Pet friendly camping options near St. Joseph, Missouri range from primitive conservation areas to full-service RV parks with dedicated dog amenities. The Missouri River Valley terrain around St. Joseph features rolling hills and wooded areas with elevations ranging from 800-1,100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-90s with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate conditions in the 60-80°F range.
What to do
River access for dogs and owners: Rochester Falls Access provides spots where pets can cool off in the Platte River. "I was amazed at this pocket of scenic beauty... The easy access to the beach there is incredibly helpful and the fishing was great," notes camper Melinda.
Hiking with pets: Weston Bend State Park Campground offers an extensive trail system that accommodates pets on leash. "This place was fantastic all the way around... I absolutely think it's an it's a gem of a place right outside of Kansas City," writes Lauri J.
Wildlife viewing: Conservation areas like Honey Creek Conservation Area offer pet-friendly exploration with wildlife spotting opportunities. One camper noted, "We stayed at camp area 3 which is way more wooded and deep inside the conservation area with access to the river right on the site."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many pet owners appreciate the well-maintained facilities at certain campgrounds. "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," wrote a Weston Bend visitor.
Quiet camping environments: Arthur Dupree Memorial Conservation Area provides secluded spaces for camping with pets away from crowds. The conservation area's location along the Missouri River offers natural surroundings where pets can explore.
Shade and comfort: Sites with ample shade help keep pets comfortable during hot months. At Rochester Falls Access, a camper observed, "There is enough trees to shade 90% of the camp through out and a wood line surrounding the area so it does not feel like you are camping in the middle of a wide open field."
What you should know
Highway noise consideration: Several campgrounds near major roads experience traffic noise that might affect sensitive pets. A Stephanie B. noted about AOK Campground & RV Park, "The only reason it isn't getting 5 stars is the proximity to the freeway, you can hear it very clearly (jake brakes and all) continuously."
Limited pet exercise areas at some locations: Space for walking dogs varies significantly between campgrounds. At Beacon RV Park, Sarah R. observed, "Staff is very kind but the grounds were unclean and it needs a lot of updates. It was located in a city setting and trailers were crammed in everywhere."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat and humidity require extra precautions for pets. "Upon setting up my campsite, the heat and humidity really settled in and it was actually quite miserable but that was my bad for not bringing a fan," shared Seth R. about Bluffwoods Conservation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities including playgrounds. "Great Place to go and relax with friends, family or both. Lots of fishing nearby," says Jennifer H.
Safety visibility: Open campground layouts at some parks allow for better supervision of children and pets. One camper at Lewis and Clark noted, "was great kids playing with each other going from group to group getting more kids to play. You can see them from anywhere in the camp ground."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer nature programs that can engage both children and pets. Lewis and Clark State Park includes interpretive trails where families can learn about local ecology while walking pets.
Tips from RVers
Late arrival considerations: For RVers traveling with pets, knowing about after-hours check-in procedures helps. At AOK Campground, Brenda L. shared, "Owners were great and met us even after hours when we arrived to make sure we were in the spot correctly."
Site positioning for pet comfort: Select sites with adequate space for pet setups. "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 and walk was a plus for us," notes an AOK Campground reviewer.
Site leveling concerns: RVers with pets should check site conditions. At Love's RV Hookup, MickandKarla W. observed, "We quickly found out when we auto-leveled that site 1 was not a level site as our passenger side tires were off the ground. And whoever designed these sites thought boulders between sites was a good idea?"
