Tent campsites near La Belle, Missouri sit on the northeast edge of Mark Twain Country, characterized by rolling hills and oak-hickory forests. Most camping areas rest at elevations between 600-750 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and significant humidity. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, with occasional snow between December and February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area provides free rowboats and canoes for campers who bring their own life jackets. The 228-acre lake contains bass, catfish, and crappie with no motorized boats allowed, creating quieter fishing conditions. A camper noted, "They had rowboats and canoes you could paddle around in. You just needed your own life jacket. The boats were free."
Wildlife observation: Multiple campers report hearing barred owls and coyotes in the evening hours at Slate and Wild Roses. During summer months, fireflies create natural light shows after sunset. According to one visitor, "The fireflies came out at dark and gave me an impressive show."
Hiking trails: Backpack Campsites at Long Branch State Park connect to the Bee Trace Trail system, offering routes for beginner backpackers. One camper explained, "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."
What campers like
Free camping options: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area provides no-cost tent camping sites with basic amenities. Multiple reviewers highlight the value, with one stating, "Can't beat the price - FREE!" Another adds, "Nice campground, mainly tenting but RVs are welcome. Grass sites, fire pit and picnic tables."
Off-season solitude: Winter camping near La Belle offers significantly fewer crowds. One winter camper at Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area reported, "Stayed for two nights. Beautiful lake and being it was the end of February I was the only one there."
Peninsula camping: The backpacking site at Long Branch State Park sits at the tip of a peninsula, offering views across the lake. According to a reviewer, "The campsite for backpacking is located at the very tip of the peninsula and it's a great spot. There is plenty of space to pitch a tent and many trees to choose from for hanging a hammock."
What you should know
Site conditions: Tent camping areas at conservation areas typically feature grass surfaces with varying degrees of slope. One camper observed, "The campground slopes toward the lake, so finding level ground is a challenge."
Rules enforcement issues: During busy periods, noise regulations may not be strictly enforced. A camper reported, "The rules about quiet time are not enforced and some idjit ran his loud generator until 1 am. We ended up moving away from him at 11:30."
Road access: Dirt access roads can become problematic after rain, especially at more remote sites like Slate and Wild Roses. A visitor warned, "If you are familiar with 'gumbo' dirt, you will understand that it will be tricky to bring anything but four wheel drive if it might rain."
Trail navigation challenges: Some sections of hiking trails may be poorly marked. A backpacker noted about Long Branch State Park, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner backpacking option: Long Branch State Park's backpacking sites provide an accessible first experience for families new to backpacking. A reviewer shared, "If you're looking to get your feet wet with backpacking, this is a great spot to do it."
Nature education opportunities: The fish hatchery at Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area offers learning experiences about local aquatic ecosystems. A camper mentioned, "Looked like there was a ranger station there and fish hatchery but it was closed the two days we were there."
Arrival timing: Families should arrive early to secure preferred spots at first-come, first-served campgrounds. Hunnewell Lake fills quickly on summer weekends, with best arrival times before noon on Fridays.
Bug preparation: Insect activity can be significant, especially in warmer months. One camper cautioned, "I came away with a ton of bug bites." Families should bring appropriate repellent and protective clothing for evening hours.
Tips from RVers
Generator considerations: While generators are allowed at some campgrounds, their use may create tension with tent campers. One RVer advised, "Generators are ok just make sure they are not too loud and try to if possible running them only when needed."
Dump station availability: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area provides a dump station with potable water for RVs. A visitor confirmed, "Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station."
Site selection: RVers report that most tent campsites near La Belle lack defined parking pads. For level parking, arrive early to secure flatter areas near the entrance to Hunnewell Lake camping area. The west side of the loop typically offers more level terrain than sites closer to the water.
