Near Perryville, Missouri, campers can find diverse camping options within 30 miles of town, with elevations ranging from 400 to 600 feet above sea level. The region features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round with varying levels of service during winter months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Perry Campground offers on-site fishing, while nearby Randolph County State Recreation Area provides additional options. "Plenty of tent camping sites. There are primitive also. Great Lake to fish and plenty of trails to hike," notes one visitor at Randolph County.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer trail systems with varying difficulty levels. At Hawn State Park, you'll find well-marked paths through pine forests. One camper mentioned, "The park is nice and sites are spaced out enough. Not sure about cell service but had a site in the 2nd campground in the middle where there's a break in the trees."
Historical exploration: Visit Fort Kaskaskia State Park to learn about 18th century French settlement. "The views over the Mississippi River are calandar-worthy! Very scenic from up atop the bluffs. A very old and historic cemetery is next to the campground," shares one visitor.
What campers like
Shade coverage: Many campgrounds near Perryville feature ample tree coverage, particularly valuable during summer heat. A visitor to Goatey Goat Ranch RV Park praised its "peaceful views" and noted it's "only 5 to 10 minutes from grocery store & downtown area for drinks & dining."
River views: Campgrounds along the Mississippi offer unique perspectives. One Trail of Tears camper appreciated the "unobstructed view of the Mississippi River" and "great dark sky viewing," though noted there are "lots of trains, day and night with train horn blaring due to road crossing at campground."
Privacy levels: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. At Turkey Bayou Campground, a free primitive camping area, one camper was impressed: "Perfect campground. Clean, right next on the water, only 2 other groups (~20 sites total), and FREE. Though no trash or showers--only porta-potty."
What you should know
Train noise: Campgrounds near the Mississippi often experience train disruptions. A camper at Trail of Tears State Park mentioned: "Lots of trains, day and night with train horn blaring due to road crossing at campground. Lots of river barge noise."
Highway proximity: Some campgrounds are intentionally close to highways for convenience but may have associated noise. At Perryville RV Resort, a visitor noted: "This was a great place. The drawbacks for us were how close it was to the interstate, and the fact that it's just not what we're used to when camping."
Site limitations: Many campgrounds have specific constraints worth considering. At Randolph County Recreation Area, one camper observed: "Best sites are first come first serve other half are reservable. 50amp water fill available with frost free. And dump station at front. Tight spots and harsh back up angles."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with playgrounds and activities. A camper at Perryville RV Resort By Rjourney mentioned: "It has a pool, playgrounds, a pond, and some tiny home type cabins that look like fun."
Accessibility considerations: Look for campgrounds with paved paths for strollers and bicycles. "Went to Mary Janes for dinner gotta recommend! Campground has a trail to a hike around lake. Playground was fun and safe. Lake for fishing," noted one visitor about Perryville.
Entertainment options: Several campgrounds offer recreational activities for children. One camper highlighted Perryville's amenities: "Great place to go. Lots of shade and always clean. Has a nice pool."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some locations. A Trail of Tears visitor pointed out: "Site 6 not level side-to-side" and "Sewer connection was high above ground so drainage was up hill."
Size restrictions: Several campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Hawn State Park, campers note it's "a smaller campground with a good mix of electric and non-electric sites" and one mentioned specific site spacing issues.
Electric hookup variations: Amperage options vary between campgrounds. Randolph County offers "50amp water fill available with frost free" while Fort Kaskaskia provides "electric hookups 30 and 50 amp. No water/sewer but does have a dump station."
