Best Campgrounds near Kirksville, MO

Campgrounds near Kirksville, Missouri range from state parks with full amenities to conservation areas with primitive sites. Thousand Hills State Park, located just outside Kirksville, serves as the primary developed camping destination in the area with options for tent campers, RV users, and cabin rentals. The park features a lake with swimming beach, boat rentals, and hiking trails. Other camping options include Papa's Alpacas Campsites offering farm experiences, Eagle Lodge RV Park providing full hookup sites for travelers, and several conservation areas such as Union Ridge and Indian Hills that allow primitive camping with minimal facilities.

Access to camping areas varies considerably between developed and primitive sites. State park campgrounds like Thousand Hills and Long Branch offer paved roads with electric hookups, shower facilities, and reservable sites, while conservation areas typically provide only basic amenities such as pit toilets. Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though water systems at some locations may be shut down during winter months. Summer represents the busiest season, especially at lake-adjacent campgrounds where swimming and boating activities are popular. As one camper noted, "The campsites are a bit of a hike from the lake but there is lots to do when you get there. Paddle boats, a beach, several playgrounds for kids, fishing, a marina and a great restaurant."

The region's campground options reflect northeastern Missouri's rolling terrain and lake-focused recreation. Several developed campgrounds provide lake access, making water activities a central feature of the camping experience. Thousand Hills State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its well-maintained facilities and multi-use trails accommodating different experience levels. Conservation areas like Union Ridge offer more solitude but fewer amenities. According to one visitor, "It is quiet, beautiful, and one of our favorite primitive places to visit! Highly recommend if you truly want to 'get away from it all.'" Campers seeking middle-ground options might consider Long Branch State Park, which features both traditional developed camping and walk-in sites offering more seclusion while maintaining reasonable access to facilities. The public lands throughout the region provide diverse camping experiences within relatively short driving distances from Kirksville.

Best Camping Sites Near Kirksville, Missouri (47)

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Recent Reviews near Kirksville, MO

99 Reviews of 47 Kirksville 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.

  • 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!

  • Gary F.
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area

    would not recommend

    Free camping but i left my rv there for two nights and it was broken into and ransacked.   they stole numerous items

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Long Branch State Park Campground

    Nice overnight CG

    Passing through the area, and just needed a place for the night, so we came here. There is a beautiful lake, very spacious campsites. 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.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 20, 2025

    Island View Campground — Lake Rathbun

    Island View Campground

    Pretty nice campground with showers/restrooms/dump stations spread throughout the campground. Tons a room between spots and lots of sites with a good view of the lake. Our site has a nice view but isn’t too close. I would aim for one of the M spots if you want closer. There is a ramp for boats and a beach. Overall really great place to stay especially if you like the water

  • Patric H.
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area

    Nice place to unplug

    Had a great time spent a 4th of July here as well as many other days,over the years. You can see fireworks 🎆🎇 for Miles all around .

  • T
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Halstead Hideaway Campground

    Amazing

    We have stayed here multiple times and it is super peaceful, the host are great and help with anything you need!

  • Sammy P.
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Mussel Fork Conservation Area

    Overnight stop

    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!

  • Chunk S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Lake Showme Campsites

    Nice spot, lots of activity

    Great 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 to Kirksville

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.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Thousand Hills State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There are several different trails you can hike or bike," making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Wakonda Lake Campground — Wakonda State Park, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper shared, "We stayed by Wakonda Lake in an oversized site with steps leading down to a little beach."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Long Branch State Park Campground, have swimming areas. One visitor noted, "We’ll definitely be coming back in the warmer months to enjoy some swimming and boating."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A review for Crowder State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms and showers are very very clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Wakonda Lake Campground mentioned, "Sites were spacious, clean, plenty of space between sites."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. One camper at Pershing State Park Campground said, "The campground hosts... have been nothing but helpful and kind."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Boulder Lake Campground — Wakonda State Park, may not have all the amenities you expect. A review noted, "The lakes are not clear and had snakes which we saw while fishing."
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds are only open during certain months. For instance, Lake Wapello State Park Campground is open from April 1 to December 31.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Pershing State Park Campground mentioned, "A raccoon ended up tearing through our trash but that was the only negative here!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One review for Wakonda Lake Campground highlighted, "There’s a large playground!"
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. A visitor at Thousand Hills State Park Campground said, "There are several playgrounds for kids, fishing, a marina, and a great restaurant."
  • Safety Precautions: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Long Branch State Park Campground advised, "The sites are each very spacious with flat areas."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A review for Hickory Haven Campground mentioned, "Level grass tent sites. Shade of trees. Electric outlets at sites."
  • Plan for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun noted, "It tends to be very busy."
  • Quiet Spots: Look for quieter areas within campgrounds. A camper at Crowder State Park Campground shared, "The park is quiet, there is fishing and plenty of hiking."

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.