Best Campgrounds in Missouri

If you are looking for a family friendly campground, you would be better served taking your business elsewhere. Tall Pines employees and campers alike are allowed to speed through the park, nearly running people over in the process, but will complain about your children in a heartbeat for playing outside at all. Despite the posted 5mph signs throughout the park, as well as signs we ourselves have provided, they do nothing to ensure safety; no one is at the park to run the office, or provide essential or necessary maintenance. They only come to the park when there is a complaint about children, or the cops have been called. Laura, who lives and works on the grounds, drives through the campground in her black Nissan Titan like she is a Nascar driver, and has almost hit kids and adults doing so. No one tells her to slow down, just to keep the kids out of the way or leave the park if you can't keep the kids under control. As far as pricing goes, Christina will offer a fair price to start, then recant on her decision despite proof of receipt, or how far in advance you pay on said quoted price. While the campground itself is a beautiful place to be, the owners are very lazy. They put more effort into their(Best Western) hotel, where you're more likely to find the staff working and avoiding campground calls, than you are to get anyone's attention inside the office, or to actually run the park. We were treated very poorly by the staff during our short stay here, despite our best efforts to try to work with them to make this a safe place for all. They were unwilling to take any sort of accountability, or give any corrective action to those who were more willing to remain uncooperative. Do not plan on making this a full time home for you and your family. It will only come down to Christina being at your residence for unjustified complaints that they can't prove one way or the other who is at fault

🌳 Highlights

Welcome & Hospitality Newly opened in October 2020 and family-run by Rick & Glenda Wilson, guests often highlight their warm, friendly service . One reviewer said:

> “Owners and staff all super friendly, engaging and kind.”

Campground Quality Features include full hookups (30/50 amp, water, sewer), gravel pull-through sites for big rigs (up to ~43 ft), free WiFi, dump station, propane fill, fire pits, picnic tables, laundry, and a shower house .

On‑site Country Store & Deli A notable perk is the store with fresh deli items and daily lunch specials—particularly Friday catfish dinners—plus occasional breakfast on Saturdays .

⭐ Guest Reviews Snapshot

Mick & Karla (30 Mar 2025)

Booked same-day, chose pull-through site, enjoyed 40 psi water, decent WiFi/cell service.

Friendly staff and solid amenities, though gravel/dirt sites got dusty or muddy depending on weather.

Road noise from nearby I‑57 noted. Felt $40/night was a bit high.

CatTrailzz (24 Jul 2024)

Quiet despite being near the freeway. Loves the deli (noting salads and pulled pork).

Clean facilities, new shower room.

Plans to stay again.

QueenMartell (16 Mar 2024)

Friendly check-in, excellent service.

Accommodated a 43 ft fifth wheel with ease.

Highly recommends, loves the Friday catfish.

Other reviewers (Kitty, Kyla D, Tergeo)

Consistently mention friendly owners, clean/gravel sites, good common areas, and a strong likelihood to return .

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros 👎 Cons

Warm, personal service Sites are gravel/dirt—can be dusty or muddy Full hookups and big‑rig friendly Road noise from I‑57 On-site deli with fresh food & catfish dinners Wi-Fi and cell coverage are serviceable but not exceptional Clean shower/laundry facilities Price (~$39–40/night) might be a bit high for basic amenities

Summary

Magnolia Campground is a great overnight or short-term stop if you’re looking for friendly hospitality, solid basic RV hookups, and the novelty of a country store with good food in southeast Missouri. It’s particularly suited for large RVs, travelers who enjoy a welcoming vibe, and those who appreciate a Friday catfish dinner. It’s not a destination resort, so if you're seeking plush amenities or a quiet nature getaway, plan accordingly.

Bottom Line

If you're rolling through with an RV and want a hassle-free, friendly, quick stay with full hookups and good food, Magnolia is a solid choice. For longer stays, be prepared for gravel underfoot and some road noise—but clean facilities and warm hosts might still make it worth it.

If you'd like help booking, directions, or comparisons to nearby campgrounds, just let me know!