Situated in central Missouri, Higbee sits among rolling hills and farmland at approximately 800 feet elevation. Camping options near Higbee range from state parks to conservation areas with primitive and developed sites. The region experiences warm summers and moderate winters, making spring through fall the prime camping season.
What to do
Hiking on Katy Trail: Access the popular 240-mile Katy Trail directly from Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina for cycling or walking adventures. "Katy trail is easy biking beautiful views, shaded. Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out," notes a visitor who appreciated the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Fishing at multiple locations: Cast a line at Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area where free paddle boats are available for anglers. Bring your own life preservers. "They had rowboats and canoes you could paddle around in. You just needed your own life jacket. The boats were free," shares one camper about the accessible fishing amenities.
Wildlife observation: Explore the boardwalk trail at Pershing State Park Campground for unique wetland prairie views. "We also visited nearby LaClede where John J. Pershing's boyhood home is. Very informative and interesting," reports a camper who enjoyed both natural and historical attractions.
What campers like
Evening entertainment: Visitors appreciate the live music at Cooper's Landing during peak season. "On my road trip out west I stumbled upon this little oasis. Good people and a fun time. Food truck set up and beer was being sold. They have a stage for live music," mentions a camper who enjoyed the social atmosphere.
Waterfront views: Riverfront camping provides memorable sunset viewing opportunities. "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," reports a visitor at Cooper's Landing.
Private camping spaces: Puma — Mark Twain State Park offers secluded sites with tree coverage between campsites. "Like the forest feel of the sites, with found coverage between the sites, giving a nice sense of privacy," notes a camper who appreciated the natural separation.
What you should know
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites. "Beautiful area, but honestly not sure if any campsite is truly level. Be prepared," warns a Puma campground visitor who experienced the terrain firsthand.
Limited services: Some locations have restricted amenities. "You will have water and electric but no sewer and no dump station on site. Plan your length of stay accordingly," advises a Cooper's Landing camper regarding utility limitations.
Remote locations: Crooked Creek Camp Ground requires navigation down unpaved 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 a camper about access challenges.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lakeview Park - Mexico offers family-friendly facilities. "It was a nice 5 day stay posts of room for your tent and parking. Play ground was very clean and pavilion had lots of outlets and picnic tables," mentions a visitor who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Swimming alternatives: Mark Twain Lake provides water recreation without swimming capabilities in the Missouri River. "The river is wide and deep here. Current and undertows make it definitely not suitable for swimming," warns a Cooper's Landing visitor about river safety concerns.
Educational opportunities: Visit nearby historic sites for family learning. "We also visited nearby LaClede where John J. Pershing's boyhood home is. Very informative and interesting," suggests a camper who combined outdoor recreation with historical education.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RVs: Choose locations with appropriate hookups and space. "We were in a 32' Class C for 7 days during the Miss Missouri Pageant. It's a quite little park with maybe 15-20 sites with electric only. There is potable water and sewer dump on site," shares a Lakeview Park visitor about their setup.
Seasonal considerations: Water access changes throughout the year at several campgrounds. "Beautiful Campground. $21 Electric on season, $19 Electric off season. Off season starts Nov 1. Water is turned off," notes a Pershing State Park camper about winter camping conditions.
Luxury camping options: For upscale glamping in Higbee, Missouri, consider Shoemaker RV Park which offers "30/50 amp service throughout. K row is preferential. Spread out fairly well. You're not on top of each other here," according to a visitor who appreciated the spacious arrangement for their premium camping experience.
