Springfield sits at an elevation of 1,299 feet in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri. The region experiences warm, humid summers with temperatures averaging 89°F in July and moderately cold winters dipping to around 23°F in January. Spring brings frequent rainfall to the area, with early morning fog common near waterways during summer camping season.
What to do
Fishing access points: At Cooper Creek Resort, located on Lake Taneycomo, fishing opportunities are abundant. "Great place to stay when visiting Branson. Located on Lake Tanneycomo, in the cool water trout fishing portion of the lake. The water temp keeps this park cool during the hotter days of the summer," reports Craig B.
Playground amenities: Multiple rv parks near Springfield feature children's recreation areas. "The playground has a zipline that all the kiddos had a blast using," shares Barrett C. about Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park, which also offers basketball courts, tetherball, and hiking trails suitable for families.
Creek swimming: Bull Creek RV Park provides natural water recreation just 10 minutes from Branson. "Amazing creek access for kids to swim (knee deep at most). Feels like you're in the country while being very close to the hustle and bustle of Branson and SDC," notes Ethan W.
Walking trails: Some rv parks around Springfield maintain hiking opportunities on-site. "The trails made for a good afternoon family walk. Some trails were more cleared out than other but the variety is a plus in my book. They are not overly long trails but still very enjoyable," mentions Barrett C.
What campers like
Friendly staff assistance: Cooks RV Motor Park receives consistent praise for their helpful personnel. "The hosts make this place amazing. We've stayed here twice now. The first time they welcomed us after we had a blow out and we were able to stay as long as it took to get repaired. They helped with recommending repair people, tools and parts," shares Tanya M.
Waterfront views: Campgrounds with water access receive particular attention from reviewers. "We had camping site A, which is right on Lake Taneycomo. Sites are very large with full hookups," notes Teresa S. about Edgewater Beach Resort in Forsyth, approximately 20 minutes from Branson.
Privacy options: Campgrounds with site separation are highly valued. "The campsites were very nice loved the privacy fence between the sites for extra privacy. Very nice fire pits," mentions Melissa S. about Edgewater Beach Resort. Another camper adds: "Loved the solitude of being by the water. We had another RV next to us for a few days, but with the privacy fence in between you would never know it."
Temperature considerations: Some campgrounds offer natural cooling advantages. "Located on Lake Tanneycomo, in the cool water trout fishing portion of the lake. The water temp keeps this park cool during the hotter days of the summer," explains Craig B. about Cooper Creek Resort.
What you should know
Storm shelters: Safety features vary between campgrounds. "The thing that really struck me as a huge and unique offering was the storm shelter. The shelter is marked clearly on the map and explained when you check in and it is something I have never seen at any other park or campground I have stayed at," reports Crystal C. about Cooper Creek Resort.
Varied site conditions: Surface materials can differ significantly. "Spaces are packed gravel, pretty level," notes Tom H. about Cooks RV Motor Park. At other locations like Bull Creek RV Park, "Campground is in fantastic condition. CLEAN bath/shower house," according to Ethan W.
Off-season considerations: Some camping experiences improve during slower periods. "It was the week after Labor Day and was mostly vacant, making for a quiet stay," shares Nick & Allyssa S. about Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park.
Pet policies: Restrictions on pets vary between locations. "The only reason I give 4 stars is the dog policy— it's very strict, and there isn't a dog park type area to let pets off leash to play & get energy out," cautions Nick & Allyssa S.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of historical attractions near camping areas. "This campground is directly across the street from Laura Ingalls Wilder's home," mentions Timothy F. about Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park in Mansfield, where families can visit the museum and preserved home of the famous author.
Treehouse accommodations: For a unique experience, consider specialty lodging options. "My family stayed in the African Treehouse Lodge. It was a great weekend getaway. The kids loved that the upstairs was up a ladder and running across the swinging rope bridge," shares Barrett C.
On-site entertainment: Campgrounds often provide free recreational activities. "We were able to 'rent' for free a couple of movies from the office and the staff was really friendly and helpful," reports Barrett C., highlighting additional amenities at Branson Treehouse Cabin & RV Park that keep children occupied.
Child-friendly bathrooms: Facility cleanliness matters for families. "Super friendly people, very accommodating. The bath house was excellent - very nice showers and bathrooms, very clean, very private. Such a family feel," notes Laur H.
Tips from RVers
Self-registration options: Some locations offer convenient check-in systems. "Self serve station for registering makes it easy," shares Nancy V. about Lambert's Cafe RV Park in Ozark, making late arrivals simpler.
Leveling considerations: Terrain varies at different campgrounds. "Spaces are packed gravel, pretty level," notes Tom H. about Cooks RV Motor Park. At other locations like Bull Creek RV Park, "Gravel pads made leveling easy," according to Holly M.
Extended stay policies: Designated sites exist for longer-term campers. "There's a sign at the kiosk that states sites 6, 7, 8, 9, 27, 28, 29, 30, & 31 are for stays of one week or longer," explains MickandKarla W. about Lambert's Cafe RV Park.
Campground entrance navigation: Some RV parks have specific entrance recommendations. "Just note there are two turn ins as the entrance sits at the top of a hill. The second turn in to the west makes it easy to see oncoming traffic getting in the park," advises Gabe S.
