Best Campgrounds near Franklin, MO

Searching for the best camping near Franklin, MO? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Franklin is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Franklin, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

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Best Camping Sites Near Franklin, Missouri (63)

    1. Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site

    21 Reviews
    Arrow Rock, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 837-3330

    "Spent 3 nights and saw all the area sights, Boonville, Franklin (the start of the Santa Fe trail), the Booneslick salt works ruins and of course the adjacent Arrow Rock State Historic Park."

    "there is a nice walking path around the area and the historical site is close by."

    2. Katy Roundhouse

    4 Reviews
    New Franklin, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (660) 848-2232

    "Camping right alongside the Katy Trail is hard to find. This campground is one of two I know of. Full hookups at most sites and nearly all are tree covered."

    "Great campground for short visit along Katy Trail. All sites are full hookup & pull-through. Most sites shaded with trees."

    3. Robert's Bluff

    9 Reviews
    Nelson, MO
    14 miles

    "Nice spot to camp for the night if you’re driving through Missouri. Not a terrible amount of mosquitos and the roads don’t get bad after an average rain"

    "Put in some miles and didn’t get in until about 2am and this was easy to find and great spots away from the highway but also didn’t have to trek far away"

    4. Roberts Bluff Access

    8 Reviews
    Nelson, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "Ground away from the campsite was a bit muddy and made a mess. No surprises there! Established campfire ring at 2 spots. Another ring farther down in the turnaround beyond the boat launch."

    "Only 2 miles off of the highway and is perfect for someone just passing by. I’m on my way from St Louis to Denver and it was perfect for one night."

    5. Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Hallsville, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 443-5315

    "A rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast."

    "Finger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs."

    6. Franklin Island

    1 Review
    New Franklin, MO
    4 miles
    Website

    7. Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    17 Reviews
    Jamestown, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 657-1299

    $10 - $60 / night

    "A beautiful campground located right next to the Missouri River. Live music, amazing Thai food, general store with snacks, beer, ice cream and merchandise."

    "See beautiful scenery on the MO River & Katy Trail. You may get to see a paddleboat cruising the river."

    8. Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 474-2747

    $45 - $52 / night

    "Visited in March 2021, some pot holes in drive way, but manageable. Trees seemed to be trimmed back compared to other reviews. Nice facilities and great staff!"

    "The camp sites are very close to each other. But the campers around us were very nice. Only needed one night and it worked prayer for us."

    9. Stump Island Park

    3 Reviews
    Fayette, MO
    15 miles
    +1 (660) 338-2377

    10. Harriman Hill Access

    1 Review
    Nelson, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900
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Showing results 1-10 of 63 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Franklin, MO

230 Reviews of 63 Franklin Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    Perfect for me

    The camp sites are very close to each other. But the campers around us were very nice. Only needed one night and it worked prayer for us.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Robert's Bluff

    This is not campsite- this overnight sleep parking situation

    It was a great camping spot until. At least 10-15 cars drove in out of the area to see if available and then at around 9:30 pm pitch black someone decided to camped. It’s not very quiet at all. You will wake up from cars driving almost evreytime. There’s people that live in that area that were driving and screaming at each other driving 4x4 little cars. I hate camping in the Midwest

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Knob Noster State Park Campground

    Fine Tenting

    8/11/2025

    Fine tenting at this site (60). Easy enough to get stakes in, and a pretty reasonable price ($15) especially since there are plenty of shower/bath houses to make use of.

  • Melina
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Robert's Bluff

    Easy access

    Its easy to find, snuggled between the corn crops and river! There are 2 camping spaces, that are good sized with a fire pit. Directly on the river with a boat ramp as an added perk!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    Coopers Landing Missouri

    Rustic. You come down winding rolling roads then onto gravel to get here. Katy bike trail on one side Missouri River on other side site 2 completely level for our 31e RV. Boat dock. They have food trucks that come in and live entertainment. Very peaceful and we will be back. Katy trail is easy biking beautiful views, shaded.Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out. Watched the sunset by the river and it was beautiful. The river is wide and deep here. Current and undertows make it definitely not suitable for swimming. You can see the water swirling and churning.

