Pershing State Park offers camping near Laclede, Missouri with 39 sites situated in a wooded setting. The campground features electric hookups with 30-amp service, modern restrooms, and shaded spots for tent and RV campers. Located at 29277 Hwy 130, the park sits in the oak-hickory forests of north-central Missouri, where seasonal boardwalk trails provide access to wetland habitats not commonly found in this region.
What to do
Explore historic sites: Visit General Pershing's boyhood home in nearby Laclede for an educational experience. "We also visited nearby LaClede where John J. Pershing's boyhood home is. Very informative and interesting," notes a reviewer at Pershing State Park Campground.
Hike woodland trails: The boardwalk trail at Pershing State Park offers 1.5 miles of elevated pathway through forest and wetland areas. A camper mentions, "There are some wonderful trails nearby. Our favorite was the Boardwalk trail - 1 1/2 miles of boardwalk through forest. Just beautiful!"
Bird watching opportunities: Van Meter State Park provides excellent bird watching with its marsh habitat and viewing areas. "Once you get to the parking lot for the lake you'll see nothing but trees. On the east side of the parking lot there are two trail heads. Take the one on the left," advises a visitor who documented their exploration of the park's birding areas.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the area provide peaceful settings away from crowds. At Pershing State Park, one camper shares, "As with all things ratings are subjective to the whims and mindset of the reviewer. That having been said this park meets my criteria as a wonderful park. Having stayed many times, the park often has fewer than five campers."
Fishing access: Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area offers multiple camping areas directly on the water. "Great non electric sites on Thomas Hill Lake. Please leave as you found it or better, it's basically in my back yard," writes a local camper who frequently uses the area.
Clean facilities: Pet friendly camping near Laclede, Missouri often features well-maintained bathrooms. A visitor to Crowder State Park Campground notes, "The bathrooms and showers are very very clean. Even the vault bathroom next to our site wasn't that nasty."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Pershing State Park adjusts services based on the time of year. A visitor explains, "$21 Electric on season, $19 Electric off season. Off season starts Nov 1. Water is turned off."
Security concerns: Not all camping areas have regular surveillance. At Mussel Fork Conservation Area, stealth camping is possible but comes with considerations: "Had a great stealth camping experience here. Road was gravelled all the way down and opened up to a big gravel lot. I could tell there were a few other paths I could take but the grass was a little overgrown and it was already dark out."
Booking information: Many smaller campgrounds don't require reservations. At Fountain Grove Conservation Area, a camper reports, "We came over to the lake and the access to it. And there are formal camp spots. They use Picnic Area spots that have fire rings and tables. And you're right on the water and by yourself, it's absolutely fantastic."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds available: Crowder State Park Campground offers kid-friendly amenities. "The grounds are well kept with grass while maintained. I hiked on most of the trails in one day. Nice playground for small kids including a little play area and some swing sets," mentions a family who visited the park.
Swimming options: Several parks in the area have designated swimming beaches. A visitor to Thousand Hills State Park notes, "Thousand Hills SP was great. Huge swim beach, lots of trails, pavilions, playground equipment and beautiful views."
Family-sized sites: Some campgrounds offer larger sites designed for families. At Van Meter State Park, "The even numbered sites are really big and back up to big open grassy area with shade trees. The odd numbered sites are smaller and may hold water after a rain, but more private."
Tips from RVers
RV site information: A Country Charm RV Park in nearby Hamilton offers level sites with full hookups. A recent visitor noted, "Level sites. Good hook-up access. Small, clean laundry. Bathrooms were top-notch. Every campground should have the same set up."
Pad surfaces: Many campgrounds in the area feature hard-surfaced parking areas. At Pershing State Park, a reviewer mentions, "The pads mostly level and hard surfaced, surrounded by a bounty of shade."
Hookup availability: Limited electric service may be available at state parks. One Pershing State Park visitor points out, "No, there are not water or sewer hookups and only 30 amp electric service, but the showers are immaculate and the pads mostly level and hard surfaced."
