Best Campgrounds near Clinton, MO

Camping near Clinton, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

• Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds are near lakes, making them perfect for fishing or boating. For instance, at Pittsburg Area Campground — Pomme de Terre State Park, one reviewer mentioned, "It's a popular fishing lake," highlighting the great opportunities for anglers.
• Hiking: Explore the trails around Knob Noster State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Great trail network and very nice stock mo state park campground," making it a solid choice for hiking enthusiasts.
• Wildlife watching: Campgrounds like Raccoon Ridge — Harry S Truman State Park offer chances to see local wildlife. One camper shared, "You’ll see Bald Eagles, raccoons, deer, squirrels, chipmunks," which adds to the outdoor experience.

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Longview Campground, a reviewer said, "The shower rooms were very clean," which is a big plus for many.
• Friendly staff: Good customer service can make a trip more enjoyable. A visitor at Blue Springs Lake Campground mentioned, "Good and helpful staff," which can enhance the overall camping experience.
• Spacious sites: Many campers enjoy having enough space between sites. One review for Knob Noster State Park Campground noted, "The sites have nice trees for shade and are nicely spaced," making it a comfortable spot for families.

What you should know:

• Ticks can be an issue: If you're camping in the spring, be aware of ticks. A camper at Knob Noster State Park Campground warned, "Ticks were very bad," so it's wise to take precautions.
• Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. For example, at Stockton State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "There isn’t any water or sewer hookup on the camp site," which is important to know for RVers.
• Noise from nearby roads: Some campgrounds are close to highways, which can lead to traffic noise. A visitor at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA noted, "Close proximity to the interstate does come with some traffic noise," so consider this when choosing a site.

Tips for camping with families:

• Look for kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Blue Springs Lake Campground have playgrounds nearby, making it a great spot for families. One parent shared, "It was perfect for our family."
• Plan for shade: When camping in the summer, finding a shaded spot can make a big difference. A camper at Knob Noster State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites have nice trees for shade," which is ideal for keeping cool.
• Pack insect repellent: Given the presence of bugs, especially ticks, it's smart to bring insect repellent. A camper at Raccoon Ridge — Harry S Truman State Park advised, "You’ll want plenty of DEET!"

Tips from RVers:

• Check for site size: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Country Gardens RV Park noted, "The spaces are narrow enough to hand your neighbor a stick of butter from your window to theirs," so be prepared for close quarters.
• Look for full hookups: If you prefer full hookups, check the campground features. At Stockton State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "Great trails. Bring the kayaks," but also noted the lack of water and sewer hookups.
• Plan for noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds away from highways. A visitor at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA mentioned the "Jake Brakes on I-70," which could be bothersome for light sleepers.

Camping around Clinton, MO, has its perks and quirks. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!