Best Campgrounds near Kaiser, MO

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground anchors the camping landscape around Kaiser, Missouri, with sites ranging from primitive to full hookup 50-amp connections. Located on the shores of Lake of the Ozarks, approximately 5 miles down Highway 134 off Highway 42, this established campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with multiple loops featuring lakeside views. Several mixed-use campgrounds populate the surrounding area, including Military Park Fort Leonard Wood Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area in nearby Linn Creek, which offers boat-in camping options, cabin rentals, and glamping facilities alongside traditional tent and RV sites.

Road conditions throughout the Kaiser area remain generally accessible for most vehicles, though some campground roads may present challenges during wet conditions. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for waterfront sites which fill quickly during summer months. "This campground is about 1.5 hour from Columbia and Springfield Missouri. It is approximately 3 hours from St. Louis and Kansas City Missouri," notes one visitor, highlighting the area's central location within the state. Many campsites around Lake of the Ozarks require advance booking through Missouri State Parks or federal recreation websites, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitors should note that water levels on Lake of the Ozarks fluctuate seasonally, potentially affecting lakeside camping experiences.

The waterfront camping experience receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the Kaiser area. Lakeside sites in the 160s loop at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground are particularly sought after for their open views and proximity to the water. According to one camper, "Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground is a wonderful place to set up camp for the weekend and is one of my all time favorites. The State Park is clean and well maintained with plenty to do for everyone." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area, with many visitors reporting frequent deer sightings around campsites. Public beaches, boat ramps, and marina facilities complement the camping experience, though campers seeking greater solitude may prefer sites on the outer loops of campgrounds, as interior sites tend to be more crowded, especially during summer weekends and holidays.

Best Camping Sites Near Kaiser, Missouri (156)

    1. Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Kaiser, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 348-2694

    $13 - $50 / night

    "Lake of the Ozarks State Park campground is located in Kaiser Missouri about 5 miles down highway 134 off of highway 42. This campground is about 1.5 hour from Columbia and Springfield Missouri."

    "We stayed close to the river in the primitive area and the deer were all over.  These deer were super friendly and didn't move at all as we walked right past them. "

    2. Osage Beach RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Kaiser, MO
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (573) 348-3445

    "We stayed overnight here because our dog was sick and this was close to the animal hospital we visited. We wish would have stayed here originally (we stayed the. first night at the state park)."

    "Minutes away from great food and the water."

    3. Military Park Fort Leonard Wood Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Kaiser, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 346-5640

    "Sites with electric and water only are in nice oak woods overlooking Lake of the Ozarks. (Our site # J has a concrete stairway with 150 steps down to the water.)"

    "Absolutely hidden gem on the lake available for military (active/retired/DAV)."

    4. Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Kaiser, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 346-5640

    $15 - $120 / night

    "Lake of the Ozarks is amazing lots to see and do place was clean and people were friendly"

    "The Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area (LORA) is a great destination for camping, boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing and other outdoor activities."

    5. Majestic Oaks RV Park & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lake Ozark, MO
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 365-1890

    $24 - $42 / night

    "Clean bathroom, laundry, pool, playground, dog run, hiking trails and firewood that you can actually burn. It's off the beaten path but still close to everything."

    "Nice park, hiking trails on site, spots are well maintained. Good amenities on site and very close to everything the Lake has to offer."

    6. Linn Creek Koa

    6 Reviews
    Linn Creek, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 346-5490

    "Most sites have been levels and graveled showers and restrooms newly remodeled easy access to byway some traffic noise if close to front is being upgraded and is a good getaway from overcrowded campgrounds"

    "Good access to the Lake of the Ozarks."

    7. Cross Creek RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Lake Ozark, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 365-1211

    $40 - $199 / night

    "Access to camping ground was little difficult. It was gravel road but it was very steep hill (very common in this area). Campground had private lake with boat rentals, mini golf pool."

    "It’s my favorite place to stay at the lake of the ozarks! I love the atmosphere and friendly staff and other campers. Stayed here with other friends and families several times."

    8. Meramec Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lake Ozark, MO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 885-2541

    "Excellent camping conditions close to the river that we float down in a canoe each year. I'll continue to do this every year until I absolutely can't anymore!"

