Camping options near Highlandville, Missouri cluster around the James River watershed at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. The area features Ozark highlands terrain with limestone bluffs and dense oak-hickory forests. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-70°F range with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Hiking trails: Table Rock State Park provides paved walking and cycling trails from boat docks to the dam. "Nice campground with a paved walking/cycling trail from boat docks to the dam. Nice showers, fairly level campsites. Fishing within walking distance," reports Dale H. from Table Rock State Park Campground.
Water activities: Aunt's Creek offers swimming areas with gravel beaches on Table Rock Lake. "We loved this campground. My parents brought their camper and we tent camped. The park was beautiful, the facilities were very clean, and the people were friendly! It was nice and quiet, close to the lake, and our children loved the pool!" notes Jenny O. from Aunt's Creek.
Family entertainment: Take advantage of campground shuttles to Silver Dollar City theme park. "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. from Tall Pines Campground.
What campers like
Quiet settings: Despite being near attractions, many campgrounds maintain peaceful environments. "This was a surprisingly nice campground for being situated right in Branson, MO and operated by Silver Dollar City, whose primary business is the theme park. The area is fairly wooded, providing more privacy between the sites," reports Celina M. about Tall Pines Campground.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and amenities. "This is an Army Corp campground and as such it is right on the water. Camped here with family in August. Restroom and bath house facilities are a bit small for the campgrounds size but we found them to be reasonably clean during our stay," says David G. about Aunt's Creek.
Convenience to attractions: Springfield Route 66 KOA Holiday offers easy access to Route 66 attractions and Springfield amenities. "The staff was friendly and the camp was clean. It was a great place to stay while driving to our destination. The bonus and downfall was a train track that was close to the campground. We would still stay here again," notes Courtney G.
What you should know
Train noise: Several campgrounds near transportation routes experience periodic train noise. "The staff were very friendly and helpful. The campsites were gravel and unlevel. WiFi and cell service were good. Bathrooms were clean. I did wake up several times in the night to the sound of trains or planes passing by. The train tracks are right next to the campground," Jennifer H. mentions about Springfield Route 66 KOA Holiday.
Site spacing: Branson Musicland Kampground has variable site sizes and spacing. "Let me just say this... the commercials for this place will really draw you in! Looking at this site you cannot imagine the campground being quiet. It is located only a block over from the 76 strip and just behind some attractions. But once you enter the campground itself it is much more quiet that you would ever expect!!" shares Crystal C.
Seasonal lake levels: Table Rock Lake water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting beach access. "Spot 114. 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. Pray your neighbors are quiet because we were close enough to hear ours snoring. Site has access to paved walking trail around lake," reports Angie N. about Table Rock State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Find campgrounds with good recreational facilities. "We try to be right by the playground and our kids always make lots of friends at The Wilderness. Clean bathrooms, nice store, great pool and shuttle to SDC are all nice amenities," recommends Sarah C. about Tall Pines Campground.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer water recreation for children. "The camp sites were nice and orderly. The restrooms were clean and stocked. The showers had warm water. My son enjoyed swimming. Our weekend stay was very enjoyable," shares Brittany J. about Aunt's Creek.
Theme park proximity: Great Escapes RV Resorts Branson provides family-oriented activities. "This campground exceeded our expectations. Though packed for Labor day weekend, we never felt the crowd. Scheduled activities for the kids over the weekend was amazing. They had crafts, bubble parties, pool, hay rides, and more," reports Chris W.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Look for pull-through sites for larger rigs. "We stayed here passing through on the way home, but was very nice... The site was flat and suitable for our 42' Montana Fifth Wheel," notes Thomas R. about Branson KOA.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require careful setup due to terrain. "If the one across from us had been occupied I wouldn't have been able to get in. The campground itself was nice though and so was being close to SDC. Not sure if we'll go back but enjoyed our time while there," advises GW C. about glamping close to Highlandville, Missouri.
Navigation assistance: Request help when arriving at hilly campgrounds. "Hilly campground the staff escorted us to the site making it quite easy to navigate. Park staff is friendly and accommodating, provided keys to a walkway gate that allowed walking access to the strip," mentions Dan & Penny F. about Branson Musicland Kampground.
