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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
