Best Campgrounds near Fort Leonard Wood, MO

The Fort Leonard Wood area in central Missouri features several camping options within a 30-mile radius, including military-adjacent accommodations and access to Missouri's renowned outdoor recreation areas. Lamplight Lane RV Resort at Glen Oaks provides full hookup sites just minutes from the military installation, while campgrounds like Paddy Creek Recreation Area offer more primitive experiences in forested settings. The region includes several riverside camping destinations along the Gasconade and Current Rivers, with Froggys River Resort and Ruby's Landing River Resort providing cabin options alongside traditional tent and RV sites for those seeking varied accommodation types.

Road conditions throughout the region remain generally accessible year-round, though some campgrounds operate seasonally, particularly those with water-based recreation focuses. A visitor noted, "Very close to Fort Leonard Wood. Went to my son's Graduation and his first stop off base was Waffle House for Chocolate Chip Waffles." Many campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities with varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites with basic toilets to full-service RV parks with 50-amp electrical hookups. Cell service can be spotty in more remote areas, with better coverage near Interstate 44 and major highways. Weather patterns typically feature hot, humid summers and mild winters, though occasional ice storms can affect winter camping plans.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for the region, with several campgrounds positioned along rivers and springs. The Devils Elbow Campground receives positive feedback for its peaceful setting, with one camper mentioning, "We could hear the river while we were sleeping in our tents (which was super relaxing)." Military connections remain prominent in the area's camping culture, with several reviewers mentioning Fort Leonard Wood graduations as their reason for visiting. Campgrounds like Roubidoux Springs and Boiling Springs offer access to the region's notable natural springs and fishing opportunities. For those seeking more developed options, state park campgrounds within driving distance provide additional amenities including hiking trails, interpretive programs, and more robust facilities, though they typically require reservations well in advance during peak season.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri (120)

    1. Froggys River Resort

    10 Reviews
    Falcon, MO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 765-2930

    $5 - $100 / night

    "Nothing but icadas, crickets and quiet laughter from the camp next to us."

    "I was right next to the river, and the sounds of the water made everything tranquil. There is a ton of space for tents and RVs, and the road in is well paved."

    2. Paddy Creek Recreation Area

    8 Reviews
    Roby, MO
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "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."

    "Dollar General and a gas station located in nearby Roby. No cell service at cg. Had to drive up the hill to get a signal."

    3. Boiling Springs Campground

    11 Reviews
    Newburg, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 759-7294

    $12 - $89 / night

    "Bus picked us up there and dropped us at a location on the gasconade. Float ended right back at camp! We got out of our boat and walked up the bank to our camp site."

    "Located on the Gasconade beauty abounds. Full service hookups. Some shaded spots right on river. Bathroom is very small. No showers. One toilet spot not very nice."

    4. Lamplight Lane RV Resort at Glen Oaks

    4 Reviews
    Richland, MO
    9 miles
    +1 (573) 774-2727

    "Right off I-44 in Missouri and only 10 minutes from Fort Leonard Wood. Convenient to Waynesville and St. Robert. Owners are very helpful and informative."

    "The location is perfect, just minutes away from Fort Leonard Wood or St. Robert, MO, off exit 153 on I44! Also only a little over an hour from Springfield, MO..."

    5. Ruby's Landing River Resort

    5 Reviews
    Richland, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 855-9567

    $25 - $400 / night

    "Ruby's Landing River Resort is the place if you are wanting a place that has wildlife, beautiful river views and away from the lights of town. "

    "Clean bathrooms, and quiet primitive camping area right next to the river. The water landing is right next to the tent area so it’s real easy to get in and out of the water."

    6. The Devils Elbow Campground

    1 Review
    Newburg, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 855-4733

    $15 - $45 / night

    "This little camp ground has float across and is so close to some super awesome trails! We took a 10.5 mile hike about 15 mins away from her site! Not to mention the cute little town surrounding it."

    7. Roubidoux Spring Campground and RV City Park

    1 Review
    Fort Leonard Wood, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 774-6171

    "Close to everything and more. This is a City park with full hookups and a creek, but nothing else. We stayed here four nights to tour the county."

    8. Roubidoux Springs Campground

    1 Review
    Fort Leonard Wood, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 774-6171

    "Pretty creek, but away from the bank, no trees."

    9. Montauk State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Jadwin, MO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 548-2201

    "Another great trout park on Missouri"

    "Montauk State Park is one of the Missouri Conservations four trout parks, and is located at the headwaters of the beautiful Current River."

