Pet friendly camping near Dixon, Missouri provides access to multiple rivers, including the Gasconade, Big Piney, and Roubidoux Creek. Located in the heart of the Ozarks, Dixon sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in a region characterized by limestone bluffs and spring-fed waterways. Winter camping options remain available at select campgrounds where temperatures typically range from 20-40°F during December through February.
What to do
Spring exploration: swim through icy waters at Boiling Springs Campground where campers can access a unique natural feature. "There is a spring on the opposite side of the river that is fairly easy to swim to that is a thrill to swim through. It's ice cold!" shares camper Elisha P.
Two-river floating: experience different waterways from one basecamp location. "Great location where you can float the Piney and Gasconade and float back into your camp! The last 1/2 mile are the same float," notes Tim L. about Boiling Springs Campground's convenient positioning.
Wildlife viewing: early morning deer spotting at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground. "We saw about 20 deer each day," reports Anthony C., highlighting the abundant wildlife presence in the area. The park offers numerous hiking and biking trails through wooded areas where wildlife sightings are common.
Route 66 exploration: historical sites within 10-minute drive from several Dixon area campgrounds. "Close to Route 66, easy turn off…5-6 minutes up the road," mentions Diane G. about Froggys River Resort, making it a convenient base for exploring this iconic highway's attractions.
What campers like
Riverside camping with direct float-trip returns: Multiple campgrounds offer the convenience of ending float trips right at your campsite. "We got out of our boat and walked up the bank to our camp site," explains Cathy S. about Boiling Springs Campground's setup, eliminating the need for complicated shuttle arrangements.
Family-run operations with personalized service: Smaller campgrounds provide attentive management. "The staff is extremely welcoming and makes you feel right at home," writes Aundrea about her experience at Boiling Springs Campground, noting their helpful approach to organizing float trips.
Peaceful off-season camping: Spring and fall visits offer quieter experiences with fewer crowds. "I was just there during spring break. I was the only tent camper. Maybe 8 RVs or so out of nearly 150 campsites," shares David W. about Lake of the Ozarks State Park, noting the peaceful environment during non-peak times.
River sounds for restful sleep: Tent sites positioned near flowing water create natural white noise. "We could hear the river while we were sleeping in our tents (which was super relaxing)," reports Allie A. about her experience at The Devils Elbow Campground.
What you should know
Weather considerations: spring flooding can impact site availability. "We were supposed to camp down by the river but it flooded out so they moved us to a spot on higher ground," explains Josh H. about his experience at Ruby's Landing River Resort. Always have backup plans during rainy seasons.
Site layout variations: privacy levels differ significantly between campgrounds. Some locations feature closely positioned sites while others offer more seclusion. "The RV spots are really close together so there isn't much room," notes Josh H. about Ruby's Landing.
Seasonal water access: check river levels before planning water activities. Water depths can vary dramatically throughout the year. "Depending on the time of year, the river can be quite low, so be sure to check the forecast before planning a stay. It was only about 6 inches deep when I was there," advises James A. about his experience at Froggys River Resort.
Neighboring properties: be aware of nearby residences that may impact the camping experience. "The owner is in some sort of a feud with the residents that live around the campground, so now one of them fires a shotgun off every half hour, and another one blasts revelry early in the morning," reports James A. about his experience at Froggys River Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: look for swimming spots with shallow entry points. At Boiling Springs Campground, families appreciate the accessible water features. "My fiancé and I stayed here over the weekend and had such a great experience!! Our camp site was right on the river with a beautiful view of the spring," shares Aundrea.
Playground access: select campgrounds with recreation areas for children to burn energy. "The camp area looks new, cute playground, small fenced dog park type area, showers, laundry, fire pits and picnic tables," notes Becky M. about Doolittle Acres RV Park.
Safety considerations: check site locations relative to water when camping with young children. Sites positioned directly alongside rivers require extra vigilance. "The water landing is right next to the tent area so it's real easy to get in and out of the water," points out Aaron T. about Ruby's Landing River Resort.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: incorporate educational experiences into your stay. Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers abundant wildlife sightings. "Huge beautiful park. A lot of hiking and biking trails. Boat ramp and store in the park. We saw about 20 deer each day," reports Anthony C.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: verify site configurations before booking large rigs. "We had a great spot, for our 42' motorhome and truck. It was a pull through and easy to get into," shares Roxanna L. about her experience at Doolittle Acres RV Park.
Water pressure considerations: bring regulators for campgrounds with variable water systems. "The water pressure is low, about 40 psi," notes Bill B. about Ozark Farms Family Campground, information that helps RVers prepare appropriately.
Site leveling challenges: check reviews for terrain details. "Sites are back-in with a coarse gravel pad," explains Mike G. about Ozark Farms, while Jenny H. cautions about Lake of the Ozarks State Park: "Our site was kinda tricky to get into, especially if you have a longer trailer. Seemed like quite a few were that way, so do your research."
Highway proximity: weigh convenience against noise concerns. "It's close to US 44 so a bit of road noise," mentions Roxanna L. about Doolittle Acres, highlighting the trade-off between easy access and peaceful surroundings.
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