Tammy S.
Guide
GuideLake of the Ozarks State Park Campground
Nice new section
Full hook up! Level concrete site. Lots of deer. Great trail along the river and cliffside.
Camping near Plato, MO
117 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options near Plato, Missouri include established campgrounds and recreational areas primarily along the Gasconade River and surrounding forested areas. Paddy Creek Recreation Area in the Mark Twain National Forest offers primitive tent and RV camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Additional options include Froggys River Resort with cabin rentals and full hookup sites, and Jesse and James Properties which provides riverside camping with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. These campgrounds are situated within the Ozark highlands region, providing access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and water recreation.
Road conditions vary significantly when accessing campgrounds in the Plato area, with some requiring travel on gravel or unimproved forest roads. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. "Quiet and secluded with no service, which forces us to escape from electronics," noted one camper about Paddy Creek. Water levels on the Gasconade River fluctuate seasonally, affecting floating and fishing opportunities. Paddy Creek operates on a donation basis ($5 recommended) while established resorts like Froggys require reservations and charge standard camping fees. Cell service is limited or non-existent at more remote forest locations, with visitors needing to "drive up the hill to get a signal" at certain campgrounds.
The Gasconade River serves as a central feature for camping in the Plato region, with multiple campgrounds offering direct river access. Campers frequently highlight the peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings in their reviews. Several visitors mentioned the spring-fed creeks providing consistently cool water temperatures even during summer heat. Wildlife viewing opportunities include bald eagles, as one camper reported seeing one fly up the river in the morning. Primitive sites at Paddy Creek receive particularly high ratings for privacy between campsites and access to hiking trails, including the Big Piney Trail loop. Vault toilets are commonly available at forest service campgrounds, while private resorts like Froggys River Resort offer shower facilities and camp stores for supplies. Most campgrounds feature designated fire rings with firewood available for purchase at nearby locations.
Best Campgrounds near Plato (117)
1. Paddy Creek Recreation Area
"Access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails. We were surprised with how many sites were taken up, but there were still quite a few available."
"Dollar General and a gas station located in nearby Roby. No cell service at cg. Had to drive up the hill to get a signal."
2. Froggys River Resort
"Nothing but icadas, crickets and quiet laughter from the camp next to us."
"I was right next to the river, and the sounds of the water made everything tranquil. There is a ton of space for tents and RVs, and the road in is well paved."
from $5 - $100 / night
Check Availability3. Mark Twain National Forest Paddy Creek Recreation Area
"Stayed there twice, it is a voluntary pay campground, the sites are nicer close to the creek, the only drawback is you gotta go a ways for supplies"
4. Montauk State Park Campground
"Another great trout park on Missouri"
"Montauk State Park is one of the Missouri Conservations four trout parks, and is located at the headwaters of the beautiful Current River."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability5. Jesse And James Properties
from $18 - $20 / night
Check Availability6. Lamplight RV Park
"The location is perfect, just minutes away from Fort Leonard Wood or St. Robert, MO, off exit 153 on I44! Also only a little over an hour from Springfield, MO..."
"Right off I-44 in Missouri and only 10 minutes from Fort Leonard Wood. Convenient to Waynesville and St. Robert. Owners are very helpful and informative."
7. Bennett Spring State Park Campground
"This state park is one worth a stop when near Springfield. I drove north toward this park to enjoy something a bit different and found it to be very peaceful during a weekday. "
"A trout fisher dream, as one of Missouri’s 5 hacherys are here. Fun for this kids to see the amazing amount of fish."
from $15 - $48 / night
Check Availability8. Gasconade Hills Resort
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability9. Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground
"Lake of the Ozarks State Park campground is located in Kaiser Missouri about 5 miles down highway 134 off of highway 42. This campground is about 1.5 hour from Columbia and Springfield Missouri."
"We stayed close to the river in the primitive area and the deer were all over. These deer were super friendly and didn't move at all as we walked right past them. "
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability10. Boiling Springs Campground
"Bus picked us up there and dropped us at a location on the gasconade. Float ended right back at camp! We got out of our boat and walked up the bank to our camp site."
"Located on the Gasconade beauty abounds. Full service hookups. Some shaded spots right on river. Bathroom is very small. No showers. One toilet spot not very nice."
from $12 - $89 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 21 min from Springfield, MO
- 1 hr 54 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 2 hrs 16 min from Joplin, MO
- 2 hrs 20 min from Columbia, MO
Recent Camping Photos near Plato, MO
124 Photos of 117 Plato Campgrounds
Bourbon Barrel H.
