Camping spots near Dexter, Missouri offer diverse experiences across three county regions. Set in the southeast Missouri Ozark foothills, most campgrounds sit at elevations between 300-400 feet, creating moderate terrain that's navigable for most vehicles. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable camping conditions with daytime temperatures averaging 65-75°F, while winter camping requires proper insulation against occasional temperatures below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Wappapello provides excellent crappie and catfish fishing according to campers. At Holliday Landing Campground & Marina, reviewer Joshua H. noted it's "your fishing paradise, crappie & catfish everywhere on this side of the lake." The marina offers bait and dock access.
Kayaking: Calm water access makes this region suitable for paddlers of various skill levels. At Sam A. Baker State Park, Charlotte B. mentioned, "Beautiful camp sites and a beautiful river to paddle around on. This park usually isn't very crowded which is really nice."
Halloween camping events: Several campgrounds host special Halloween activities. Redman Creek Recreation Area organizer Paul K. shared, "Halloween camping, great family time, lots of kiddo trick or treaters." Some campgrounds decorate sites and organize trick-or-treating events through October.
Winter hiking: Forest trails remain accessible during colder months when crowds thin significantly. According to a reviewer at Sam A. Baker State Park, "We took a girls weekend in the fall and enjoyed the trails and fall foliage...which was mostly already on the ground. The lake, though too cold to enjoy, was beautiful."
What campers like
Uncrowded weeknight camping: Midweek visits offer substantially quieter experiences, particularly in spring and fall. At Ridge Campground, David noted, "We're here on a Friday night and there are only five other people in the whole place." Ridge Campground offers electric hookups and shower facilities.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Several campgrounds have recently updated shower and restroom buildings. At Asher Creek Campground, Tammy A. appreciated that "The bathroom/bath house was brand new and so very nice!" Another camper called them "the cleanest park restrooms I've ever seen."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse bird and animal populations. General Watkins Conservation Area offers unique vegetation with "hundreds of paw paw trees" along its loop trail according to Patricia S., who added, "the entire trail smelled of apple cider vinegar and was quite pleasant."
Accessible swimming areas: Natural swimming spots provide relief during hot months. At Peoples Creek - Lake Wappapello, one camper described, "Lower Peoples Creek is on beautiful Wappapello Lake. There is a public swimming beach and boat ramps located at the entrance. In addition, there is a private beach area (not for swimming) where you can pull your boat up if you are a patron of the campground."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically between campgrounds and even between carriers at the same location. At Redman Creek Recreation Area, Gary P. noted, "ATT & Verizon both worked weakly but got out," while other campgrounds report no service at all in certain areas.
Distance to supplies: Most campgrounds require advance planning for provisions. Holliday Landing is "fairly far from any decent sized town" according to reviewer Marcella, who advised, "stop before you come here. Poplar bluff is only 12 miles away."
Seasonal closures affect availability: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Redman Creek Recreation Area runs from mid-March through October, while year-round options include Peoples Creek, which offers "monthly rates for campgrounds which is hard to find" according to Joshua H.
Varying site leveling requirements: Terrain creates challenges at some locations. At Redman Creek, Gary P. advised, "Not many real level sites. Bring plenty of blocks." This preparation is particularly important for larger RVs and trailers.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Campgrounds with children's facilities provide additional recreation options. Brasley C. mentioned Redman Creek Recreation Area "has a playground in the middle by the shower house. They do a Trick or Treating event at Halloween. Campers decorate campsites and the kids walk through."
Beach access considerations: Swimming areas vary in quality and maintenance. Regarding Asher Creek Campground, Tammy A. reported, "The lake is great to swim in - very clean bottom and not slimy at all. We did take our kayaks and paddled around a little but mostly stayed on beaches and swam. The beach area is mostly natural rocks and dirt."
Educational programming: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. According to Kristi at Redman Creek, "They had some sort of eagle program they put on for kids/families twice during our stay - didn't attend, but nice that they offer it."
Site selection for shade: Summer temperatures necessitate shade, particularly for families with young children. A visitor to Asher Creek noted, "Some sites are on the hill and have less flat space to sit. All sites at Asher Creek loop have water views. Most of the sites have little to no shade during the day but as the sun goes down you have plenty of shade at the sites."
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric and water only. At Wildwood RV Park, Katrina G. found "well kept grounds, the manager was friendly, kind, helpful, and amazing. She made it for a peaceful and pleasant experience." This park offers full hookups year-round.
Big rig navigation challenges: Larger vehicles face access limitations at several campgrounds. Jennifer at Peoples Creek warned, "if towing anything over 35' be careful when navigation. The twisty turns will grab your stabilizers and bumper if you're not very careful."
Water access convenience: RV tank filling procedures vary by location. Tammy A. noted at Asher Creek Campground, "There is only electric at the sites but we are okay with that since we pull in and fill up the water tank at the faucet."
Winter RV preparation: Year-round campgrounds require additional planning during colder months. Sites like Camelot RV Campground remain open through winter, with Bill P. noting it has "full hook ups including cable. Clean and level sites" and is "just off of hwy 67 very easy in and out" for winter access.
