Campgrounds near Lebanon, Missouri generally operate throughout spring and fall with some offering year-round accessibility. The region sits in the Ozark Highlands at approximately 1,200-1,400 feet elevation with moderate summers and cool winters. Seasonal thunderstorms occur frequently between May and September, affecting campground road conditions particularly at locations with gravel access routes.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 8-acre stocked lake at Cross Creek RV Park provides on-site fishing without leaving the campground. "We tent camped on the island for 2 nights. It was awesome, you can fish right off the bank of your own private island within minutes of waking up," reports one camper. The park includes boat rentals and paddle boats for water recreation.
Laura Ingalls Wilder historic site: Located directly across from Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park in Mansfield, approximately 45 minutes from Lebanon. "Just across the street from Laura ingles wilder museum and home," notes a visitor, making this a convenient base for literary history enthusiasts.
Local craft brewery visits: Some campgrounds offer transportation to nearby breweries. "Friendly staff who will shuttle you to the local craft brewery up the road. We walked to the brewery and stayed here again on our return route," mentions a guest at Rustic Trails RV Park.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Campgrounds with natural screening between sites receive positive mentions. At Majestic Oaks RV Park & Campground, campers appreciate the natural setting: "Great campground if you need full hook-ups. All the bells and whistles. Clean bathroom, laundry, pool, playground, dog run, hiking trails and firewood that you can actually burn."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms consistently appear in positive reviews. "The bathrooms, showers and laundry were immaculate. A true gem," notes a camper at RV Express 66. Another adds, "Although this is adjacent to the Interstate exit, it was excellent and we'd stay there again. The cement pads, clean picnic table and immaculate bathrooms, with separate private showers, were welcome after a long travel day."
Lake views: Some rv parks Lebanon, Missouri and surrounding areas offer scenic water views. "Camp is clean, and very quiet. Best part of this park is you can see the lake from many of the campsites, and the pool. The pool area sits on top of a bluff overlooking the lake," reports a visitor to Riveria Villas & RV Resort.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges. "The road to get in and out of this place is absolutely ridiculous. You can try to go 1mph to avoid potholes or washed out area just to hit the next pothole and washed out area," warns a visitor to Cross Creek RV Park. Other campgrounds feature better maintained but still unpaved roads.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven sites. "The sites are a bit tricky to navigate and the sites are very unleveled. The staff is difficult to get ahold of and is not around a lot," notes a camper about one location.
Reservation requirements: Some rv parks near Lebanon, Missouri have minimum stay requirements. "The campground itself can only be booked through the campsite and there is a 3 night minimum stay," reports a guest at Riveria Villas & RV Resort.
Highway noise considerations: Proximity to interstate highways affects noise levels at several locations. Cooks RV Motor Park receives comments about this: "Although this is adjacent to the Interstate exit (and therefore more noisy for a Sportsmobile tent camper), it was excellent and we'd stay there again."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Several parks offer children's activities. "The kids love the mini golf, shuffleboard, and basketball. Huge private lake great for fishing and watching duck families swim by and come up to you on the grass!" shares a family visiting Cross Creek RV Park.
Consider Halloween events: Seasonal activities provide additional entertainment. "The events around halloween are always so fun for kids and adults alike. They truly put so much work into making it the best experience for their guests," notes a visitor to Majestic Oaks RV Park.
Check for family-friendly bathroom facilities: Lamplight Lane RV Resort receives positive comments about cleanliness. "The campground was a bit small, but very nice and clean. We fit our 42' fifth wheel there though, so most would be fine! The owners & camp hosts were absolutely great!"
Tips from RVers
Call ahead for site size verification: Some campgrounds have limited space despite advertising big rig access. "Convenient to Waynesville and St. Robert. Owners are very helpful and informative," shares an RVer at Lamplight Lane RV Resort.
Check for uneven sites: Many RV parks require leveling equipment. "Gravel roads and sites that aren't very level. It has WiFi, but you have to be close to the main office to utilize it," reports one camper.
Confirm WiFi availability for remote work needs: Some campgrounds offer reliable internet connections. "This was a very nice, clean campground in the city of Osage Beach. We needed a campsite to be able to work and school remotely from and this fit the bill with excellent WiFi that had boosters all throughout the campground," shares an RVer.