Puma Campground — Mark Twain State Park
Beautiful
I stayed in one of the cabins which are very nice. They are basic but I loved the front porch. Tge cabins ha e electricity and a fridge but no bathroom. The hiking was great and I loved the rocks.
Cabins near Mark Twain State Park provide rustic to modern accommodations with varying amenities. Puma Campground offers basic cabins with electricity, refrigerators, and front porches but no bathrooms. Cedar Creek Resort features lakefront cabins with more extensive facilities. Ray Behrens Campground provides cabin options with nearby shower facilities and access to Mark Twain Lake. "I stayed in one of the cabins which are very nice. They are basic but I loved the front porch. The cabins have electricity and a fridge but no bathroom," notes one visitor to Puma Campground.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park offers family-friendly cabin accommodations with access to water recreation facilities. Turner Katy Trail Shelter provides hostel-style cabin accommodations specifically for hikers and bikers using the Katy Trail, with bunk beds for up to 40 people. Most cabins require advance reservations, especially during summer months when occupancy rates are highest. Pet policies vary by location, with some cabins like those at Puma Campground allowing pets while others prohibit them. One camper mentioned that Cedar Creek Resort's cabins are "spectacular and right on the water."
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Cooking facilities vary widely between properties, from basic fire pits to refrigerators and microwaves. The Turner Katy Trail Shelter includes a kitchen with refrigerator and microwave for guests. Camp Takimina offers more primitive cabin options with nearby water access and portable toilets. Firewood is available for purchase at many locations including Ray Behrens and Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park. General supplies can be found at camp stores in the larger resorts or in nearby towns, as most cabin areas are at least 15 miles from major shopping.
$24 - $80 / night
"I stayed in one of the cabins which are very nice. They are basic but I loved the front porch. Tge cabins ha e electricity and a fridge but no bathroom. The hiking was great and I loved the rocks."
"We rented cabin A for 4 days for our summer vacation. We couldn’t have been happier. The cabin is simple and clean."
"The cabins are spectacular and right on the water! We just tooK 40+ family members and everyone fell in love with this campground."
"Oh my as we drove in this place was amazing There were fishing ponds a retreat center and cabins Hiking trails Rv park w laundry Over 160 acres of land to explore on!!!"
$24 - $30 / night
"The whole park doesn't match the awesomeness of site 97 and the few around it, but the end of this loop is almost perfect."
"PROS Senior discount
Site 32 level asphalt pad surrounded with grass and river rocks
Moveable aluminum table
Metal fire ring with cooking grate
One hook lantern pole
Site 19 very near toilets"
$25 - $48 / night
"He escorted us to our site which was tucked away under some nice trees. Though campground is close to interstate, noise was minimal (I think because of the trees)."
"Showers and bathrooms."
"Only a couple have picnic tables, but all seemed to have at least a level spot for the tent and a fire ring."
"The main pull-in parking area was completely empty. Has a ton of spots, most with their own fire ring. Some have some shade."
$20 - $299 / night
"Great family location and for expanding children's knowledge"
$15 - $85 / night
"The camp was quiet, private, and peaceful. There are no hookups, but water was right next to us near the parking lot, and the picnic tables near the lodge were shaded most of the day. "
"Great place to go right off the highway"
$25 - $130 / night
"Tent sites in the trees with river views, water/electric at all of the RV pull thru sites, on site dump station, cute cabins in a variety of sizes, great hammocking trees, and a super clean bathhouse."
"No individual sewer hook up sites available. All sites are back in only. Pull through coming soon. Gravel based sites with access to salt river. Can fish off the gravel ramp into the river."
$10 / night
"The Katy Trail Turner Shelter Hostel is located in Tebbetts, Missouri at mile 131.2. The shelter is open for individuals and groups, including youth groups, using the trail."
I stayed in one of the cabins which are very nice. They are basic but I loved the front porch. Tge cabins ha e electricity and a fridge but no bathroom. The hiking was great and I loved the rocks.
