P
Patty C.
Scout
ScoutOzark Farms Family Campground
Ozark Camp in Rolla, MO
Easy to reserve online. Confirm reservation through email. Showers/RR/laundry facility. Clean and shady. Dog park.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Plato, MO
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Paddy Creek Recreation Area offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options near Plato, Missouri. All campsites welcome pets with standard leash requirements. The campground features primitive sites with picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and vault toilets, making it suitable for both tent and smaller RV camping. Sites are well-shaded and many have direct paths to the creek, providing water access for pets to cool off. The campground operates on a donation basis ($5 recommended) rather than fixed fees. Most campsites provide good privacy between neighbors, with spacious, well-separated areas allowing pets room to relax while remaining leashed.
Froggys River Resort and Jesse And James Properties both offer pet-friendly cabin accommodations for those preferring more comfort while camping with dogs. These locations provide river access, with the Gasconade River offering shallow areas where dogs can wade during warmer months. Tent sites at these locations maintain a family-friendly atmosphere where pets are welcome. Parking pads at Paddy Creek are lined with large boulders and relatively short, limiting RV size to approximately 30-35 feet maximum. The nearest supplies are located in the town of Roby, where a Dollar General and gas station provide basic necessities. No cell service is available at Paddy Creek campground, requiring a drive uphill to get signal coverage, which can be important for pet owners needing to contact veterinary services.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Plato (85)
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. Jesse And James Properties
from $18 - $20 / night
Check Availability5. Lamplight Lane RV Resort at Glen Oaks
"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."
6. Gasconade Hills Resort
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability7. 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 - $55 / night
Check Availability8. 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 - $89 / night
Check Availability9. Roubidoux Spring Campground & RV Park
"Pretty creek, but away from the bank, no trees."
10. Wilbur Allen Memorial Conservation Area
Drive Time
- 1 hr 21 min from Springfield, MO
- 1 hr 54 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 2 hrs 16 min from Joplin, MO
- 2 hrs 20 min from Columbia, MO
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Plato, MO
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Plato, MO
504 Reviews of 85 Plato Campgrounds
Becky M.
GuideDoolittle Acres RV Park and Campground
Great Route 66 stop
The camp area looks new, cute playground, small fenced dog park type area, showers, laundry, fire pits and picnic tables. Very little trees or grass. Would love it if they played up the Route 66 theme they have going. Very convenient for our fishing trip!
Kelsey S.GuideDoolittle Acres RV Park and Campground
Nice area
Good area only a mile off the highway so it made a great night stopping point. Had great access for our starlink. They have a little dog park, kids park, and it was all clean and well maintained. Easy access and some nice pull through spots. Water, sewer, and electric hook ups. Fire pit and picnic table at site. Since it’s close the highway it was a little loud with traffic. 57$ a night for premium spots, 42$ a night for non premium
- SSarah S.Guide
Linn Creek Koa
Great for just popping through.
Great place for a place to stay near the lake of the ozarks attractions. Super close to big surf and not a bad drive from all the lake has to offer. But not a favorite for a trip focused more on hanging out at the camp site. Very hilly (though grade on the site wasn’t bad at all), pull through sites make getting in easy with larger rigs but all roads through are gravel and rutted so not the easiest. Sites close together without much in between. Nice large trees would offer some summer shade but still not much separation between sites. Water and electric at site. Small “dog park” (fenced in area) great for smaller dogs to run off leash and pretty large kid okay ground too. Overall we will stay here again but think of it more as bringing our own hotel to the lake rather than coming to enjoy the campground.
- DDany H.
TravelerFishermans Paradise
This place has it all!
Great staff! Biggins in the ponds, and great music events! The rv park at the top of the hill is great and pet friendly!
Fish on!
chris M.GuideLake of the Ozarks State Park Campground
Lake of the Ozarks State Park campground Spring 2022
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. It is approximately 3 hours from St.Louis and Kansas City Missouri .
Lake of the Ozarks State Park includes two different areas which are both located on Lake of the Ozarks.
The one reviewed here is located in Kaiser and includes Public Beach #1 , a marina/gas dock , horse stables/trails, hiking trails,beach,fishing dock,shore fishing and campground.
