Tent campsites near Clarksville, Missouri cluster along the Mississippi River basin where elevations range from 450-700 feet above sea level. The area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snow. Most conservation area campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis with seasonal closures during hunting seasons, typically in spring and fall.
What to do
Hiking at conservation areas: Little Lost Creek Conservation Area offers multiple trail networks through diverse Ozark terrain. "There is a great hike down into a valley with the actual Lost Creek at the bottom, completely worth the hard hike back up out of the valley," notes one camper at Little Lost Creek Conservation Area.
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes and river access points provide options for anglers. At Vandalia Community Lake, visitors report "gorgeous little lake... lots of fishing" with accessible shorelines surrounding tent camping areas.
Wildlife observation: The wetlands and riverfront areas attract diverse bird species and wildlife. McCully Heritage Project offers "neat look out points" according to reviewer Alicia B., making it ideal for photography and nature watching.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Many conservation areas offer free or low-cost camping. At McCully Heritage Project, reviewers appreciate the value, noting "ten dollars a night helps maintain land and natural area, all donation, very family oriented."
River views: Mississippi River frontage provides unique camping experiences. A camper at Dupont Reservation Conservation Area described their experience as "lovely campground along the banks of the Mighty Miss... All sites fronting the river, shaded by trees."
Spacious camping areas: Several campgrounds offer ample room between sites. At McCully Heritage Project, one visitor shared, "super inexpensive for the space that you get. Free firewood. We have only stayed at the largest site as it has good fishing and a place for us to launch our paddleboards and kayaks."
What you should know
Varied bathroom facilities: Vault toilets at some locations receive mixed reviews. At Vandalia Community Lake, campers report "vault bathrooms aren't very clean" while another noted they are "fairly disgusting and full of spiders."
Site amenities inconsistency: Fire rings and tables aren't guaranteed at all locations. At Dupont Reservation, a camper noted "no tables, no fire rings" while another mentioned "most sites have some sort of fire ring and a gravel spot to pull a vehicle in."
Flooding concerns: Low-lying areas along the Mississippi experience seasonal flooding. A reviewer at Dupont Reservation cautioned, "this area WILL flood if the river floods," making it essential to check water levels before planning trips.
Wildlife encounters: Expect interactions with local wildlife. One camper at Vandalia Community Lake mentioned "there is a stray cat that stalks your food," while another confirmed "we actually saw the cat!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some conservation areas include recreational equipment for children. Leo S. reported at McCully Heritage Project, "I just love the bridge across the pond. We had a picnic and the kids got to play on the playground equipment."
Insect preparation: Summer camping requires proper insect protection. A visitor to Dupont Reservation warned "it WILL be buggy in summer as the campground backs to a large wetlands area," suggesting families bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Site selection strategy: Choose campsites based on terrain and privacy needs. At William R. Logan Conservation Area, campsites vary significantly with "8-10 sites near the main entrance off Route RA, with most being in an open circle configuration with the main road cutting through the middle."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most conservation areas lack hookups and have restricted access. At Marshall I. Diggs Conservation Area, a visitor cautioned about the "very small parking lot that is supposed to be a designated camping area, not ideal unless car camping."
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most locations. William R. Logan Conservation Area campsites feature natural surfaces that may require blocking or leveling equipment for RVs, with one camper describing them as "no frills camping" with minimal maintenance.
Alternative overnight options: Some parks initially designated for tent camping now accommodate small RVs. At Rainey Park (now Wright Park), a visitor noted "this is a paved lot past the ballfields. Pull in at the sign and follow the road... quiet night, great stop."