Mark Twain National Forest Paddy Creek Recreation Area
Kura O.
Paddy Creek Recreation Area
James L.
Jesse And James Properties
Boilingsprings C.
The Resort at Boiling Springs
Delanie J.
Froggys River Resort
Sheila C.
Gasconade Hills Resort
Kelley
Ruby's Landing River Resort
Josiah P.
Boiling Springs Campground
Joel R.
Montauk State Park Campground
Ken and Sheryl C.
Rustic Trails RV Park
Roger F.
Big Rock Candy Mountain Campground and Big Chill Bar & Grill
MickandKarla W.
Haven Hollow RV Park
Recent Reviews near Plato, MO
513 Reviews of 117 Plato Campgrounds
Janet K.
ScoutThe Hitching Post RV Park & Tiny Home Village
Has potential but needs owner attention
You can tell this property had potential; the owners have put a lot of $$ into installing sites w/electricity/gravel & a new bathhouse. But checking in was sketchy when “the office” is an unidentified building with a handwritten poster board, “Knock before entering.” I had to text before a young lady came out to show us to our site. The listing says all sites have water & trash. Not accurate. None in our site & water pumps at top of the hill were turned off. The only water avail was at the bathhouse….100 yards from our site. NO TRASH RECEPTACLES OF ANY KIND any where except a dumpster at the top of the hill at the office entrance. Individual toilet rooms w/showers were nice enough, but only 1 had toilet paper! Plus, the campground has long-term campers. We had no problems with that, but this is not a polished property; fairly primitive in overall experience … but with potential. Rather than post a public review which WOULD affect future customers, I sent a detailed text to the owner (?) with feedback & details that are easily fixable. I said I did not want to post a public negative review. It’s been almost 2 weeks now, & I received no response or acknowledgment. Perhaps the young lady who was on-site never gave the feedback to the owners who were “out of state”..???… I don’t know. But when customers attempt to provide actual info privately rather than on public blast, that’s a good thing. Oh well; I tried. Overall, this is “a place to stay.” And $35/nite w/elec is equitable. But don’t go to Hitching Post & expect what it’s not. I’m actually only disappointed the “owners”(?)may not have seen actual feedback that would help the campground.
- SSteff H.Scout
Maramec Spring Park
Beautiful and quiet
We stayed one night on the 4th of July weekend. The campground was accordingly busy. The primitive area is all the way in the back, so besides the foot traffic of people walking past to get to the spring, it was nice and quiet. The spring was beautiful with a nice walkway next to it. The bathroom building was a little older, but the toilets and sink were clean. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience. Side note: If you want to fish for trout, you will need a permit for the day.
- SSean J.Guide
Paddy Creek Recreation Area
Backwoods Tent Camping
This is a USFS campground that is perfect if you want a secluded spot to disconnect for awhile. No water, electricity, or cell service, but the views are amazing and Paddy Creek is beautiful. Campground requires a six mile drive on somewhat rough gravel roads and and a paved creek crossing if you are are coming from the Licking, MO side of the forest.
There are about two dozen campsites, each with a narrow and short concrete pad to back a vehicle into. A small popup camper or travel trailer may fit, but anything medium or larger is not going to work. All sites have good shade from tall trees and include a picnic table and fire ring. The single vault toilet was clean and stocked.
Cost is $15 a night and is paid for in the iron ranger nearby. The campground appears to close in late fall and open again in the spring at different dates each year, so be sure to check the USFS website before planning a trip.
Kari W.ScoutLane Spring Recreation Area
Beautiful and peaceful
We were there on a Friday of 4th of July weekend. We used the day-use area but drove though the campground loops to check it out first. Campground was not full, even on a holiday weekend, sites are spread out, and we will definitely come back for camping. Very peaceful.
Day use area was well maintained, easy path to spring, and river access just past the spring. Plenty of tables and grills. Lovely in the evening with the fog creeping up the river!
Rufus W.
TravelerCedar Gap Conservation Area
Quiet
A nice place to park your car for the night
Joel R.
LegendAlley Spring Campground — Ozark National Scenic Riverway
Camping, canoeing and fishing
Alley Springs is one of several campgrounds within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.. Open year-round. Flush toilets and shower facilities available from April till Mud October. Fire rings, picnic tables. There are Ranger-led campfire programs during the summer months. The Jacks Fork River, a clear cool spring fed river is nearby with canoeing, swimming, rafting, and fishing. The historic and scenic Alley Spring and mill Mill is a short walk from the campground.
