The Missouri Ozarks region surrounding Roby features elevations between 1,000-1,400 feet, creating varied terrain with limestone formations and clear spring-fed waterways. The area receives approximately 44 inches of annual rainfall, contributing to the lush forests and year-round water flow in rivers like the Current and Gasconade. Winter temperatures can drop into the 20s while summer days often reach the upper 80s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hike the Pine Ridge Trail: This 1.5-mile trail in Montauk State Park offers sunset views through forested terrain. "We have used sites 115 for the space and 119 for the seclusion. Our family did camp on Mother's Day on site 418, in loop 4. I would not recommend this site because you only have a small space between you and your neighbors," shares Kyle H.
Cave exploration: Tour Round Spring Cave with ranger-led lantern tours for $5 between June and August. "Tours of the cave are given daily June through August and cost $5. The lantern tours show an amazing cave with many beautiful formations," explains Marty C. from Round Spring Campground.
Visit historic sites: Explore the old mill at Alley Spring for historical context of the region. "While you're there drive down to Alley Spring for a nice hike, another beautiful spring and historic mill, and at the camp store you can get a National Parks Passport stamp for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways," recommends Lea B.
Trout fishing regulations: Purchase tags at park lodges for $3 daily. "You can purchase a trout tag at the lodge for $3.00, and it will allow you to keep 4 trout per day with a possession limit of 8. The conservation will stock the Current on a nightly basis, based on number of tags sold the day before," notes a visitor from Montauk State Park.
What campers like
Accessible river swimming: The Current River provides family-friendly water access with shallow entry points. "Also if you head out of the park on YY you will find Tan Vat Access located right outside the park on the Current. This is a great place to take young ones for a dip in its cool waters," mentions Kyle H.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning visits to springs offer wildlife sightings. "You may get lucky and see otters on your way to the spring, or some of the wild horses in the area. Go in the early morning to the spring trail to watch the mist roll off the water and enjoy the wildlife - so otherworldly," advises a camper at Round Spring Campground.
Level concrete camping pads: Many glamping sites close to Roby, Missouri feature well-designed infrastructure. "Very nice campground, tons of shade! My site (206) was very level and was surrounded in trees like basically ever other site which made it comfortable to sit outside all day," notes Trevor S. from Montauk State Park.
Off-grid experience with nearby connectivity: Most campgrounds lack cell service but offer nearby options. "There is no cell service available, so make sure you have made reservations before you get here. Closest cell service is up the road at Echo Bluff State Park," explains a Round Spring visitor.
What you should know
Campsite selection varies by location: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "Sites 1-18 are fairly small and not very level. Sites 19-29 have larger, more level areas. 30-39 are kind of mixed. Many sites have steps up or down to the site from the road," explains Lea B. about Round Spring Campground.
Seasonal facility closures: While most glamping options near Roby operate year-round, services vary seasonally. "Campground was maintained by NPS, very clean. Nice restrooms with showers as well, potable water spigots," notes Theresa H. about spring weekday camping.
Advance reservations required: Popular sites book months ahead, especially for luxury glamping accommodations. "The campgrounds and cabins can be a bit difficult to book, if visiting on a Friday or Saturday, but the park is worth it," explains Jesse C. about Montauk State Park.
Blue ribbon fishing areas: Special regulations apply to certain waterways. "Areas on the Current River, directly below Montauk are 'Blue Ribbon' areas, so be sure to read the restrictions on trout fishing," advises Jesse C.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some parks offer specialized programs for children. "We didn't take advantage of it, but there were a lot of activities aimed at kids. Great mix of modern campground and nature experience," shares Dan N. from Montauk State Park.
Family-sized shower facilities: Look for campgrounds with family-style shower units. "Bathrooms available on the upper camping loop, but the showers are located on the bottom loop (three family style showers). Fantastic water pressure," notes a visitor to Round Spring.
Playground access: Some glamping sites include dedicated play areas. "Good area only a mile off the highway so it made a great night stopping point. They have a little dog park, kids park, and it was all clean and well maintained," shares Kelsey S. about Doolittle Acres RV Park.
River safety considerations: Water levels can change seasonally, affecting swimming options. "The Current along with the Jack's Fork River make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways National Park. Since it is one of Missouri's trout parks you will find a majority of campers are there to fish," notes Kyle H.
Tips from RVers
Site-specific recommendations: RV sites vary widely in size and accessibility. "This is really the gem of Missouri state parks. We stayed at the larger family camping area. Full RV options. You can also rent modern hotel suite-style cabins and eat in the dining hall so you don't have to cook," shares Dan N.
Hook-up availability: Full-service sites are limited and in high demand. "Good big state park campground. We stayed at the larger family camping area. Full RV options," notes a Montauk State Park visitor.
Road conditions and accessibility: Some areas have water crossings that may affect larger vehicles. "There are places where the creek runs over the road a little, so that might cause issues if there's heavy rain in the forecast," warns Erin from Lane Spring Recreation Area.
Pull-through site availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access points for larger rigs. "We had a great spot, for our 42' motorhome and truck. It was a pull through and easy to get into. It's close to US 44 so a bit of road noise," reports Roxanna L. about Doolittle Acres RV Park.
