Best Campgrounds near Eldon, MO

Camping near Eldon, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful campgrounds. Hiking trails. Super showers & toilets. Clean. Friendly staff."
• Fishing: Head to Bennett Spring State Park Campground for some great fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "The Niangua River was gorgeous and so fun to swim in (clear all the way to the bottom)."
• Water Activities: Enjoy the Missouri River at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina. One happy camper said, "Cooper’s has spectacular sunsets, a boat ramp, dock, trails, bonfires, live music, and a very friendly atmosphere."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Knob Noster State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The bathrooms are nice, fully functioning toilet, sink, and shower."
• Friendly Staff: Many visitors enjoy the helpfulness of the staff at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground. One camper mentioned, "The camp host was helpful in providing firewood and was very attentive of the sites."
• Spacious Sites: Campers at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground appreciate the spaciousness. A visitor said, "The sites here are very close together, but long-term guests kept their sites nice and well organized."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Finger Lakes State Park Campground, may have fewer amenities. A camper noted, "Basic tent site, potable water was right near our site. Bathrooms were clean."
• Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters, especially at Pittsburg Area Campground. One camper warned, "Keep food and bait inside as raccoons rule at night."
• Ticks and Bugs: Campers should be cautious of ticks, especially in the spring and summer. A visitor at Pine Ridge Recreation Area mentioned, "Only bummer was lots of ticks and there must be a gun range nearby, which set off our dog's anxiety."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas, like Raccoon Ridge — Harry S Truman State Park. A family shared, "The campground has its own beach and its own boat launch that are only for campground guests."
• Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check for on-site dining options. One camper at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina said, "I didn’t grocery shop the whole time."
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids near water. A visitor at Bennett Spring State Park Campground noted, "Caught tadpoles with our hands and watched tiny fish."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking, especially at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground. One RV traveler mentioned, "The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent."
• Reservations: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, so make reservations in advance. A camper at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground said, "They have both showers and running water restrooms."
• Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina noted, "When we got to the campground, the one lane gravel road was packed on both sides with cars parked for an event."

Camping near Eldon, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!