Best Campgrounds near Mexico, MO

The Mexico, Missouri area encompasses a variety of camping environments from developed campgrounds to more primitive options. Lakeview Park in Mexico provides both tent and RV camping with electric hookups at affordable rates, while Hanson Hills Campground in nearby Kingdom City offers full-service camping with hookups for larger rigs. Within a 30-mile radius, visitors can find state park campgrounds, city-managed areas, and private RV parks with varying levels of amenities and natural settings.

Most campgrounds in the region maintain year-round operations, though facilities like showers may be limited during winter months. Access roads to established campgrounds are typically well-maintained, with many sites positioned along lakes or in wooded areas. "Very relaxed place. Kinda drive in and park anywhere you see a firepit," noted one visitor about Hanson Hills Campground. Vandalia Community Lake offers free primitive camping with fire rings and picnic tables but limited facilities, while private RV parks like Cedar Creek Resort provide full hookups with more amenities. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better connectivity at developed campgrounds closer to Mexico and Columbia.

Campers consistently mention the peaceful nature of camping options surrounding Mexico. Fishing opportunities stand out as a major attraction, with multiple campgrounds situated on or near lakes and ponds. According to reviews, Vandalia Community Lake offers a "gorgeous little lake" with quiet surroundings perfect for fishing. Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities including playgrounds, swimming pools, and recreational areas. The region experiences typical Midwestern seasonal patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, though some primitive sites have more basic vault toilets that receive mixed reviews. Weekend availability can be limited during summer months at the more popular locations, especially those with water access and electrical hookups.

Best Camping Sites Near Mexico, Missouri (87)

    1. Lakeview Park - Mexico

    4 Reviews
    Mexico, MO
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 581-2100

    "It's $20 if you're a non-resident (of Mexico MO) unless you're here for an event, then you get a discount. Nice flat cement pads. Everything worked well and not too busy."

    "We camped in a 32' Class C for 7 days during the Miss Missouri Pageant. It's a quite little park with maybe 15-20 sites with electric only. There is potable water and sewer dump on site."

    2. Lazy Day Campground

    34 Reviews
    New Florence, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 564-2949

    $40 - $55 / night

    "Walking paths, dog walk area, fire pits, bathhouse. I would visit again."

    "There are five tent camp spots located at Lazy Day and we camped on T4 at the very back of the campground."

    3. Graham Cave State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Montgomery City, MO
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 564-3476

    "We walked the Loutre River Trail and fished in Loutre River - it was a beautiful hike and the river scenery was beautiful."

    "We were walk ins too and the campground was half empty so lots to choose from. The picnic tables are also amazing-wish there were more of these out there."

    4. Hanson Hills Campground

    10 Reviews
    Kingdom City, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 642-8600

    "Plenty of room to be camped away from others."

    "Kinda drive in and park anywhere you see a firepit. We had a rooftop tent on the truck and a tent. We camped near the smaller pond."

    5. Puma — Mark Twain State Park

    13 Reviews
    Stoutsville, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 248-9980

    $24 - $45 / night

    "It has air conditioning, which is needed in Missouri in August (it was sooo hot). Cabin is private with fire pit and picnic table at the front which faces near the woods."

    "The designated spots feel secluded since they are bordered by forest. We got a spot right off the water and woke up to the sound of it in the morning."

    6. Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Hallsville, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 443-5315

    "A rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast."

    "Finger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs."

    7. Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 474-2747

    $45 - $52 / night

    "Visited in March 2021, some pot holes in drive way, but manageable. Trees seemed to be trimmed back compared to other reviews. Nice facilities and great staff!"

    "The camp sites are very close to each other. But the campers around us were very nice. Only needed one night and it worked prayer for us."

    8. Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Columbia, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 239-8340

    "We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot."

    "We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in."

    9. Indian Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Stoutsville, MO
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 735-4097

    $10 - $125 / night

    "Though I grew up outside of St. Louis, I'd never been to this campground or to Mark Twain Lake.  Really enjoyed exploring the area and the campground was nice.  "

    "When I stepped out it felt like I was walking through a thousand spider webs everywhere. The bathrooms aren’t that clean either. That being said though, bugs are to be expected of a campground."

    10. Vandalia Community Lake

    4 Reviews
    Perry, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "Gorgeous little lake. Vault toilets. Our camp fire ring was shaped like a heart! Probably not on purpose but we liked it. Very quiet. Lots of fishing. And we actually saw the cat!"

