Best Campgrounds near Crane, MO

Crane, Missouri provides access to several established campgrounds along the scenic Table Rock Lake and James River watershed. Hootentown Canoe Rental & Campground, located directly in Crane, offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups, water access, and amenities including showers and firewood. The surrounding region includes additional developed facilities like Cape Fair Campground, which features boat-in and drive-in access for both tent and RV campers. Most campgrounds in the area maintain water and electric hookups, with several offering full sewer connections for extended stays.

Weather conditions and water levels significantly impact camping experiences in the Crane area, particularly at lakeside locations. Seasonal changes in Table Rock Lake water levels can affect beach access and marina facilities. A visitor commented, "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." Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October, though some remain open year-round. Travelers planning visits during shoulder seasons should verify operational status, as some facilities close entirely during winter months. Road conditions generally support standard vehicles, though some areas may become challenging after heavy rainfall.

The proximity to water recreation represents a key draw for most campgrounds in the Crane vicinity. Several developed campgrounds provide direct access to Table Rock Lake or the James River, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. One camper noted that Hootentown Campground's layout is "laid out nicely" with sites that are "all by itself tucked in the back corner" and "a cpl min away from the River which made for a beautiful walk." Public lands near Crane offer a mix of primitive and developed camping experiences, with many sites featuring fire rings, picnic tables, and access to trails. Visitors seeking greater solitude may prefer the less developed campgrounds farther from Branson, which typically experience lower traffic even during peak summer months. Most mixed-use campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities and hookup options.

Best Camping Sites Near Crane, Missouri (199)

    1. Cape Fair

    10 Reviews
    Kimberling City, MO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 538-2220

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Bathrooms and showers are located close by and are very clean."

    "Nestled on one of the best lakes in Missouri is this clean, family campground. Fairly level sites with quite a few lake sites. Nice boat ramp and swim area."

    2. Table Rock State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Hollister, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 739-4627

    $12 - $42 / night

    "The campsite was large with an asphalt path and a nice spot for my tent. First weekend in May and the park was pretty much full. My campsite close to the facilities."

    "Nice campground with a paved walking/cycling trail from boat docks to the dam. Nice showers, fairly level campsites. Fishing within walking distance."

    3. Hootentown Canoe Rental & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Highlandville, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 369-2266

    $12 - $25 / night

    "Our spot had electricity and was all by itself tucked in the back corner which was perfect! We were a cpl min away from the River which made for a beautiful walk!"

    "The RV sites are a little small and close to each other, and you can tell some people are long time campers."

    4. Mill Creek (missouri)

    30 Reviews
    Lampe, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 779-5378

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Every site has an amazing view of Table Rock Lake and MOST sites are literally on the water. We walked (10 steps) down to the water every day and swam right behind our site."

    "Some of these sites do have stairs and that could be a problem in some cases, and I definitely advise to be careful on these when it is wet outside as they can become very slick quickly(trust me on this"

    5. Springfield - Route 66 KOA

    31 Reviews
    Brookline, MO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 818-3172

    "Close to Springfield right off the highway, real close to where we needed. Has everything you could possibly need in a camp grounds."

    "Nice park that's close to 1-44, James River Parkway, and unfortunately a railroad crossing. So you will hear a train horn on occasion, but no highway noise. We will come back here and stay again."

    6. Roaring River State Park Campground

    46 Reviews
    Eagle Rock, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 847-2539

    "Located in South Missouri it is an easy day trip into Branson Missouri or Eureka Springs Arkansas. Very well located and very well run by the state."

    "Campground 1 was tucked up in an inlet that went back into the valley. It dead ends at a wonderful trailhead. The west side on CG#1 is lined by a beautiful creek that runs into the rotating river."

    7. Camp Tomahawk tube float LLC

    2 Reviews
    Reeds Spring, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 840-6511

    $7 - $30 / night

    "Bathrooms are a short drive back to the general store. There is plenty of firewood around that you can cut. Campsite 1 was where I stayed, right on the river."

    9. Indian Point

    17 Reviews
    Kimberling City, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 338-2121

    $16 - $50 / night

    "CLICK HERE](https://www.branson.com) for Info on Branson

    For those looking for a campground near Branson which offers access to top attractions as well as Table Rock Lake, Indian Point is worth a"

    "This campground is located near Branson and is a great base camp area. The campground is mostly shaded and close to the waters of Table Rock Lake."

