Mississippi River camping options near Clarksville, Missouri range from basic gravel bars to full-service RV parks. The area sits where Missouri, Illinois, and the Mississippi River converge, creating diverse camping environments across varied terrain. Several conservation areas provide primitive camping with river views, while established campgrounds offer more amenities within a 30-40 mile radius of Clarksville.
What to do
Wildlife watching: Silo Access Area offers excellent views of Mississippi River wildlife. "This site is a great place to watch that amazing river pass by. You sit and watch the barges and various things float by," says reviewer Jill, who enjoyed the riverside location.
Fishing and boating: The area has multiple bodies of water for anglers. "There is a large boat ramp" at Silo Access Area according to reviewer Cyndy & Selena R., who also noted the site is "right on the Mississippi River!" William R. Logan Conservation Area provides additional fishing opportunities with "primitive campground near a lake" and "some larger stocked lakes with another primitive camping area," according to Annie C.
Hiking: Trail systems vary from beginner to advanced throughout the region. Cuivre River State Park has "a multitude of outdoor options from hiking, biking, boating and fishing. The trails are fantastic and have different levels for all," says Chad K. Another visitor, Tony M., adds "this park has plenty of well groomed trails and facilities spread out nicely."
What campers like
Quiet, natural settings: Pittsfield City Lake gets high marks for its peaceful environment. "Quiet and shady!" reports Heather L., while Whiskey B. appreciated the "tree covered and spacious" sites with "great view of the lake and easy to hike trails."
Wildlife encounters: Many campers enjoy animal sightings. At Cuivre River State Park, Maria E. reports: "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!"
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost sites. At McCully Heritage Project, Eric notes it's "super inexpensive for the space that you get. Free firewood." William R. Logan Conservation Area offers "free primitive campground" options with "plenty of tent spots with tree cover and fire pits," according to Kelly C.
What you should know
Train noise: Riverside sites often come with railroad activity. At Silo Access Area, Annie C. warns "you will be very close to active train tracks, so bring your earplugs." Another reviewer, Matthew H., confirms "you won't miss the train as it comes by 3-4 times a day."
Limited facilities: Many conservation areas lack amenities. Annie C. notes William R. Logan has "the only vault toilet was closed and a porta potty was set next to that." At Silo Access Area, Matthew H. states there are "not restrooms or hook ups of any kind. So bring your rv, water and a generator."
Seasonal insect issues: Cozy C RV Campground provides a convenient overnight stop but Helen, the owner, is described as keeping the campground "very quiet and relaxed" according to Victoria G. At Pittsfield City Lake, Whiskey B. warns "the mosquitoes will eat you alive!"
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Cuivre River State Park provides excellent family-friendly water recreation. Kayla S. notes the park "has a lake you can rent kayaks for" and "an accessible fishing dock that is covered." Another visitor, JK, adds it's "a perfect place to enjoy with the family" with "a lake to swim and kayak!"
Playground access: For families with younger children, look for campgrounds with play equipment. Leo S. enjoyed McCully Heritage Project because "the kids got to play on the playground equipment" and they "had a picnic" during their day visit.
Kid-friendly recreation: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park specializes in family camping with numerous activities. Nick W. calls it "very family oriented" and "very fun for kids," while ELLYN P. notes it's "great for a family with kids of all ages" though advises that "activities are not all day, so plan on some campside entertainment before 10am and after 6pm."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At dog friendly campgrounds near Clarksville, site layout matters. At Heavenly Hills Resort, Emily C. advises: "If you do stay here do the pull through campsite" after experiencing a flooded spot that "did not have room to come out of the camper door and have the space in front of the awning."
Hookup locations: Check utility placement before setting up. Ray & Terri F. at Pittsfield City Lake noted "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."
Overnight options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Clarksville work well for quick stays. Annie C. describes Cozy C RV Campground as a "convenient spot for a quick stop" with "pull through and back in with water and electric hookups, and a dump station on site."
