Camping spots near Pleasant Hope, Missouri offer options for tent, RV, and cabin camping with varied amenities. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation in the northern Ozarks, characterized by rolling hills and several lakes including Pomme de Terre and Stockton Lake. Water access features prominently at many campgrounds, with most sites within 30-45 minutes of Pleasant Hope.
What to do
Water activities at Pomme de Terre: Pittsburg Park Campground provides excellent kayaking options and lakeside sites. "The Pittsburg campground at Pomme de Terre State Park is awesome. The sites are all gorgeous, especially if you can get one right by the lake...If you like to fish or kayak the water isn't far from any of the sites," notes a visitor.
Hiking trails for all levels: Access multiple nature paths directly from your campsite at Bennett Spring State Park Campground. "The park has over twenty miles of hiking trails meandering through its 3,216 acres. Trails range from a leisurely walk along the stream to that of rigorous mountain trails that reward hikers with great picturesque views," according to one camper.
Fishing at Stockton Lake: Cedar Ridge Campground offers direct water access with a boat ramp inside the campground. "Nice little campground with good facilities. The swim beach is a little far from the camp, but if you walk down the trails there are great places to swim near camp including 'Chicken Rock' a large island out in the lake the kids love to swim to and jump off."
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Pomme de Terre State Park offers well-separated campsites with natural buffers. "Whether you want a nice secluded site, a yurt or one right on the water-Pittsburgh has them all. Great modern bath houses as well as a marina with a small diner," reports one visitor to Pittsburg Park Campground.
Clean facilities: At Springfield - Route 66 KOA, maintenance standards remain high even during peak season. "The staff were very friendly and helpful. WiFi and cell service were good. Bathrooms were clean. The kids enjoyed the pizza they make here and they will deliver it to your campsite when ready."
Farm-based experiences: B Berry Farms & Co. offers a unique agricultural setting with berry picking opportunities. "My girlfriend and I stayed here during our road-trip through MO. The owners Brandon and Theresa were very accommodating and made sure we had everything we needed. We enjoyed picking black berries right next to our campsite to have with breakfast in the morning."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Spring flooding can affect lakeside campsites in the region. A Pittsburg Park camper reported: "We arrived at our site and identified that we had 13 inches until our site was to be claimed by the lake. The campground hosts actually informed us that over half of their sites were flooded or in immediate danger of flooding."
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially for weekend and summer visits. Cancellations often open up premium spots. "We arrived at Pittsburgh and found that the normal lake level had risen from 830 ft to 860+...They were able to offer us a different site as most people apparently decided to no show."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds have nearby train tracks. One Springfield - Route 66 KOA visitor noted: "If it wasn't for the trains coming by blowing their horns, this would easily be a favorite spot." Another mentioned: "I did wake up several times in the night to the sound of trains or planes passing by. The train tracks are right next to the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Look for multi-activity campgrounds: Hidden Valley Outfitters combines river access with amenities for children. "Clean and well-maintained campground off the Niangua River. Sites are nice with a parking pad, picnic table, campfire ring with grill, and lantern post. Great general store on property!"
Swimming access: Many local campgrounds feature swimming areas for children. At Pomme de Terre State Park, "It also has a Marina with a small store with hand dipped ice cream" and "a small swimming beach up the road and a boat ramp."
Plan for summer heat: Temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in July and August. A visitor to Hidden Valley Outfitters noted: "Trees have been planted but currently no shade. Concrete pads. Nice store with pizza ovens...Quiet hours run 10pm-7am which was nice for my young daughters."
Tips from RVers
Pad quality varies: RV sites range from level concrete to uneven gravel. A visitor to Cooks RV Motor Park shared: "Spaces are packed gravel, pretty level. As others have said, it's convenient to I40, just a few minutes away, and quiet at night."
Electrical limitations: Check amperage before booking as not all parks offer 50-amp service. "This site is on a significant slope so tent camping would be hard...Loop 100 is tightly packed RV sites with no real privacy but all your creature comforts. Loop 200 is electric sites well spaced with lake access to most."
Tank management: Many sites offer partial hookups without sewer connections. An RVer at Bennett Spring advised: "Campground 1... very nice with water, sewer, and electric. Water on April 15. Nice level spots, but very little shade in Campground 1. Reserve early as it fills up fast!"
