Camping locations near Mount Vernon, Missouri occupy the western Ozark Plateau at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 feet. The area's unique combination of forested highlands and accessible water recreation creates distinctive camping opportunities with seasonal temperature variations. Between late spring and early fall, overnight temperatures typically remain above 60°F, making tent camping comfortable with minimal gear.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling adventures: Table Rock Lake offers designated kayak trails for beginners and experienced paddlers. "They have some pretty cool kayak marked trails on the lake. Beautiful sail boats to see as well!" notes a visitor to Stockton State Park Campground.
Fishing in stocked waters: Several campgrounds maintain well-stocked ponds for campers seeking relaxation without traveling to larger lakes. At Beagle Bay RV Haven Campground, "We are in a tent on the back lawn by a small fishing lake. Nice playground for younger kids and you can't beat the atmosphere and the birds."
Shuttle service to attractions: Avoid parking hassles when visiting local entertainment venues. "The campground buses you to and from the theme park, so you don't have to worry about parking and the long walk to and from the park!" reports a camper at Tall Pines Campground.
What campers like
Clean, modern bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds have invested in quality shower houses. A visitor at Indian Point appreciated "the bathrooms with the private toilet and shower. No issues with crowding or waiting for one to open up."
Campsite spacing and views: Camping areas with adequate space between sites receive consistently higher reviews. At Lake Leatherwood City Park, "The tent camping area was spacious and close to the water. The handful of RV sites were very close together and up the hill from the water, without much view."
Lake access for multiple activities: Many campgrounds provide direct water access. At Aunts Creek, one camper noted, "The camp sites were nice and orderly. My son enjoyed swimming. There is easy access to the lake and boat ramps."
What you should know
Train noise affects some campgrounds: Railroad proximity can disrupt sleep at certain locations. A camper at Springfield - Route 66 KOA mentions, "If it wasn't for the trains coming by blowing their horns, this would easily be a favorite spot."
Campsite elevation and terrain variations: Many sites feature uneven ground that requires careful setup. At Cedar Ridge Campground, a visitor observed, "I noticed several of the tent sites do not have level areas for your tent."
Lake levels fluctuate seasonally: Water access points can be affected by changing water levels. "Rains also can dictate your usage of certain portions of the park as the level of the lake can climb and engulf the swimming beach and outlets to the marina," reports a reviewer about local campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Choose campsites near play areas for convenience. At Beagle Bay RV Haven, "They have everything you could want! Arcade, swimming pool, kids playground and a pond to fish."
Swimming beach conditions: Water entry points vary significantly by location. One camper at Aunts Creek advises, "Has its own beach area but no lifeguards. You'll also want to pack water shoes as the beach is gravel."
Family-focused activities: Some campgrounds organize special events for children. According to a visitor at James River Outfitters, "The boys fished right across the street from our campsite. And there was a gravel bar that we were able to walk up the river a tad and swim. Nice cool water."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds require additional leveling equipment. A camper at Springfield - Route 66 KOA mentioned, "The campsites were gravel and unlevel. It's always a nice feeling to pull in and set up with minimal effort."
Hookup quality considerations: Water pressure fluctuates between locations. At Beagle Bay RV Haven, one visitor noted the water station "put out barely a trickle of water with the spigot open."
Tight navigation at wooded campgrounds: Tree density can complicate parking larger units. A camper at Tall Pines Campground shared, "The number of trees was beautiful but made for a tight squeeze getting our rig (39') in and out of our spot. If the one across from us had been occupied I wouldn't have been able to get in."
