Campers at Owensville, Missouri find themselves in the northern edge of the Ozark Highlands, with elevations ranging from 700-900 feet across the region. The area experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers reaching 90°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds near Owensville operate from April through October, though some offer year-round access with limited winter facilities.
What to do
Float trips on the Meramec River: Several outfitters at Bass' River Resort offer canoe, kayak, and tube rentals for river adventures. "This go around we pulled our popup down and chose a site with out hookups. This site is right on the gravel bar and about 100 ft from waters edge. Great for relaxing and having a 'beverage' while watching the floaters figure out life," shares Rick K.
Horseback riding trails: Many glamping options near Owensville provide equestrian opportunities, with Huzzah Valley Resort offering guided rides through forested terrain. According to Joseph A., "There are plenty of campsites to enjoy. Reserve yours early they fill up fast in the summer."
Fishing ponds and streams: The conservation areas around Owensville contain stocked fishing waters accessible to campers. Anglers report catching bass, catfish, and sunfish in these waters, especially at dawn and dusk. "Beautiful scenery, alot of hunters," notes AC about Daniel Boone Conservation Area.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Lazy Day Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "Very clean, great restrooms, clean. Has laundry room. Nice level sites," reports Catherine D. This matters particularly during peak summer months when facilities at other locations can become overwhelmed.
Spacious, well-defined sites: At Indian Springs Resort and Campground, campers appreciate the clearly marked camping areas. "We tent camped in sites 61-64 (now one huge site, but at one time they were three individual), which directly overlooks the river and sits on a very private corner," notes Taryn S.
Natural swimming areas: The Meramec River and its tributaries provide refreshing swimming opportunities during hot summer months. "Clean campground and beach area... Float was easy and beautiful," mentions Denni G. about Indian Springs Resort.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely across glamping sites near Owensville. Daniel Boone Conservation Area gets "1-2 bars most of the time" according to Jessica, while other locations may have no service at all.
Seasonal crowd patterns: Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day bring high visitor numbers. "Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day are extremely crowded. For a more peaceful experience, consider mid-week stays or spring/fall visits when temperatures remain comfortable," says a regular visitor.
Road access considerations: Some glamping locations require navigation on gravel roads. At Daniel Boone Conservation Area, Timmy C. notes, "Gravel roads to the campsites are well maintained. You could easily get an RV or camper around the roads. The way I came was a little weird with some awkward turns that might be tricky for a less experienced operator."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Meramec Caverns Natural Campground offers organized programs specifically for younger campers. "My son and I have stayed here multiple times. We love it! The campgrounds are clean and beautiful, and even during peak times the people that stay are usually very friendly," shares Randy H.
Safety considerations: Sites near water require extra supervision for children. Angelo P. advises, "First timers should definitely consider the cave tour or float trip on site, but if on a budget I would stick to the camping."
Noise levels: Different sections of campgrounds often have designated quiet and louder areas. "They have a family side and a party side (the zoo). Don't expect to get much rest in the zoo," warns Joseph A. about Huzzah Valley Resort.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites with water, electric, and sewer connections are available but limited at peak times. "We were happy to be able to find space available on short notice, especially with lockdown restrictions being lifted," reports Angelo P. about Meramec Caverns.
Site leveling: Most RV sites near Owensville require minimal leveling effort. "The sites are wide, so beautiful, just the right amount of shade and sun," Jennifer H. notes about Lazy Day Campground.
Access for larger rigs: St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA accommodates larger vehicles with pull-through sites. "Decent campground. The site we had was very small and there are train tracks that run near by the campground so it can be quite noisy. The pool is nice as well as the bathrooms and showers," shares Charles S.
