Camping options near Highlandville, Missouri range from primitive conservation areas to full-service RV parks, with most concentrated along nearby waterways. The area sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation in the Ozark Plateau region, characterized by karst topography with numerous springs and streams. Fall camping season typically offers the most moderate temperatures, with summer highs often reaching 90°F and winter occasionally dropping below freezing.
What to do
Shoot at the range: At Busiek, visitors can enjoy both camping and firearms practice. "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!" notes Brandon M. While permits are required for camping, the conservation area offers diverse recreational opportunities within a short drive from Highlandville.
Canoe the James River: Hootentown Canoe Rental & Campground provides direct access to popular float trips. "They have it all. Fire wood for your camp fires. Canoe or raft rentals and a ride up stream so you can float back to camp," explains Bethany S. The rental service handles transportation logistics, making river recreation accessible for all experience levels.
Explore ATV trails: Mark Twain National Forest offers designated off-road vehicle paths at Cobb Ridge. "There are beginner trails and extremely advanced trails! Don't go without a map!!" advises Cheri F. The campground provides electric hookups with both easy and technical riding options throughout nearly 80 miles of interconnected loops.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: America's Best Campground receives praise for its location just minutes from Branson entertainment. "ABC is just on the edge of Branson, but still within a few minutes of the Strip and all the town's locations," writes Jason B., who adds they offer "a pool and hot tub, small restaurant, playground, very clean showers/bathrooms, can accommodate big rigs, have a small tent area, cabins to rent."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area consistently earn high marks for maintenance. At Springfield Route 66 KOA, Michael R. noted, "Spend a couple days here it was busy people were nice it was quiet shower houses were clean bathrooms are clean staff is nice that's a nice place to stay for visiting the Springfield area definitely stay again."
Lakeside camping: Waterfront sites provide added appeal at numerous campgrounds. "Most sites have shade and are right on Table Rock lake!" reports Bill F. about Mill Creek. Another camper praises the shoreline camping: "Great campground. Most sites are on the lake but others are, at least, lake view. Some sites are fairly short, so be sure and check the length."
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railway disruptions. At Springfield Route 66 KOA, Steven N. warns: "If it wasn't for the trains coming by blowing their horns, this would easily be a favorite spot." Another camper confirms: "The bonus and downfall was a train track that was close to the campground. We would still stay here again."
Permit requirements: Some conservation areas require advance planning. Anthony S. explains about Busiek: "Camping is by permit only, and permits can not be obtained online or by phone, you have to go in person to the Missouri department of conservation office."
Site spacing: Space between camping spots varies significantly across the region. One camper described Branson Lakeside RV Park: "The sites are close but not bad this time of the year." At America's Best Campground, Crystal C. noted: "When I visited the heat of summer had just kicked in and the pool was looking so inviting. I quickly set up my tent and took a refreshing dip."
Tips for camping with families
Theme park convenience: Tall Pines Campground (formerly Wilderness at Silver Dollar City) offers dedicated park transportation. "We chose this campground due to the shuttle that ran from the campground to Silver Dollar City, as that was our main reason for this trip. We had our 4 and 6 year old great grandkids with us," shares Deb L., adding "It has a nice little playground that the kids enjoyed."
Wildlife viewing: Many regional campgrounds provide animal sighting opportunities. Brandon M. from Busiek suggests: "Gun range, Horse Riding Trails, Camping and a water source. The scenery is so breathtaking and you never want to leave!" Linze K. adds, "Absolutely beautiful hiking trails and amazing off grid camping for family. Just make sure to bring the bug spray and tikis bc there are tons of bugs."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature pools or water access points. At America's Best Campground, Jason B. mentions that "The kids enjoy riding their bikes, the small pool and hot tub too." For natural swimming, Angie W. notes that Hootentown offers a "Great swimming spot with volleyball net."
Tips from RVers
Voltage issues: Check electrical connections carefully at all sites. One camper at Branson Lakeside RV Park reported problems: "The biggest and most dangerous issue was the low voltage at the electric box that caught our surge protector and main power cord of our camper on fire which ended our stay early."
Site leveling: Most established campgrounds provide relatively flat parking. At Table Rock State Park Campground, Angie N. advises: "Electric 30/50. Community water 1 site over. Very tight - we're in a pop-up and took some maneuvering but we got it in there." For easier access, James R. recommends America's Best Campground: "RV spots are able to accommodate a 44 foot coach. Gravel parking and level. Good full hookups."
Road conditions: Access varies significantly by campground. At Mill Creek, one camper warns: "If it's been raining a lot it does tend to get muddy, we don't have 4WD and got stuck, luckily some others there did and helped us out. Once it dried up it was no problem."
