Best Campgrounds near Holliday, MO

Mark Twain State Park forms the centerpiece of camping options near Holliday, Missouri, with three distinct campground loops—Puma, Coyote, and Badger—offering electric sites for both tent and RV camping. The park features cabins with electricity and refrigerators but no bathroom facilities, making them suitable for campers seeking minimal amenities with protection from the elements. Additional developed camping can be found at Ray Behrens, Indian Creek Campground, and Long Branch State Park, all within a 30-mile radius. Free primitive camping is available at Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area, providing an alternative for budget-conscious travelers looking for basic facilities.

Road conditions and site accessibility vary across the region, with many campgrounds featuring gravel pads that may present challenges during wet weather. "Due to recent rains and expected heavy rains, I picked a site along the tree line on top of an open hilltop," noted one camper at Slate and Wild Roses, highlighting the importance of strategic site selection during Missouri's rainy periods. Mark Twain State Park campgrounds are generally well-maintained with modern shower facilities, though visitors should note that most sites lack water hookups. The camping season typically runs from April through November, with some campgrounds like Long Branch State Park and Finger Lakes State Park remaining open year-round. Reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends when waterfront camping areas reach capacity.

Waterfront access remains a significant draw for many campers in the region, with several campgrounds providing views or access to Mark Twain Lake. Visitors frequently mention the fishing opportunities, boat ramps, and swimming areas as highlights of their stays. One reviewer described their experience at Mark Twain State Park as "magical, private, peaceful," noting that "the designated spots feel secluded since they are bordered by forest." Sites vary in levelness, with some requiring extra work to set up properly. The campgrounds generally offer good spacing between sites, creating a sense of privacy despite being in developed areas. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, barred owls, and coyotes, with fireflies putting on impressive displays during summer evenings.

Best Camping Sites Near Holliday, Missouri (73)

    1. Puma — Mark Twain State Park

    13 Reviews
    Stoutsville, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 248-9980

    $24 - $45 / night

    "It has air conditioning, which is needed in Missouri in August (it was sooo hot). Cabin is private with fire pit and picnic table at the front which faces near the woods."

    "The designated spots feel secluded since they are bordered by forest. We got a spot right off the water and woke up to the sound of it in the morning."

    2. Indian Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Stoutsville, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-4097

    $10 - $125 / night

    "Though I grew up outside of St. Louis, I'd never been to this campground or to Mark Twain Lake.  Really enjoyed exploring the area and the campground was nice.  "

    "When I stepped out it felt like I was walking through a thousand spider webs everywhere. The bathrooms aren’t that clean either. That being said though, bugs are to be expected of a campground."

    3. Slate and Wild Roses

    1 Review
    Holliday, MO
    5 miles
    +1 (573) 289-5908

    $25 - $30 / night

    "As the evening wore on I heard barred owls and coyotes, as well as the nearby cows. The fireflies came out at dark and gave me an impressive show."

    4. Coyote — Mark Twain State Park

    5 Reviews
    Stoutsville, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 248-9980

    $14 - $27 / night

    "Super close to hiking trails and the shower house was clean. Mostly non RV people here which made it a bit quieter."

    "The sites on outside of loop in the Coyote loop are better in general. They have no view of lake though, just glimmers. Two raccoons popped out at me (site 45) from a hollow tree."

    5. Ray Behrens

    16 Reviews
    Perry, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-4097

    $24 - $30 / night

    "The whole park doesn't match the awesomeness of site 97 and the few around it, but the end of this loop is almost perfect."

    "This is the most common place my friends and family camp at for Mark Twain Lake. Very clean and well kept. The kids bike around on the pavement and play in the little park."

    6. Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area

    7 Reviews
    Monroe City, MO
    21 miles
    Website

    "Another cool find in Missouri. Lake in Conservation Area. Doesn't offer much but it was a bit out of the way. Campground was free. Sites are close together. Some spots more shaded than others."

    "Lake with free paddle boats(do need life preservers) and fish hatchery across the street. Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station."

