Glamping options near Crane, Missouri range from rustic treehouses to lakeside cabins throughout the Ozarks region. The area sits at elevations between 1,200-1,400 feet with summer temperatures averaging in the high 80s, making water activities particularly appealing during peak camping season. Weather conditions can change quickly, with spring and fall months offering milder temperatures ideal for hiking and outdoor exploration.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Table Rock Lake: Multiple marinas offer boat and jet ski rentals with easy lake access. "The marina is well stocked, great lake for fishing, relaxing or just cruising in the canoe," notes a visitor at Table Rock State Park Campground.
Swimming in gravel-bar areas: Natural swimming spots provide alternatives to developed beaches. "There was a gravel bar that we were able to walk up the river a tad and swim. Nice cool water," reports a camper who visited James River Outfitters for a weekend float trip.
Hiking on moderate trails: Most campgrounds feature short trail systems suitable for casual hikers. At Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park, "The trails made for a good afternoon family walk. Some trails were more cleared out than others but the variety is a plus in my book. They are not overly long trails but still very enjoyable."
Visit military history sites: "Visit Wilson's Creek Battlefield to explore, learn and hike. When you come to this KOA it obviously does not have any hiking, but the battlefield offers a lengthy system of trails," suggests a camper from Springfield.
What campers like
Train-adjacent camping: Despite initial concerns, many campers enjoy the novelty of nearby trains. At Springfield - Route 66 KOA, "There is a train that goes by once or twice a day, but not enough to really make a deal," notes one reviewer, while another adds, "We spent a couple days here it was busy people were nice it was quiet shower houses were clean."
Lakefront sites with direct water access: Sites positioned on Table Rock Lake offer unmatched convenience for water enthusiasts. "We were at site 18, right on the water. We camp in a tent, so the tent pad was really appreciated," explains a camper at Baxter, adding "There were plenty of trees with shade, we had plenty of room for a hammock to enjoy the breeze and lake view."
Themed accommodations: Unique lodging options provide memorable experiences beyond traditional camping. The African Treehouse Lodge at Branson Treehouse features distinctive design elements: "The kids loved that the upstairs was up a ladder and running across the swinging rope bridge."
Clean facilities despite location: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards even during peak season. "Restroom and bath house facilities are a bit small for the campgrounds size but we found them to be reasonably clean during our stay," reports a camper at Aunt's Creek.
What you should know
Limited tent site options: Tent camping areas are often more confined than RV sections. At Wilderness at Silver Dollar City, "This campground has a shuttle to Silver Dollar City. The site we had was small, barely enough room to park your car and tent. But the campground and bathrooms/showers were exceptionally clean."
Water level fluctuations: Lake levels can significantly impact facility access. "Rains also can dictate your usage of certain portions of the park as the level of the lake can climb and engulf the swimming beach and outlets to the marina," reports a visitor to Indian Point.
Terrain challenges: The region's hilly topography affects campsite layouts. "The campground is on the side of a hill, very little grass with lots of rocks," notes a camper at Aunt's Creek, while another reports "some sites are a challenge to get set up in" at Baxter.
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds limit operations to warmer months. Baxter is only open "May 1 - Sep 14," while Indian Point operates from "April 1 to October 31," requiring advance planning for spring and fall visits.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "The playground has a zipline that all the kiddos had a blast using," shares a family who stayed at Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park.
Cabin options for mixed outdoor comfort levels: Families with varying camping preferences can compromise with cabin stays. "We were able to 'rent' for free a couple of movies from the office and the staff was really friendly and helpful," notes a family at Branson Treehouse, adding "Would be great for family reunions or family trips to the Branson area."
Swimming beach preparation: Water access points vary in quality and surface type. "You'll also want to pack water shoes as the beach is gravel," advises a visitor to Aunt's Creek, which features an unsupervised swimming area.
Theme park transportation: Families visiting Silver Dollar City can avoid parking hassles. "A dedicated shuttle runs to the campground from the park to pick up anyone who is wanting to visit so you do not have to worry about finding parking or driving at all once you arrive," explains a visitor to Wilderness at Silver Dollar City.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing variations: RV sites range from spacious to snug depending on campground location. At Port Of Kimberling Resort & Campground, "There are a few pull-through, but most sites are back-in and long enough for almost any rig."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven parking surfaces. "Some sites were very steep," notes a camper at Musicland Kampground, while another at Springfield Route 66 KOA adds, "The campsites were gravel and unlevel."
Full hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer complete utility connections. "We were in the upper section (electric only) - the lower section next to the marina has full hookups," reports a camper at Port of Kimberling.
Weather protection considerations: Natural features provide important comfort during summer heat. A visitor at Musicland Kampground observed, "The trees are old and tall, creating a canopy over the sites, so even with the weather cresting 95°, the site felt nice."
