Nelson, MO is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Missouri camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Nelson, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$11 - $23 / night
"Kayaking was wildly available, due to the small lake and difficult launch, we can see why, but still very enjoyable. Site was very sizable for our tent, as most are suitable for campers."
"Bath houses (there are at least 2) have 4 unisex shower pods that are clean and have good pressure. There are no sinks or mirrors, just shower and bench."
$10 - $60 / night
"A beautiful campground located right next to the Missouri River. Live music, amazing Thai food, general store with snacks, beer, ice cream and merchandise."
"They still offered everything they could to me including an indoor shower and bathrooms."
"Beautiful spot on the lake. Clean campground, full hook-ups. Tent and RV friendly. Will stop here again!"
ScoutA beautiful campground located right next to the Missouri River. Live music, amazing Thai food, general store with snacks, beer, ice cream and merchandise. A bathroom (in addition to portapotties) as well as indoor shower. Very kind people all around
TravelerSuper friendly people. They had gotten flooded out two weeks before I got there so there were a few things being rebuilt. They still offered everything they could to me including an indoor shower and bathrooms. A perfect spot if you want to escape road noise and light pollution and be lulled to sleep by the noise of the river not but eight feet away.
RangerWe camped the last weekend in September picking a late reservation where kayaks were available for our first tent test run were our main goals, which the site met. Kayaking was wildly available, due to the small lake and difficult launch, we can see why, but still very enjoyable. Site was very sizable for our tent, as most are suitable for campers. Lots of even ground, with decent distance. Facilities could do with some updates, but there were a number of bathrooms on site, spaced so no site seemed far, including the vault toilet and a lot of people masking up while going into bathrooms as well, which was appreciated. Current host was super nice and helpful to first timers. The tiny market has a number of random items, including a collapsible fork which was the only thing we hadn't overpacked, and wasn't overpriced. Fire pits on our site were adjustable, making grilling food easier to control.
LegendWell maintained campground with nice, level concrete pads. Sites are spacious. Bath houses (there are at least 2) have 4 unisex shower pods that are clean and have good pressure. There are no sinks or mirrors, just shower and bench. I did not go into bathroom, which was a separate building. The only reason I took off a star is because my site (13) was adjacent to a fenced off sewer lagoon which did emit slight odor. If I came again I would choose another site.
GuideThis was a nice short notice trip we took. Only downside is it’s near MU, so throughout the day, you get a lot of kids hanging out until the “quiet hours” set in. Next time we’ll bring bikes and hop on the trail.
Also, we caught an AMAZING sunset from our site!
ScoutI 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.
ScoutSee beautiful scenery on the MO River & Katy Trail. You may get to see a paddleboat cruising the river. Cooper’s has spectacular sunsets, a boat ramp, dock, trails, bonfires, live music, and a very friendly atmosphere.
The Katy trail runs through the edge of the property, offering quick access to trail walking, hiking, and bicycling.
The general store has many options including a wide variety of food and drinks. It also has a small bicycle repair area set up outside.
I highly recommend the delicious Thai food restaurant on site.
Prices are very reasonable.
GuideLeaving this magical place today. For anyone wanting to stay be aware they have live music Thursday through Sunday. They wrap everything up by 10pm and it’s very quiet late night. 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. Plan your length of stay accordingly. In addition to the live music, food trucks come in and there is a cash bar/store with drinks, snacks, firewood and ice. It’s a very small campground and you are not walled off from the general public. If this is your style of camping you will really enjoy this place. Built in the 70’s on the banks of the Missouri River I had an amazing time. It was like being on vacation from my full time vacation lifestyle. I didn’t grocery shop the whole time.
TravelerThis is a fun spot with a cool vibe. Right on the river, food truck, bar and drinks at the general store, nice people, fire pit and music. There is a nice biking/jogging trail along the river as well. Spaces are tight to get in and out, but otherwise no complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Nelson, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Nelson, MO is Knob Noster State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Nelson, MO?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 glamping camping locations near Nelson, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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