Located within northeastern Missouri, Perry offers campers access to rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous waterways typical of the region's transitional zone between prairie and woodland. Summer temperatures range from 70-95°F with high humidity, while fall brings drier conditions with 50-75°F temperatures. The area sits at approximately 800 feet elevation with several conservation areas providing both standard campsites and glamping accommodations for visitors seeking outdoor experiences.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Mark Twain Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities, while smaller conservation areas offer quieter alternatives. At Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area, visitors praise the free boat access: "They had rowboats and canoes you could paddle around in. You just needed your own life jacket. The boats were free," notes reviewer Patti M. about the Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area.
Explore nearby historic sites: The region offers historical attractions within a short drive of camping areas. At Coyote — Mark Twain State Park, one camper mentioned, "Be sure to check out Mark Twain's Birthplace!" This educational stop combines well with outdoor recreation as noted by reviewer Kelsie L. who described it as "Beautiful Camping, Historic Education, Incredible Lake."
Off-season exploration: Consider visiting during quieter months for a different experience. "We visited twice in the off-season we loved the campground so much. It's quiet and secluded. Very clean and beautiful," shares Bradley R. about Mark Twain State Park. Fall and spring offer comfortable temperatures with fewer crowds at most area campgrounds.
What campers like
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate no-cost sites at certain conservation areas. One reviewer at Hunnewell Lake stated, "Can't beat the price - FREE!" while another mentioned, "Nice campground, mainly tenting but RVs are welcome. Grass sites, fire pit and picnic tables." The conservation area provides basic amenities without fees.
Swimming facilities: During summer months, water recreation becomes a priority for many visitors. At Lazy Day Campground, Jennifer H. described the pool as "pristine" and mentioned the campground was "beautiful" with "sites wide, just the right amount of shade and sun." Several campgrounds feature swimming options from pools to lake access.
Dark night skies: The rural setting provides excellent stargazing opportunities. At Daniel Boone Conservation Area, reviewer Art Z. specifically mentioned "Peaceful dark skies" and noted there was "only one other camper" during their stay. The relative isolation from urban areas creates optimal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. At Mark Twain State Park, reviewer Bethany S. advised: "Some of the basic sites in the Coyote Loop are more suited to small pop-up trailers than tents—eg, site 45 does not have much room for a tent unless you want to set it up on gravel, while site 43 does. Site 43 looks the best imo. The sites on outside of loop in the Coyote loop are better in general."
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting means wildlife sightings are common. "Two raccoons popped out at me (site 45) from a hollow tree. Apparently ticks and chiggers are bad here," noted one camper at Mark Twain State Park. Proper precautions like insect repellent are recommended, especially during warmer months.
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate on limited schedules. Some glamping options near Perry close during winter months, while others offer reduced services. Always check current operating hours before planning your trip, especially for water features and camp stores.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for kid-friendly activities: Many area campgrounds schedule structured activities during peak seasons. At Hanson Hills Campground, one visitor shared, "This was the best campground. We stayed over the labor day weekend and the campground was full of activities for the kids. There was a live band and karaoke." Calling ahead can help determine what will be available during your stay.
Consider camping cabins: Glamping near Perry, Missouri often includes cabin options for families wanting more comfort. "The camping cabins looked nice," mentioned Cathy S. about accommodation options at Mark Twain Lake, though quality varies significantly between providers.
Look for fishing opportunities for children: Many younger visitors enjoy fishing in stocked ponds. "The pond was a great place to relax and watch the kids reel in fish after fish," noted a visitor to Hanson Hills Campground, highlighting how this activity keeps children engaged without extensive equipment or planning.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: RVers should research campground layouts before arrival. At Hickory Ridge Campground, a reviewer mentioned being "escorted to our site which was tucked away under some nice trees," indicating personalized guidance that can help with larger vehicles. Some campgrounds have tight turns or low-hanging branches that can impact larger rigs.
Hookup reliability: Full-service RV sites are available at several campgrounds, but quality varies. "The gravel pad was fairly level, and although the utilities were toward the back of the site, we had no trouble connecting. There were two sewer hookups—a nice touch. Water is shared, but the pressure was solid at about 50 psi," reported MickandKarla W. about their experience at Lazy Day Campground.
Connectivity options: Working remotely while glamping near Perry requires planning for internet access. "We got 2 bars on Verizon and 3 bars on T-Mobile, and our T-Mobile Home Internet worked very well. The CG WiFi was fine for email and web browsing," noted one RVer, providing specific carrier information helpful for those needing to stay connected.
