Near Oregon, Missouri, camping enthusiasts can find numerous options within a 50-mile radius of this northwest Missouri town. The area sits along the Missouri River floodplain at approximately 900 feet elevation, creating diverse landscapes with riverside lowlands and forested bluffs. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with summer temperatures regularly reaching the 90s and winter often dropping below freezing.
What to do
Kayaking on Big Lake: Big Lake State Park Campground offers kayak rentals for exploring the lake's 635 acres. "Nice lake, campground was good, there are basic sites up against the lake and the rest are electric. You can kayak, canoe, jet ski, and boat. Its olny 30ft at the deepest point," notes Jason C. about Big Lake State Park Campground.
Hiking forest trails: Weston Bend State Park Campground provides several hiking trails through deciduous forest areas. "Weston Bend State Park has an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail! We greatly enjoyed our visit and can't wait to go again!" says Danielle H. about Weston Bend State Park Campground.
Fishing from shorelines: Duck Creek Recreation Area offers accessible bank fishing without needing a boat. "Fishing is great right off the bank. NRD permit required. Lots of sites but majority are on top of the hill away from the water," notes A H. about the recreation area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Most campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at several campgrounds. "This is the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think Mabye ever. The camp hosts were super nice stop by to make sure that I was all set up and didn't need any help," says Lauri J. about Weston Bend State Park.
Private camping spots: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "Both times, we had site 26, one of the few basic sites. While some of the other sites were very close to each other, this one is relatively isolated. It's big too," shares Barbie G. about Weston Bend State Park Campground.
Full hookup options: RV campers value the range of hookup options. "Most sites offer 30 and 50 Amp, Water and Sewer. WiFi has improved. The owner is on site daily and is very attentive," says Rick K. about Pony Express RV.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Some riverside campgrounds experience periodic flooding. "It's a shame as the remediation from the 2019 flooding was just recently completed," notes John A. about Brownville Riverside Park.
Varied terrain: Sites range from lakeside locations to elevated positions. "The campground was good, there are basic sites up against the lake and the rest are electric. Basic sites are large and some of the electric are also. The majority are pull through sites. Everything is fairly level," explains Jason C. from Big Lake State Park.
Yurt camping Oregon, Missouri: While traditional yurt camping near Oregon is limited, alternative glamping options exist at AOK Campground. "We booked at the last minute while traveling through and heading home. When we came in after hours, we had our envelope ready with a map and route to our campsite. The campsites were nice, level gravel sites," reports Soren B. about AOK Campground & RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple parks feature playground equipment for children. "Small park.sites are right next to each other. Picnic tables and fire pits are on site gravel. All roads are narrow one way with the dumpstation at the back end of park with trash dumpsters there. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Sites are pretty level. Great playground area for the kids," says Jolie C. about Big Lake.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Some parks specifically cater to families. "Spmewhar small but quaint.....very family friendly there are not a lot of 'party people' that frequent here. It is a well kept park and we love it!" notes Trista H. about Big Lake State Park Campground.
Biking opportunities: Flat, paved areas provide safe cycling for children. "Lots of flat roads for biking though!" mentions Carissa H. about biking at Big Lake.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many campgrounds offer level sites suitable for RVs. "Easy access off of highway, well maintained grounds and facilities. Very, very clean bathrooms and laundry. Hosts present and helpful. Would stay again without hesitation," shares Katy M. about AOK Campground & RV Park.
Overnight convenience: Several campgrounds serve well as single-night stops. "We were traveling and was looking for an overnight stop. This was very easy off the interstate but once there you felt like you were miles out in the country. The sites appear mostly all level and gravel. We had a pull through and it was perfect for overnight," explains Brenda L.
Dump station access: Certain parks provide convenient dump station facilities. "Campground clean and staff was super nice. Great for just an overnight stay," notes Debra B. about Sharp RV Park.
