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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Oran, MO

424 Reviews

General Watkins Conservation Area provides primitive pet-friendly camping with 3-5 back-in sites suitable for smaller rigs. Each site includes a fire pit and picnic table. This free campground operates on a first-come basis and typically has available spots except during Missouri firearm deer season in mid-November when it fills completely. The conservation area features multiple fishing ponds and walking trails, including one notably lined with paw paw trees. Pets must remain on leash throughout the campground and surrounding trails. Nearby Hinton RV Park in Sikeston also welcomes pets with full hookup sites, offering a convenient location just off the interstate with level gravel sites and friendly staff.

Trail of Tears State Park Campground accommodates pets at both tent and RV sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Leashed dogs can join owners on the park's hiking trails where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Pet owners should be prepared for the area's seasonal conditions, particularly summer heat when early morning or evening walks are recommended. The conservation areas typically have basic vault toilets but no running water, so campers must bring sufficient water for themselves and their pets. Local veterinary services are available in Cape Girardeau, approximately 15-20 minutes from most campgrounds. Most campers report minimal issues with wildlife encounters when dogs are properly leashed, though ticks can be prevalent during warmer months.

Map showing campgrounds near Oran, MissouriExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Oran, Missouri (70)

    1. General Watkins Conservation Area

    7 Reviews
    Oran, MO
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5730

    "Sites are only a few miles from our house, we use it to test out new gear (hammocks) General Watkins has a good amount of ponds (great fishing) and has a few good walking/ small hiking trails."

    "There are a couple of loop trails and we walked one of them. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon. The locals use the area for fishing and walking and it was somewhat busy in the afternoon."

    2. Hinton RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Benton, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 471-1457

    "The facility allotted pets, sewer, water, and electric hook up. If had a few mature trees but mainly a place to catch-up before heading off again."

    "Our only hiccup was we passed it first time driving by so look closely for the entrance. Veterans discount. We would 100% stay again if we needed to."

    3. Trail of Tears State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    McClure, IL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5268

    "Due to the pandemic, only one host has volunteered for Trail of Tears."

    "PRO  Senior discount saving $6 

    Able to reserve on-line 365 days prior to arriving 

    Very friendly and helpful camp host 

    Unobstructed view of the Mississippi River 

    Great dark sky viewing 

    No highway"

    4. Horseshoe Lake Alexander County

    4 Reviews
    Olive Branch, IL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 776-5689

    "Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty. Showers dated but clean. They are multiple stalls. Of note, there is not much around in the way of stores."

    5. The Landing Point RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Cape Girardeau, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 334-7878

    "Water park close by (5 minute drive) that was great for the kids on a hot day. Camping spots was all nice and level. looked like all the spots was full hook ups."

    "There is a big grassy area in the middle of the loop of wanting to play games and run around."

    6. Magnolia Campground & Country Store

    2 Reviews
    Benton, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 475-8991

    $40 / night

    "Road noise from nearby I‑57 noted. Felt $40/night was a bit high.
    CatTrailzz (24 Jul 2024)

    Quiet despite being near the freeway. Loves the deli (noting salads and pulled pork)."

    7. Cape Camping & RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Cape Girardeau, MO
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 332-8888

    "There was a public paved walking trail along the back of the CG, which was very nice to walk the dogs. There was also a 2 acre fishing pond for CG residents to use."

    8. Bean Ridge Pond Campground

    3 Reviews
    McClure, IL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 253-7114

    "There are only two camp site at this location and they are very close to each other. The camp sites are also very narrow."

    9. Lake Girardeau Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Whitewater, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 290-5730

    "Has a nice sized lake good fishing if you are using a boat, or kayak. Spots have a table and a fire pit. Vault toilets, and a pavilion on site."

    10. Cypress Creek RV Park

    1 Review
    Benton, MO
    15 miles
    Website

    $20 - $40 / night

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Oran, MO

57 Photos of 70 Oran Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Oran, MO

424 Reviews of 70 Oran Campgrounds

  • G
    Oct. 23, 2020

    The Landing Point RV Park

    Real nice RV Park with easy access

    Real nice RV park orientated toward rigs of all sizes. Easy to navigate the roads, with every site level concrete. ATT & Verizon both worked fine. Wifi & cable included in the price. 10% discount for Good Sam, military & seniors. Right off a hiway (W) and a bit noisey, but all in all a nice park, especially for a night over. Sites are reasonably spaced, many with large trees. Not real far off 55. Would stay here again for a nioght ofer and even an extra night. They also have a dog park area.

  • Lucy M.
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Hinton RV Park

    Shower, Sleep, and Power

    The older man in the office was kind and helpful. The facility allotted pets, sewer, water, and electric hook up. If had a few mature trees but mainly a place to catch-up before heading off again.

  • Anne H.
    May. 30, 2019

    Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    Perfect for family camping

    We love it here. Sites that can accommodate tents and/or RVs. Its clean and well maintained. Multiple access points to the water. Educational programs and entertainment of some sort most every weekend. Pet friendly.

