Missouri's northeastern region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 600-800 feet above sea level. RV sites near La Belle, Missouri provide access to numerous lakes and conservation areas with camping options available primarily from March through October. The area experiences typical Midwest seasonal variations with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows frequently below freezing.
What to do
Fishing access: Lake Showme offers free primitive camping with nearby fishing opportunities. "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," notes a camper at Lake Showme Campsites.
Trail exploration: Multiple hiking paths range from half-mile loops to 5-mile routes near Wakonda State Park. A reviewer mentions, "Great trails too, ranging from half a mile to 3 miles. Nice lakes, kayaking rentals available, and a swimming beach too." The park features several lakes and borders farmland.
Water recreation: Besides fishing, many campgrounds provide lake access for kayaking or swimming during summer months. At Boulder Lake Campground, "The sites are a little tight but at the time of our visit the park was empty. The basic sites sit right on the edge of a small lake and is a wonderful sight waking up to."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Some campsites offer more seclusion than others. "This campsite is PERFECT. We only stayed 1 night but we couldn't get over the privacy for the amazing price. Quiet campsite. Easy access and gorgeous stars at night," reports a visitor at Boulder Lake Campground.
Pool facilities: Several parks maintain swimming pools for summer use. At Driftwood Campground & RV Park, one camper noted, "We stayed here in our tent and while the tent area was closed for receding new grass the owner let us stay in a grassy area under the trees near the office. It was a great stay and the restrooms and pool were nice and clean."
Concrete pads: Level, solid parking surfaces for RVs receive positive mentions. "Clean facilities, full hookup sites with concrete pads. A pool for the warm months, and a conservation site across the street. Plenty of fishing on the Mississippi river," states a Driftwood Campground review.
What you should know
Site spacing considerations: Campgrounds vary significantly in how close together they place units. At Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park, "I found the camping area to be tight but what a fun place to be. Being after Labor Day the water park was closed, but looked like fun. Mini golf was booming."
Bathroom maintenance: Facilities receive mixed reviews across different campgrounds. "The showers and bathrooms needed a good cleaning. There were also many barking dogs. On a good note the neighbors (cemetery) were quiet," reports a camper at Shoemaker RV Park.
Water clarity: Some lakes in the region have limited visibility. One camper observed, "The lakes are not clear and had snakes which we saw while fishing. The park itself didn't offer nice views."
Tips for camping with families
Recreational offerings: Several campgrounds feature activities designed for children. "Great family location and for expanding children's knowledge," notes one visitor to Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park, which includes mini-golf, pavilion areas, and a water park operating seasonally.
Swimming options: Boulder Lake Campground includes a swimming beach with shower facilities. "A popular place, during the summer it's always full and kids running around, people walking and running and riding bikes, walking dogs," a regular visitor reports.
Walk-in convenience: Some parks provide equipment to transport gear. "There were wagons available for the walk in sites to help bring in our gear. We stayed 3 nights and after night 1 we were the only people in the walk-in sites," notes a camper at Boulder Lake Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifications: Eagle Lodge RV Park provides 40 pull-through sites with both 50-amp and 30-amp electrical options. "The owners were very nice. Campground is clean and all sites are full hookups," notes a work traveler.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have different operating schedules. At Woodyz Acres RV Park & Campground, a December visitor noted, "The date was in late December so we expected some winterizing. So the water was off at the site. It was also off at the bath house. No water for bathing, washing hands, toilets or washing dishes."
Space between sites: Site size and proximity vary significantly between RV parks. "Our site was a good ways away from the road, and they're pretty generous with their firewood," reports a Woodyz Acres camper, while another noted, "The spots we had were very close together. Would not have enjoyed that if we were there longer."
