Camping options near Springfield, Missouri include tent camping, RV sites, and luxury accommodations situated between 1,300-1,400 feet elevation in the Ozark Mountains. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-90°F and winter temperatures ranging from 20-45°F. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months.
What to do
Hiking trails for all abilities: Table Rock State Park Campground has over twenty miles of trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to more challenging mountain paths. "Eexcellent park. Beautiful and scenic the campsites are clean and in great condition. Bathrooms were clean and even smelled good! Plenty to do with hiking, fishing, and boating a mere walk away," shares jeremiah K.
Trout fishing opportunities: Bennett Spring State Park Campground offers premier trout fishing with a hatchery and designated release sites. "This is one of Missouri's 'trout parks' with a hatchery and release sites so fishing (which actually becomes catching) is a big draw. Bennett Spring is so serious about their fishing they even have a trout cam so you can watch other anglers testing their skills," notes Nancy W.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Stockton Lake provides excellent swimming and boating options. "The kids loved watching the sailboats on this part of the lake. They also love the Sandy Beach," mentions a visitor at Cedar Ridge Campground.
What campers like
Accessible bathhouse facilities: Private bathroom and shower units are available at Indian Point campground. "We like the bathrooms with the private toilet and shower. No issues with crowding or waiting for one to open up," notes Natalie C.
Peaceful camping despite proximity to attractions: Musicland Kampground offers a surprisingly quiet environment despite being close to Branson's entertainment district. "Looking for a gated campground right next to the Branson strip look no further. Shaded full hookup sites, close together but sited in a way that allows you to enjoy the experience," shares Dan & Penny F.
Playground and recreation areas: Tall Pines Campground features excellent amenities for children. "This campground has a shuttle to Silver Dollar City. The site we had was small, barely enough room to park your car and tent. But the campground and bathrooms/showers were exceptionally clean," reports Wilma S.
What you should know
Train noise affects multiple campgrounds: The train tracks near Springfield Route 66 KOA create periodic noise disruptions. "If it wasn't for the trains coming by blowing their horns, this would easily be a favorite spot," mentions Steven N.
Campsite spacing varies significantly: Some glamping close to Springfield, Missouri offers better site spacing than others. At Pittsburg Area Campground, "The setup between restrooms and water with the sites are appropriate for accessibility. Good room and nice level areas where we stayed in the 400 loop," according to Kevin C.
Seasonal closures and reduced services: Most luxury glamping sites remain open year-round, but Tall Pines Campground operates seasonally from March through December. Other campgrounds may reduce services in winter. "This time wife and I took our small camper just to get away for the weekend. We stayed in campground one because it is the only one open during the off season," explains Nathan P.
Tips for camping with families
Consider spacing between sites: When glamping around Springfield with children, select sites carefully. "We try to be right by the playground and our kids always make lots of friends at The Wilderness. Clean bathrooms, nice store, great pool and shuttle to SDC are all nice amenities," recommends Sarah C.
Swimming options are plentiful: Indian Point offers designated swimming areas for families. "This campground was well kept, with clean bathrooms, a playground and a great swim beach. Choose your site wisely though, i reserved a site unseen and ended up only having enough space for my popup and parked at the bathrooms," advises Bryan C.
Look for recreation amenities: Several glamping sites near Springfield feature dedicated children's areas. "The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and hiking the trails. It's a good spot to go trout fishing as well!" shares Amanda R.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Pay attention to site descriptions when booking. "Spot 114. Electric 30/50. Community water 1 site over. Very tight - we're in a pop-up and took some maneuvering but we got it in there," notes Angie N.
Access and parking varies: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "We were only there for two nights so it wasn't a HUGE hassle! We had to pull ahead in our site to get satellite signal. So we had to back up to dump," explains Felicia H.
Seasonal considerations: RV Express 66 provides level concrete pads suitable for any season. "Although this is adjacent to the Interstate exit (and therefore more noisy for a Sportsmobile tent camper), it was excellent and we'd stay there again. The cement pads, clean picnic table and immaculate bathrooms, with separate private showers, were welcome after a long travel day," states Mike M.