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Recent Reviews near Mexico, MO

385 Reviews of 87 Mexico Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Graham Cave State Park Campground

    A Nice little campground

    A little rough on the way in, but the campground itself had nice spaces in the trees, picnic tables had covers, and we had electrical hookups. Some spaces might require some leveling. Camp host was very friendly.

  • Cindy C.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Lakeview Park - Mexico

    Nice campground

    It's $20 if you're a non-resident (of Mexico MO) unless you're here for an event, then you get a discount. Nice flat cement pads. Everything worked well and not too busy. No tent camping sign posted on the way in.

  • L
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Graham Cave State Park Campground

    Not Impressed

    If I were you I would not waste any time going here it's not worth getting off of the interstate. The campsites are decent I would have to say... Don't try to put a kayak in the Loutre though. and Do Not Stop ANYWHERE along the route if You do BOSS MAN will Harass You until You hate this place. Too Many Restrictions and its really just a waste of time...the Cave is Once You've seen it blah blah blah

  • L
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Hermann City RV Park

    Just Wonderful...No bias

    I live in Hermann... But seriously no bias. I'd Camp here. I have! The Restrooms and Showers are phenomenal...The park is kept clean. Its an easy in and out plus You have Hermann and How amazing is that...

  • L
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area

    Its Nice

    Ben Branch is a Nice Place. It is nothing special. The camping Spots DO fill up quickly as there are only like 5-7 spots. On a weekend, Its gonna be loud! Lots of ATVs up and down the Gravel Road. The bathrooms just say if you know You Know. 🫩

  • J
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    Mostly Scenery.

    I do Not like that the fire pits nearest to the river are 30 inches from a 30ft drop off!  Only 2 people can enjoy the campfire because of that.  

    Secondly, they do Not provide tables for the campers.  Kinda expensive to Not have tables.

    Not a good fishing place because it's a treacherous walk down.

    The evening band was awesome!

    Will Not be back because of the above.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Mark Twain Cave & Campground

    Great location!

    This campground is located near the Mark Twain caves. There is also a winery located at the entrance to the campground. There is a store on site, and tourist attractions can pick you up at the store. It is a quick 10 minutes ride into town. Sites are level gravel. There is a playground, dog wash station, and 2 large pavilions to rent.

  • Serge P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Vandalia Community Lake

    Perfect, quiet, peaceful

    Very nice place, I wouldn’t rely on facilities. Quiet at night and during the day some local fisherman come to fish lots of bugs in the afternoon and at night.

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    Perfect for me

    The camp sites are very close to each other. But the campers around us were very nice. Only needed one night and it worked prayer for us.


Guide to Mexico

Camping near Mexico, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Cuivre River State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful prairie view and lots of great trails,” making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Boating: At Long Branch State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A visitor shared, “The walk-in campgrounds offer some pretty good isolation...we'll definitely be coming back in the warmer months to enjoy some swimming and boating.”
  • Local Events: Check out events at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina. One camper noted, “They had beer, food trucks, and music,” which adds a lively atmosphere to your stay.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Lazy Day Campground stated, “The bathhouse was clean and well kept. Would recommend!”
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. At Graham Cave State Park Campground, one reviewer said, “The camp host was helpful in providing firewood and was very attentive of the sites.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Ray Behrens. A visitor mentioned, “Each site included a wooden picnic table and a fire pit,” which makes for a comfortable camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds, like Indian Creek Campground, can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. One camper advised, “I am bad at making reservations, but we got lucky with the last spot in the RV section.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A review for Missouri Finger Lakes State Park Campground noted, “The bathrooms and showers were clean, but there’s no water hookups.”
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. A camper at Indian Creek Campground warned, “Raccoons visited nightly so secure your food supply and trash.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or swimming areas. Long Branch State Park Campground has a nice playground, making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check for on-site dining options. One camper at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina enjoyed the “delicious Thai food restaurant on site.”
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A visitor at Ray Behrens mentioned, “Drive slow especially during the evenings,” due to deer in the area.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground noted, “The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during events. One camper at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina said, “When we got to the campground, the one lane gravel road was packed on both sides with cars parked for an event.”
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before heading to more remote campgrounds. A visitor at Indian Creek Campground advised, “This campground is out in the boonies so you'll want to stock up before you pull in.”

Camping near Mexico, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mexico, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mexico, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Mexico, MO and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mexico, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mexico, MO is Lakeview Park - Mexico with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mexico, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Mexico, MO.