The Poplar Bluff region sits at elevations ranging from 320 to 500 feet above sea level in Missouri's southeast quadrant, where the Ozark Plateau transitions to the Mississippi River floodplain. Camping sites near Poplar Bluff, Missouri span across U.S. Forest Service land, state parks, and Army Corps of Engineer properties, with many sites situated on the shores of Lake Wappapello—a 8,400-acre reservoir created in 1941 as a flood control project. Winter camping options remain open year-round at several locations, providing off-season alternatives when summer humidity subsides.
What to do
Kayak fishing: 1.3-mile lake trail access. Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area offers easy access for fishing kayaks with a floating dock just steps from most campsites. One visitor noted the area's fishing potential: "There is a 1.3 mile paved trail along the lake and a dock. We kayaked out to an island and did some fishing. We didn't catch anything, but it was relaxing."
Eagle viewing programs: scheduled twice weekly. Redman Creek Recreation Area hosts educational eagle programs in season. A camper mentioned: "They had some sort of eagle program they put on for kids/families twice during our stay - didn't attend, but nice that they offer it."
Seasonal Halloween events: family-focused festivities. Redman Creek becomes festive in autumn with organized holiday activities. A reviewer described: "They do a Trick or Treating event at Halloween. Campers decorate campsites and the kids walk through. They also hold the Festival of Lights around Christmas time."
Swimming at natural beaches: rock-bottom swimming. Lake Wappapello State Park at Asher Creek Campground offers swimming areas with clean lake bottoms. A camper reported: "The lake is great to swim in - very clean bottom and not slimy at all. We did take our kayaks and paddled around a little but mostly stayed on beaches and swam. The beach area is mostly natural rocks and dirt."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: extra room for equipment. Peoples Creek on Lake Wappapello provides ample site sizes, according to visitors. One camper stated: "The spaces are big with fire pits and barbeques at every site. Trees cover every site so you're in shade all day."
Immaculate facilities: exceptionally clean bathrooms. Asher Creek Campground maintains pristine restrooms that receive consistent praise. A visitor emphasized: "Everyone in the campground is only a short walk from the cleanest park restrooms I've ever seen."
Off-season solitude: surprisingly empty campsites. Pinewoods Lake Recreation Area offers unexpected privacy even during typical peak periods. As one camper mentioned: "Stopped here while passing through Missouri on a Saturday on 4th of July weekend and there were only 3 other campers when we arrived late afternoon."
Rustic camping with river views: affordable waterfront options. Markham Springs provides basic riverside sites at budget rates. A visitor reported: "We found an absolutely beautiful spot along the Black River, for only $10/night! Plenty of space for our sleeping tent and supply tent, a picnic table, lantern pole, and a bench by the river."
What you should know
Limited cell service: prepare for disconnection. Most campgrounds in the area have spotty coverage. At Pinewoods Lake, one camper noted: "If you like cell signal, there was none."
Supply planning required: minimal shopping options. Camelot RV Campground serves as a convenient base for accessing town amenities, but most forest and lake sites require bringing provisions. A visitor advised: "Close to town so everything you could need is convenient and easy to access."
Technical river paddling: downed trees create obstacles. Lake Wappapello's connected rivers contain navigation challenges. One camper at Sam A. Baker State Park reported: "There were also tons of trees down in the water, making it a more technical trip at some points and even requiring us to get out and portage our canoe for about 25 yards."
Seasonal wildlife concerns: tick prevention essential. Pinewoods Lake campers frequently mention tick issues. As one camper warned: "The only negative is there are a lot of ticks! They are easy to spot on my white dog but I have to do a tick check every time he goes outside, and I always find some. Avoid the vegetation and you'll see less."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: central location for children. Redman Creek Recreation Area features child-friendly design with play equipment near campsites. A camper described: "Nice campground. Usually full of families with children. Has a playground in the middle by the shower house."
Tent-specific sites: lake views without hookups. Asher Creek Campground offers basic sites with premium locations. A tent camper recommended: "My group and I camped in two of the basic sites in Asher Creek campground and we couldn't get enough of the front-row lake view! The sites closest to the lake are very level."
Camp store supplies: convenience for forgotten items. Holliday Landing Campground provides essential camp supplies on-site. A visitor mentioned: "They offer firewood, ice & bait and have monthly rates for campgrounds which is hard to find."
Affordable primitive options: budget-friendly sites. Sam A. Baker State Park offers basic sites separated from RV areas. A visitor noted: "We set up our tent in a basic site with no electricity, which was nice that it put us a little bit away from RVs and campers. The basic site cost $13/night and was close to a shower house with flushing toilets and a water spigot."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: bring adequate equipment. Redman Creek Recreation Area sites require preparation for uneven terrain. One RVer advised: "Not many real level sites. Bring plenty of blocks."
Navigation concerns: road condition awareness. Markham Springs access requires caution. A visitor warned: "The road coming in was a pothole minefield. You simply cannot miss them."
Pull-through availability: easier access options. Camelot RV Campground offers pull-through sites for larger rigs. A visitor noted: "There are larger sites and pull thru sites available too."
Winter camping advantages: year-round accessibility. Camelot RV Campground remains open through all seasons. A camper shared: "The campground is open year round and there looks to be some year round residents, but it's a clean, well tended campground and the care the owners give it is apparent."
