Camping opportunities near Puxico, Missouri extend beyond Lake Wappapello State Park to include several Corps of Engineers facilities. The region sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with rolling Ozark foothills surrounding the waterways. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions that many campers prefer for outdoor activities.
What to do
Biking on paved trails: The Greenville Recreation Area features paved paths ideal for cycling through historic sites. "There is a paved bike trail into Greenville," notes a camper at Greenville - Lake Wappapello. "Great historic town with nice bike/walking paths through the level park on the St. Francios River."
Fishing opportunities: The region offers diverse fishing across multiple bodies of water. "Holliday Landing is your fishing paradise, crappie & catfish everywhere on this side of the lake," reports one visitor to Holliday Landing Campground & Marina. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting fishing conditions.
Special events: Several campgrounds host seasonal activities for visitors. At Redman Creek Recreation Area, "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," according to one camper.
What campers like
Spacious, level sites: Many campgrounds feature well-designed camping spaces. At Peoples Creek - Lake Wappapello, "Sites are open, but well spaced. Some sites are full hook up, but most are e&w only." The campground maintains "nicely spaced sites and well maintained facilities."
Water access: Direct access to water ranks high among camper preferences. Asher Creek Campground offers prime waterfront positioning. "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," shares one camper at Asher Creek Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities receive frequent positive mentions. Ridge Campground visitors note the contrast between facilities, with one stating "Bathrooms aren't great," while Peoples Creek offers "Bath houses look fairly new & clean."
What you should know
Cell service varies: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. At Peoples Creek, a camper reports "Decent cell service for both ATT & Verizon," while others note limited or no service in more remote areas.
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. At Ridge Campground, "Sites are fairly large and fairly well spaced out," but another camper warns about specific sites: "This site is TINY! Not even enough room for our tent, the fire pit is nearly touching the picnic table & a drainage line runs right through the site."
Seasonal considerations: Mosquitoes and ticks can be problematic in warmer months. One camper notes, "The ticks, ants & mosquitoes were thick...the amount of ticks I picked off ourselves, our tent, our chairs, table etc was more than normal." Fall and early spring typically offer the most comfortable camping conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. At Redman Creek Recreation Area, there's a "playground in the middle by the shower house" that's "easy to keep an eye on your kid."
Swimming options: Water recreation varies by location. Sam A. Baker State Park offers river swimming that's kid-friendly. "You can sit in the cool clear water and relax. Great place for kids," notes one visitor, who adds that the "park is well maintained."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences. The Greenville Recreation Area includes markers related to regional history. "There are still old foundations of the court house and various homes. There are also markers telling the history of the area," explains a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: RV campers should prepare for varied site conditions. At Camelot RV Campground, "My site was gravel, fairly level and the hook ups were conveniently located and in great condition," while another campground requires "plenty of blocks" for leveling.
Big rig access considerations: Some areas have challenging roads for larger vehicles. At Peoples Creek, one camper warns, "The twisty turns will grab your stabilizers and bumper if you're not very careful." Measure clearances before attempting narrow campground roads.
Full hookup availability: Service levels vary by campground. Wildwood RV Park offers full hookups year-round, while seasonal campgrounds may limit services during winter months. Most Corps of Engineers sites provide electric and water, with fewer offering full sewer connections.
