Camping areas near Newburg, Missouri center around the Ozark forests and spring-fed waterways. Located at 700-800 feet elevation, this region offers year-round camping opportunities with tent, RV, and luxury options. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while fall camping features cooler temperatures and colorful foliage displays.
What to do
River activities: Lane Spring Recreation Area offers direct access to water recreation. "Love it here it is quiet and peaceful but not too far away from the main road," notes one camper. The spring-fed creek creates opportunities for wading and cooling off during hot months.
Fishing opportunities: Montauk State Park Campground specializes in trout fishing. A visitor explains, "This is one of Missouri's trout parks... You can purchase a trout tag at the lodge for $3.00, and it will allow you to keep 4 trout per day with a possession limit of 8." The park stocks the Current River nightly based on tag sales.
Cave exploration: Meramec Caverns Natural Campground offers underground adventures beyond standard camping. "Do the cave tour it's really cool," recommends a visitor. The cave tour provides a cool retreat from summer heat, though reviews note it can be "a bit hokey" despite spectacular formations.
ATV trails: National forest areas near Red Bluff Campground provide designated ATV riding zones. These marked trails require proper permits and equipment. Access points are typically within 1-2 miles of major campgrounds in the region.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Red Bluff Campground earns praise for well-spaced sites. "The sites are all separated enough from each other that you don't feel like you are camping with strangers," one reviewer notes. Many sites feature a mix of rocky and grassy terrain with ample shade.
Natural swimming spots: Campers appreciate the clear waters at Huzzah Creek. "The crystal clear waters of the Huzzah Creek. There are large boulders to jump from, some small fish to catch, tadpoles to observe, and lots of pretty shells to dig out of the rocky beach," shares a frequent visitor.
Clean facilities: Timbuktu Campground at Echo Bluff State Park maintains high standards for bathrooms and common areas. "Clean, friendly staff, beautiful surroundings," notes a visitor. The relatively new facilities include flush toilets and hot showers.
Breakfast options: Several resorts offer morning meal service. "The lodge has a full restaurant, as well as a diner style counter. My son love's to go and sit at the counter to get ice cream," explains a Montauk visitor. Many campgrounds feature weekend breakfast specials during peak season months.
What you should know
Flash flood risk: Red Bluff Campground sits in a flood-prone area. "There are flood level signs everywhere and you could see where flash floods had happened on the lowest level of camp," warns a camper. Sites on higher ground provide safer alternatives during rainy conditions.
Wildlife concerns: Raccoons are commonly reported. "No showers. The raccoon population is out of control," mentions one camper about certain areas. Proper food storage in sealed containers is essential.
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially for summer weekends. "The campground hosts are always very nice and the restrooms are clean! Pit toilets only, but they really aren't bad," notes a Red Bluff visitor.
Limited cell service: Indian Springs Resort and Campground has minimal connectivity. "We typically prefer more dispersed-style camping, but this has actually become one of our favorite established sites in the Ozarks," explains a visitor. Some locations offer limited WiFi near camp stores.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Indian Springs Resort features designated swimming areas. "Great camp store and a large sandy beach with natural swimming holes, plus a seasonal pool," notes a visitor. The gently sloping beach areas provide safer water access for younger children.
Organized activities: Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground offers family programming. "Lots of family activities on friday and saturday," shares a visitor. These typically include supervised games and evening entertainment during summer months.
Safety considerations: Supervise children near water. "You have to be careful because there are sudden drop-offs, it can be two feet deep and then you take a few steps and it's seven feet deep," warns a Red Bluff camper about creek conditions.
Budget accommodations: Camping cabins provide affordable alternatives to full glamping. "We booked a last minute trip here and had a cabin along with an RV site. The cabins were great," notes a visitor to Gasconade Hills Resort. Many cabin options include electricity but require guests to bring bedding.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Doolittle Acres RV Park and Campground offers well-maintained pull-through spots. "Easy access and some nice pull through spots. Water, sewer, and electric hook ups. Fire pit and picnic table at site," explains a camper. Premium spots cost around $57 per night, while standard sites run $42.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds are situated near major roads. "It's close to US 44 so a bit of road noise," notes one RVer about Doolittle Acres. Sites farther from highways typically provide quieter experiences.
Hookup availability: Bass' River Resort provides full hookup options. "Has full hookups and is shaded in the right places," reports a visitor. Electric, water, and sewer connections are available at premium sites, though availability varies by section.
Leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "We had a great spot, for our 42' motorhome and truck. It was a pull through and easy to get into," shares an RVer about Doolittle Acres.