    10. Tall Pines Campground

    13 Reviews
    Branson, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 338-2445

    $24 - $215 / night

    "You almost expect to see some of the characters roaming around doing their daily tasks such as cutting wood or creating amazing crafts.   "

    "This was a surprisingly nice campground for being situated right in Branson, MO and operated by Silver Dollar City, whose primary business is the theme park."

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Recent Reviews near Crane, MO

861 Reviews of 199 Crane Campgrounds


  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    Back to our fav campground

    We love this state park. We have been regularly going there for a long weekend annually

  • Michael G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Indian Point

    Good place

    Clean, quiet, and friendly

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Table Rock State Park Campground

    Great spot!

    We had the perfect little spot for our tent camping weekend. It is a campground so you do have neighbors but the sites were spread out and didn’t feel cramped. There was ample room for our tent, the fire ring, our hammock set up and the picnic table. Restrooms were the cleanest i’ve ever seen. I will definitely be back!

  • Candace P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Horseshoe Bend Rec Area & Campground

    Great for kids

    I was in site 61, which was awful. Right in the middle of screaming kids in the lake on 1 side, screaming kids on the playground on the other side. The site was so tight my mini Van barely fit. No place to sit at the fire pit at all. The bath house toilet wouldn't flush and was full of shit. I left and parked at the local cracker barrel! So dissapointing!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Rocky Branch Campground

    Camp host was impossible to locate

    Camp host was impossible to locate to get a parking pass. We looked for an hour and a half. The next morning she arrived angry we didn’t “put in more effort” very rude.

  • Sharon W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    B Berry Farms & Co.

    Peaceful sleeping

    Driving through Missouri needed a quiet place to stay. We stayed at Honey Berry Hideout, it has metal fire ring and grill. The owners were very friendly , informed us amenities , they have coffee pot , small stove to use in a barn in walking distance, bathrooms and showers for small fees. Family friendly with large area for kids to play.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Pine Hollow 1045 Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful remote primitive campsite

    Excellent little campsite great for a couple tents at most we camped using a rooftop tent and it was a great spot. Very quite very clean unlike some other sites in the area. There is a second site just down the little pull off but it’s not level so would be a last resort. Don’t recommend bringing anything to large down the road camper van would be fine but would be difficult with a full size rig or towing anything much larger than a pop up. Enjoy!!

  • K
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Branson Lakeside RV Park

    Nice campground close to everything

    This is a nice campground. Our site was a concrete pad that was perfectly level. The park is kept very clean, nice bathrooms, and helpful staff. They allowed us to check-in 3 hours early, and we were extremely grateful. Branson Landing is only 5 min away.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Roaring River State Park Campground

    Beautiful !

    Campground 1 is very shady, lots of trees and spacious sites. Trout fishing is awesome. Lots of trails and fish hatcheries.


Guide to Crane

Camping sites near Crane, Missouri offer direct access to the James River and Table Rock Lake. Many primitive and basic sites are located within a 20-mile radius of Crane along these waterways. Most camping areas experience significant seasonal changes with summer temperatures reaching the 90s and winter nights dropping below freezing.

What to do

Trout fishing at accessible spots: At Roaring River State Park Campground, visitors can explore the fish hatchery where you can view trout from baby to ready for release. "You can walk the holding tanks and feed the trout from baby to ready to be released into the river," reports one camper who appreciates the educational aspect of the park.

Boating at multiple access points: The Mill Creek area provides a well-designed boat launch that accommodates various watercraft sizes. A visitor notes it has "a well set up boat ramp and plenty of parking that is easily navigated," making it convenient for first-time boaters to access Table Rock Lake.

Hiking through varied terrain: Multiple camping areas have walking trails connecting to water access points. One camper at Mill Creek mentioned that "wildlife is everywhere. Eagles, hawks, fishing and more," providing opportunities for nature photography and wildlife spotting throughout the season.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At Hootentown Canoe Rental & Campground, campsites are arranged to maximize separation between groups. A visitor who stayed at Camp Tomahawk noted, "Campsites are spread out, lots of privacy. There is plenty of firewood around that you can cut."

Water proximity at lakeside sites: Cape Fair offers numerous waterfront camping spots. According to one reviewer, the sites are "paved and level, raised above the lake. Gorgeous views and water accessible from our spot." Another camper appreciated that "we could fish, swim, kayak, canoe, boat, etc. here."