  • Chrissy W.
    Jul. 18, 2018

    Castor River Ranch Campground

    Awesome place

    Really nice place on the castor river. The owner was a nice guy and very helpful with whatever we needed. I love the castor river. The water feels good and is clear. The castor river ranch campground in Marquand Missouri is a nice lil campground. There aren’t many people that knows about it so there isn’t hardly any campers there so we had a whole Big area to ourselves. The river is right next to the camps. The bathroom is a single person bathroom but it was really nice and air conditioned and has a stand up shower with wood walls and tile floor. There was never a wait for the bathroom it was always open. There’s also showers on the outside of the bathroom for spraying off after you get out of the river. Each camp has its own water spicket for dishes or whatever. They are very pet friendly there. The owner guy was super nice. The only complaint I have is that there is no trash service there so you have to take your trash with you but there is a winery down the road that lets you use their dumpster for $5. I also recommend eating at the winery. They have the best food, amazing people and great service. All around awesome experience with the campground and winery. The castor river shut ins is only 27 minutes from the camp so I definitely recommend going there too. It’s beautiful to see and the water is amazing. The owner of the camp will also give you a ride up river to float back down to your camp for free just bring your own tube or whatever. There is electric sites. Rv or tent camping.

  • James D.
    Sep. 29, 2016

    Devils Backbone Park

    Cool to see the Devil's Bake Oven and Tower Rock but otherwise blah

    Maybe it's because I am from WI and we tend to rip on IL a lot, but I really found this park sub-par. I am also spoiled from getting to see some of the larger parks in the country. Would probably be nice for a long weekend with the kids. But I don't have kids. It's more of a touristy place than a real campground in my opinion. If you are in the area check out the view of Tower Rock. There are a lot of campsites available for both tent and RV, and they do offer grills, tables, camp fire pits, toilets, and a playground. Pets are welcome. Part of a foundation of an old house built on a rock is still around and is a neat part of history.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2022

    Little Ole Opry Campground

    Little Ole Opry is a Little Okay

    Reading the reviews on several review websites, we decided to give Little Ole Opry a try as our last overnighter on our way back to our home base near St. Louis. We arrived about 3:00 PM. We used our RV GPS that took us through Jackson, MO(that has many stop lights) right to the address that turns directly into the campground(CG) off Hwy 34. We had talked to the camp host earlier and she told us to go on in and pick a spot and she would be by later to collect our$15. We pulled into one of the better defined gravel sites(#3) closer to the entrance. However, when we tried to put down our MoRryde steps they sat wonky on the wood site trim plus recent rain made us nervous about putting our levelers down and sinking. About that time the camp host(assume owner) pulled in and suggested we move farther down to site 8 that was pretty much grass and dirt but firmer. Even though we were overnighting, we wanted to back up to the little lake and have a picnic table. There is a tree line that runs behind the lake view sites and the other sites across their gravel road and so, at least in a tall 5th wheel, you cannot get very close to utilities, which are all at the back of the site, due to branches from the trees. Our electric cord reel is mid-rig so I knew I was going to need my extension cord to get to the electric box that has two 30 AMP plugs. I also needed 20’ of sewer hose and 35’ of water hose. The water pressure was very good at around 60 psi but you share a spigot with an adjacent site. The sites are fairly level but in need of gravel and grooming. In general, the CG needed grooming but we’d give them a pass as it had been raining and was late April. They were mowing the morning we departed. We got quite a few OTA channels and usable 2 bars on Verizon. The views, especially sunset and sunrise, were very nice. And there was a path around the lake to walk the dogs. We didn’t use their small shower house/restroom, but it did look clean. There’s also a pavilion and small dock for viewing or fishing. We imagine the place gets busy with campers during the summer. Overall, we had a positive experience, but even at $15 a night, we would not spend the time and hassle traveling in from I55 for an overnighter.

  • Grant M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2021

    Asher Creek Campground — Lake Wappapello State Park

    Above average Missouri lake state park

    Worth the trip up from US 60 if you’re driving E/W, standard MSP rates and setup. There’s a campground on the lake and and a campground up on the ridge. We’ve stayed on the ridge twice, and on a weeknight or any night in the off season, you can nearly have the place to yourself. On a Monday in July, I counted 2 other campers in the ridge campground.

    Close to several trails, and obviously the lake, for my Bootheel and Bootheel adjacent friends, this is a great spot close at hand.

    For folks from away, look, from April to September, you’re gonna want electric so you can run AC (or at least a fan), Missouri humidity is not a joke.

  • Josh S.
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Sam A. Baker State Park Campground

    A true diamond in the Ozarks. Cold water and Shady days

    We Stayed in site  174. While this location was right next to dumpsters it was also adjacent to a gravel bar access for the entire park.  Our trip was amazing. Site 174 and most around it had quite a bit of shade and plenty of room for kids, dogs, and our 4 hammocks.

    Our campground hosts were knowledgeable and on top of things with seeming overbearing. Campground is obviously hit and miss as far as neighbors but here you have enough room to make your own oasis. 

