. "The river is pretty, seems like great fishing opportunity. We were just passing through so we didn't fish," reports Justine S. who found it suitable for an overnight stay.

    Community events: Several campgrounds host seasonal gatherings for guests. "There was a BBQ our first night which was so gracious and enjoyable after a long day of driving," notes kathleen at Big Red Barn RV Park, while another camper mentioned their July 4th celebration for guests.

    What you should know

    Bathroom situations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The shower and bathrooms left a lot to be desired. Only one shower and indoor toilet on the side we stayed on and it was just kind of gross," reports one camper at Zans Creekside RV Park.

    Site reservations: Some parks like Riverside Park don't take reservations and work on a first-come basis, while others like Ballard's Campground require them. "Large pull throughs shaded with nice patios," mentions Dustin O. about the reserved sites at Ballard's.

    Highway noise: Proximity to major roads affects some campgrounds. "It is a bit noisy due to Main highway is not that far away but not overwhelming. Good water pressure and reliable electric," notes Martin&Annette T. about one Route 66 campground.

    Tips for camping with families

    Pool access: Joplin KOA maintains a family-friendly swimming area appropriate for younger children. "Clean and well maintained KOA. Friendly personnel. Shaded, pull thru sites as well as back-ins, cabins, and tent sites," shares Mike H.

    Playground options: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas while others rely on nearby city facilities. "Across the river is a small playground in addition to the one at the campground," notes Tammy E. about Riverside Park.

    Cabin alternatives: For families wanting camping experience without tents, Camp Mi Casa offers cabin accommodations alongside traditional sites. "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. Cute spot that's in a convenient location!" reports Tamisha S.

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling: Most campgrounds provide level sites requiring minimal setup. "The pull-through sites are great for our 40' home, and level enough that it required about 2 minutes to setup," shares Pattie B. about Coachlight Campground.

    Seasonal operations: While several campgrounds near Carl Junction remain open year-round, amenities change with seasons. "We stayed overnight in this lovely RV park. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The park is really lovely with plenty of large trees and green grass and spacious sites," notes kathleen about a spring visit.

    Casino proximity: Downstream RV Park offers camping with nearby gaming. "Great spot for an overnight stay. 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," explains Sommer J.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What camping is available near Carl Junction, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Carl Junction, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 105 campgrounds and RV parks near Carl Junction, MO and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

    Which is the most popular campground near Carl Junction, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carl Junction, MO is Zans Creekside RV Park with a 4.1-star rating from 8 reviews.

    Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carl Junction, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Carl Junction, MO.

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