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Best Campgrounds near Jamesport, MO

152 Reviews

Camping near Jamesport, Missouri encompasses a mix of state parks, lakeside sites, and private RV facilities in the rolling countryside of northern Missouri. The area includes Countryside RV Park in Jamesport, which operates from April to October, as well as nearby options like Crowder State Park Campground in Trenton and Wallace State Park Campground in Cameron. Hamilton City Lake offers free dispersed camping with basic amenities for those seeking a more rustic experience. The region is characterized by small lakes, wooded areas, and proximity to Interstate 35, making it accessible for travelers passing through the Midwest. According to reviews, Hamilton City Lake provides "peaceful, low-key atmosphere" with good fishing opportunities for bluegill, crappie, and bass.

Most campgrounds in the Jamesport area operate seasonally, with peak availability from spring through fall. Crowder State Park is open from March to November, while Wallace State Park remains open year-round for camping. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F, with humidity common during July and August. Spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for camping. Winter camping is limited to year-round facilities like Wallace State Park. Cell service is generally reliable near towns but may be spotty in more remote areas. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during summer months, especially at state parks where sites fill quickly.

The camping options around Jamesport vary in amenities and settings. State parks like Wallace and Crowder offer a balance of natural surroundings with modern conveniences, including shower facilities, electric hookups, and hiking trails. Private RV parks provide more extensive hookups for larger rigs, with Countryside RV Park and A Country Charm RV Park in Hamilton catering specifically to RV travelers. For budget-conscious campers, conservation areas like Pony Express Lake offer free camping with minimal facilities. Families appreciate the playgrounds and fishing opportunities at Wallace State Park, where "tent sites are separated by trees and bushes so you get plenty of room to yourself." The area's proximity to Amish country adds cultural interest for visitors, with stores and attractions within driving distance of most campgrounds.

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Best Camping Sites Near Jamesport, Missouri (37)

    1. Crowder State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Trenton, MO
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 359-6473

    "Even the vault bathroom next to our site wasn’t that nasty."

    "Nice, but small state park, has around 40 rv sites. Large newer shower house to service all 40 sites. All sites are shaded. They have around 10 sites with full hook ups."

    2. Dockery Park

    3 Reviews
    Jamesport, MO
    9 miles
    Website

    "Wonderful facility on the edge of Gallatin. Stores and gas just a mile away. A duck was the only full time resident of the park. We got several visits from the local residents."

    "They aren’t sheltered or hidden from the rest of the park though which was kinda weird when the kids from the baseball field nearby were staring at us putting up the tent."

    3. A Country Charm RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Cameron, MO
    19 miles
    Website

    "Small (15 Spaces) RV park located 1/2 mile from the Missouri Star Quilt Co. Most likely the reason why people come to Hamilton. Very clean and well kept."

    4. Honey Grove Campground

    1 Review
    Jamesport, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 201-9626

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Had a big fire outside one of the cabins today! Great company, warm flames, and hot dogs makes for a wonderful night, but the stars and beautiful weather seriously enhanced it like none other!"

    5. Wallace State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Cameron, MO
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 632-3745

    "Great MO state park, close to the city with easy access to 35 N. Trails, lakes, camping, great spot! If you don’t want/need electric, try campground 1, the spots are tucked into the trees."

    "Not far off of RT 36 going East through Missouri. Cost only $13 with hot showers. Nice campsite with table and fire pit. The night of our stay the ranger did a naturalist talk about stream life."

    6. Countryside RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Jamesport, MO
    0 miles
    +1 (660) 684-6392

    7. Hamilton City Lake

    1 Review
    Cameron, MO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 271-3100

    "We stayed at Hamilton City Lake in early summer and really enjoyed the peaceful, low-key atmosphere."

    8. Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

    13 Reviews
    Cameron, MO
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 675-2205

    "We ran into a local and he told us about a spot on the east side of the lake. An old boy scout camp. It wasn’t maintained but there was nobody there."

    "It's a Fish & Game preserve with camping and fishing spots all around the lake. Many with picnic tables and most with vault toilets."

    9. Lantern Lights RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Trenton, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 285-2788

    $40 / night

    10. Quail Ridge Campground

    2 Reviews
    Jamesport, MO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 604-8747

    $30 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Jamesport, MO

47 Photos of 37 Jamesport Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Jamesport, MO

152 Reviews of 37 Jamesport Campgrounds

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    Much needed road trip brake

    Great spot to get some rest from a long road trip from Phoenix to Minnesota. We where the only ones there that night.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Elrod Mill Access

    Peaceful, Off-the-Beaten-Path Camping Spot

    Elrod Mill Conservation Area is a quiet, hidden gem for anyone who enjoys dispersed camping. There’s no developed campground here, but you can camp, and that’s part of what makes it special. It’s very much off the beaten path, so what you get is peace, quiet, and a chance to camp out in the woods without the noise and crowds of more popular spots.

    There aren’t any amenities—no bathrooms, no picnic tables, no hookups—so you’ll need to come prepared and be self-sufficient. But if you like the idea of just pulling in, setting up camp, and enjoying nature, this is a great place to do it.

    Fishing access is available as well, which makes it a nice combination of camping and recreation. Overall, Elrod Mill is best suited for folks who want a primitive camping experience and don’t mind roughing it a little for the sake of solitude.

