74 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Luray, Missouri sits at the crossroads of Iowa and Missouri state parks, conservation areas, and riverside campgrounds. The region features a mix of established campgrounds and more primitive options within Missouri Conservation Areas. Notable locations include Battle of Athens State Park along the Des Moines River and Lacey Keosauqua State Park in neighboring Iowa. These areas provide tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with varying levels of amenities. Conservation Areas in Missouri are particularly suited for campers seeking scenic landscapes with minimal facilities, as one visitor noted, "Conservation Areas in Missouri are enjoyable if you're looking for lovely scenery, and can get by with few or no amenities."
Most campgrounds in the region are accessible via paved roads, though some conservation area access points require travel on gravel roads. Summer brings warm, humid conditions with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures ideal for camping. Winter camping is available at select year-round facilities like Indian Lake Park. Hunters should note that conservation areas become busy during November deer season and spring/fall turkey seasons. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near larger towns and limited or no service in more remote areas. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays.
Water recreation forms a central part of the camping experience in this region. Wakonda State Park, about 30 miles north of Hannibal, features multiple lakes with fishing and non-motorized boating opportunities. According to campers, "The small lakes don't allow motors over 9hp so there is not much noise." Many campgrounds offer lakeside sites with direct water access for fishing. Family-friendly amenities include swimming beaches, playgrounds, and hiking trails ranging from short, easy loops to longer routes around lakes. Equestrian camping is available at specialized facilities like River Valley Horsecamp and Lick Creek Unit in Shimek State Forest, providing accommodations for both horses and their owners.
"There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach. Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
"Very nice park and not to near a train. Very modern facilities that were clean."
from $8 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Nice drive in gorgeous country. 23$ site without water 28 w/ water 35 full hookups. Decent showers nice playground for kids lakeside spots as well. The host sells firewood and 2 sizes of ice."
"Quiet campground located away from the lights of big cities. This has been one of our favorite campgrounds for years."
from $15 - $36 / night
Check Availability"Close to geode hunting locations!! Quiet. There is also a restaurant on site. We did not go but there were always lots of people there. Heard good things about food."
"Battle of Athens sp is located in the northeast part of Missouri, a little out of way but worth the trip."
from $15 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Good sights, great horse trails, awesome camping"
"We had a wonderful time camping and riding thw trails."
from $16 / night
Check Availability"Waubonsie trail behind park is a short hike to the covered bridge and Dutchman's Store. Perfect Way to stretch your legs after a long day on the road. Bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean."
"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. Outhouse type toilets are available there."
"Open sites near the Des Moines river and local road meant spots were just for sleeping. Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals. Nearby locals kind and welcoming."
"close to the river with lots of fun history and shops to keep you busy."
"Historical walking bridge that is amazing. No wifi.. poor Internet although I did have one bar so could be worse .I have total by Verizon."
"It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes. There's a $10 a night fee on the honor system so I would not consider it free. We would come back."
from $12 / night
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RangerIt’s a small gravel turnaround and not very level in the grasses but if you have a pick of the spots you’ll be able to settle. There is very little shade and we’re here in 95° but there is a slight breeze. Nice, quiet, secluded spot to spend a couple of days. But watch out for the ticks in the long grass
LegendWe stayed here twice and experience both loops. Newer side by the beach is full hook ups and much better for large rvs. It also has direct access to the lake and canals. I'd stick to small rvs and tents on the other side. Lots of amenities at this park.
LegendWe loved the lake and boating opportunities here. It is very close to Truman State University making it great for college weekends off campus. Great campground.
TravelerBoating, Fishing, Swimming and Trails. Also considered one of the darkest places in the US for star gazing.
GuideGreat little spot if you are heading through IA! Love to hear the peepers all singing in early spring!
GuideWe decided to go camping for a low cost trip after a courthouse wedding. This was the perfect place. There were wagons available for the walk in sites to help bring in our gear. We stayed 3 nights and after night 1 we were the only people in the walk-in sites, so that was nice. They back up to a lake and site 3 has perfect access. We hiked some of the trails and made some of our own. There’s showers and a laundry room available with the bathrooms. Plus there’s a Walmart nearby if you forgot anything.
TravelerMid week, stayed 2 nights, free camping, tables, fire pits, beautiful lake and plenty of wildlife. We had this entire area to ourselves! Just nature, breathing, meditation….very healing and will be back. Hats off to Missouri, this is a beautiful hidden little campground!