    Clean Shower houses and historic visitor centers. We cant say enough about how much we love this campground. Do yourself a favor and book it early they fill fast.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2024

    Shawnee Forest Campground

    Built on an Old Golf Course

    We’d seen signs for Shawnee Forest Campground (CG) many times as we headed out and back from our St. Louis home base and wanted to check this CG out. We followed our GPS to the clearly marked CG entrance but our GPS showed we still had about a half mile to go. We checked in at the little office and were given the choice of pull through sites with FHUs 12 or 21. We chose site 21. The gravel roads are slightly narrow with some trees but we did not have any issues getting to site 21. The water and electric(50/30/20 AMP) are at the back of the gravel pad. There are two sewer hookups, which was nice. The water pressure was good around 50 psi. Their WiFi was very good. There are mature trees here and there in the CG, so satellite should not be an issue. We got two bars on Verizon. Each of the bath houses have a washer and dryer. Our site was not level and with all the rain we had, there were water puddles at the steps. There are some nice sites in this CG but we were not offered one of the better ones even though there were plenty of sites open in the upper 26- 50 site area. If we come back, we’ll know where to ask for a site. They have a small lake and two ponds for fishing. There's no formal dog area, but there are paved trails around the large CG area, which made it nice to walk our dogs.

Guide to Oran

Near Oran, Missouri, camping options span across state conservation areas and RV parks within 30 miles of this southeast Missouri town. The region sits at the northern edge of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain with elevations ranging from 325-450 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights often drop below freezing between December and February.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Girardeau Conservation Area offers a no-wake lake perfect for fishing. "It is a good area for fishing, kayaking or canoeing. It is a no-wake lake," notes Kim R. about Lake Girardeau Conservation Area.

Hiking options: Trail of Tears State Park features trails for different skill levels. "If you want an easy hike it's available but there are an abundance of intermediate trail and a beautiful quarry! Be sure to pay attention to trails because lack of trail markers," advises Livia W. about Trail of Tears State Park Campground.

Wildlife viewing: The Bean Ridge Pond area provides opportunities to see local wildlife. "Small little pond with 2 primitive campsites. It's very quiet and peaceful. Some signs of litter, but mostly clean. Saw a few deer during my stay," shares Dave N. about his experience at Bean Ridge Pond Campground.

What campers like

Quiet settings: General Watkins Conservation Area provides peaceful camping experiences. "We stayed here for a night, but felt lucky to have found a site. Not many sites here which made for a quiet evening. Camping was quite primitive," says Sara S.

Mississippi River views: Trail of Tears offers unique views of the Mississippi. "As close to camping next to the Mississippi river as you can get," explains Rhonda M. The campground provides an excellent vantage point for watching river traffic.

Small, uncrowded campgrounds: Horseshoe Lake Alexander County offers a relaxed atmosphere with natural beauty. "Gorgeous place big beautiful cypress and tupelo trees. Shaded spots and laid back atmosphere. The park workers do a amazing job at upkeep," reports Frank B.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most conservation areas have basic amenities only. "No running water. There is one bathroom. It is secluded and nice to just get away, but each campsite is very close to each other so there is not a lot of privacy," explains Kim R. about Lake Girardeau.

Weekend noise concerns: Some areas may get busy with local visitors. "This might be a local party spot, so be aware and maybe pack earplugs if you're coming on a weekend," warns Cameron about Bean Ridge Pond Campground.

Site availability: During hunting season, some campgrounds fill quickly. "This campground will always be packed for Missouri firearm deer season. Mid November. But normally has open spots rest of the time," notes Matthew G. about General Watkins Conservation Area.

Tips for camping with families

Water recreation options: Horseshoe Lake provides unique cypress swamp landscapes for kayaking. "Lake is more of a swamp with cypress trees, very pretty. Showers dated but clean. They are multiple stalls," shares Alison S.

Limited grocery access: Plan to bring all needed supplies. "Of note, there is not much around in the way of stores. We managed to find one small grocery store," adds Alison S. about the Horseshoe Lake area.

Kid-friendly activities: Hinton RV Park makes a good base for accessing regional attractions. "Plenty of things close in the area," mentions Ricky L., who appreciated the park's convenient location for family activities.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for big rigs: Magnolia Campground accommodates larger vehicles well. "Accommodated a 43 ft fifth wheel with ease," notes QueenMartell about Magnolia Campground & Country Store.

Overnight convenience: Cape Camping provides good interstate access for travelers. "Nice place to pull off I-55 and rest, or stay if you are in the area for sports or other events. Not alot of recreation. Very large concrete walking trail nearby," explains Chad H. about Cape Camping & RV Park.

Pet-friendly options: Multiple campgrounds in the region welcome pets. "Each space has full hookups and its own picnic table," notes Rebecca B. about Hinton RV Park, which is one of several pet-friendly camping options near Oran, Missouri that accommodate both RVs and pets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Oran, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Oran, MO is General Watkins Conservation Area with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Oran, MO?

TheDyrt.com has all 70 dog-friendly camping locations near Oran, MO, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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