Camping options around Stoutsville, Missouri offer varied terrain with sites spread between mixed hardwood forests and lake access points. The region has hot, humid summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F, and mild spring and fall seasons ideal for outdoor recreation. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 600-700 feet above sea level, creating rolling landscapes with periodic lake views through the trees.
What to do
Shoreline fishing access points: Indian Creek Campground provides multiple trails to access Mark Twain Lake for fishing. "Nice trails to access the lake by foot or with the dogs," notes one visitor who found the campground "QUIET in late July" with "clean bathhouses and campsites are some of the most well kept I've seen."
Basketball courts and open fields: At Ray Behrens, families can enjoy recreation beyond water activities. "The basketball court was open to roll and the field was open so the kids could run around and play catch," writes one camper who visited during the off-season when water facilities were closed.
Free paddle boats: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area offers complimentary paddle boats for visitors. "Lake with free paddle boats (do need life preservers) and fish hatchery across the street," mentions one reviewer. Another adds, "They had rowboats and canoes you could paddle around in. You just needed your own life jacket. The boats were free."
Campground mini-golf: Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park includes mini-golf activities popular even in the shoulder season. One visitor noted, "Being after Labor Day the water park was closed, but mini golf was booming. They had nice pavilion areas for gatherings."
What campers like
Lakeside access trails: Frank Russell Campground features water access points within walking distance of campsites. One camper shares, "Down the road a walk away, there is a trail that leads right to the water where we were able to have a swim and not have to leave the campground."
Quiet evening atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting at Indian Creek RV Park. "Relaxing spot near the lake with some beautiful views. The whole campground is in the woods so there's lots of shade," writes one reviewer who enjoyed the forested setting.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The campgrounds offer chances to observe local wildlife up close. At Ray Behrens Recreational, one visitor noted unique night sounds: "Turn sound up on attached video" when referring to abundant wildlife calls after dark, adding it offered "total darkness, perfect for stargazing."
Responsive campground hosts: Puma Campground receives positive comments about staff. "We met both hosts and they were friendly and accommodating. The closest store for provisions is about 15 miles away, but ice and firewood is available on site from both hosts," shares a visitor who appreciated the on-site services.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. At Puma Campground, "Our site was pretty unlevel and it took some work and levelers to get it straight. We rode around the campgrounds on our bikes and most of the other sites seemed level and more even."
Off-season crowd levels: Late spring and early fall offer significantly less crowded experiences. One visitor to Frank Russell noted, "We spent one night during the week in mid May and there were only 5 campers in the whole park. We had the place to ourselves."
Supply planning: Coyote Campground and other sites in the area require advance provisioning. One camper advised: "This campground is out in the boonies so you'll want to stock up before you pull in. 25 min from Walgreens, 45 min from Walmart, 40 min from laundromat."
Wildlife preparation: Ticks and other insects are prevalent throughout the camping season. "Ticks galore so prepare for that," warns one visitor to Indian Creek Campground, while another mentions "the amount of bugs that were everywhere. When I stepped out it felt like I was walking through a thousand spider webs everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: For families seeking swimming areas, Indian Creek Campground offers dedicated access. "This campground has its own beach that you can only get to by boat or if you're camping in the campground. Felt more private that way," shares one visitor who appreciated the exclusivity.
Biking opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature paved roads ideal for children's bikes. "This campground has a lot of road to bike on if you like to ride your bike," notes a family who stayed at Indian Creek Campground.
Wildlife education: Frank Russell provides fishing opportunities with accessible shorelines. "Nice fishing lake, with concrete sidewalk and benches around it to make fishing easily accessible," writes one visitor who appreciated the amenities.
Camping cabin options: For families not equipped for tent camping, Puma Campground offers rental cabins. "We rented cabin A for 4 days for our summer vacation. We couldn't have been happier. The cabin is simple and clean. It has air conditioning, which is needed in Missouri in August. Cabin is private with fire pit and picnic table at the front which faces near the woods."
Tips from RVers
Concrete pad conditions: At Ray Behrens Recreational, RVers appreciate the quality of sites. "Sites are all paved and most are well spaced. My only concern is the photos of the sites are a bit deceiving. I thought my site, #6, was dead level. While it was level side to side, it had about a 6" of slope front to back."
Electrical hookup details: Most campgrounds around Mark Twain Lake feature electrical connections but many lack water hookups at individual sites. "Most impressed by how perfectly level our paved parking pad was. We didn't have to level the RV or even unhook it from the truck," noted one visitor to Frank Russell Campground.
Dump station locations: Free resources exist for RVers passing through. A visitor to Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area noted, "Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station. Generators are ok just make sure they are not too loud and try to if possible running them only when needed."
Full hookup sites: For extended stays, Indian Creek RV Park offers complete services. "Some spots are full hookups. They offer potable water and have a dump station on site," shares a visitor who found it suitable for longer visits.
