Top Tent Camping near Kirksville, MO

Searching for a tent campsite near Kirksville? Finding a place to camp in Missouri with your tent has never been easier. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Kirksville, Missouri's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Kirksville, MO (4)


Recent Tent Reviews In Kirksville

85 Reviews of 4 Kirksville Campgrounds


  • Sammy P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mussel Fork Conservation Area
    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!

  • Greg K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lacey Keosauqua State Park
    May. 16, 2024

    Lacey Keosauqua State Park

    Beautiful park

    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.

  • Jon B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Backpack Campsites - Long Branch State Park
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Backpack Campsites - Long Branch State Park

    Awesome Backpacking Campsite

    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.

  • Jon B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Branch State Park
    Mar. 28, 2024

    Long Branch State Park

    Great Walk-In Campgrounds

    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.

  • Betsy T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pershing State Park
    Aug. 14, 2023

    Pershing State Park

    Busy but Nice

    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.

  • Adriana W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Branch State Park
    Jul. 27, 2023

    Long Branch State Park

    Summer fun

    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 F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Papa's Alpacas Campsites
    Jan. 12, 2023

    Papa's Alpacas Campsites

    Meet alpacas, goats and donkeys!

    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!

  • Melissa W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lacey Keosauqua State Park
    Nov. 10, 2022

    Lacey Keosauqua State Park

    Lacey Keosauqua State Park

    Stayed 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.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Hills State Park
    Sep. 5, 2022

    Thousand Hills State Park

    Very clean and well kept

    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.

  • Whitney L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mussel Fork Conservation Area
    Jun. 5, 2022

    Mussel Fork Conservation Area

    Free MO camping near creek

    Each 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!

  • d
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area
    Apr. 10, 2022

    Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area

    Like A State Park but free

    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.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Branch State Park
    Nov. 5, 2021

    Long Branch State Park

    What a Gem!

    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.

  • Tom J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Branch State Park
    Oct. 30, 2021

    Long Branch State Park

    Lake views

    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.

  • Travis M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shoemaker RV Park
    Oct. 24, 2021

    Shoemaker RV Park

    Great spot

    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.

  • Campfiresandcoffee94  .
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Branch State Park
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Long Branch State Park

    A quick sleepover

    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lacey Keosauqua State Park
    Aug. 27, 2021

    Lacey Keosauqua State Park

    End of Summer Trip

    Nice 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.

  • Bob M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Branch State Park
    Aug. 21, 2021

    Long Branch State Park

    Nice Spot

    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.

  • Amy W.
    Camper-submitted photo from The Catfish Place Campground
    Jul. 5, 2021

    The Catfish Place Campground

    Peaceful camping

    My family stayed in our popup last September and it was great. Friendly staff, nice clean bathroom and showers. Spot on beautiful pond. It was great to be able to fish from our site. Close to geode hunting locations!! Quiet. There is also a restaurant on site. We did not go but there were always lots of people there. Heard good things about food.

  • Skosh
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Branch State Park
    May. 27, 2021

    Long Branch State Park

    Great Campground host

    Campground host last weekend where very helpful and great to talk to and were just all around great people

  • Tim M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Wapello State Park
    May. 10, 2021

    Lake Wapello State Park

    Happy place

    I have camped at lake wapello for 32 years in a row over my birthday in September it is the cleanest friendliest best wildlife great fishing wonderful campsites a place that I will always return to.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Pershing State Park
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Pershing State Park

    Quiet, friendly hosts

    The campground hosts, Dan and his wife, have been nothing but helpful and kind. They make their rounds often but never impose. Sites are level, the park is quiet, there is fishing and plenty of hiking. Facilities are clean and well maintained. Plenty of spacing between sites too!



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 tent campsite near Kirksville, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kirksville, MO is Union Ridge Conservation Area with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Kirksville, MO?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Kirksville, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.