Camping near Odessa, Missouri centers around several accessible facilities within a 30-mile radius of town. Located in west-central Missouri at an elevation of 830 feet, the Odessa area has four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-90°F and winter lows regularly dipping below freezing. Campgrounds in the region vary from county parks with lake access to private RV parks offering different levels of amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Paradise Resort includes multiple lakes where guests can fish without traveling far from their campsites. "We camped here in September 2020. There are nice spots right by the lakes with big trees for shade," notes one camper who enjoyed the proximity to water.
Swimming options: The swimming pool at Lake Paradise Resort stands out as a major attraction. As one visitor described, "The pool is renovated and very nice. It is very large, zero entry, up to mostly around 5 ft deep with a small area that was 9ft; there is a children's area with a sprinkler."
Outdoor movies: Some campgrounds offer seasonal entertainment options beyond traditional outdoor activities. "We went to a movie outside there and fireworks for Memorial Day weekend," reports a camper who stayed at Lake Paradise Resort, highlighting planned activities during holiday weekends.
Hiking trails: Knob Noster State Park Campground provides numerous hiking options around its lakes. A camper noted, "There are a couple of small lakes, one of which has kayak rentals. Several hiking trails," making it suitable for day hiking without leaving the campground property.
What campers like
Wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the shade and natural feel of forested camping areas around Odessa. One reviewer of Green Acres at Red Brick Farmhouse called it "Idyllic" and explained, "The hosts are lovely and accommodating. We came in with our small trailer, two kids and a dog. There was plenty of space for all of us and even a wonderful tire swing for the kids."
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower houses frequently receive positive comments from campers staying near Odessa. A camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground reported, "Both RV Life Trip Wizard navigation and GPS took us to Campground Rd where there were signs to the camping area. The bathhouse was newer and in good condition."
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers can find economical camping options in the area. A reviewer of Mayview RV Park stated, "$20/night including full hookups! Town population only 600. There's a bar & grill and a brunch cafe around the corner from the RV park."
Child-friendly amenities: Families appreciate campgrounds with designated play areas. As one camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground noted, "The sites were well kept up, with many prime locations near the playground for our kids. Campground staff were beyond friendly and accommodating."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer heat and humidity can be significant factors for tent campers especially. A camper at Country Gardens RV Park described, "We were meeting cousins from Texas to do the Lewis and Clark loop this past weekend (August 19-21). The heat index was 120F. No lie."
Site spacing variations: The distance between camping sites varies considerably across the region. At Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA, one camper observed, "Not too much privacy as there's not very many trees around and the sites are close together but otherwise a great campground!"
Reservation needs: Popular campgrounds fill up quickly during peak season. A visitor to Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA noted, "Staff was accommodating... paid ahead... they left instructions for tent area," highlighting the importance of advance planning.
Wildlife awareness: Some campgrounds have active wildlife that requires proper food storage. One camper at Knob Noster State Park warned, "Raccoons have taken over the park. And the state workers have done nothing... About 40 in my camp the whole week making us scared."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming pool access: Families with children particularly value pool facilities during hot summer days. "The pool was open for the first Saturday but it was rainy and of course cold. It was still so much fun. Can't wait to be back for 4 of July!!" shared a visitor at Lake Paradise Resort.
Playground proximity: When booking sites, requesting locations near playgrounds can enhance convenience for parents. At Great Escape RV Park & Campground, facilities include "a pond for fishing (no license required) and a swimming pool," offering multiple recreation options without leaving the property.
Nature exploration: Many children enjoy discovering wildlife at local campgrounds. A family that stayed at Lake Paradise Resort reported, "Kids found tons of frogs and snails to play with," providing natural entertainment beyond standard playground equipment.
Security features: Parents appreciate campgrounds with controlled access. A camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground noted, "We felt very safe here since they require an access code to get into the gate," adding peace of mind for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: RV campers frequently comment on the levelness of camping pads. A visitor to Owl Creek Market and RV Park mentioned, "Clean decent campground with full hookups. They do have quite a few rules and sites are very close together but all in all good place to stay while passing through."
Access considerations: Larger rigs require adequate space for maneuvering. At Great Escape RV Park, a camper observed, "All sites are FHU. They offered to move us to a pull thru, but I picked our site based on proximity to the dog park, so I declined the move."
Pet amenities: RV travelers with dogs particularly value dedicated pet areas. A visitor to Great Escape RV Park noted, "Nice dog park with bench and shade," demonstrating the importance of pet facilities for RVers traveling with animals.
Utility placement: The location of hookups affects convenience for RVers. At Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA, one reviewer pointed out, "Only negatives were our hookups were literally in the next site next to their table, and their fire ring was very close to our trailer," highlighting a common design challenge at some RV parks.