    7. Long Branch State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Macon, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 773-5229

    $13 - $22 / night

    "Long branch SP located in north central Missouri is a fantastic state park. The campground is well situated on the banks of long branch lake."

    "Great lake nearby with beach, marina with small store, picnic area. Walking trails throughout. Macon and Bevier are close by. Very nice place to camp."

    8. Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Hallsville, MO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 443-5315

    "A rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast."

    "Finger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs."

    9. Badger — Mark Twain State Park

    2 Reviews
    Stoutsville, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 248-9980

    $25 / night

    "Always very packed but the lake is peaceful and great for boating ans fIshing and boat access Is nice."

    "We enjoyed driving over to Mark Twain’s birth place and shrine and antiquing in Perry."

    10. Shelbina Lake City Park

    1 Review
    Stoutsville, MO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 588-4755
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Holliday, MO

292 Reviews of 73 Holliday Campgrounds


  • Sarah K.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Mussel Fork Conservation Area

    Quick overnight car camp

    Like other posters mentioned, nice open gravel lot just off the road but hidden from plain view. It was already late and dark so I didn’t drive back farther. No one else showed up until early the next morning. One other car camper and a sheriff, but he didn’t bother us.

  • Cindy C.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Lakeview Park - Mexico

    Nice campground

    It's $20 if you're a non-resident (of Mexico MO) unless you're here for an event, then you get a discount. Nice flat cement pads. Everything worked well and not too busy. No tent camping sign posted on the way in.

  • J
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    Mostly Scenery.

    I do Not like that the fire pits nearest to the river are 30 inches from a 30ft drop off!  Only 2 people can enjoy the campfire because of that.  

    Secondly, they do Not provide tables for the campers.  Kinda expensive to Not have tables.

    Not a good fishing place because it's a treacherous walk down.

    The evening band was awesome!

    Will Not be back because of the above.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mark Twain Cave & Campground

    Great location!

    This campground is located near the Mark Twain caves. There is also a winery located at the entrance to the campground. There is a store on site, and tourist attractions can pick you up at the store. It is a quick 10 minutes ride into town. Sites are level gravel. There is a playground, dog wash station, and 2 large pavilions to rent.

  • Serge P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Vandalia Community Lake

    Perfect, quiet, peaceful

    Very nice place, I wouldn’t rely on facilities. Quiet at night and during the day some local fisherman come to fish lots of bugs in the afternoon and at night.

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    Perfect for me

    The camp sites are very close to each other. But the campers around us were very nice. Only needed one night and it worked prayer for us.

  • Paul M.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Indian Creek Campground

    Very quiet

    It amazes me that there are only a few campsites full in the middle of summer.

  • TANK'S NOMADIC TAILS
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Henry Sever Lake Conservation Area

    Stunning Sever Lake Conservation Area

    Mid week, stayed 2 nights, free camping, tables, fire pits, beautiful lake and plenty of wildlife. We had this entire area to ourselves! Just nature, breathing, meditation….very healing and will be back. Hats off to Missouri, this is a beautiful hidden little campground!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    Coopers Landing Missouri

    Rustic. You come down winding rolling roads then onto gravel to get here. Katy bike trail on one side Missouri River on other side site 2 completely level for our 31e RV. Boat dock. They have food trucks that come in and live entertainment. Very peaceful and we will be back. Katy trail is easy biking beautiful views, shaded.Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out. 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.


Guide to Holliday

Camping spots near Holliday, Missouri feature varied terrain with elevations ranging from 600 to 850 feet above sea level. The area's humid continental climate brings hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and moderate rainfall, requiring campers to plan for potential thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in the region operate on the Central Time Zone with specific quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.

What to do

Fishing and swimming access: Mark Twain Lake offers multiple entry points for water activities. At Indian Creek Campground, campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere and lake accessibility. "This place was QUIET in late July. Nice trails to access the lake by foot or with the dogs," notes Jacob S. The lake supports diverse fish species including bass, crappie, and catfish.

