Best Campgrounds near Cowgill, MO

The rural landscape surrounding Cowgill, Missouri features a mix of established campgrounds and free dispersed camping options within an hour's drive. Wallace State Park Campground near Cameron offers wooded sites with electric hookups and shower facilities, while Hamilton City Lake provides free lakeside camping with basic amenities. Conservation areas like Bonanza and Crooked River offer more primitive camping experiences for those seeking solitude. A Country Charm RV Park in Hamilton caters to RV travelers with full hookups, and Watkins Mill State Park Campground in Lawson accommodates both tent and RV campers with options for cabins and glamping.

Missouri's seasonal weather patterns significantly impact camping conditions in the Cowgill area. Spring brings frequent rainfall that can create muddy access roads, particularly at conservation areas with gravel or dirt entrances. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with high humidity, making waterfront sites particularly desirable. As one camper noted about Hamilton City Lake: "The site is shaded with lots of trees, which helped keep things cool, and it's right next to the lake. We were able to fish right from our spot and caught some bluegill and a big crappie." Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though water systems may be winterized from November through March.

Lakeside camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. Crow's Creek Campground features sites with lake views where, according to one camper, "We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake." Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds, with Wallace State Park offering secluded sites "separated by trees and bushes so you get plenty of room to yourself," while more developed RV parks typically have closer spacing. Fishing opportunities abound at most water-adjacent sites, with bass, crappie, and bluegill commonly caught. Cell service is generally reliable at established campgrounds, though conservation areas may have limited coverage. Many campgrounds in the region feature well-maintained trails for hiking and biking, with several offering paved paths suitable for families.

Best Camping Sites Near Cowgill, Missouri (63)

    1. Wallace State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cameron, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 632-3745

    "Great MO state park, close to the city with easy access to 35 N. Trails, lakes, camping, great spot! If you don’t want/need electric, try campground 1, the spots are tucked into the trees."

    "Not far off of RT 36 going East through Missouri. Cost only $13 with hot showers. Nice campsite with table and fire pit. The night of our stay the ranger did a naturalist talk about stream life."

    2. Watkins Mill State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Excelsior Springs, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 580-3387

    $12 - $42 / night

    "Watkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options."

    "This place offers peace and quiet outside of a small town with close by amenities. Clean and helpful staff"

    3. A Country Charm RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Cameron, MO
    14 miles
    Website

    "Small (15 Spaces) RV park located 1/2 mile from the Missouri Star Quilt Co. Most likely the reason why people come to Hamilton. Very clean and well kept."

    4. Bonanza Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Cowgill, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 675-2205

    "Multiple campsites available along the highway, but the marked site is one of the best, right by a great fishing lake. Very quite, no amenities."

    5. Soggy Bottom Campground

    1 Review
    Cameron, MO
    13 miles
    Website

    $30 / night

    "A wonderful place for family fun for those who enjoy riding ATV’s and/or UTV’s through wooded trails and/or mud! The campground provides full-service hook-ups with water, electricity, and sewer."

    6. Crooked River Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Lawson, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 646-6122

    7. Hamilton City Lake

    1 Review
    Cameron, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 271-3100

    "We stayed at Hamilton City Lake in early summer and really enjoyed the peaceful, low-key atmosphere."

    8. Crow's Creek Campground

    28 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    34 miles
    Website

    "The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing.  We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table."

    "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance."

    9. Love's RV Hookup-Cameron MO 837

    2 Reviews
    Cameron, MO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 312-6061

    $37 / night

    "Located at Love's so most things you could need are available there, some amenities shown in the photos."

    10. Lakeview Campground and RV Park

    1 Review
    Lawson, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 848-4018

    $10 - $40 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 63 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cowgill, MO

372 Reviews of 63 Cowgill Campgrounds



Guide to Cowgill

Camping near Cowgill, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like Watkins Mill State Park Campground, have new asphalt roads perfect for walking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "New asphalt roads throughout the park; nice for walking, biking, etc."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Crow's Creek Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A camper shared, "Very nice campground and we’ve stayed here several times without any problems."
  • Exploring Nature: Wallace State Park Campground offers beautiful wooded areas and trails. One reviewer noted, "It was a beautifully wooded park with a lake, very peaceful."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping said, "Always a clean, safe and organized campground."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A camper at A Country Charm RV Park remarked, "The owner is very helpful. The facilities and grounds are very well maintained."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at places like Camp Branch Campground. One review mentioned, "Tent sites are okay sized, and many are close to the water."

What you should know:

  • Road Access: Some campgrounds are easy to access from major highways, like Blue Springs Lake Campground, which is conveniently located just outside of Kansas City. A visitor noted, "Easy access from I35."
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the seasonal availability of campgrounds. For example, Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping is open from April 15 to October 15.
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA advised, "Make reservations ahead of time."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One family at Wallace State Park Campground enjoyed the quiet and nature, saying, "We woke up to a chorus of birds."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A camper at Camp Branch Campground mentioned, "The camp store sells wood and everyone was extremely friendly."
  • Plan for Downtime: Bring games or books for quiet time. A visitor at Crow's Creek Campground shared, "We’ve stayed here several times without any problems."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Basswood Country RV Resort noted, "30 amp power, sewer, and adequate water pressure at the site was nice."
  • Level Your Site: Some sites may not be level, so bring leveling blocks. A visitor at Camp Branch Campground mentioned, "Our spot was 13” unlevel."
  • Explore Local Markets: Many campgrounds have nearby markets for supplies. A camper at Owl Creek Market and RV Park appreciated the market, saying, "The market is a great touch."

Camping near Cowgill, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With clean facilities, friendly hosts, and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Cowgill, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cowgill, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 63 campgrounds and RV parks near Cowgill, MO and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Cowgill, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cowgill, MO is Wallace State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cowgill, MO?

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