RV camping near Louisiana, Missouri places visitors between the wooded hills of northeastern Missouri and the western banks of the Mississippi River. At around 500 feet above sea level, the area experiences distinct seasonal changes with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Rainfall averages 38 inches annually, creating seasonal variations in campground conditions that affect accessibility on gravel roads and dirt camping pads.
What to do
Fishing access: The Mark Twain Lake area offers excellent fishing opportunities near Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park, where campers note the recreational amenities. "They had two good sized ponds for fishing. Amenities included cable and WiFi," according to one visitor.
Walking trails: Take advantage of the 4+ mile trail around the lake at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. "There is a walking trail around the lake (4+ miles). There is fish in the lake and you are allowed to fish," notes a camper who found the trail system well-maintained.
Wildlife viewing: Look for native wildlife throughout the region, particularly at lakeside camping areas. One camper at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park mentioned, "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at Driftwood Campground in nearby Quincy, Illinois. "The showers and restroom were impressively clean. The hosts could not have made me feel more welcome," notes a tent camper who stayed during a bike tour.
Quiet atmosphere: Travelers seeking peace appreciate the quieter campgrounds in the region. At Indian Creek RV Park, a camper mentioned, "Relaxing spot near the lake with some beautiful views. The whole campground is in the woods so there's lots of shade."
Free amenities: Some parks offer unexpected free services. At Sunrise RV Park, one long-term camper noted, "The prices are incredible, and you can even do your laundry for free! I would recommend this to anyone looking for a quiet, beautiful, and affordable place to get away."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: While some campgrounds remain open year-round, others have limited seasons. Driftwood Campground operates from "Mar 15 - Nov 1," according to their listing information.
Site spacing: Space between campsites varies significantly between parks. At Cozy C RV Campground, a reviewer noted, "The campground is wedged between the highway and a cow farm, so expect some noise, especially with few trees or landscaping to absorb the sound."
Reservation needs: During busy periods, securing your spot in advance is essential. At Lazy Day Campground, planning ahead is recommended as it's popular with short-term visitors. One camper shared, "We were then escorted to pull-through site 17 with full hookups. The gravel pad was fairly level, and although the utilities were toward the back of the site, we had no trouble connecting."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Many parks have facilities specifically for children. At Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park, a camper noted, "I found the camping area to be tight but what a fun place to be. Being after Labor Day the water par was closed, but looked like fun. Mini golf was booming."
Playground options: Look for campgrounds with play areas for children. At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, a family mentioned, "The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees... There is boating and archery on site, a dog run, and a small playground."
Security features: Parks with 24-hour security provide peace of mind for families. A camper at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park appreciated the staff attention during severe weather: "A park ranger went around to every site and notified every camper of where the shelters were (the restrooms/showers) and gave out a flyer about the specific weather forecast!"
Tips from RVers
Leveling needs: Some RV sites require minimal adjustment. At Lazy Day Campground, a visitor noted, "The gravel pad was fairly level, and although the utilities were toward the back of the site, we had no trouble connecting."
Utility connections: RVers should check what hookups are available. At Indian Creek RV Park, a camper mentioned, "Some spots are full hookups. They offer potable water and have a dump station on site."
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs between campgrounds, with Lazy Day Campground getting positive reviews for cellular coverage. One RVer reported, "We got 2 bars on Verizon and 3 bars on T-Mobile, and our T-Mobile Home Internet worked very well. The CG WiFi was fine for email and web browsing."