    10. Gasconade Hills Resort

    4 Reviews
    Richland, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 765-3044

    $38 - $48 / night

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Recent Reviews near Fort Leonard Wood, MO

424 Reviews of 120 Fort Leonard Wood Campgrounds


  • Kimberly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Rustic Trails RV Park

    Clean, hot shower but little else

    One shower and one bathroom working at the back of the campground. There's more up at the house but I didn't use those facilities. I was less than impressed with this campground. Especially for the price. It looks as though most campers actually live there and they got the shaded spots with plenty of trees. I was directed towards the back which is all gravel and not much else. Good for a quick stay over but there's nicer places close by for half the price.

  • Sean
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Cross Creek RV Park

    DONT STAY HERE

    The road to get in and out of this place is absolutely ridiculous. You can try to go 1mph to avoid potholes or washed out area just to hit the next pothole and washed out area. Dont make the mistake we made! Read all the Google reviews (including the 5 star ones which also complain about the road)  i stopped counting after 25.. that explains alot about how much the owners care. The road was so bad we took a loss on the money and stayed elsewhere. Id rather loose out on a few hundred then damage my vehicle getting in and out of this place multiple times during my stay.

  • P
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Ozark Farms Family Campground

    Ozark Camp in Rolla, MO

    Easy to reserve online. Confirm reservation through email. Showers/RR/laundry facility. Clean and shady. Dog park.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park

    Great Little Gem

    Nicely kept small park with some shady spots. Inexpensive. About 2 miles from main highway.

  • Dakota Y.
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Coastal Country Resorts LLC

    Wonderful sights, friendly staff, beautiful cabins

    Absolutely gorgeous place, Wonderful mordernized cabins, friendliest staff around. An absolute must on your trip if your in the area. If you time it right you might spot a sasquatch

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Froggys River Resort

    Not as nice as the other options

    This "resort" is just a basic campground.  There's no place to dump your camper's tank, which you'd expect at the prices they charge.  The owner is in some sort of a feud with the residents that live around the campground, so now one of them fires a shotgun off every half hour, and another one blasts revelry early in the morning.  Nothing scary, but I didn't like knowing that we were right next to residents...certainly wouldn't want a campground in my back yard.

    Otherwise, it's mediocre.  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.  The Gasconade Hills campground is just down the road and was a much better experience.

  • Jonathan D.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Gasconade Hills Resort

    Bad wifi and even worse owners

    Drove 4 hours and spent 300 dollars on a cabin. We placed a small Bluetooth speaker in front of our cabin and relaxed with a drink. After playing music for 20 mins the owner storms over and screams at me to turn it down. Its 8 pm and the music isn't turned up I tell him he said it's his place and his prerogative if it's too loud. I asked him to show me where it said I can't play music. He said quiet time is 10 pm. I said it's 8. He told me not to argue with him as if im his kid or his employee or something.  He told me he was going to eject me if I continued to argue. I would never recommend this place to anyone. Save your money and go somewhere the owners respect you. Lots of places who appreciate your business to give this place any business.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Osage Beach RV Park

    Great place, friendly people and beautiful grounds

    We stayed overnight here because our dog was sick and this was close to the animal hospital we visited. We wish would have stayed here originally (we stayed the. first night at the state park). While the State Park was nice this campground offered so much more and was closer to town so we could walk to restaurants. 

    I would definitely stay here again.

  • Delanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Froggys River Resort

    Friendly CG on the gasconade - PORT O POTTYS ONLY

    NO PLUMBIN, PORT O JOHNS ONLY

    PRIMITIVE CAMPSITE 10 IS BEST FOLLOWED BY 7

    Froggys has one flaw, see first sentence.  Other than that its perfect.  The crew is so friendly and you can tell they love running the CG and caring for guests.  They had a fire pit in the middle of the river which was so cool and did a pork steak dinner one of the nights.  The sites along the river are great for primitive camping.  And the six mile float on the gasconade was lovely.  The river moves slow, so if you're used to floating 16 miles on the spring fed Jacks Fork or Current, halfing that will be plenty.  Shower house was clean and efficient.


Guide to Fort Leonard Wood

The Fort Leonard Wood region of Missouri sits within the Ozark Highlands, characterized by rolling terrain with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,400 feet above sea level. Camping opportunities extend beyond the immediate military installation area to include both primitive sites along spring-fed waterways and full-service campgrounds with cabin accommodations. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with strongest signals found along Interstate 44 and weaker or non-existent coverage in deeper valleys.

