Camping options near Revere, Missouri stretch along the Iowa-Missouri-Illinois border where the Des Moines River meets the Mississippi. The region features a mix of state forests, county parks, and private campgrounds at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level. Winter camping remains available at several locations, with Wilson Lake Park and Hickory Haven Campground maintaining year-round operations even when temperatures drop below freezing in December through February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Des Moines River offers catfish and bass fishing near Bentonsport where campers can access the water directly from riverfront sites. "Beautiful river views. Amazing camp hosts. Showers, toilets, 30/50/110 power water on sites to share water and dump on property," notes Greg K.
Historic exploration: Visit the 1800s village near Bentonsport campground with blacksmith shop and artifacts museum. "Down the road from the sleepy little town of Bentonsport, IA is this small riverfront campground... The view of the Des Moines River and the Bentonsport Bridge was beautiful," explains Lee D.
Horseback riding: River Valley Horsecamp provides equestrian facilities with well-maintained barns and grounds. Lesley R. shares, "Open sites near the Des Moines river and local road meant spots were just for sleeping. Excellent barns, accommodations, well-kept grounds and animals."
Trail hiking: Shimek State Forest offers multiple campgrounds with nearby hiking trails. Amanda B. from White Oak Campground reports, "It's wooded and tucked away. There's a lot of nice little trails and a couple lakes."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Hickory Haven Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "First of all I have to say the bathrooms and laundry were very clean. The owner, John, was very friendly and helpful. Our spot was very clean and level," writes Debbie C.
Lake access: Indian Lake Park offers a beach and water recreation options. Dave N. explains, "This park has something for everyone. They have primitive tent sites, electric only, electric+water, and fhu. They also have cabins for rent... There is a playground, a few nice hiking trails, and a lake with a nice sandy beach."
Off-season options: Many campsites near Revere, Missouri remain open during cooler months. Kimberly B. noted about Hickory Haven: "We stayed here at Hickory Haven for 4 nights on our way to Alabama it is a very nice quite place. Owner was very nice and works hard to keep it clean. Open all year here which is very important to us!"
Concrete pads: Wilson Lake Park features solid camping surfaces. "Nice campground with a decent sized fishing pond. Campground host is super friendly! They ran over when we pulled in and helped guide us into our site. We stayed at site 2 which is a little smaller than we would've liked but it is all concrete and has full hook ups," reports Andrew P.
What you should know
Water access limitations: Some campgrounds close water hookups seasonally. Stuart O. mentioned about Nauvoo State Park Campground: "We stayed in mid-November when a lot of places are closed. They had electricity and the dump station was operating, but the water hookups were shut off and the bath house was closed for the winter."
Campground navigation: Roads at certain sites can be challenging. Ann C. noted about Nauvoo: "I felt you might have trouble in long rigs getting around. The drives are not clearly marked and it was a little confusing!"
Reservation systems vary: Many campgrounds operate on different booking platforms. At Bentonsport, Lee D. observed: "There was no camp host or anyone else to speak with about the campground."
Seasonal crowds: Usage patterns fluctuate throughout the year. Dave N. shared about Indian Lake Park: "Almost empty during the week, but very busy on summer weekends."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Hickory Haven, Debbie C. mentioned: "Kid and dog friendly. Playground. Dog walk."
Swimming options: Indian Lake Park offers swimming access during summer months. Mary F. shared: "It has full hookups, tent site swim beach, fishing, canoes, playgrounds also cabins a stone lodge for family get togethers."
Biking-friendly spaces: Look for campgrounds with open riding areas. Debbie C. noted about Hickory Haven: "Very quiet place, kids can ride their bikes."
Budget considerations: Most campgrounds in the area have reasonable rates. Brian E. mentioned about Wilson Lake Park: "$20 a night but worth it we think. Nice concrete slabs and all hook ups."
Tips from RVers
Seasonal hookup variations: Check which utilities remain active during your visit period. Carol noted about Hickory Haven: "Large campground that has a few full hookup sites open year around. We were given a site between a couple of traveling workers."
Site leveling: Most full-hookup sites feature level ground. At Indian Lake Park, Dave N. observed: "Most of the sites are nice and shady and level."
Dump station access: Verify dump station location before arrival. Thomas B. reported about Bentonsport: "Quite roomy on river the town by it is a craftsman village with quilting woodwork old inns painters there is a railroad car they made into a rental the camp ground has 30 and 50 amp elect there is no water or sewer on you're site but water is available in camp."
Off-season travel: Several campgrounds remain open year-round for those needing winter accommodations, but amenities may be limited. Travis R. noted about Wilson Lake Park: "The campground is nice with cement pads as well as primitive campsites and cabins."