Tori M.GuideMaramec Spring Park
Amazingly Blue Spring
I had an amazing time using Maramec Spring Park Campgrounds. I’m very familiar with the area which made it easy for me to solo camp. The campgrounds are well maintained and the bathrooms are so open and clean, which is a big plus for me when I camp at established sites. I wore bug spray but I didn’t have any issues with ticks and/or chiggers.
Shawn B.GuideRiverfront Campground and Canoe
Great site
Campground was very nice. good river access and pool area. the store is nice to get a coffee or a smoothie. atv rentals make getting around a breeze. canoe raft and kayak rentals.
Guide to Plato
Camping near Plato, Missouri centers around the Ozark highlands with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers reaching into the 90s and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Fall camping is particularly popular when humidity drops and daytime temperatures average 65-75°F, making outdoor activities more comfortable.
What to Do
Hiking trails accessibility: The Big Piney Trail loop near Paddy Creek Recreation Area offers primitive hiking opportunities through dense forest. "We stayed at this campground as a halfway point hiking the Big Piney Trail loop. Typical primitive campground with toilets, bear-proof trash cans, and camp sites with fire rings and picnic tables," notes Josh C.
Spring exploration: The region features numerous spring-fed waterways with consistent temperatures. At Boiling Springs Campground, visitors can swim across to a natural spring. "There is a spring on the opposite side of the river that is fairly easy to swim to that is a thrill to swim through. It's ice cold!" reports Elisha P.
Trout fishing options: The streams near Montauk State Park provide regulated fishing areas with daily catch limits. "The stretch of river from spring to the falls are some of my favorite fishing anywhere. I have a group of guys that get together every spring and fall for a trout fishing trip," says Kyle H.
What Campers Like
River access points: Many campsites offer direct paths to waterways. "We stayed in spot 20 which had its own path to the river," mentions Kura O. about their experience at Paddy Creek. The recreation area features multiple access trails from individual campsites down to the water.
Privacy between sites: Campers frequently mention the spacing between spots at Jesse And James Properties, which maintains only five total campsites along the riverside. The limited number of sites provides substantial buffer zones between camping areas.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife spotting times. "We saw about 20 deer each day," reports Anthony C. from his stay at Lake of the Ozarks State Park. The forested areas surrounding campgrounds provide natural habitat for deer, wild turkeys, and occasional eagles.
What You Should Know
Limited supplies nearby: The remote location means planning ahead for essentials. "There isn't much in the 20 miles before you get to the campgrounds, but there is firewood for sale (self-serve) 10-15 minutes before," advises Kura O. about traveling to Paddy Creek Recreation Area.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely throughout the region. At Lamplight Lane RV Resort, visitors find better connectivity as it's closer to Fort Leonard Wood. However, most forest and riverside locations report minimal to no service.
Seasonal river conditions: Water levels fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. "Depending on the time of year, the river can be quite low, so be sure to check the forecast before planning a stay. It was only about 6 inches deep when I was there," warns James A. about his experience at Froggys River Resort.
Tips for Camping with Families
Beginner-friendly fishing spots: Bennett Spring State Park offers accessible fishing for children with stocked areas. "If you're trout fishing, you'll need your MO state fishing license, as well as a daily trout tag within the park," explains Jesse C., noting the regulatory requirements even for young anglers.
Educational programs availability: Some parks offer ranger-led activities during peak season. "We didn't take advantage of it, but there were a lot of activities aimed at kids," mentions Dan N. from his visit to Bennett Spring State Park Campground.
Swimming areas safety: Look for designated swimming zones with consistent water depths. "Access to swimming, fishing, and hiking trails," reports Kura O. about the recreation options at Paddy Creek, though parents should note the absence of lifeguards and variable current strength.
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Many campgrounds have physical constraints for larger vehicles. "Parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much," advises Cheryl M. about Paddy Creek's accommodations.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain throughout the region. "Our site was kinda tricky to get into, especially if you have a longer trailer. Seemed like quite a few were that way, so do your research," warns Jenny H. from her experience at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
Hookup availability mapping: Research utility access before arriving as options vary widely. "Great free campground near the river. Volt toilets, trash cans, and picnic tables. All spots have paved pull-in spots. I'd say max length for rigs are 30 feet," reports Brooke A. about the amenities at Paddy Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Plato, MO?
What camping is available near Plato, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Plato, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Plato, MO and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Plato, MO?
Which is the most popular campground near Plato, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plato, MO is Paddy Creek Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plato, MO?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plato, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Plato, MO.
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