Best Campgrounds near Collins, MO

Camping near Collins, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful lakes, peaceful campgrounds, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.

What to do

• Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at Pittsburg Area Campground — Pomme de Terre State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The water seemed clean enough to swim but we opted to just fish even though we were unsuccessful." If you’re looking for a good catch, this is a popular spot.
• Hiking: Explore the trails at Stockton State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Great state park. Cleanest restrooms I’ve seen. Great trails. Bring the kayaks." The trails are well-maintained and offer beautiful views.
• Boating: At Raccoon Ridge — Harry S Truman State Park, you can enjoy boating and kayaking. One camper noted, "Site 47 right on the water great for kayaking and swimming."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Missouri Damsite stated, "The restrooms and showers are decent for a public area."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A visitor at Cedar Ridge Campground—Stockton Lake mentioned, "We were pleasantly surprised by the amount of space some of the sites have between them."
• Wildlife: Campers enjoy the wildlife around the campgrounds. One reviewer at COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park said, "You’ll see Bald Eagles, raccoons, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, hawks, turtles, and FISHING near wooded edge of cove is Bass and Crappie haven!"

What you should know

• Ticks and Bugs: Be prepared for ticks, especially in certain areas. A camper at Stockton State Park Campground warned, "Ticks were very bad."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A visitor at Raccoon Ridge noted, "Less amenities than other nearby State Parks, no playgrounds mainly and the sites aren't too close to the lake."
• Water Levels: Water levels can fluctuate, affecting access to certain areas. A review for Pittsburg Park Campground mentioned, "The lake is currently flooded so most of the shorefront campgrounds are underwater."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family activities. One camper at Sparrowfoot said, "Loop B also has the playground which is right behind site B47."
• Plan for Rain: Be prepared for changing weather. A visitor at Cedar Ridge Campground—Stockton Lake shared, "We camped overnight here on a bit of a whim and we were pleasantly surprised."
• Pack Snacks and Games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games. A camper at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area mentioned, "One of the locals stopped by my site to look for arrowheads."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Missouri Damsite noted, "The views were great and we even had a private staircase right down to the water."
• Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at COE Harry S Truman Reservoir Long Shoal Park mentioned, "Sites are spaced a good distance apart, nice clean lots with fire ring, picnic table and 30 amp."
• Be Mindful of Noise: Respect quiet hours to keep the peace. A camper at Raccoon Ridge said, "It did get a little rowdy on the weekend but folks respected the quiet hours."

Camping near Collins, Missouri, has its perks and quirks. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a fantastic outdoor experience!