Best Campgrounds near Kirksville, MO

The owners we very nice. Campground is clean and all sites are full hookups

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.

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.

I 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!

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!

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.

There is a boat ramp, hiking trails, showers, and the ohv park is only 30 min away on the other side of the lake

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.

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.)

This 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.

So, 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.

I 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.

Multiple 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.

Pulled 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.

large. clean campsites with ample shade. spectacular lake views especially for sunset. very quiet during the week.

We 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.