    9. Water's Edge Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lake Ozark, MO
    4 miles
    +1 (417) 623-5441

    10. Riverview RV Park

    1 Review
    Lake Ozark, MO
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 365-1122
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Recent Reviews near Kaiser, MO

449 Reviews of 156 Kaiser Campgrounds


  • Dakota Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Coastal Country Resorts LLC

    Wonderful sights, friendly staff, beautiful cabins

    Absolutely gorgeous place, Wonderful mordernized cabins, friendliest staff around. An absolute must on your trip if your in the area. If you time it right you might spot a sasquatch

  • J
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Froggys River Resort

    Not as nice as the other options

    This "resort" is just a basic campground.  There's no place to dump your camper's tank, which you'd expect at the prices they charge.  The owner is in some sort of a feud with the residents that live around the campground, so now one of them fires a shotgun off every half hour, and another one blasts revelry early in the morning.  Nothing scary, but I didn't like knowing that we were right next to residents...certainly wouldn't want a campground in my back yard.

    Otherwise, it's mediocre.  Depending on the time of year, the river can be quite low, so be sure to check the forecast before planning a stay.  It was only about 6 inches deep when I was there.  The Gasconade Hills campground is just down the road and was a much better experience.

  • Jonathan D.
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Gasconade Hills Resort

    Bad wifi and even worse owners

    Drove 4 hours and spent 300 dollars on a cabin. We placed a small Bluetooth speaker in front of our cabin and relaxed with a drink. After playing music for 20 mins the owner storms over and screams at me to turn it down. Its 8 pm and the music isn't turned up I tell him he said it's his place and his prerogative if it's too loud. I asked him to show me where it said I can't play music. He said quiet time is 10 pm. I said it's 8. He told me not to argue with him as if im his kid or his employee or something.  He told me he was going to eject me if I continued to argue. I would never recommend this place to anyone. Save your money and go somewhere the owners respect you. Lots of places who appreciate your business to give this place any business.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Osage Beach RV Park

    Great place, friendly people and beautiful grounds

    We stayed overnight here because our dog was sick and this was close to the animal hospital we visited. We wish would have stayed here originally (we stayed the. first night at the state park). While the State Park was nice this campground offered so much more and was closer to town so we could walk to restaurants. 

    I would definitely stay here again.

  • Delanie J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Froggys River Resort

    Friendly CG on the gasconade - PORT O POTTYS ONLY

    NO PLUMBIN, PORT O JOHNS ONLY

    PRIMITIVE CAMPSITE 10 IS BEST FOLLOWED BY 7

    Froggys has one flaw, see first sentence.  Other than that its perfect.  The crew is so friendly and you can tell they love running the CG and caring for guests.  They had a fire pit in the middle of the river which was so cool and did a pork steak dinner one of the nights.  The sites along the river are great for primitive camping.  And the six mile float on the gasconade was lovely.  The river moves slow, so if you're used to floating 16 miles on the spring fed Jacks Fork or Current, halfing that will be plenty.  Shower house was clean and efficient.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Damsite

    Another great COE Campground

    Sites were nice and level. Most sites had water and electric. Five showers and five flushing toilets that were nicely kept. Beautiful view on the lake. Sites 25 through 45 have a little or no shade. FYI. Sites are fairly close together, but they are staggered so you’re not right next-door to your neighbor.

  • E
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Riverfront Campground and Canoe

    The cabins are nothing like website

    Terrible decision to rent a cabin , turns out not a cabin but a room and bath. Nothing at all like site. Ask for explanation and extra coats. Ask for another correct cabin , they said it was cabin? I ask for Someone to come by and explain the situation. No other cabins and no refunds… the bait and switch ! bewared awful service, photos of cabins, we stayed in a room with a bathroom that was in the garage of a cabin? Heard baby crying the 1night when down and agian said this is not the cabin we reserved and also extra charges on my credit card. I ask for someone to explain why the add was nothing at all like payed for and we requested another correct cabin or refund. nothing from anyone , no one came to room , or called me . We went to fish at Bennett spring with grandson 14 birthday. He felt and I felt uncomfortable with baby crying knew we been scammed by internet false photos and prepaid. We left early to stay in lodge just down road from riverfront. We never got refund and excuses that they fixed web page and grandson posted negative review, I said why would we give a good review? was a room not a cabin, payed the mortgage on the cabin that the campground family lived in!! This was the worst experience with renting a cabin. Not one photo online or description was correct. Then overcharged on credit card? I hope this helps someone else who’s thinking of cabin at Riverfront Campground.

