The Missouri River borders the area around Franklin, creating a rich riverine environment with fertile floodplains and rolling hills. Summer temperatures average 80-90°F with high humidity, while winters can drop below freezing. Camping options near Franklin provide access to both the Katy Trail State Park and multiple conservation areas with fishing opportunities.
What to do
Fishing at Robert's Bluff: Located approximately 15 miles from Franklin, Robert's Bluff offers riverside camping with excellent fishing access. "They were by the river, near a boat ramp... it did seem like a decent spot," notes one visitor. The area provides opportunities to see "huge trout and turtles swimming" according to another camper.
Hiking the Katy Trail: The historic Katy Trail runs directly adjacent to Katy Roundhouse campground. A reviewer mentioned, "Camping right alongside the Katy Trail is hard to find. This campground is one of two I know of." The trail offers miles of flat, shaded paths for hiking and biking through rural Missouri landscapes.
Explore historic sites: Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground provides access to numerous historic buildings. "The nearby town of Arrow Rock with its many historic buildings and an excellent interpretation center. Great for a pleasant cycle in the evening or a stroll after a bottle of wine," reports one camper. The site includes a one-room jail and historic houses approximately 10 miles from Franklin.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park, one visitor noted, "Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out." The diverse habitats around Franklin support various bird species and small mammals.
Waterfront relaxation: Some campgrounds offer river access for relaxation and scenic views. At Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina, campers appreciate the riverside setting: "Campsites were right on the Missouri River. Had great views and a stunning sunset." The property offers unique experiences with "live music, amazing Thai food, general store with snacks, beer, ice cream and merchandise."
Clean facilities: Many RV sites near Franklin, Missouri maintain well-kept amenities. According to a visitor at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground, the park has "huge and empty picnic area- beautifully maintained." Another noted, "Clean showers, very nice campground host" - important considerations for extended stays.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions year-round. A camper at Robert's Bluff warns to "check the weather just to make sure it's not going to flood. It's right beside a river." Flooding potential is highest during spring and after heavy rains.
Cell service coverage: Mobile connectivity varies by location and provider. At Robert's Bluff, "Verizon signal works good," while another camper at Cooper's Landing noted they "even had phone service." However, at Arrow Rock, one visitor reported only "occasionally got 1 bar on T-mobile."
Traffic patterns: Some campsites experience varying levels of visitor traffic. One camper at Robert's Bluff observed, "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." Plan accordingly if seeking solitude.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Some campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. At Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground, a visitor highlighted the "great playground" and noted "kids are happy!" Consider facilities with dedicated play areas when traveling with young campers.
Educational opportunities: Historic sites provide learning experiences for children. One Arrow Rock visitor mentioned, "We stayed on site 13 for one night in October 2020... Lovely spot. Wish we had more time to explore it." The interpretive centers and historic buildings offer interactive learning about regional history.
Safety considerations: When camping with children near water, additional supervision may be needed. A Cooper's Landing visitor observed, "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." Always prioritize water safety with families.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: RV campers report varying experiences with site access. At Cedar Creek, a visitor noted, "This was a good stopover site on our journey. The campground reps were kind and great to work with. The registration online was seamless." However, they added, "The only thing I didn't love was the gravel road all the way in. Our truck and camper was covered with gravel dust."
Site dimensions: For larger rigs, space considerations are important when choosing RV sites near Franklin, Missouri. A Cottonwoods RV Park visitor reported, "The gravel pad was very long and we had plenty of room for our 40' rig and F450. The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent at about 40 psi."
Power reliability: Electrical service quality can vary between campgrounds. A Cottonwoods visitor noted, "We got 4 bars on Verizon and their WiFi worked well for a campground of this size." Another mentioned, "There are mature trees so satellite placement could be challenging."
