The Falcon area of Missouri sits at around 1,300 feet elevation in the northern Ozarks region, where the Gasconade River flows through wooded valleys. Campsites near Falcon, Missouri typically experience cold winter temperatures that can drop below freezing from December through February, while summer humidity levels frequently exceed 80%. Water levels in area rivers fluctuate seasonally, with spring typically bringing higher, faster flows on the Gasconade.
What to do
Float trips on the Gasconade River: Access multiple float options from Froggys River Resort, where they offer coordinated river experiences. "Float this great river and end up at your camp. Beautiful river that does not have any jet boats," notes one visitor. The resort even features "a fire pit in the middle of the river which was so cool."
Hiking in Mark Twain National Forest: Trails range from easy to challenging within 30 minutes of Falcon camping spots. At Paddy Creek Recreation Area, a camper observed: "Access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails. We were surprised with how many sites were taken up, but there were still quite a few available."
Fishing for trout: The Bennett Spring area offers stocked fishing opportunities. "Bennett Spring is so serious about their fishing they even have a trout cam so you can watch other anglers testing their skills," explains a regular visitor. Trout tags and permits are required and available for purchase at area stores.
What campers like
River access directly from camp: Many visitors appreciate the convenience of water access. At Boiling Springs Campground, "you can float the Piney and Gasconade and float back into your camp! The last 1/2 mile are the same float." This setup eliminates complicated shuttle logistics.
Varied campsite options: Campers appreciate the range of sites available. At Hidden Valley Outfitters, "We stayed in the danceyard camp site with 30 amp electric only and plenty of trees. The newer RV sites have full hookups but no shade." This allows campers to choose based on their preference for utilities versus shade.
Wildlife encounters: The rural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, "We saw about 20 deer each day," while another visitor to Paddy Creek mentioned that "In the morning, a bald eagle flew up the river," highlighting the diverse fauna in the region.
What you should know
Seasonal water levels impact activities: River conditions 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," warns a visitor to Froggys River Resort.
Limited cell service: Most campsites near Falcon have minimal connectivity. "No cell service at cg. Had to drive up the hill to get a signal," notes a camper at Paddy Creek Recreation Area. Plan accordingly and download maps in advance.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: From vault toilets to modern shower houses, facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. At Bennett Spring State Park Campground, "One negative is we only found one toilet for the entire campground. It wasn't a problem at this time because there was hardly anybody there."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads. Rustic Trails RV Park has "Highway noise but ac drowned that out mostly," while others noted the highway proximity as their main complaint at certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
Riverside camping with kids: Look for campsites with easy water access for family activities. "Our camp site was right on the river with a beautiful view of the spring," reports a visitor to Boiling Springs. Another adds that "Access to the boiling spring with swing rope into the river" provides entertainment for older children.
Playgrounds and recreation areas: Some campgrounds offer additional facilities for children. Ruby's Landing River Resort has "a store and a bath house. Also a play ground for the kids," making it easier to keep younger campers entertained between outdoor activities.
Safety around water: Plan accordingly for water safety at riverside sites. Hidden Valley Outfitters has "close access to the river" but note that "water is chilly year around so if you like bathwater warmth, not the place for you," which may impact swimming comfort for children.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness and pad materials: Many campgrounds in the area have varying site conditions. At Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, "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." Another camper noted that "rv sites do not have water and are not real level but are paved."
Big rig access limitations: Larger RVs face challenges at some locations. Paddy Creek Recreation Area has "paved parking spots big enough for my truck and 25ft camper. I would say it could fit up to a 35ft trailer," but larger units would struggle with access and turning radius.
Hookup availability: Full hookups aren't universal in the area. Hidden Valley Outfitters offers "RV full hookups are great, EZ in EZ setup and EZ out" with "concrete pull thru pads," making it more suitable for those wanting complete utilities.