The whole park doesn't match the awesomeness of site 97 and the few around it, but the end of this loop is almost perfect. Great shade, almost no slope to pads, all power options, great water pressure, and a sewer hookup. Plenty of rocked lounging or tent space with each site. Good size fire pits, lantern post, and an aluminum picnic table on a concrete pad. All the sites have enough empty space in between that most campgrounds would have stuck another site in-between. Restroom/shower house very close by and it's regularly cleaned. 2 trails to lakeside access are close by too.
PROS
Senior discount
Site 32 level asphalt pad surrounded with grass and river rocks
Moveable aluminum table
Metal fire ring with cooking grate
One hook lantern pole
Site 19 very near toilets and a dumpster
Friendly and helpful gate personnel
4 bars TMOBILE
CONS
Some road noise in the distance
Electric box at rear of site pad
Sewer connection 6 inches above ground
Poor planning to demolish all but one campground toilet/shower facilities at the same time
No overnight gate closure
Don't Miss
Rustic Oak Cabin Restaurant
Mark Twain Memorial Shrine in Mark Twain State Park. Free entrance
Ride the Mark Twain Riverboat in Hannibal
Downtown Hannibal nice variety of stores and shops
Dam Visitor Center very nice--fairly new
We rented cabin A for 4 days for our summer vacation. We couldn’t have been happier. The cabin is simple and clean. 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. Bathrooms and shower houses were clean and a short walk.
Pure, pristine, well maintained. Easy access to the lake. The campsites were level, clean, and spacious. I didn't think I'd like the gravel pad or concrete block for trailer & picnic tables, but they made the set up & tear downs easy. The screen room fit perfectly around the picnic table block. The campground bathrooms were clean and the shower temperature & water pressure were phenomenal. The park featured a playground, boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station. Everything we hoped it would be & more. Wished we had booked a longer stay!
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. They had nice pavilion areas for gatherings. There was also a large swimming pool. Several of the sites were for seasonal but were very well kept. The camping cabins looked nice. As you came into the resort there was a well equipped store and a huge banquet center. They had two good sized ponds for fishing. Amenities included cable and WiFi. Not wilderness camping but fun for kids.
We stayed only one night here while passing through. Campground’s new owner is very kind and friendly. He escorted us to our site which was tucked away under some nice trees.
Though campground is close to interstate, noise was minimal (I think because of the trees).
Pretty flowers throughout campground. Bathrooms with a shower and laundry room. Salt water pool, nice grassy area. Some sites had fire pits and picnic tables but not all.
Would definitely stay here again.
The Katy Trail Turner Shelter Hostel is located in Tebbetts, Missouri at mile 131.2. The shelter is open for individuals and groups, including youth groups, using the trail. It is run by the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust. The shelter is two stories with 40 bunk style beds. Guests must bring their own bedding. There are showers, restrooms and a kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave. The cost is$6 per night per person. For groups of 10 or more the cost is$25 plus $2 for each member.
To make a reservation, please call the office at 573-634-2322. They will need your name and phone number for a reservation. For more information on the Katy Trail, visit bikekatytrail.com.
There are 10 or so primitive tent sites and an area that will accommodate about a dozen RV’s. There are no services here and no hook ups, but it’s free. The primitive tent sites are spread out along the main road through the conservation area, which means that in the daytime you will get road noise and dust, but its pretty quiet at night. Only a couple have picnic tables, but all seemed to have at least a level spot for the tent and a fire ring. I noticed some sites had a bit of trash in the fire rings, probably from day use or partiers. There is no trash service, so plan to pack out your trash. The best site (already taken, too bad) was set on the edge of the woods next to a fishing pond. The campers that were there let me take some pics of their site since it was so pretty. The only downside to that site was its proximity to the RV lot and their generators. There are some nice hiking trails here to explore.
Cabin camping options near Mexico, Missouri are situated throughout the northeastern region of the state, with most located around Mark Twain Lake approximately 30 miles east of Mexico. The terrain features rolling hills with oak and hickory forests. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder weather with daytime temperatures between 60-75°F.
