The area surrounding Perry, Missouri combines hardwood forests with the 18,000-acre Mark Twain Lake created in 1984 when the Clarence Cannon Dam was built on the Salt River. Most campsites near Perry sit between 600-650 feet elevation, with the landscape featuring limestone bluffs and oak-hickory woodlands. Fall camping season typically extends later than many northern Missouri locations, with comfortable temperatures often lasting through late October.
What to do
Fishing access points: Multiple locations around Mark Twain Lake offer dedicated fishing spots with concrete paths. "Fish cleaning stations which I had never seen before" notes one camper at Ray Behrens Recreational, which provides convenient lake access from the campground.
Explore hiking trails: The campgrounds connect to several trail systems suitable for day hikes. "Lots of hiking trails and greenery between campsites. Many established trees," reports a visitor at Indian Creek Campground, which maintains well-marked paths throughout the property.
Visit historical sites: The birthplace of Mark Twain in nearby Florida, Missouri makes for an educational side trip. "We camped at Mark Twain State Park for one night... Be sure to check out Mark Twain's Birthplace!" advises a camper who enjoyed learning about the area's literary connections.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The spacing between campsites receives frequent praise. At Frank Russell Campground, campers appreciate how "the sites are all paved and most are well spaced," making for more comfortable camping experiences away from neighbors.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and shower houses are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. A visitor at Puma — Mark Twain State Park notes: "The campground bathrooms were clean and the shower temperature & water pressure were phenomenal."
Affordable rates: Many campgrounds offer reasonable pricing, especially with discount passes. "Stayed 2 nights for $18 total with National senior pass. Electric hookup only," reports one camper at Ray Behrens, highlighting the value for basic sites.
What you should know
Insects can be problematic: Be prepared for significant bug activity, especially during warmer months. A camper at Indian Creek Campground warns: "Only issue I had was the amount of bugs that were everywhere. When I stepped out it felt like I was walking through a thousand spider webs everywhere."
Limited services nearby: Stock up on supplies before arriving. "This campground is out in the boonies so you'll want to stock up before you pull in... 25 min from Walgreens, 45 min from Walmart," advises a visitor detailing the distances to services.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "My site, #6, was dead level side to side, it had about 6" of slope front to back. Not a problem for me but some campers may find it a bit much," notes a reviewer at Frank Russell Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor at Ray Behrens Recreational comments: "We ended up with a spot that we loved since it was close to the playground... the basketball court was open to roll and the field was open so the kids could run around and play catch."
Biking opportunities: Paved roads throughout many campgrounds provide safe cycling for kids. "The kids bike around on the pavement and play in the little park. Great access to a few coves too," shares a family who appreciated the kid-friendly layout.
Beach access varies: Not all campgrounds have swimming beaches. "A short drive to the other side of lake they had a lake beach entry to swim," notes a family, explaining that sometimes you'll need to drive to access swimming areas from your campsite.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: For longer stays, seek out the campgrounds with complete utilities. A visitor at Mark Twain Cave & Campground advises: "Sites are level gravel. Picnic tables and fire rings at the RV sites. The sites close to the lake are not full hookups. The others are."
Site selection for larger rigs: Look for specific campground loops designed for bigger RVs. "Nice new concrete sites with fire pit, full hookup," notes a camper at Frank Russell Campground, highlighting recent improvements that accommodate larger vehicles.
Seasonal considerations: For RV camping in summer, electrical sites are valuable for running air conditioning. "91 degrees needed fan air movement. Water and dump are $24 a night," shares an RVer, emphasizing the importance of managing heat during summer stays.
