Camping sites near Miami, Missouri provide access to several waterfront and wooded locations along the Missouri River watershed. The region sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with seasonal temperature fluctuations ranging from winter lows in the 20s to summer highs averaging in the mid-80s. The area's soil composition creates variable drainage conditions that affect camping conditions, particularly after rainfall.
What to do
Hiking through wetlands: Pershing State Park offers unique boardwalk trails through marshland ecosystems. "We also visited nearby LaClede where John J. Pershing's boyhood home is. Very informative and interesting," reports one visitor to Pershing State Park Campground, who particularly enjoyed "the Boardwalk trail - 1 1/2 miles of boardwalk through forest."
Stargazing: Limited light pollution at several campgrounds creates optimal night sky viewing. A camper at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground noted "Beautiful Stargazing views" that "Photos don't capture the true essence!"
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water access points for anglers of all experience levels. At Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, visitors can access Lake Woolridge for fishing, though one camper notes, "Once you get to the parking lot for the lake you'll see nothing but trees. On the east side of the parking lot there are two trail heads. Take the one on the left. There's a quarter mile hike down to the lake."
What campers like
Affordable rates: Budget-friendly camping with electric sites starting under $25. A visitor to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park Campground described it as "Electric $21 in season. $19 off season. Off season starts Nov 1. Showers, water, ice machine, firewood, firepits."
Historical connections: Several campgrounds offer proximity to educational historic sites. Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground provides access to "nearby town of Arrow Rock with its many historic buildings and an excellent interpretation center. Great for a pleasant cycle in the evening or a stroll after a bottle of wine."
Privacy options: Varying site layouts accommodate different privacy preferences. At Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, "The odd numbered sites are smaller and may hold water after a rain, but more private. Bring plenty of bug spray. The campground is right by a marsh and it is REALLY buggy."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Water services often shut off during winter months. A camper at Arrow Rock noted, "No bath house until April 1 and no cell coverage (T-Mobile) but wonderful walking, hiking and biking areas, quaint MO town nearby."
Booking systems: Reservation processes vary between parks, with some requiring advance planning. At Lodder Up & Camp, a camper mentioned "Booking online is a bit confusing but owners are very friendly and helpful."
Weather impacts: Proximity to water bodies means monitoring conditions is essential. At Robert's Bluff, a visitor recommended to "check the weather just to make sure it's not going to flood. It's right beside a river."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature dedicated play areas for children. At Annie and Abel Van Meter, a visitor noted the park "had a nice playground for small kids including a little play area and some swing sets."
Bug protection: Marshland areas require extra insect prevention measures. One family camping at Van Meter State Park warned, "Clean, well cared for campground. The even numbered sites are really big and back up to big open grassy area with shade trees... Bring plenty of bug spray. The campground is right by a marsh and it is REALLY buggy."
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences at interpretive centers. At Stump Island Park, families can access both camping facilities and nearby educational attractions, though one visitor notes "it was very confusing on where the tent sites were. They have 6 RV sites at the top of the hill and 12 more river side."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Choose locations based on privacy and utilities needed. At Roberts Bluff Access, RVers report "3 sites with fire rings and all very nice" but warn "Ground away from the campsite was a bit muddy and made a mess."
Level site identification: Many campgrounds offer concrete or rock pads for easier leveling. At Lodder Up & Camp, visitors noted that "Some sites have concrete pads and others are rock. Sites seemed level despite there being a lot of elevation change within the park."
Setup timing considerations: Arriving at dispersed sites after dark presents challenges. A visitor to Robert's Bluff mentioned, "It was a great camping spot until... at around 9:30 pm pitch black someone decided to camped. It's not very quiet at all. You will wake up from cars driving almost everytime."