Fishing access: Ray Behrens Campground provides excellent shore fishing opportunities with a fish cleaning station. "The kids bike around on the pavement and play in the little park. Great access to a few coves too. Very close to Black Jack Marina and a boat launch," notes Elisha P.
Kayaking: The Meadow Campground offers river kayaking with an on-site outfitter. Annie C. explains, "There is a coffee bar that serves light sandwiches, on-site kayak outfitter, and summer concerts on the stage."
Hiking trails: Daniel Boone Conservation Area features multiple hiking paths through wooded terrain. "There are some nice hiking trails here to explore," states Annie C., who appreciated the natural setting of this free camping area.
Swimming: Ray Behrens Campground offers lake swimming access. "A short drive to the other side of lake they had a lake beach entry to swim," Jennifer F. mentions, making it a good spot for cooling off during summer months.
Peaceful sites: Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park provides quiet sites suitable for overnight or extended stays. Beth R. shares, "This is a Good Sam campground. Good for an overnight stay. Came in late, called number & lady gave us instructions to find site. Beautiful campground."
Level camping areas: At Puma Campground, finding level sites can require planning. "Beautiful area, but honestly not sure if any campsite is truly level. Be prepared," advises Nathan P., though he adds, "Like the forest feel of the sites, with found coverage between the sites, giving a nice sense of privacy."
Lakefront views: The Meadow Campground offers river view sites with natural scenery. Annie C. recommends, "If I was in a tent I would want to try and get sites 15 or 17 as they are large and have great views of the river."
Clean facilities: Puma Campground maintains good shower facilities. One visitor noted, "The campground bathrooms were clean and the shower temperature & water pressure were phenomenal."
Seasonal considerations: Daniel Boone Conservation Area offers free camping but with minimal amenities. "There are no services here and no hook ups, but it's free," explains Annie C., who found the primitive tent sites spread along the main road.
Reservation requirements: Turner Katy Trail Shelter requires advance booking for hikers and cyclists. "To make a reservation, please call the office at 573-634-2322. They will need your name and phone number," advises Joyce R.
Accessibility: Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park can be reached by RVs but some campers find it expensive during off-season. Laura notes, "Nice clean campground. We were in off season with pool being closed etc... thought prices were too high for not having any amenities."
Supply options: Local provisions require planning as most camping cabins near Mexico, Missouri are distant from major shopping. Stacy D. from Puma Campground shares, "The closest store for provisions is about 15 miles away, but ice and firewood is available on site from both hosts."
Kid-friendly options: Puma Campground offers multiple family activities at Mark Twain Lake. "Met up for a family reunion at Mark Twain, adults loved the boat accesses and the kids loved the swimming! Something for everyone!" Abbey S. explains.
Budget options: Camp Takimina provides affordable cabin accommodations with basic amenities. "The camp was quiet, private, and peaceful. There are no hookups, but water was right next to us near the parking lot," says Kari W., who brought her children and dog.
Space for activities: Camp Takimina features large camping areas suitable for groups. "Most of the firepits have benches that surround them, which was very handy not to have to move chairs around all the time. The tent sites were huge- easily would fit multiple tents at each site," notes Kari W.
Site selection: Hickory Ridge Campground offers wooded sites for RVs. Julie G. says, "We stayed only one night here while passing through. Campground's new owner is very kind and friendly. He escorted us to our site which was tucked away under some nice trees."
Leveling requirements: Ray Behrens Campground features paved sites of varying levelness. Sam H. recommends certain areas: "Great shade, almost no slope to pads, all power options, great water pressure, and a sewer hookup. Plenty of rocked lounging or tent space with each site."
Utilities: Cedar Creek Resort provides various hookup options. Amy E. shares, "This was a good stopover site on our journey. The campground reps were kind and great to work with. The registration online was seamless."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Mexico, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Mexico, MO is Puma Campground — Mark Twain State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 14 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 12 cabin camping locations near Mexico, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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