Dispersed camping opportunities near New Bloomfield, Missouri remain limited, with most camping concentrated at established campgrounds and resorts within a 30-mile radius. The region features rolling hills with elevations between 500-800 feet and a humid continental climate with distinct seasons. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with moderate to high humidity, making spring and fall ideal for tent camping.
What to do
Water recreation access: Daniel Boone Conservation Area offers fishing ponds for anglers seeking a quieter experience away from larger lakes. A camper noted, "There's a little pond with wildlife like rabbits and frogs. You get there after about 5 miles on a well maintained, wide gravel road."
Katy Trail biking: Daniel Boone Conservation Area connects to the Katy Trail system. "We rode the Katy Trail which is only 3.5 miles down the hill from here," reported one visitor who appreciated the conservation area's proximity to this popular cycling route.
Horseback riding: Lost Valley Lake Resort provides horseback riding opportunities for riders of all experience levels. One camper mentioned, "There is horseback riding, pony rides and the jump pillow are big favorites."
Swimming options: Multiple swimming areas exist in the region. A Lost Valley Lake Resort visitor wrote, "There is swimming year round with 2 indoor pools, hot tubs and sauna. Summer time swimming at 1 outdoor pool and 2 swimming beaches at the lake."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina provides direct river access for those seeking water views. A visitor shared, "Rustic. You come down winding rolling roads then onto gravel to get here. Katy bike trail on one side Missouri River on other side site 2 completely level for our 31e RV."
Live entertainment: Cooper's Landing features regular musical performances. "The evening band was awesome!" noted one camper, while another mentioned, "On my road trip out west I stumbled upon this little oasis. Good people and a fun time. Food truck set up and beer was being sold. Gorgeous lookout onto the Missouri River."
Family-friendly amenities: Hanson Hills Campground (formerly Crooked Creek) offers recreational activities for families. 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. There was a live band and karaoke. The pool was clean and the grounds were very clean and nice."
Quiet camping spots: Lazy Day Campground provides a more relaxed atmosphere. A camper noted, "We discovered this gem on our way home. Just needed to stay overnight, but will definitely be back. The little details make it very homey. Sites are well laid out and easy to maneuver."
What you should know
Site variations: Hanson Hills Campground (formerly Crooked Creek) has inconsistent site quality. A camper warned, "Decent place, beautiful setting. We pulled in here around 10:30pm, and it was a little unclear where to go. There is no after hours check in, and a number handwritten on a sign had no answer when we called."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts area campgrounds from November through March, with temperatures ranging from 20-45°F. Most campgrounds remain open but with reduced services during winter months.
Reservation requirements: Some resorts require advance booking, especially for glamping near New Bloomfield, Missouri. Hickory Ridge Campground has specific policies, as one visitor noted, "I stayed for week then extended stayed for month. Thinking it starts day you paid no. No signs saying other wise either."
Primitive options: Daniel Boone Conservation Area provides basic facilities. "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," explained one camper who appreciated the no-cost option.
Tips for camping with families
Fishing with kids: Several area lakes stock fish for young anglers. "The pond was a great place to relax and watch the kids reel in fish after fish," noted a visitor at Hanson Hills Campground, making it ideal for beginning fishers.
Recreational variety: Hickory Ridge Campground offers family activities throughout warmer months. A visitor shared, "Lots of activities - pool, cornhole tournament, potluck dinner, and movie night. Great place for families. New owners are clearly making improvements and working hard to create a unique place."
Safety considerations: Some locations have terrain challenges. At Cooper's Landing, a camper warned, "I 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."
Budget options: Lakeview Park in Mexico (24 miles from New Bloomfield) offers affordable camping. "Nice sites lots of shade, electric on site, priced at ten a nite. 1.4 mile walking trail, 15 acre fishing lake," reported a visitor looking for economical family options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Cooper's Landing provides level sites for larger rigs. A camper mentioned, "Site 2 completely level for our 31e RV. Boat dock. They have food trucks that come in and live entertainment."
Seasonal RV considerations: Area campgrounds offer varying winter amenities. "We got there and it was beautiful. The landscaping was kept up with, full hook ups," noted a Hickory Ridge visitor who appreciated the well-maintained facilities year-round.
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approaches for larger vehicles. "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)," warned a visitor to Hanson Hills Campground.
Hookup availability: Lakeview Park - Mexico offers partial hookups for RVers. "We camped in a 32' Class C for 7 days during the Miss Missouri Pageant. It's a quite little park with maybe 15-20 sites with electric only. There is potable water and sewer dump on site."
