The northeastern Missouri landscape surrounding Perry features a mix of campgrounds and recreational areas centered around Mark Twain Lake, approximately 15 miles northwest of town. Camping near Perry ranges from developed RV sites with electric hookups and boat-in access to tent sites and cabin stays, giving campers several options at different comfort levels. Mark Twain State Park offers multiple camping options through its Puma and Coyote campgrounds, with sites suitable for tents, RVs, and cabin stays. Ray Behrens and Indian Creek campgrounds, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provide additional developed camping with electric hookups, water access, and boat-in sites. The region balances lakeside recreation with historical attractions, as many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Mark Twain's birthplace and the historic river town of Hannibal.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from late March through November, with limited winter accessibility. Summer humidity and heat can be intense, particularly in July and August when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. As one camper noted, "Air conditioning is needed in Missouri in August when it gets sooo hot." Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage at developed campgrounds and spotty reception in more remote areas. Many campgrounds feature gravel pads with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities like showers and flush toilets are not universal.
Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly those with shade and buffer space between neighbors. According to one camper at Ray Behrens, "The end of this loop is almost perfect with great shade, almost no slope to pads, all power options, and great water pressure." Families appreciate the paved roads for biking and proximity to swimming areas. Weekday visits typically offer quieter experiences, while weekends bring more activity. Visitors to Mark Twain Lake campgrounds frequently mention the convenience of nearby boat launches and marinas. The region's insect population, particularly ticks and spiders, can be problematic during warmer months, with one camper advising, "Use spray to keep the buggers off!"
$24 - $30 / night
"The whole park doesn't match the awesomeness of site 97 and the few around it, but the end of this loop is almost perfect."
"This is the most common place my friends and family camp at for Mark Twain Lake. Very clean and well kept. The kids bike around on the pavement and play in the little park."
$10 - $125 / night
"Though I grew up outside of St. Louis, I'd never been to this campground or to Mark Twain Lake. Really enjoyed exploring the area and the campground was nice. "
"When I stepped out it felt like I was walking through a thousand spider webs everywhere. The bathrooms aren’t that clean either. That being said though, bugs are to be expected of a campground."
$26 - $85 / night
"It has air conditioning, which is needed in Missouri in August (it was sooo hot). Cabin is private with fire pit and picnic table at the front which faces near the woods."
"The designated spots feel secluded since they are bordered by forest. We got a spot right off the water and woke up to the sound of it in the morning."
$18 - $30 / night
"Hiking trails and easy access to Mark Twain lake."
"The lake is beautiful...if you can see it. We have five sons and one of our musts for a campground is easily accesible water to play in. This is NOT the campground for that."
$24 - $30 / night
"Used their dump station and filled the water tank as we exited the park. Would recommend & would stay there again"
"There is access to the lake from the campground, there is no beach. We spent on night during the week in mid May and there were only 5 campers in the whole park. We had the place to ourselves."
$14 - $27 / night
"Super close to hiking trails and the shower house was clean. Mostly non RV people here which made it a bit quieter."
"The sites on outside of loop in the Coyote loop are better in general. They have no view of lake though, just glimmers. Two raccoons popped out at me (site 45) from a hollow tree."
$20 - $299 / night
"Great family location and for expanding children's knowledge"
$28 - $34 / night
"Just a short walk from the Mississippi River and downtown Hannibal. They have two caves you can tour along with a winery on site."
"This campground is located near the Mark Twain caves. There is also a winery located at the entrance to the campground."
$30 / night
"Didn't bring children, but noticed a playground near the campsites. Decently spaced campsites and vault toilets. Lake was beautiful."
"A'll sights near water were mostly sun. Beautiful. Friendly. Fishing, boating"
"Relaxing spot near the lake with some beautiful views. The whole campground is in the woods so there’s lots of shade. Some spots are full hookups."
GuideThis is a perfect spot! Beautiful sunsets!Beautiful view and camp 10 foot off the Mississippi river on paved spots. Watch the barges and trians going by. We stayed 2 nights. Met several other campers. Very friendly place. It is free to stay for up to 15 days. Fishing and boating is available right from the camping spots. There is a porta pot. No water or electricity but we are all self-contained so we did well.
TravelerORV park on the weekend for sure. Kayak and canoe rental for $10 I believe. Swimming beach and boat launch. Electric motors only but I've seen full size bass boats. Showers are a bit dirty but the bathroom is clean. Fills up quickly so a last minute site, especially electric could be an issue. Close to Columbia so groceries and entertainment is very available.
GuideThis was the perfect place to stay for a night or two. We pulled in at 9pm on a Saturday and had zero problems getting a campsite. We got the last one right along the river. It was wonderful to watch the barges go down the Mississippi River and listen to the river overnight. Each site is clearly marked, with easy access. All 13 sites had fire rings with a great view of the river. We saw rigs of all sizes from Sprinter vans to a Class A RV. There was one clean port-o-potty and one trash can by the boat ramp. I would definitely stay again.
LegendCharming and well thought out landscaping. We have come back multiple times. We love here is the summer due to the pool. Super clean and cute bathrooms and laundry room. There are a few permanent in the back but they are very kept up.
LegendSmall campground. Close to Colombia so nice to go to town. Lots of dirt bike activity and kayaking, fishing and hiking. Need reservations. Ok for all size rigs.
LegendLoved this old but good state park for the water access and nice biking in the park. Family friendly and close to Hannibal for a day outing. Good for tents and smaller rvs.
LegendWe stayed here twice and experience both loops. Newer side by the beach is full hook ups and much better for large rvs. It also has direct access to the lake and canals. I'd stick to small rvs and tents on the other side. Lots of amenities at this park.
LegendI love this campground for its wooded and more rugged feel. It is beautiful in early spring when the dogwood trees are in bloom. It has a nice lake for kayaks and paddle boards. Campaigns are great with nice amenities.
ScoutThis campground is a really nice campground. It doesn't have electrical hookups but, who needs them. I love the fact they have row boats for anyone to use.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Perry, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Perry, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Perry, MO and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Perry, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Perry, MO is Ray Behrens with a 4.7-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Perry, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Perry, MO.
Keep Exploring