  • Kyle K.
    Aug. 28, 2025

    Grand Trace State Forest

    An oasis in the midwest

    Good dispersed camping is hard to find in the midwest. This place feels like an oasis in  the middle of the desert. I only stayed one night while I was on my way back from the west coast. The location is easy to find even at night. The road is well maintained, the grass is mowed and spots are flat.  There are about 13 distinct spots, 8 tent spots, 4 small camper spots and one large parking lot area that could fit just about anything. No hook ups or anything but I wasn't expecting any from a wild camp spot. Each spot does have a fire ring. 

    This is truly a great spot if your passing through and the Missouri Conservation Dept. has done a great job!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Crowder State Park Campground

    Very Quite and clean!

    We really enjoyed our stay here. It was quiet and clean. Looks like it has many activities going on. We were only here for one night as a stop over. The stars were amazing.

  • Lady Phyre ☆.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

    Pony Express is amazing!

    You can camp in one of several little inlets and nooks. It's a Fish & Game preserve with camping and fishing spots all around the lake. Many with picnic tables and most with vault toilets. It's on my top 10 list of best primitive/dispersed camping locations. Only con is the vault toilet at the inlet I camped in. It was unusable with fetus nearly to the top. I think some unscrupulous person put trash in it then other used it probably without knowing. Very bad etiquette! Be sure to bring your own camping toilet and/or check the vault toilet before setting up. I didn't see very many RVs but several vans, trucks, and cars were there. The wildlife is predominantly water fowl.

  • Noah P.
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Love's RV Hookup-Cameron MO 837

    Loves Rv Stop

    Great spot to post up for the night when traveling. Full hook up and you can't really hear the interstate

  • Wouter V.
    Jun. 7, 2025

    Bosworth City Park

    Primitive camping site

    Large field for primitive camping and simple toilet. No potable water and electricity. Fire place not available but possible in wet periods. Quite some activity at the boat ramp. In the nearby town Bosworth there is a nice shop and take away for breakfast and great sandwich/wrap/pizza.

  • Amy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    Pony Express Lake Conservation Area

    Nice spot for some fishing.

    The road in was dusty but very well maintained. There were 2 fire pits and several picnic tables in a grassy area and an outhouse. There was also a pole bar onsite, possibly for windmill maintenance.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Hamilton City Lake

    Peaceful, Shady, and Right on the Water – Great Free Spot!

    We stayed at Hamilton City Lake in early summer and really enjoyed the peaceful, low-key atmosphere. There are two known dispersed sites, and while they’re basic, they’re free and offer a great natural setting. We had plenty of room to spread out without worrying about noisy neighbors—it wasn’t crowded at all, and we were the only campers overnight.

    The site is shaded with lots of trees, which helped keep things cool, and it’s right next to the lake. We were able to fish right from our spot and caught some bluegill and a big crappie. Another visitor reeled in a bass. We also saw several turtles swimming around, which was a nice bonus.

    A few things to note: there’s only one picnic table, and the site is fairly close to Highway 36, so you can hear some road noise. Still, the tranquility of the spot overall and the lack of campground crowding more than made up for it.

    Highly recommend if you’re looking for a quiet, simple place to camp with great access to fishing.

Guide to Jamesport

Camping near Jamesport, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From peaceful parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this charming area.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds are near lakes, perfect for fishing or a refreshing swim. At Wallace State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned, “The water was clear and we saw no trash! We could see the fish in the water!”
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Watkins Mill State Park Campground. A camper shared, “New asphalt roads throughout the park; nice for walking, biking, etc.”
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is home to various wildlife. One reviewer at Pershing State Park Campground noted, “The pileated and red-headed woodpeckers are in abundance.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at AOK Campground & RV Park said, “The property and restrooms/showers were very, very clean and well maintained.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. One camper at Crow's Creek Campground mentioned, “The hosts are great too.”
  • Privacy: Campers enjoy spacious sites. A review for Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping noted, “Some of the campsites are close together/congested, but that’s not necessarily a big negative.”

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Camp Branch Campground advised, “Make reservations.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at Crows Creek Campground mentioned, “While some amenities are lacking, no full hookups, many with power only.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for raccoons and other wildlife. One camper at Pershing State Park Campground shared, “A raccoon ended up tearing through our trash but that was the only negative here!”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. A reviewer at Van Meter State Park Campground noted, “It had a nice playground for small kids including a little play area and some swing sets.”
  • Short Trails: Choose campgrounds with easy hiking trails. One camper at Watkins Mill State Park Campground mentioned, “There are only a handful of paved spots and you will need leveling blocks on the gravel.”
  • Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially near marshy areas. A visitor at Van Meter State Park Campground warned, “Bring plenty of bug spray. The campground is right by a marsh and it is REALLY buggy.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A reviewer at AOK Campground & RV Park said, “Level sites. Good hook-up access.”
  • Quiet Areas: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. A visitor at Wallace State Park Campground noted, “It was very quiet during the night and we woke up to a chorus of birds.”
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure to check what amenities are available. A camper at Camp Branch Campground mentioned, “Not a lot of trees for shade, so bring a shelter for some relief from the sun.”

Camping near Jamesport, Missouri, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to friendly hosts. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Jamesport, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Jamesport, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 37 campgrounds and RV parks near Jamesport, MO and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Jamesport, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jamesport, MO is Crowder State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Jamesport, MO.

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