RV camping options in the Ellsinore, Missouri area range from lakeside sites to mountain valley locations in the eastern Ozarks. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 400-700 feet, with seasonal variations including humid summers and mild winters. The region features a mix of privately owned RV parks and state-managed facilities located near water bodies including Lake Wappapello and various creek systems.
What to do
Water activities at Lake Wappapello: Asher Creek Campground offers direct lake access with a boat ramp exclusively for registered campers. "We kayaked out to an island and did some fishing. We didn't catch anything, but it was relaxing," notes one visitor to Asher Creek Campground.
Horseback riding trails: Fourche Creek RV Park includes private riding trails around a large lake. "We enjoyed their private trails that went around the big lake," reports a camper at Fourche Creek Rv Park and Riding Trails. The park provides tack room access and equipment for horse owners.
Creek swimming: Big Creek RV Park features a spring-fed creek running alongside the property for natural water recreation. "The creek is nice for cooling down on a hot day, but there is a pool if you'd rather do that," shares a visitor. Saturday activities include organized events and evening hayrides.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The shower houses and restrooms receive consistent praise at campgrounds near Ellsinore. "The bathroom/bath house was brand new and so very nice!" reports a visitor at Asher Creek. Another camper noted, "Restroom was emaculate [sic]. Clean park with a boat launch."
Spacious sites: Big Creek RV Park offers well-maintained campsites with adequate space. "Spots were clean and easy to back into or pull through. A little too close to one another for my liking, but well put together and level," mentions one reviewer. Sites include fire pits and level pads.
Attentive hosts: The personal service at rv campgrounds near Ellsinore receives frequent mention. "The owners of this RV campground have put a lot of time and effort into it. This is a no frills quite park," notes a visitor to Camelot RV Campground. Another guest adds, "They escorted us to our site, offered help getting parked and set up."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across Ellsinore-area campgrounds. "Verizon worked ok. T-Mobile very poor," reports one camper at Big Creek RV Park. Another notes, "Verizon had 0 service ATT had very minimal service and their Wi-Fi went in and out."
Limited supplies nearby: Some campgrounds are located away from shopping areas. "Not a lot of supplies nearby. Make sure you bring with you," advises an RV camper. Camelot RV Campground, however, sits "close to town for everyone's shopping, dining and entertainment needs."
Water access points: Little Sinkin Creek RV Resort and other campgrounds offer water recreation with varying access methods. Most locations have natural shorelines. "The lake is great to swim in - very clean bottom and not slimy at all... The beach area is mostly natural rocks and dirt."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer multiple water recreation choices. "The creek is nice for cooling down on a hot day, but there is a pool if you'd rather do that. Saturday is fun with different campground activities and an evening hayride," shares a visitor at Big Creek RV Park.
Weekend activities: Scheduled events occur at select rv campgrounds in Ellsinore, Missouri and surrounding areas. "Duck races were fun," mentions a family that visited Big Creek. The park also features "a small pool, laundry, and arcade."
Shade considerations: Some waterfront sites lack natural shade during peak daylight hours. "Some 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 they day but as the sun goes down you have plenty of shade at the sites," notes a camper at Asher Creek Campground.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal planning: Off-season camping offers increased solitude. "On a Monday in July, I counted 2 other campers in the ridge campground," reports a visitor to Asher Creek. Another advises, "From April to September, you're gonna want electric so you can run AC (or at least a fan), Missouri humidity is not a joke."
Site selection strategies: RV sites vary in size and layout across regional campgrounds. "We stayed at the Asher Creek loop and loved it! Sites are clean and plenty of yard space. Some are on the hill and have less flat space to sit," explains one RVer. At Camelot, "Some of the sites are spaced apart rather tightly."
Utility availability: Water, sewer and electric options differ between campgrounds. "Only electric at the sites but we are okay with that since we pull in and fill up the water tank at the faucet," shares an RVer at Asher Creek. At Camelot, a visitor notes, "My site was gravel, fairly level and the hook ups were conveniently located and in great condition."