The other is located in Osage Beach about 20 minutes away and includes Public Beach #2, grand glaze marina/gas dock,shore fishing and hiking trails. No camping is available at the Osage Beach location aka PB 2 or grand glaze.
Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground is a wonderful place to set up camp for the weekend and is one of my all time favorites. The State Park is clean and well maintained with plenty to do for everyone.
The camp sites range from primitive to full hook up 50amp and you will see a range of camping types from tents to class A's . The sites are well spaced out despite how the reservation map appears on the State Park website. I would however suggest staying at the campsites on the outer edges as the interior sites are a bit more cramped.
This area includes bath and shower houses that are of average cleanliness for a State park (typically worn but clean). As well as 3 playgrounds for the kids. Also on site is a Beach so bring a Towel and swimming suit.
A few things to note . If you come in the winter or spring the lake will be low and your lake side campsite will be Lake view instead. You are located about 15 minutes from a grocery store however a camp store is available also bring bug spray.
Your ideal sites are lakeside 160's I stayed at #163 and it was wonderful open with not a lot of tress for the dogs to get tangled in.
This is a true gem at the lake and even though I only live 15 miles away we visit many times throughout the year.
Melissa H.GuideLake of the Ozarks State Park Campground
Pretty camping area, lake was filthy and smelly
This was a pretty campsite with lots of trees and simple deer trails throughout. Sites are well spread out. The lake itself was filthy and smelly. Lots of trash and rotting fish on the shorelines. The campground website said they had WiFi throughout the campsite, however it was only available at the front office. No cell service. We had planned to stay for a week to school and work remotely, but had to cut our time here short because of no connectivity. If we hadn’t had the need for WiFi, this would have been a fine campground to stay at, as it is centrally located to many sightseeing locations.
Sties were level, kid and pet friendly, quiet campground, 30/50 amp electricity, no water hookups, firewood avail for fire pits, also had nice picnic tables. Inexpensive.
- Judith B.Traveler
Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Newest state park in Missouri
This is a great state park. Sites are level and have cement pads with full hookups. Not much shade now but they have planted trees between sites. Bathrooms are clean. There is also a lodge with store and restaurant just down the street. There are cabins there that can be rented also. And the real treat is the wild horses. Came right up to our site - but please do not feed or try to pet. The rangers will have to move them if they get to used to people.
Also local river rafting companies will pick you up at your site
Shelly S.
LegendTimbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park
Busy, busy, busy
Echo Bluff State Park in Ozark National Scenic Riverways near Eminence, MO is a brand new “old camp”.
Opened in 2016 the history is rather interesting. From 1929 until the 1980s, Camp Zoe was a children’s summer camp, founded by Russell S. and Margaret McMahan Louis County teachers. There is one of the structures still on site with plaques and information. More recently, it was home to music festivals — and an open-air drug market. I didn’t find any plaques in relation to that. However when the government gained control of the land in a court proceeding it was decided to bring more business into Shannon County by opening a very nice campground for people not wanting to rough it.
And “BAM” you have very pricey accommodations from lodge rooms, to cabins and two story condos. The campground is pretty nice too but lacking in shade and privacy. There are walk-in (uphill) sites and nice wagons provided to transport your gear. Not my favorite style of camping. Completely full and busy, which is why it got a 4 instead of 5 star. This may be your type of camping and you would say a 5 star. Reserve ahead, I mean way ahead.
There is a huge pavilion that can be reserved that overlooks the area. It has a large fire pit and mega size grill, one of the trails meanders below the pavilion. This would be a nice venue for an extended family get together.
This is a very nice, new, recreation creation. The playground was given two thumbs up by my granddaughter. Then the river, which you can see from the lodge and playground was given 12 paws and 2 thumbs by dogs and grandkids alike. Crystal clear ice cold water that you can walk across to the sheer wall of rock. Bring your water shoes, the rocks aren’t fun to walk on.
A very cool feature , if you are lucky , you will see the wild horses that roam the area. They are not for petting, so use caution.
Aside from the abundance of people we enjoyed Echo Bluff SP.
Guide to Plato
Camping sites near Plato, Missouri sit at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in the heart of the Ozark Highland region. The area features diverse terrain with rolling hills, limestone formations, and spring-fed waterways that maintain consistent temperatures year-round. Primitive camping options often include donation-based sites, while established campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities throughout the region.