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds receive praise for their maintenance standards. A Cape Fair visitor reported that "the bathrooms and showers were extremely clean," while another mentioned that "clean shower houses well located around the camping areas" enhanced their experience.

What you should know

Weather and water level variability: Lake levels can change rapidly after rainfall, affecting shore access and boat ramps. A Mill Creek camper noted, "The water level was high when we were here, not very private/secluded of spots," showing how conditions can shift throughout the season.

Reservation requirements: Most sites fill quickly during peak season (May-September). According to a Table Rock State Park Campground visitor, they were "able to drive in no reservations and get a site," but this experience becomes rare during summer months and holiday weekends.

Seasonal crowds: The Crane area sees significant visitor increases during summer months and holidays. One camper observed at Hootentown, "This place was a disorganized free-for-all with no one monitoring anything at all," highlighting the importance of timing your visit to avoid peak periods if seeking solitude.

Tips for camping with families

Look for kid-friendly amenities: Tall Pines Campground offers dedicated recreation areas. "It has a nice little playground that the kids enjoyed," one grandparent mentioned, making it ideal for multi-generation trips.

Consider weekend activity schedules: Many campgrounds host seasonal events for children. A Tall Pines visitor noted, "The campground organizes some special events in the main game room, such as the breakfast for Father's Day that we experienced," providing structured activities beyond water recreation.

Choose swimming areas with supervision: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with varying levels of oversight. A camper at Indian Point observed, "No alcohol or pets allowed in the beach area which I appreciated. Family friendly!" making it suitable for families with young children.

Tips from RVers

Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight turns and narrow entrances. A Tall Pines camper warned, "The number of trees was beautiful but made for a tight squeeze getting our rig (39') in and out of our spot. If the one across from us had been occupied I wouldn't have been able to get in."

Level site availability: Many RV sites require minimal leveling. Cape Fair has "nice block landscaping, a lot of hills and winding roads. (Be careful where you back up) pad is level but nowhere else is," according to one RVer who appreciated the firm foundation.

Hookup options vary widely: Full hookups are limited in the Crane area. An Indian Point visitor commented, "Only complaint I could find with this location is trying to book an open spot and no full hook up," indicating the need to plan for partial hookups at many locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to rent a camper in Crane for a family vacation?

While Crane doesn't have dedicated RV rental facilities, rentals in the nearby Springfield-Branson area typically range from $100-250 per night depending on the RV size and season. Smaller trailers start around $75-125 daily, while larger motorhomes can cost $200-350 daily. Many families enjoy camping at Table Rock State Park Campground, which offers beautiful sites and access to recreation. For budget-conscious travelers, Big M provides large grassy sites with utilities at more affordable rates. Most rentals require a 2-3 night minimum and may have additional fees for mileage, generator use, and insurance.

What camping options are available at Hootentown Campground near Crane?

Hootentown Campground offers both riverside and standard campsites along the James River, making it popular for float trips. The campground features tent and RV sites with varying amenities including electric hookups at some locations. For alternative options in the area, consider B Berry Farms & Co., a unique small farm campground with limited RV spots in a peaceful countryside setting. Another option is James River Campground & Outdoor Center which offers similar river access for paddlers and anglers with more developed facilities.

Where can I rent an RV in Crane, Missouri?

While Crane itself is a small town with limited rental options, you can find RV rentals in nearby Springfield, about 30 miles away. Cooks RV Motor Park - Springfield, MO is a well-regarded RV park in Springfield where staff can often provide information about local rental agencies. Additionally, the Springfield - Route 66 KOA sometimes partners with RV rental companies and can direct you to nearby options. Check with these locations for current rental availability or consider online RV rental platforms that service the Springfield-Branson area.

Are motorhome rentals available in Crane for weekend camping trips?

Crane itself doesn't have dedicated motorhome rental facilities, but rentals are available in the greater Branson-Springfield area, about 30-45 minutes away. Many visitors to the area stay at Branson Lakeside RV Park, which is conveniently located near Branson Landing and offers shuttle service to attractions. The park staff can often direct visitors to rental agencies in the region. Another option is to check with Branson Shenanigans RV Park, as they sometimes have information about local rental services for weekend trips to the Ozarks.