Camping options near Hallsville, Missouri range from riverfront sites to wooded retreats across central Missouri's rolling terrain. The area sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with hot, humid summers and mild springs and falls. Winter camping is available at several locations, though weather can be unpredictable with occasional ice storms and snow between December and February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area offers free access to a stocked lake with complimentary watercraft. "They had rowboats and canoes you could paddle around in. You just needed your own life jacket. The boats were free," notes one visitor to Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area.
Hiking trails: The Mark Twain State Park trails provide scenic woodland hiking with wildlife viewing opportunities. "We didn't go out on the lake, but agreed that we would love to come back here with a boat. The lake is huge," shares a camper at Coyote — Mark Twain State Park.
Cycling routes: The Katy Trail offers miles of flat, shaded riding directly accessible from several campgrounds. A recent visitor to Crooked Creek notes, "Very relaxed place. Kinda drive in and park anywhere you see a firepit. We had a rooftop tent on the truck and a tent. We camped near the smaller pond."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Hanson Hills Campground (formerly Crooked Creek) provides peaceful, wooded sites. "Great site that had lots of trees, perfect for hammocks. Beautiful views and nice amenities at a good price," shares one reviewer about the renamed Hanson Hills Campground.
Swimming options: Mark Twain Lake offers designated swimming areas with beach access during summer months. According to a visitor, "Warm, clear, fresh water to swim in. Full of crystals and wildlife. We will be going back."
Family activities: Some campgrounds organize scheduled events for families. At Lazy Day Campground, "Extra effort was made by the staff to make this a special place. Landscape art makes it a fun place to explore. The town of Hermann (19 miles away) is a beautiful town and great German food."
What you should know
Site selection: Some campgrounds have significant variations between sites. At Hunnewell Lake, "The campground slopes toward the lake, so finding level ground is a challenge. We stayed Saturday night and there were several open spots."
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between locations. One camper at Hickory Ridge noted, "However they bathhouses were horrible. One was disgusting in the back of the campground. The other one had broken handle on women bathroom so women had to shower in the mens."
Seasonal considerations: Spring flooding can affect riverfront campgrounds, particularly after heavy rainfall. At Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park, "We were in off season with pool being closed etc... thought prices were too high for not having any amenities."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds offer activities specifically for children. "This was the best campground. We stayed over the labor day weekend and the campground was full of activities for the kids. There was a live band and karaoke," shares a visitor about Hanson Hills.
Swimming safety: Lakes in the area can have sudden drop-offs and currents. A camper at Coyote Campground observed, "The sites were well kept and fairly secluded. Be sure to check out Mark Twain's Birthplace!"
Educational opportunities: Historical sites near campgrounds provide learning experiences. "Great family location and for expanding children's knowledge," notes a reviewer at Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Arrived late, be aware this is a good 5-10 minutes down a dirt road (after a rainy night it was not pretty pulling my trailer back to the highway)," cautions an RVer at Hanson Hills.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites requiring leveling blocks. At Shoemaker RV Park, "They have a great staff, full store for almost anything you do, and don't, need for your RV. 30/50 amp service throughout. K row is preferential. Spread out fairly well."
Hookup placement: Pay attention to utility locations when selecting sites. "The gravel pad was fairly level, and although the utilities were toward the back of the site, we had no trouble connecting. There were two sewer hookups—a nice touch," shares a visitor about Lazy Day Campground.
