Near Dexter, Missouri, camping options range from basic tent sites to luxury accommodations set among the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The region sits at elevations between 300-400 feet and features rolling hills with dense hardwood forests. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-90s with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures in the 60-70°F range.
What to do
River activities: Float trips on the St. Francis River provide a mix of tranquil and technical water experiences. At Sam A. Baker State Park Campground, campers can take organized float trips with scheduled pickups. "We paid $40 for our canoe for the afternoon. It was nice to float a different river, but the St. Francois (at least near Sam A. Baker) was pretty murky and you couldn't see your feet in about knee-deep water," notes one visitor.
Hiking: Varied terrain accommodates different skill levels throughout the region. "The park also has some backcountry trails with backcountry campsites and is near the Ozark Trail," reports a Sam A. Baker visitor. Most trails are accessible year-round, though summer hikers should start early to avoid afternoon heat.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting opportunities. Campers at Otahki Lake Cabins and Campground report "watching the baby deer, and listening to the owls at night." The 1,200-acre property provides habitat for diverse wildlife species across its forested areas.
Swimming: Sandy beaches at several lakes offer family-friendly water access. Whippoorwill Lake features "sandy beaches" and a "small playset in the water for kids," making it ideal for families with young children.
What campers like
Crystal clear water access: Several campgrounds provide direct access to clean water bodies. The St. Francis River and surrounding lakes maintain excellent water quality in many spots. A visitor to Whippoorwill Lake Campground Resort noted the "small lake has sandy beaches" with space for relaxation.
Paved biking paths: Connecting multiple camping areas, these trails accommodate casual riders and families. Sam A. Baker State Park features "a nice paved bike path connecting" its two large campgrounds, creating an accessible recreation option for all ages.
Camp stores: Many campgrounds maintain well-stocked stores with essentials. "The camp store sells all kinds of things," notes a visitor to Huzzah Valley, adding convenience for forgotten items. Most stores offer basic groceries, camping supplies, and local souvenirs.
Yurt camping: For campers seeking comfort without full cabins, yurt options exist near Dexter, Missouri. Huzzah Valley offers yurt accommodations among their diverse lodging options, providing a middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends require advance planning, often 2-3 months ahead. "A paid reservation made 3 months in advance" is recommended, especially for premium accommodations.
Campground size variations: Sites range from intimate to expansive. Sam A. Baker State Park has "2 huge campgrounds (around 100 sites each)" while smaller campgrounds offer more seclusion.
Weekend crowds: Saturday float trips attract large, sometimes rowdy groups. Beaver Springs Campground offers "a really nice smaller privately owned campground that still has all of the perks" for those seeking a quieter experience. One visitor to Huzzah Valley advised that their location "gets a little rowdy at night" and another described it as having a "party atmosphere."
Technical river conditions: Fallen trees can create navigation challenges. A floater noted, "There were also tons of trees down in the water, making it a more technical trip at some points and even requiring us to get out and portage our canoe for about 25 yards."
Tips for camping with families
River safety: Choose weekdays for family float trips to avoid weekend crowds. One parent advised, "Floated on Sunday to avoid the crazies on Saturday" at Huzzah Valley. Morning trips typically offer calmer waters and fewer fellow floaters.
Wildlife education: Early morning nature walks yield the most animal sightings. Sam A. Baker State Park has "a visitor's center with nature programs throughout the season" that can enhance kids' understanding of local ecosystems.
Beach activities: Mornings provide the best swimming conditions before afternoon crowds. A visitor to Fredrock Glampground mentioned their experience was "pretty special" with accessible water features for families, noting the comfortable glamping accommodations provide convenient basecamp for water activities.
Weather preparedness: Summer storms can develop quickly in the region. One camper at Sam A. Baker mentioned dealing with "higher rain and very high river" conditions, noting "I have never seen the river through the park so high to the top of the banks." Pack extra clothing and rain gear, especially during spring and early summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selections: Choose back-section spots for more space and shade. "We stayed in Campground 1 and we were so pleased with how well-kept our sites were. Even during the last weekend of September, it was hot out, so we were glad there were plenty of trees around," notes a visitor to Sam A. Baker State Park.
Hookup variations: Call ahead to confirm specific hookup types. "Full hook up, shade and near river. Plenty of room on the gravel bar to have fun," reported a camper who stayed at sites 105 to 111 at Huzzah Valley.
Budget-friendly options: Basic sites with fewer amenities offer significant savings. One RVer found Boomland RV Park & Campground to be "nice for $15 easy pull in, full hook ups, nice gift shop and gas really close as right off the freeway."
