Kirksville, MO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Missouri camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Kirksville, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Long Branch State Park offers basic and electric campsites and a special-use camping area. There are also several walk-in basic campsites available. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites.
There are five boat-in campsites with fire ring, lantern post and picnic table available. Please contact the park office for more information.
$13 - $22 / night
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Thousand Hills State Park has two campgrounds offering basic and electric campsites. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites located in Campground 1. The park also has a special-use camping area.
The park store offers supplies for your camping stay.
First-come, first-served sites are available. Reservable sites may be available on a day-by-day basis if the site is not reserved. Before occupying a site, check with the park staff or follow the directions on the posted card.
For weekend reservations, there is a required two-night minimum stay of Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday.
During the off-season (November through March), potable water is available at the park office. However, larger RVs may have difficulty accessing it due to the small turning area.
Firewood is sold during the on-season only.
Campers planning to carry in firewood must comply with current firewood advisories.
Parking of watercraft or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trailers off of the campsite pad (usually in the grass) is permitted at this facility.
Looking for a place to enjoy the great outdoors? Papa's Alpacas offers the perfect place with graveled RV sites with full hookups located on the hilltop with breathtaking views in every direction.
$20 / night
$20 - $100 / night
Good Cell Service
30 and 50 amp plug-ins on site
Clean shower-house
Self-serve laundry
Dumpster and sanitation dump sites on property
Highway access
$25 - $400 / night
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Total sites: 8 RV sites: 8 Elec sites: 0 No water Vault toilets Fee: Free Open all year Elev: 794ft/242m Tel: 660-465-7285 Nearest town: Memphis
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Camping is not allowed on the neighboring Long Branch Management Lands. Atlanta CA is a separate jurisdiction from the nearby Long Branch State Park.
ScoutWe have stayed here multiple times and it is super peaceful, the host are great and help with anything you need!
Scout
Had a great stealth camping experience here. Road was gravelled all the way down and opened up to a big gravel lot. I could tell there were a few other paths I could take but the grass was a little overgrown and it was already dark out, so I just car camped in the gravel lot. Had no issues and didn’t see or hear anyone else!
TravelerGreat spot, $20 for RVs and campers. Free if primitive camping. All spots have power and water. Waste and sewage dump can be found on campgrounds. One showering station on grounds. Bathrooms within walking distance. Even have a pistol and rifle range. Bathrooms could be cleaned more, but only complaint.
Guide
Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice. Cheap too. Walking trails nearby.
ScoutThe owners we very nice. Campground is clean and all sites are full hookups
Guide
This was my first time out on Bee Trace Trail and I had a great time. Both the hike into the campsite and out the next morning were pretty easy; the back half of the brown loop, specifically the stretch between the backpack camping site and the kayak camping sites, was sometimes frustratingly difficult to follow. I had to pull out my phone several times to get reoriented. That being said, that stretch isn't very long and the rest of the trail presented zero issues for navigation.
The campsite for backpacking is located at the very tip of the peninsula and it's a great spot. There is a camper-made fire ring here, but the regulations(and posted signs) state no fires, so I would be cautious with what you choose to do. The kayak sites are a little more developed, with picnic tables, trash hooks, and iron fire pits/grills, but I'm not sure how they feel about backpackers using those. On the day(s) I went through, I saw only two other people on the blue loop and nobody on the brown. However, I saw tons of boats out on the lake going by and they all had full view of the campsite(I think it would be pretty clear even once the trees are full); something to be aware of if you're looking for a super isolated camp. There is plenty of space to pitch a tent and many trees to choose from for hanging a hammock.
If you're looking to get your feet wet with backpacking(as I was), this is a great spot to do it. If you're a seasoned backpacker and are just looking for a quick out-and-back, I think you would be equally pleased.
Guide
The walk-in campgrounds (it's about a 50 foot walk from the parking lot to each site) at Long Branch are located off in their own little area at the shore of the lake that offers some pretty good isolation. Although we went at a time when the water was still shut off, there are bathrooms and water available via a very short walk from the walk-in sites April 1-Oct 31. The sites are each very spacious with flat areas and material already laid out for pitching a tent and plenty of trees for throwing up a hammock. Although firewood was stated to be available year round from the vending machine, it was locked up when we went through, but there is a convenience store right across the highway from the lake that sells wood bundles and anything else you might need.
We really enjoyed our time here and we'll definitely be coming back in the warmer months to enjoy some swimming and boating.
Traveler
You can reserve online or with an attendant on site! Spots are small but all shaded. A raccoon ended up tearing through our trash but that was the only negative here! Take the last spot on the loop for extra privacy and to be close to the restrooms.
