Glamping near Moberly, Missouri offers modern comforts in rural surroundings with convenient access to Mark Twain Lake and several conservation areas. The region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 750-850 feet above sea level and seasonal temperature variations that make spring and fall particularly suitable for camping. Winter camping remains available at several locations with reduced services and lower off-season rates.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area provides complimentary watercraft for exploring the lake. A camper mentioned, "They had rowboats and canoes you could paddle around in. You just needed your own life jacket. The boats were free."
Hiking trails: The boardwalk trail at Pershing State Park Campground offers a unique wetland experience through forested areas. One visitor shared, "There are some wonderful trails nearby. Our favorite was the Boardwalk trail - 1 1/2 miles of boardwalk through forest."
Historical exploration: Visit General John J. Pershing's boyhood home in LaClede near Pershing State Park. A camper noted, "We also visited nearby LaClede where John J. Pershing's boyhood home is. Very informative and interesting."
Swimming options: Mark Twain Lake provides clean swimming conditions with minimal crowds during weekdays. A camper at Coyote — Mark Twain State Park observed, "Plenty of space. Warm, clear, fresh water to swim in. Full of crystals and wildlife."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Most glamping sites near Moberly maintain quiet hours after 10pm. A visitor at Cooper's Landing noted, "They wrap everything up by 10pm and it's very quiet late night."
Live entertainment: Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina offers regular performances. One camper experienced, "This weekend they had special events everyday related to the Katy trail right next to it. You will have water and electric but no sewer and no dump station on site."
Sunset views: Riverside locations provide exceptional evening views. A Cooper's Landing visitor shared, "Also, we caught an AMAZING sunset from our site!"
Wildlife viewing: The conservation areas around Moberly support diverse wildlife. A camper reported, "Katy trail is easy biking beautiful views, shaded. Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out."
Off-season tranquility: Many campgrounds are less crowded during spring and fall. A visitor to Mark Twain State Park wrote, "We visited twice in the off-season we loved the campground so much. It's quiet and secluded. Very clean and beautiful."
What you should know
Free camping options: Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area offers no-cost camping with basic amenities. A camper confirmed, "Free potable water and dump station behind ranger station. Generators are ok just make sure they are not too loud."
Site spacing considerations: Some locations have tightly arranged sites. At Cooper's Landing, a camper noted, "Spots are tight and the party is next door, but looking to trying again when the music starts up."
Seasonal facility closures: Water services often shut down during winter months. At Pershing State Park, "$19 Electric off season. Off season starts Nov 1. Water is turned off."
Campground layouts: Several locations have unusual site arrangements. At Lakeview Park, a visitor explained, "Some of the camp sites are arranged like a standard parking lot where you back in or pull in nose to nose or bumper to bumper depending on your type of rig."
Bug protection needed: Ticks and chiggers can be problematic, especially during summer months. A visitor to Coyote Campground warned, "Apparently ticks and chiggers are bad here. I did not hike because of this."
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Hanson Hills Campground offers multiple play areas for children. A visitor shared, "This was the best campground. We stayed over the labor day weekend and the campground was full of activities for the kids."
Family-friendly fishing: Stocked ponds provide reliable catches for young anglers. A camper noted, "The pond was a great place to relax and watch the kids reel in fish after fish."
Weekend activities: Holiday weekends often feature special events. One visitor experienced, "There was a live band and karaoke. The pool was clean and the grounds were very clean and nice."
Seasonal events: Check campground calendars for special programming. A camper mentioned, "This weekend they had special events everyday related to the Katy trail right next to it."
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: At Lakeview Park - Mexico, RVers found convenient layouts. A camper noted, "Nice flat cement pads. Everything worked well and not too busy. No tent camping sign posted on the way in."
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer electric-only connections. A visitor to Lakeview Park shared, "It's a quite little park with maybe 15-20 sites with electric only. There is potable water and sewer dump on site."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. At Hanson Hills Campground, a camper warned, "Arrived late, be aware this is a good 5-10 minutes down a dirt road (after a rainy night it was not pretty pulling my trailer back to the highway)."
Extended stay options: Several parks accommodate longer visits with appropriate planning. One RVer at Cooper's Landing recommended, "You will have water and electric but no sewer and no dump station on site. Plan your length of stay accordingly."