What to do

River swimming access: At Froggys River Resort, campers can enjoy designated swimming areas in the Gasconade River. A reviewer noted, "Perfect river access. Only downside is absolutely no privacy between campsites. Go when it's not busy."

Explore natural springs: The Big Piney River area features several accessible springs. At Boiling Springs Campground, visitors can swim to the spring across the river. A camper explained, "There is a spring on the opposite side of the river that is fairly easy to swim to that is a thrill to swim through. It's ice cold!"

Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours offer the best opportunities for wildlife spotting at riverside campsites. One visitor to Froggys River Resort shared, "In the morning, a bald eagle flew up the river," highlighting the natural encounters possible in the area.

What campers like

Natural soundscapes: Tent campers particularly appreciate the sound of flowing water at riverfront sites. A camper at The Devils Elbow Campground mentioned, "We could hear the river while we were sleeping in our tents (which was super relaxing)."

Fishing opportunities: Both stocked and natural fishing areas are available within 30 miles of Fort Leonard Wood. At Montauk State Park Campground, "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."

Campsite spacing: Sites at Paddy Creek Recreation Area offer good separation between campers. A visitor commented, "Good privacy between sites. Parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much."

What you should know

Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds near Fort Leonard Wood operate on limited schedules. Gasconade Hills Resort runs from "Apr 1 - Oct 31" according to campground information.

Flood potential: Spring rains can affect river levels and campsite availability. One camper at Ruby's Landing River Resort noted, "We were supposed to camp down by the river but it flooded out so they moved us to a spot on higher ground."

Limited utilities: Some campgrounds offer only basic facilities. At Paddy Creek Recreation Area, a camper observed, "Vault toilets were a plus, but no water source that we saw. Access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails."

Tips for camping with families

Water-based activities: Plan river activities based on recent water levels. A camper at Paddy Creek advised, "There is a vault restroom if needed, each site has a paved parking spot big enough for my truck and 25ft camper. I would say it could fit up to a 35ft trailer."

Electronics disconnect: Limited or no cell service in some areas creates opportunities for family time. A Paddy Creek camper shared, "We love being able to have an escape from the world and forced to not have our electrons since there is no service."

Store access: Most campgrounds have limited on-site supplies. At Montauk State Park, "The lodge also has a store stocked with camp essentials, souvenir items, and fishing supplies. If you do not have your own fishing poles, they have some for rent."

Tips from RVers

Site sizing: Many campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. At Lamplight Lane RV Resort at Glen Oaks, a reviewer noted, "The campground was a bit small, but very nice and clean. We fit our 42' fifth wheel there though, so most would be fine!"

Road surfaces: Expect gravel roads at most campgrounds near Fort Leonard Wood. A camper at Lamplight Lane RV Resort mentioned, "The only draw back is that the roads and spots are all gravel and can be muddy at times."

Seasonal considerations: Winter camping requires additional planning. At Lamplight Lane RV Resort, "We spent a winter here and the owner was always helpful if anyone needed help dealing with the cold."

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV parks and facilities are available at Fort Leonard Wood?

The Fort Leonard Wood area offers several RV-friendly options with various amenities. Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area welcomes active duty military and provides excellent facilities for RVs with access to boating, swimming, and fishing on one of the nation's largest man-made lakes. Gasconade Hills Resort near Richland is big-rig friendly with water and toilet facilities. Most RV parks in the area offer the basics like water hookups and restrooms, while some provide additional amenities such as laundry facilities, WiFi, and recreational areas. Reservations are recommended, especially during graduation weeks and summer months.

Can I rent an RV near Fort Leonard Wood for military family visits?

Yes, RV rentals are available near Fort Leonard Wood for military family visits. The St. Robert and Waynesville areas have rental options that cater specifically to families attending military graduations. RV Express 66 is one local option where you might inquire about rentals or nearby services. Pheasant Acres RV Park may also have information about local rental companies. For convenience, consider booking your rental well in advance of graduation dates, as availability can be limited during peak graduation periods. Most rental companies offer various RV sizes to accommodate different family needs.

Where are the campgrounds near Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri?

Several campgrounds are located within a short drive of Fort Leonard Wood. Lamplight Lane RV Resort at Glen Oaks is just 10 minutes from the base, situated conveniently between Waynesville and St. Robert. For those willing to travel a bit further, Roubidoux Springs Campground near Waynesville offers water and toilet facilities in a pleasant setting. Other nearby options include Boiling Springs Campground near Dixon and Paddy Creek Recreation Area near Licking, both providing more rustic experiences for those seeking a deeper connection with nature while remaining accessible to Fort Leonard Wood.