ScoutVery nice shower house fishing is great and it's right off a golf course
TravelerI reserved a walk in site and it was totally worth it. It’s a very short walk into the site, it’s even visible from the parking lot. The site is right on the water with beach access so there’s no need to drive to the crowded beach area to swim! This site had lots of space and was spread out from neighbors. The campground hosts will deliver firewood to your campsite when bought at their little market. Definitely recommend!
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're excited to welcome this partner to our platform. Randy is your host, and would love to take you on a tour on his farm. There are 4 sites in total, all with stunning 360 rolling hill views. A shared toilet and shower are available! Check them out and post some pictures here. Happy Camping!
ScoutStayed for a week in mid November. Although we had a storm at the beginning and end the overall stay was great. Weather ranged from 50s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s at night. There were only 4 other sites occupied with a few ins and out during the week. I could see the spring and summer months getting busy with lake use. Trails were well maintained and tended even late into the season. My pups and I loved walking the lake loop (2.1miles) every day. Bonus: the deer came out each evening to forage.
Guide
I stayed one night for an activity at the state park the following day. The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities. It was not crowded at all. Campground #2 was the smaller of the two campgrounds. The spots seemed more fitting for RV’s vs tent but there were a couple of tents. I slept in my van so it wasn’t an issue for me. I may reconsider visiting this park for tent camping.
Traveler
Two firepits, no designated sites, mature shade trees within the gravel drive loop. Pit toilet. Karen and John describes it well.
Guide
There is a boat ramp, hiking trails, showers, and the ohv park is only 30 min away on the other side of the lake
Guide
Area had car camping sites with covered shelters and picnic tables right by the water and some more primitive sites further from the water. Access is easy peasy.
GuideEach site at this CA features a small gravel lot with a fire ring. The areas that have grass were mowed (June 2022). Road was inaccessible in some places near the creek but there were plenty of easy to access spots!
Guide
Pros: -Easy to get to, road well maintained -Grass was mowed (6/3/2022) -Grassy area for dogs to play
Cons: -Very little shade -Lots of bugs and ticks (6/3/2022) -Near gun range, noisy -Lots of farmers coming/going on same roads (noise, smells etc.)
ScoutThis is my favorite free camp ground. No showers or electric sites, however, the grounds are well kept, its quiet and has an awsome lake. Picknick table and fire ring at each site on lower loop. First come-first serve.
RangerSo, at first glance, small corps of engineers lake and stock Missouri state parks campground. But, we came back and there’s some unique stuff. A small trail that winds through tall grass prairie is great for kids and a cool perspective not much found in state. Also, there’s a sweet backpacking loop on a peninsula that is super rare north of the Missouri River. Quiet, and a great stop off hwy 36.
LegendI love this campground! Nicely spaced sites, some in the sun, the bulk are in the trees, which would be lovely in the summer. Beautiful lake. Plenty of sites on the water. Nice playground. Kind host. Fabulous showers! Lots of hot water. Very clean bathhouse. Plenty of trails to explore and roads to ride my bicycle on. $19/ night for basic electric in November. Good wifi.
GuideMultiple spots around the lake with surrounding prairie grasses and trees surrounding. Easy to access bathrooms and nice concrete flat spots for our jeep/RTT combo.
Traveler
Love this place. They have a great staff, full store for almost anything you do, and don’t, need for your RV. 30/50 amp service throughout. K row is preferential. Spread out fairly well. You’re not on top of each other here.
GuidePulled in about 7:30pm seemed like 10, it was so dark. Lol
Had called about 3 hrs earlier and they were full, except for a family site, thankfully we were traveling with a second trailer.
Pulled up to the office and the sweetest kindest man greeted us. He was expecting us. ❤️
Paid the 40 something dollars and he hoped in his golf cart and lead us to the site.
Morning time revealed the beautiful trees and a glimpse of the lake. Beautiful sunny day with blue sky.
Didn't really get to explore the surroundings since it was just a stop over. But got some good sleep and that's all that matters when getting back on the road early.
Make sure you take the paved road in, because the back road Google takes you on is crap.
Guide
large. clean campsites with ample shade. spectacular lake views especially for sunset. very quiet during the week.
TravelerNice sites, great beach, and just close enough to town to grab some ice cream from a local shop. Would visit again if in the area.
RangerWe liked this place. Very clean & quiet, but busy. Campground was full during our stay (2 nights).
Site 6 a modern concrete pad, level, & spacious. Camp hosts were great.
Beach is very nice. Lots of folks with small fishing boats having fun.
5 minute drive into town for groceries & gas. Nice area for sure.
Camping near Kirksville, Missouri, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV.
Camping around Kirksville, Missouri, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Kirksville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kirksville, MO is Thousand Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What parks are near Kirksville, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Kirksville, MO that allow camping, notably Rathbun Lake and Mark Twain Lake.
Keep Exploring