GuideJuly, 2017
Neat little hidden campground with a neat back story. They owner bought it at auction just for a place to hang out with his friends but offers it for the public. He loves cash and will usually give you a discount if you pay in cash.
There is a bathhouse but he had to unlock it for us.
There is no store but you're at the edge of town so you can get anything you need. There's no wifi but the cell service is good.
If I recall, it's a 7 acre stocked pond. catch and release only.
GuideI didn't stay here as it was winter. The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins.
The tri-state area surrounding Luray, Missouri offers diverse camping experiences in forested conservation areas, lakeside parks, and river valleys. Located in Clark County near the Iowa border, the region sits at an elevation of approximately 600 feet with rolling hills defining the landscape. Camping spots span multiple counties across northeastern Missouri and southeastern Iowa, with many sites available from mid-spring through late fall.
Trail hiking: Shimek State Forest features multiple units with extensive trail systems. A visitor at Lick Creek Unit noted they had "a wonderful time camping and riding the trails," making it popular for both hikers and equestrians.
Historical exploration: Visit 19th-century sites near Bentonsport Riverside Park where campers can explore unique attractions. One camper shared, "there is a blacksmith, an Indian artifact museum and gift shops. Historical walking bridge that is amazing."
Fishing: Cast a line from your campsite at select locations. The Catfish Place Campground provides waterfront options where campers appreciate "spot on beautiful pond. It was great to be able to fish from our site. Close to geode hunting locations!"
River recreation: Paddle the Des Moines River which forms a natural corridor through the region. At River Valley Horsecamp, visitors enjoy "open sites near the Des Moines river" with "excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals."
Peace and quiet: Donnelson Unit in Shimek State Forest provides a secluded atmosphere. As one camper at White Oak Campground described it as a "peaceful paradise" with "wooded and tucked away" sites, noting "there's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. At Waubonsie Trail Park, a camper reported "bathrooms and showers were exceptionally clean" and the park offers "horseshoe pit, playground and campfire swing area."
Historic ambiance: Small villages with preserved buildings add character to camping trips. Bentonsport Riverside Park provides easy access to town where visitors can enjoy "exploring the bridge and the local shops."
Reasonable pricing: Budget-friendly options exist throughout the region. Waubonsie Trail Park offers electric RV sites "all for under $20," providing excellent value with numerous amenities.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate with limited seasons. Lacey Keosauqua State Park is open "April 1 to December 31" with weather ranging from "50s to 70s during the day and 30s to 40s at night" in November.
Reservation systems: Some parks require advance planning while others operate first-come-first-served. At Bentonsport Riverside Park, a visitor noted "there was no camp host or anyone else to speak with about the campground."
Facility variations: Bathroom availability differs significantly between locations. While Indian Lake Park provides "modern restrooms," Donnelson Unit has only "vault toilets" and some conservation areas offer minimal facilities.
Campsite spacing: Sites range from spacious to compact depending on the campground. At Lacey Keosauqua, "the camp sites are spaced really well so you don't feel like you are on top of one another," while some RV areas have sites "close together."
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. Indian Lake Park features "playgrounds also cabins a stone lodge for family get togethers" making it versatile for multigenerational trips.
Swimming opportunities: Beach areas provide safe water recreation. Indian Lake Park includes a "swim beach" where "the lake is clean" according to regular visitors.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites offer learning experiences beyond outdoor recreation. Battle of Athens State Park provides opportunities for "exploring the battle grounds" which children often find engaging.
Wildlife viewing: Evening animal sightings create memorable experiences. At Lacey Keosauqua State Park, "the deer came out each evening to forage," delighting visitors of all ages.
Hookup availability: Electric options are common but full-service sites are limited. Lacey Keosauqua offers several tiers: "primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent."
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have restrictions based on vehicle size. Battle of Athens State Park may not be suitable for larger rigs as it's marked as not "big-rig friendly" in campground information.
Dump station locations: Plan waste disposal carefully as not all parks offer this service. At Bentonsport, visitors can find "water on sites to share water and dump on property" but availability varies by location.
Cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region, particularly in forested areas. A camper at Bentonsport reported "no wifi, poor internet although I did have one bar" with Verizon service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Luray, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Luray, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 74 campgrounds and RV parks near Luray, MO and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Luray, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Luray, MO is Indian Lake Park with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Luray, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Luray, MO.
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