  • J
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park

    Out new favorite place!

    Out new favorite place! this campground has everything for a perfect long weekend! The cabins are spectacular and right on the water! We just tooK 40+ family members and everyone fell in love with this campground. We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot. The fishing was great, amenities were fantastic, and the hosts were amazing. Free rentals on pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boats. We will be back again, especially since they just built more cabins!

  • Gary F.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area

    would not recommend

    Free camping but i left my rv there for two nights and it was broken into and ransacked.   they stole numerous items

  • Fred R.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Coconuts RV Resort

    July 4th week

    Campground was set up as tiers up the hillside. The top had 2 pools, shower house, and restroom all new and very NICE! Only issue was the kids being allowed on golf carts all day and late into the night flying all over both directions. Kids on bikes all night with no lights on bikes or grounds. It's a free for all. The lower pools are big with scenic views of the boats and lake front. Bar area was adequate and food was good but limited. DG was close and supermarket was 30+ minutes ito town.

  • Angela D.
    Jul. 18, 2025

    Knob Noster State Park Campground

    Raccoon s

    RRaccoon have taken over the park. And the state workers have done nothing. I had my 2025 subaru crosstrek there and they put scratches iall over my car and tore the window seal out on one of the windows. They pulled my window down . But that repairer is all on me. It should be paid by them because their not doing anything about very aggressive raccoons. About 40 in my camp the whole week making us scared. I stayed in my car the whole 7 days. Th hosts are very kind and wished they could do something about it. Nice park just lazy workers. When it comes to maintaining the wildlife.


Guide to Franklin

Camping near Franklin, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or a place to explore, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campers enjoy fishing and boating on the Missouri River. One visitor at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina mentioned, "You may get to see a paddleboat cruising the river," highlighting the scenic views and activities available.
  • Hiking: Trails are abundant in the area. A reviewer at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park Campground noted, "I hiked on most of the trails in one day," showcasing the park's accessibility and variety.
  • Live music and events: Campgrounds like Cooper’s Landing often host live music and events, making it a lively spot for socializing. One camper shared, "They had beer, food trucks, and music," which adds to the fun atmosphere.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground said, "Bathrooms and showers were open, super clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A reviewer at Finger Lakes State Park Campground mentioned, "Most sites looked level, but some are a bit wacky," indicating that while some sites may need adjustments, overall, there's room to breathe.
  • Friendly hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. One camper at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground noted, "The staff is friendly and the campground looks like someone spent hours manicuring the park."

What you should know:

  • Bug spray is a must: Campers often mention the presence of ticks and mosquitoes, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park Campground advised, "Bring plenty of bug spray," to keep those pesky bugs at bay.
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or amenities. A camper at Roberts Bluff Access pointed out, "No restroom that we could find," so be prepared for more rustic conditions.
  • Reservations may be needed: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground mentioned, "Check-in was quick and easy," but it's wise to book ahead.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. A visitor at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park Campground noted, "It had a nice playground for small kids," making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. A camper at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground mentioned, "They have a nice store and gift shop," which can be handy for snacks and supplies.
  • Engage in outdoor activities: Encourage kids to explore nature. A reviewer at Finger Lakes State Park Campground said, "This looks to be a good place for families to fish, ride mountain bikes, and enjoy the ATV trails," providing plenty of options for family fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: RVers should pay attention to site sizes and accessibility. A camper at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground mentioned, "The utilities were in the middle of the pad," which can affect setup.
  • Be prepared for gravel roads: Some campgrounds have gravel access roads. A reviewer at Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park noted, "The gravel road all the way in... will get a bit dusty," so keep that in mind when packing.
  • Look for WiFi availability: Many RVers appreciate having internet access. A visitor at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground shared, "We got 4 bars on Verizon and their WiFi worked well," making it easier to stay connected.

Camping around Franklin, MO, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly activities to peaceful retreats. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Franklin, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Franklin, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 63 campgrounds and RV parks near Franklin, MO and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Franklin, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Franklin, MO is Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Franklin, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Franklin, MO.