  • E
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Riverfront Campground and Canoe

    Was nothing at all like advertised

    Rented a cabin on line but when get there no cabin , photos did not Mach add. Ask for refund but they I gave a bad review so no refund. When trying to find what happened, they said  they fixed photos on line but will not refund money for false advertising. Terrible stay baby crying it was awful

  • 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 Kaiser

Kaiser, Missouri camping sites sit between 700 and 900 feet above sea level in the northern Ozark highlands. The area experiences distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and mild winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable for tent campers. Most campgrounds around Kaiser remain accessible via paved roads, though some secondary access points require high-clearance vehicles during wet weather.

What to do

Fishing from your campsite: At Cross Creek RV Park, you can fish directly from your site. "We tent camped on the island for 2 nights. It was awesome, you can fish right off the bank of your own private island within in minutes of waking up," reports Barrett C., who appreciated the convenience for families with young children.

Wildlife viewing: Camping areas around Kaiser offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw about 20 deer each day," notes Anthony C. about his stay at Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground. The wooded surroundings throughout the region create natural habitats where wildlife frequently approaches camping areas.

Water activities: The extensive shoreline provides numerous water recreation options. "The marina has boat and jet-ski rentals (pontoons, wave runners, jet ski's, ski boats, fishing boats, pontoons, etc.) that are much more reasonable then other rental places in the area," explains Jason B. about Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area.

What campers like

Private lake access: Some camping sites near Kaiser, Missouri feature their own lakes. According to Martin J. at Cross Creek RV Park, "Campground had private lake with boat rentals, mini golf pool. Our site was maybe 30 yards from the water." These smaller lakes often provide a quieter alternative to the main lake.

Wooded sites for shade: Many campers appreciate the tree cover at Kaiser area campgrounds. Jenny H. notes about Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, "Went in the fall and our camper was parked under a walnut tree, so that was kind of humorous when we started hearing the walnuts fall."

Off-season tranquility: Visiting outside peak summer season offers a different experience. "I was just there during spring break. I was the only tent camper. Maybe 8 RVs or so out of nearly 150 campsites," reports David W. about Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground. "It was nice and quiet. Beautiful scenery—able to camp with a view of the lake."

What you should know

Uneven campsite terrain: Many camping locations around Kaiser feature sloping sites. At Linn Creek KOA, Charles A. observed "Spacious and mostly level sites, which is outstanding as this park is on face of a hill." Check specific campground maps when reserving to find the most level options.

Seasonal facilities: Water and bathroom availability changes seasonally. "The water was off until the end of March but luckily the pump near the registration kiosk was on. It was just a bit of a drive to get it. And the bathrooms/shower houses are locked as well. Vault toilets were open," reports a camper about early spring conditions.

Parking logistics: Some sites have challenging parking situations. At Military Park Fort Leonard Wood Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area, Kate B. observed "Full hookup sites are on an unappealing parking lot. Sites with electric and water only are in nice oak woods overlooking Lake of the Ozarks."

Tips for camping with families

Island camping options: Families seeking unique experiences should consider island tent sites. "Not as secluded as the other survivor tent site but really fantastic place. Had a restroom on the island, big plus for a family with 5 little ones," notes Barrett C. about the island camping at Cross Creek RV Park.

Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. Keidra P. shares that at Cross Creek RV Park, "Kids love the mini golf, shuffleboard, and basketball. Huge private lake great for fishing and watching duck families swim by and come up to you on the grass!"

Seasonal events: Majestic Oaks RV Park & Campground hosts special holiday activities. "The events around halloween are always so fun for kids and adults alike. They truly put so much work into making it the best experience for their guests," mentions Hattie, highlighting programming that extends beyond standard camping amenities.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: When selecting RV sites around Kaiser, consider access roads. Sarah S. notes about Linn Creek KOA, "pull through sites make getting in easy with larger rigs but all roads through are gravel and rutted so not the easiest."

Internet connectivity: Working remotely is possible at select campgrounds. "This fit the bill with excellent WiFi that had boosters all throughout the campground," reports Melissa H. about Osage Beach RV Park. "It was quiet, with not a lot to do at the campground itself, but is centrally located to a lot of sight-seeing adventures."

RV site dimensions: Site sizes vary considerably around Kaiser. At Osage Beach RV Park, Shannon G. observed "The reason I took a star off was that the sites were closer together than I like," a common consideration for RVers needing adequate space for slide-outs and outdoor living areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Kaiser, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Kaiser, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 156 campgrounds and RV parks near Kaiser, MO and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Kaiser, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kaiser, MO is Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 49 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Kaiser, MO.