Camping near Lampe, Missouri primarily centers around Table Rock Lake, with several Corps of Engineers campgrounds offering waterfront access. The terrain features Ozark Mountain foothills with elevations ranging from 900-1,300 feet, creating varied shorelines and wooded camping areas. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during peak camping months, making water recreation particularly appealing during July and August.
What to do
Fish the creek outlets: At Mill Creek Campground, anglers can access prime fishing spots directly from many campsites. "Most sites are right on the water. It is well maintained and clean. It can be hard to get in, but worth the effort," notes Sue M.
Visit marina facilities: The marina at Table Rock State Park provides boat rentals and fishing supplies. "The marina is well stocked, great lake for fishing, relaxing or just cruising in the canoe," according to Kent B., making it convenient for visitors without their own watercraft.
Explore nearby attractions: Dogwood Canyon Nature Park offers hiking trails within a 15-minute drive from Baxter Campground. "The campground is close to Dogwood Canyon, a great blueberry farm and the famous Branson strip," shares Mike B., highlighting regional options beyond lake activities.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: At Old Highway 86 Campground, campers appreciate the layout. "The campground is on a peninsula with waterfront sites all the way around. Every waterfront site has great views! The interior sites are ok. Some still have nice views but they are a little too close together," reports Natalie C.
Clean facilities: Modern restrooms and shower houses receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms and shower house are nice and clean. The whole campground is well maintained with a playground, swim beach and sand volleyball court," notes one camper about Old Highway 86 Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw lots of squirrels, a chipmunk and a few deer," mentions Lowell S. about their experience at Indian Point, showing the natural surroundings campers can expect even at more developed sites.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Lampe require booking well in advance for summer weekends. "Book early... fills up very quickly!" warns Collette about Mill Creek Campground, with many noting prime waterfront sites can be reserved 6 months ahead.
Weather considerations: Fall offers more moderate temperatures with highs in the 70s and less crowded conditions. "We can slip around the back roads to access the fun of Branson without having to drive the busy main road," notes Craig B. about Cooper Creek Resort, highlighting easier access during off-peak times.
Site variability: Campsite quality varies significantly even within the same campground. "Not all sites are created equally in way of parking, some were very lengthy and could easily allow for more than one vehicle while others were lucky to have a small parking area," explains one visitor about site differences.
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated swimming areas: Campbell Point Campground offers family-friendly water access. "Nice access to the water. Large shady campsites. Swimming access, boat launch, marina, nice bath house/restrooms," notes Chris G., making it suitable for families with children of different ages.
Consider proximity to playgrounds: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "It has a nice playground that the kids enjoyed. Staff was friendly and helpful," reports Deb L., highlighting amenities that keep younger campers entertained.
Pack water shoes: Rocky shorelines can be uncomfortable for barefoot wading. "The swimming beach was completely under water and thus the facilities near it were not able to be used," mentions one camper, indicating variable water conditions that require appropriate footwear.
Tips from RVers
Check site length specifications: Many RVers note the importance of verifying site dimensions. "If you want a weekend site you have to book it months in advance or take a gamble and hope you're one of the first for their few first-come first-serve sites," advises Jimmy G. about Old Highway 86, emphasizing planning requirements.
Look for level sites: Wilderness at Silver Dollar City offers convenient access to attractions but presents challenges for larger rigs. "The number of trees was beautiful but made for a tight squeeze getting our rig (39') in and out of our spot. If the one across from us had been occupied I wouldn't have been able to get in," cautions one camper.
Consider electrical capacity: Most campgrounds offer 50-amp service for larger RVs, though hookups vary by site. "Each site has a paved pad, fire ring and picnic table," notes a visitor at Old Highway 86, with most mentioning the importance of selecting sites with appropriate electrical connections for air conditioning during summer months.
