Glamping in Lewistown, Missouri provides access to free and low-cost options with varying levels of amenities. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and winter temperatures often below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area sit within rolling hills and agricultural landscapes with elevations between 600-700 feet above sea level.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area offers both fishing and free boating options. As visitor Patti M. notes, "They had rowboats and canoes you could paddle around in. You just needed your own life jacket. The boats were free."
Hiking trails: Mark Twain State Park's Coyote Campground connects to several hiking paths through wooded terrain. Camper Scott M. reports, "Super close to hiking trails and the shower house was clean. Mostly non-RV people here which made it a bit quieter. Still close to all the action and not far from the historical stuff."
Crystal hunting: The Mark Twain Lake area contains natural mineral deposits worth exploring. According to camper Shawna N., "Warm, clear, fresh water to swim in. Full of crystals and wildlife. We will be going back."
Historical exploration: Visit the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site near Coyote Campground. One camper mentioned, "Be sure to check out Mark Twain's Birthplace!" This site preserves Samuel Clemens' childhood home and artifacts.
What campers like
Free camping options: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area provides no-cost camping with basic amenities. Camper Ken states simply, "Can't beat the price - FREE!" while Matthew H. elaborates: "Nice campground, mainly tenting but RVs are welcome. Grass sites, fire pit and picnic tables. Lake with free paddle boats...Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station."
Clean facilities: Indian Lake Park maintains well-kept bathhouses and grounds. Visitor Charles A. noted it was "Very nice park and not too near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean." Another camper, Jeannie B., mentioned, "Tony and his wife are the camp hosts. Tony was so helpful and nice. The camp sites are spacious and clean."
Fishing from campsites: The Catfish Place Campground features water-adjacent sites. Amy W. shared, "Spot on beautiful pond. It was great to be able to fish from our site. Close to geode hunting locations!! Quiet."
Off-season tranquility: Several campgrounds offer year-round access with fewer crowds during spring and fall. Bradley R. commented about Coyote Campground, "We visited twice in the off-season we loved the campground so much. It's quiet and secluded. Very clean and beautiful."
What you should know
Limited level ground: Some campgrounds have terrain challenges. At Hunnewell Lake, Cathy C. reports, "The campground slopes toward the lake, so finding level ground is a challenge."
Noise considerations: Weekend crowds can impact peace and quiet at free campgrounds. One camper noted, "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."
Insects: Coyote Campground visitors should prepare for insects during warm months. Bethany S. advises, "Apparently ticks and chiggers are bad here. I did not hike because of this."
Site selection matters: Not all sites accommodate tents equally. Bethany S. observes, "Some of the basic sites in the Coyote Loop are more suited to small pop-up trailers than tents—eg, site 45 does not have much room for a tent unless you want to set up on gravel, while site 43 does. The sites on outside of loop in the Coyote loop are better in general."
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly activities: Waubonsie Trail Park offers multiple recreation options included with your stay. Tracy J. shares, "Horseshoe pit, playground and campfire swing area were nice surprises. All for under $20 for electric RV site! Great campground for a small group event."
Convenient amenities: Indian Lake Park provides numerous family-friendly features. Dave N. reports, "This park has something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and full hookup. They also have cabins for rent. All very reasonably priced. There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach."
Educational opportunities: Schedule time to explore historical sites near camping areas. As Kelsie L. recommends, "The lake is huge - probably not a lake I personally would love to kayak in. The campgrounds were well kept and fairly secluded. Be sure to check out Mark Twain's Birthplace!"
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer best chances to spot local fauna. Joyce M. notes about Waubonsie, "I loved it. We hiked the equestrian trails one afternoon and the regular trails the next day. I camped in the equestrian campground and loved it with my popup."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Shoemaker RV Park offers spacious options for larger rigs. Travis M. advises, "30/50 amp service throughout. K row is preferential. Spread out fairly well. You're not on top of each other here."
Reservation timing: Book early for peak summer weekends, especially at more developed campgrounds with electric and water hookups. Mark Twain State Park camper Scott M. notes, "They are doing some work on some of the gravel pads so some sites are closed but it's all for the better."
Dump station access: Hunnewell Lake provides free dump facilities. Matthew H. shares, "Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station. Generators are ok just make sure they are not too loud and try to if possible running them only when needed."