Boating opportunities: Several sites provide boat ramps and marina access. Ray Behrens campground connects directly to the water. "Great access to a few coves too. Very close to Black Jack Marina and a boat launch," reports Elisha P. Rental options exist for those without personal watercraft.

Hiking trails: The region offers varied terrain for hikers of all skill levels. At Long Branch State Park Campground, you'll find "several hiking trails, from a prairie hike to a forest hike," according to Chad K. Many trails provide wildlife viewing opportunities with documented sightings of deer, barred owls, and wild turkey.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated camping spots. At Puma — Mark Twain State Park, campers enjoy the natural surroundings. "Like the forest feel of the sites, with found coverage between the sites, giving a nice sense of privacy," remarks Nathan P. Most campgrounds maintain natural buffers between sites.

Clean facilities: Regularly maintained shower houses and restrooms receive consistent positive feedback. One camper at Ray Behrens mentioned: "Great clean shower house. Close by places to Kayak, swim, fish and play. Fish cleaning stations which I had never seen before." Most facilities include flush toilets and hot showers.

Lakefront access: Direct water access ranks high among camper preferences. "We stayed in site 76 in puma loop which was a sloping site but it was massive. The lots on either side of ours were similar in layout but much more level. 76 also has a path to the waterfront which we utilized daily," explains Josh S. Many sites offer water views or direct shoreline access.

What you should know

Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. "Beautiful area, but honestly not sure if any campsite is truly level. Be prepared," warns Nathan P. about Puma Campground. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended, especially for RVs and trailers.

Weather preparedness: Missouri's changeable climate requires flexible planning. At Slate and Wild Roses, Annie C. notes the importance of vehicle selection during wet periods: "Just know that rain will affect your ability to navigate the farm road which is gravel to a point and then a dirt two track that disappears and reappears in between the wild roses and grasses."

Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across camping areas. While some campgrounds report "2 bars with ATT throughout park," others have minimal reception. Download maps and information before arrival as a precaution.

Supply planning: Many campgrounds sit far from major shopping. "This campground is out in the boonies so you'll want to stock up before you pull in," advises Amie M., noting distances of "25 min from Walgreens, 45 min from Walmart."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Finger Lakes State Park Campground, families appreciate the varied activities: "Everything from fishing, shooting, and bicycling," notes Charlotte B. Some playgrounds remain closed seasonally, so check availability.

Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access for children. "We ended up with a spot that we loved since it was close to the playground. The trails lead you to the lake, but a short drive to the other side of lake they had a lake beach entry to swim," explains Jennifer F. Most swimming beaches lack lifeguards.

Educational opportunities: History-focused excursions supplement outdoor activities. "Be sure to check out Mark Twain's Birthplace!" recommends Kelsie L. The visitor center operates Wednesday through Sunday with limited winter hours.

Wildlife viewing: Children often enjoy animal sightings around campsites. "The birds and frogs are amazing!!!!" exclaims Bob&Susan at Finger Lakes State Park. Evening firefly displays during summer months prove particularly popular with young campers.

Tips from RVers

Hookup variations: Water access differs significantly between campgrounds. At Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area, Matthew H. notes: "Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station." Most sites offer electric hookups, but full-service sites remain limited.

Site selection strategy: Choosing appropriate sites matters for larger rigs. "We just have a 30 amp Svc no water or sewer available yet. Apparently they will upgrade the campground next year (2026), and improve campground and resurface the area," reports Jay M. about Long Branch State Park.

Concrete pad benefits: Some campgrounds feature improved parking surfaces. "The campsites were level, clean, and spacious. I didn't think I'd like the gravel pad or concrete block for trailer & picnic tables, but they made the set up & tear downs easy," shares Jen R. These features prove especially valuable during wet weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Holliday, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Holliday, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 73 campgrounds and RV parks near Holliday, MO and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Holliday, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Holliday, MO is Puma — Mark Twain State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Holliday, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Holliday, MO.