The Ozark Mountains surrounding Patterson, Missouri feature forested terrain with elevations between 500-1,500 feet. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional snowfall. Camping areas near Patterson offer access to clear streams and rivers with gravel bars ideal for swimming during summer months.
What to do
River activities: Float trips on the St. Francois River at Sam A. Baker State Park Campground provide a different experience from other nearby waterways. "The park itself offers a lot to explore--quite a few trails to choose from, and the river made for nice wading in the afternoon heat. A friend and I even spotted a baby eastern spiny softshell turtle while crossing Big Creek!" notes camper Madelyn H.
Creek exploration: Spring-fed waterways at Big Creek RV Park offer natural cooling options. "The creek is nice for cooling down on a hot day, but there is a pool if you'd rather do that. Saturday is fun with different campground activities and an evening hayride," writes Mike T. The park also features "a great little hiking/biking path along creek that runs along park," according to Eric H.
Horseback riding: Equestrian trails through forested areas provide another way to experience the region. At Fourche Creek RV Park and Riding Trails, campers appreciate the equestrian facilities. "The horse stalls were convenient from our site- we brought our own stall bedding and buckets but they provided a tack room, pitch fork, wheelbarrow and shovel to help us clean up after our horses," reports Kelly M.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern bathrooms consistently earn praise from visitors. At Asher Creek Campground, campers find "the cleanest park restrooms I've ever seen," according to Madelyn H. James W. confirms this: "Tent camped here during the week in June and the campground was only about 1/3 full. Quiet and the restrooms and showers were very clean."
Spacious campsites: Room to spread out matters to many campers. John R. notes that Asher Creek offers a "beautiful small campground with large sites." At Fourche Creek, campers appreciate "wonderful spacious sites, nicely groomed lawns," as Reta G. mentions.
Lake access: Water recreation opportunities beyond rivers attract many visitors. Tammy A. reports that at Asher Creek, "All sites at Asher Creek loop have water views. The lake is great to swim in - very clean bottom and not slimy at all. We did take our kayaks and paddled around a little but mostly stayed on beaches and swam."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Traffic varies dramatically depending on when you visit. At Huzzah Valley, weekend crowds can be substantial. "If you are picturing serenely paddling down a pristine river in a canoe listening to the sounds of birds and insects, you are in the wrong place, at least on a Saturday during the summer. This is more like a float trip with frat parties floating on by you," warns Mara F.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies across campgrounds in the Patterson area. At Big Creek RV Park, Eric H. reports: "Verizon worked ok. T-Mobile very poor." Amy & Stu B. add: "Verizon had 0 service, ATT had very minimal service and their Wi-Fi went in and out."
Supply availability: Limited shopping options near some campgrounds require planning ahead. Eric H. advises about Big Creek RV Park: "Be advised, not a lot of supplies nearby. Make sure you bring with you."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Scheduled events keep children entertained at Camelot RV Campground where they offer family-friendly amenities. Paul P. shares, "Very clean, well maintained, quiet, but still close to dining and shopping. It's easy to recognize when people really care!"
Swimming locations: Shallow water areas provide safer options for younger children. At Big Creek RV Park, Rhonda M. notes it has a "nice little park with great activities. Spring fed creek runs along side." The park also includes "a nice, clean, quiet campground" with a "great little pool in middle of park," according to Eric H.
Guided experiences: Educational opportunities help children connect with nature. Jan B. recalls long-term family traditions at Huzzah Valley: "My husband have been going there for over 25 yrs, some of my fondest family memories are at Huzzah. Now our children are married with children of their own, and our family tradition continues on through another generation."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Consider accessibility needs when booking at Otahki Lake Cabins and Campground, which offers "50 RV sites with picnic tables fire/grill pits with a variety of 30 and 50 amp pull-through and back-in sites," according to staff member Elijah E. The campground also provides "rental golf carts to adventure around the park."
Extended stays: Amenities for longer visits matter to many RVers. Campers at Camelot RV Campground appreciate that they are "escorted to our site, offered help getting parked and set up," notes Paul P. Others mention its year-round availability with full hookups including cable TV and WiFi.
Weather considerations: Cooling options during hot months influence RVer satisfaction. At Camelot, the sites are "terraced and there are mature trees everywhere," providing valuable shade according to Susan L. For hot days, many RV parks in the Patterson area provide both shaded and open sites with electrical connections for air conditioning.