What to do
Creek exploration and swimming: Paddy Creek Recreation Area offers direct creek access from many campsites for cooling off during summer months. According to Aaron T., "Creek is spring fed so water is always cooler than most creeks," making it a refreshing spot even during hot weather.
Trout fishing: Montauk State Park Campground is known for excellent fishing opportunities. Nicole T. mentions, "We go here for our annual fishing trip. And also floating! A lot of nice stuff is provided to do and keep you entertained." The park requires a $3 trout tag purchased at the lodge, allowing you to keep 4 trout daily.
Hiking trails: At Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, campers can access multiple trails through wooded terrain. Anthony C. notes, "Huge beautiful park. A lot of hiking and biking trails. Boat ramp and store in the park. We saw about 20 deer each day."
River floating: Experience floating on the Gasconade River, a slower-moving waterway compared to others in the region. Elisha P. reports at Boiling Springs Campground, "This is a pretty nice place to get a float trip however far up the Big Piney you want to go and float right back to camp. 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."
What campers like
Quiet, secluded atmosphere: The campgrounds maintain a peaceful environment away from urban settings. Lyric O. mentions about Paddy Creek, "We've been camping here for 3-4 years now and we are still amazed at how quiet and secluded it is. We love being able to have an escape from the world."
River access options: Froggys River Resort offers convenient river activities. Delanie J. notes, "They had a fire pit in the middle of the river which was so cool and did a pork steak dinner one of the nights. The sites along the river are great for primitive camping. And the six mile float on the gasconade was lovely."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural settings provide chances to observe local wildlife. At Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, campers regularly report deer sightings throughout the day, with some counting "about 20 deer each day" during their stay.
Primitive camping with basic comforts: Kura O. describes Paddy Creek, "Nice long weekend in a relatively primitive campsite. Vault toilets were a plus, but no water source that we saw. 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."
What you should know
Limited supplies and services: Stock up before arriving at more remote locations. Kura O. advises about Paddy Creek, "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."
RV size limitations: Many campgrounds have physical constraints limiting larger vehicles. Gregory notes about Paddy Creek, "Each site has a paved parking spot big enough for my truck and 25ft camper. I would say it could fit up to a 35ft trailer."
Variable cell service: Communication options are limited at most campsites. Cheryl M. reports, "No cell service at campground. Had to drive up the hill to get a signal," which may impact emergency communications.
Water access varies by season: Bennett Spring State Park Campground visitor Nathan P. notes, "We were surprised when we found that there was Wi-Fi available for free at the campground," but also mentions that during winter months, "we only found one toilet for the entire campground."
Tips for camping with families
Dog friendly campgrounds near Plato: Multiple sites welcome pets with varying accommodations. At Froggys River Resort, Colton W. mentions it's a "Super friendly people and plenty of things to do!" while maintaining family-friendly environments where pets are welcome.
Consider booking timing for privacy: For pet-friendly camping spaces with more seclusion, timing matters. Laura C. advises about Froggys River Resort, "Cute campground. The camp hosts were amazing. Perfect river access. Only downside is absolutely no privacy between campsites. Go when it's not busy."
Look for shallow water areas: The Gasconade River offers gentle areas appropriate for children and dogs. Trenton D. confirms, "Overall is a nice camp ground pretty quiet. Pretty river," making it suitable for family outings with pets.
Check bathroom facilities: Bathroom access varies significantly between campgrounds. At Jesse And James Properties, they maintain pet-friendly policies while providing proper facilities, according to Jake C., who notes it's "the only place you need to enjoy some time on the river."
Tips from RVers
Parking pad limitations: Many campgrounds feature shorter parking areas with physical barriers. Cheryl M. notes about Paddy Creek, "Parking pads are short and lined with huge boulders. Worked fine for our 16ft TT big rigs probably not so much."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are available at select locations. Brooke A. mentions, "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."
Level site considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that can challenge larger rigs. At Lake of the Ozarks State Park, campers mention the "uneven surface but not a show stopper by any means," suggesting leveling blocks may be necessary.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Plato, MO is Paddy Creek Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Plato, MO?
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