Camping near Rushville, Missouri offers options along the Missouri River and surrounding lakes for outdoor recreation. The region sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with humid continental climate featuring hot summers and moderately cold winters. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though water access at some sites may be restricted during winter months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Weston Bend State Park Campground features well-maintained trails that showcase the local terrain. A visitor noted, "Weston Bend State Park has an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail!" Trails range from easy to moderate difficulty and provide views of the Missouri River.
Boating and fishing: Crow's Creek Campground offers direct lake access for water activities. A camper shared, "They have a section with just electric where you are right on water and can leave boat right on lake." The campground provides both lakeside sites and hill sites with hookups.
Wildlife observation: The wetland areas and wooded sections provide habitat for local birds and animals. Bluffwoods Conservation Area offers free primitive camping in a quiet natural setting. A visitor mentioned, "We always see wildlife. People often leave trash so be sure to leave no trace so it stays nice for all to enjoy."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Multiple campgrounds in the area provide peaceful settings away from busy areas. A camper at Atchison State Fishing Lake shared, "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night. Clean pit toilets."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain their bathroom facilities regularly. At Weston Bend State Park, a visitor reported, "These are the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think Mabye ever. The camp hosts were super nice stop by to make sure that I was all set up."
Site privacy: Several campgrounds offer sites with adequate spacing. A visitor to Weston Bend State Park noted, "Site 26 is one of the few basic sites. While some of the other sites were very close to each other, this one is relatively isolated. It's big too."
What you should know
Stay limits: Most campgrounds in the Rushville area enforce maximum stay durations. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, a camper noted, "The management guy here is pretty cool and he let me know that it's a 7 day stay not 14."
Seasonal considerations: Water access may be limited during colder months at some campgrounds. A visitor to Crow's Creek reported, "We stayed in October and due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation. At Riverfront Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "You have to cross train tracks to get there and the campsites are right next to it. The train came through 3 times through the night and 5 more times while making breakfast."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Crow's Creek Campground, a visitor commented, "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance."
Swimming options: Lakes in the area provide swimming opportunities during summer months. A camper at Crow's Creek noted, "Nearby area beaches to play at, a playground, and a short drive to stores to get anything we forgot!"
Organized activities: Some campgrounds host planned events for families. At Basswood Country RV Resort, a visitor shared, "Every weekend there are organized activities such as arts and crafts, fishing contests, duck races and frozen t-shirt contests in the pool, and a Saturday evening outdoor movie."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Most established campgrounds maintain level sites for easier setup. At Weston Bend State Park, a camper mentioned, "Campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites. Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground."
Hookup availability: Electric sites are common but full hookups are limited. A visitor to AOK Campground noted, "We had a pull through and it was perfect for overnight. Full hook up and shade. We travel with a dog and so much lush green grass to explore."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds with RV sites provide dump stations. At Crow's Creek, a camper advised, "The full hookup sites don't have a view of the lake. This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank."
