Missouri's Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area offers free camping options and clear water 12 miles southeast of Holliday, Missouri. Located in the glaciated plains region at approximately 750 feet elevation, the area features rolling terrain with oak-hickory forests transitioning to open grasslands. Most campsites around Holliday provide basic accommodations with varying amenities, though several offer specialty lodging including yurts and glamping tents.
What to do
Fishing at Hunnewell Lake: The 228-acre lake provides year-round fishing opportunities with free boat use available. "They had rowboats and canoes you could paddle around in. You just needed your own life jacket. The boats were free," notes Patti M. Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area maintains clean facilities and consistently mowed grounds.
Katy Trail cycling: The paved bike path near Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina offers easy-grade riding through scenic landscapes. "Katy trail is easy biking beautiful views, shaded. Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out," reports Brenda P. The trail runs alongside the Missouri River with multiple access points.
Live music: Several campgrounds host regular entertainment, especially during summer months. "The evening band was awesome!" writes Jeanne K. about Cooper's Landing, where performances typically run Thursday through Sunday evenings until 10pm.
What campers like
Off-season tranquility: Visiting outside peak summer months provides quieter camping experiences. "We visited twice in the off-season we loved the campground so much. It's quiet and secluded. Very clean and beautiful," says Bradley R. about Coyote Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystems around Holliday support abundant bird and animal species. "Two raccoons popped out at me (site 45) from a hollow tree," reports Bethany S. about her stay at Coyote Campground, where wildlife encounters are common around dusk.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking alternatives to traditional tent camping near Holliday, Missouri, yurt rentals provide comfortable shelter with basic amenities. Lakeview Park in Mexico offers "clean and friendly" accommodations according to Misty F., who noted they provide "posts of room for your tent and parking."
What you should know
Seasonal conditions: Summer brings heat and humidity to the region. "Apparently ticks and chiggers are bad here. I did not hike because of this," cautions Bethany S. about Mark Twain State Park. Bug spray containing DEET is recommended between April and October.
Site variations: Campground quality and site layout differ significantly across facilities. "Some of the basic sites in the Coyote Loop are more suited to small pop-up trailers than tents—eg, site 45 does not have much room for a tent unless you want to set it up on gravel, while site 43 does," explains a camper.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds maintain stricter quiet hours than others. "The rules about quiet time are not enforced and some idjit ran his loud generator until 1 am. We ended up moving away from him at 11:30," reports Cathy C. about Hunnewell Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hanson Hills Campground offers family-friendly amenities and organized activities. "This was the best campground. We stayed over the labor day weekend and the campground was full of activities for the kids," shares Misty F., who visited with children.
Fishing for beginners: Several lakes offer easy fishing opportunities for children. "The pond was a great place to relax and watch the kids reel in fish after fish," writes a Hanson Hills Campground visitor, noting the abundance of smaller fish suitable for young anglers.
Safety considerations: Sites near water require extra vigilance. "I do Not like that the fire pits nearest to the river are 30 inches from a 30ft drop off!" cautions Jeanne K. about Cooper's Landing, highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds offer various hookup options with differing privacy levels. "K row is preferential. Spread out fairly well. You're not on top of each other here," advises Travis M. about Shoemaker RV Park in Bevier.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entry roads. "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)," warns Olaf I. about Hanson Hills Campground, suggesting caution with larger rigs after precipitation.
Hookup limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full services. "You will have water and electric but no sewer and no dump station on site. Plan your length of stay accordingly," advises Candy H. about Cooper's Landing, noting the need to manage holding tanks during longer stays.
