Motorhome and trailer travelers can find several camping options within 35 miles of Salisbury, Missouri. Located in north central Missouri, the area features rolling hills and accessible waterways including Thomas Hill Reservoir and Long Branch Lake. Winter camping remains available at select locations with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Fishing access: Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area offers basic camping with lake access. "Great non electric sites on Thomas Hill Lake. Please leave as you found it or better, it's basically in my back yard," notes one regular visitor.
Water recreation: At Long Branch State Park Campground, campers can enjoy a swimming beach and boat rentals. "Marina store has icecream and other small items if you need something. We were there on what staff said was a busy weekend and to us the lake was empty there was so few boats and the beach not even half full," reports a summer visitor.
Hiking trails: Long Branch State Park features multiple hiking options ranging from prairie to forest environments. A reviewer mentioned, "There are several hiking trails, from a prairie hike to a forest hike." During summer, trail users should check for ticks frequently.
What campers like
Affordability: Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area provides free camping with basic amenities. According to one visitor, "This is my favorite free camp ground. No showers or electric sites, however, the grounds are well kept, its quiet and has an awsome lake."
Concrete pads: Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground provides stable, level camping surfaces. "Electric and water hookups, clean showers, very nice campground host. You're supposed to reserve>24 hours in advance but we pulled up around 8 pm and got a site," reports a visitor who stayed in October.
Live entertainment: At Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina, campers enjoy riverside sites with evening entertainment. "Right on the river, food truck, bar and drinks at the general store, nice people, fire pit and music. There is a nice biking/jogging trail along the river as well," notes a camper.
What you should know
Site spacing: Site proximity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground, "The camp sites are very close to each other. But the campers around us were very nice."
Reservation timing: During peak season, securing spots requires advance planning. At Arrow Rock State Historic Site, reservations should be made more than 24 hours ahead, though off-season availability improves.
Connectivity limitations: Cell service fluctuates throughout the area. At Arrow Rock, a visitor reported "No cell phone service really." Other campgrounds closer to highways maintain more reliable coverage.
Security considerations: Unattended equipment may be at risk in remote locations. One camper at Thomas Hill Reservoir warned, "Free camping but i left my rv there for two nights and it was broken into and ransacked. They stole numerous items."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Cottonwoods RV Park offers family-friendly facilities. A visitor commented, "Great playground. Several large rigs in our row, we still fit. Decorated wonderfully for Halloween. Kids are happy!"
Beach access: Walk-in sites at Long Branch State Park provide convenient swimming options. "I reserved a walk in site and it was totally worth it. It's a very short walk into the site, it's even visible from the parking lot. The site is right on the water with beach access so there's no need to drive to the crowded beach area to swim!"
Historic exploration: Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park offers additional family activities beyond camping. A multi-generational group reported, "We just took 40+ family members and everyone fell in love with this campground. We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot. The fishing was great, amenities were fantastic, and the hosts were amazing."
Tips from RVers
Big rig access: For larger motorhomes, Blackwater Bluffs RV Park provides pull-through sites with full hookups. A recent visitor confirmed, "Pull through FHU. Everything worked as it should host is super friendly."
Extended stays: Cedar Creek Resort accommodates longer-term RV camping with dedicated areas. One camper observed, "There are a lot of long term users. Bathhouses are pretty new and adequate but a pretty long walk from the transit sites."
Site leveling: At Cottonwoods RV Park, RV positioning requires minor adjustment. "The gravel pad was very long and we had plenty of room for our 40' rig and F450. The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent at about 40 psi."
Satellite positioning: Mature trees at some campgrounds can interfere with satellite reception. At Cottonwoods, one RVer noted, "There are mature trees so satellite placement could be challenging. We were able to place our Starlink in the yard area for a good shot to the north sky."
