Glamping near Maitland, Missouri offers outdoor enthusiasts access to the Missouri River basin and surrounding wetlands. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with mild spring and fall seasons, though summer humidity can climb above 80%. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, with peak season running May through October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Lake State Park features a small lake perfect for fishing from multiple access points. "Nice lake, campground was good, there are basic sites up against the lake and the rest are electric. Basic sites are large and some of the electric are also," notes Jason C. about the Big Lake State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Duck Creek Recreation Area provides a secluded lake setting ideal for kayaking and canoeing. "This park is a beautiful lake. We saw white pelicans and blue herons on this visit but it is not uncommon to see hawks, owls, and eagles in the area," reports Charles C. about the Duck Creek Recreation Area.
Hiking trails: Waubonsie State Park offers extensive trail networks through the Loess Hills with varying difficulty levels. "We took one of the more scenic trails and took us over the top of some of those beautiful Loess Hills," shares Tony B., who adds the trails are "not for bikes, and they have several different levels or skills levels."
Disc golf: Lake of Three Fires State Park maintains a full frisbee golf course for campers. "It has miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. It has a great frisbee golf course that my boys loved playing," writes Caralee D.
What campers like
Clean facilities: AOK Campground maintains well-kept shower facilities that campers consistently praise. "Very, very clean bathrooms and laundry. Hosts present and helpful. Would stay again without hesitation," writes Katy M. about the AOK Campground & RV Park.
Lake views: Several campgrounds offer waterfront sites with direct lake access. "The campsites are spaced and right on the lake. Fair warning the wind blows off the lake and can be very chilly," notes Chad K. about Big Lake State Park.
Camping options: Lake of Three Fires State Park provides diverse accommodation choices beyond just glamping. "You could discover a new path every time you go. The trials are nicely marked with 'you are here' maps so you don't get lost," says Kimberly W. about the Lake of Three Fires State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Duck Creek offers frequent wildlife sightings for nature enthusiasts. "We saw white pelicans and blue herons on this visit but it is not uncommon to see hawks, owls, and eagles in the area," says Charles C.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Strong winds can affect camping comfort, especially near lakes. "Fair warning the wind blows off the lake and can be very chilly," advises Chad K. about Big Lake State Park.
Site specifications: Campground layouts vary significantly in the region. "The majority are pull through sites. Everything is fairly level and they have nice park, picnic areas and boat ramp," explains Jason C.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advanced booking while others offer first-come sites. "There are over 100 site options for campers. For the RV or trailer enthusiasts there are 24 standard electric sites and 63 non-electric sites, plus 3 buddy sites," details Kimberly W.
Seasonal closures: Waubonsie State Park Campground sometimes has limited facilities outside peak season. "Water was also turned off at the water pumps in the campground. There was one single vault toilet available for all of the campers," reports Fred S.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "They have nice clean private bathrooms with toilets and showers, plus a swimming pool during warmer months. The campground maintains a family-friendly atmosphere with playground areas for children," notes Sam C. about Big Lake State Park.
Swimming options: Pony Express RV and several other campgrounds maintain pools for summer recreation. "This is a 12-month open RV Park. I live here full time. Most sites offer 30 and 50 Amp, Water and Sewer. WiFi has improved," shares Rick K.
Educational opportunities: Families can learn about local history at several sites. "Learn about some of the Native American history of the area," advises Lynn G. about Lake of Three Fires State Park.
Biking trails: Flat campground roads make for easy biking with children. "Kids enjoyed riding bikes around the flat roads," Sarah H. observes about Big Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Most RV sites in the region offer electric and water, with some providing sewer connections. "Full hook up and shade. We travel with a dog and so much lush green grass to explore and walk was a plus for us," notes Brenda L. about AOK Campground.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds feature level pads that require minimal setup. "The sites appear mostly all level and gravel. We had a pull through and it was perfect for overnight," shares Brenda L.
Late arrival policies: Check campground hours as some have limited office staffing. "When we came in after hours, we had our envelope ready with a map and route to our campsite," explains Soren B.
Dump stations: Several parks provide sanitary dump facilities, though location can affect exit timing. "All roads are narrow one way with the dumpstation at the back end of park with trash dumpsters there. So on a sunday you will get stuck in the dumpstation line to drop off your trash even if you don't need to dump," warns Jolie C. about Big Lake State Park.