Missouri's Ozark region near Summersville sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,400 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. The area receives approximately 44 inches of annual rainfall, with most campgrounds experiencing peak usage from April through October. Cell service can vary dramatically between locations within just a few miles of each other.
What to do
Fishing experiences: Montauk State Park Campground offers excellent trout fishing at the headwaters of the Current River. "[The] stretch of river from spring to the falls are some of my favorite fishing anywhere," notes a visitor. The park requires a $3 trout tag, allowing you to keep 4 trout daily with an 8-fish possession limit.
River swimming: The Current River provides natural swimming spots for families near Timbuktu Campground — Echo Bluff State Park. "Tan Vat Access located right outside the park on the Current... is a great place to take young ones for a dip in its cool waters," reports a camper. The swimming areas feature gradual entry points suitable for children.
Hiking options: Several campgrounds maintain short hiking trails for day use. At Montauk State Park, families can "hike the quarter mile trial to the springs" where kids enjoy "search[ing] for the water bubbling out of the ground." For longer hikes, the 1.5-mile Pine Ridge Trail provides more challenging terrain through Ozark woodlands.
What campers like
Secluded camping sites: Haven Hollow RV Park near Rolla offers a quieter alternative to larger facilities. "Small, quaint, quiet 8 site campground located on a hay farm," writes one reviewer. The campground features "great trails around pond, meadow/field & creek" spanning over 200 acres of private land.
Riverside camping access: Jacks Fork Canoe Rental and Campground provides direct waterfront sites. "Very nice place to stay riverside," notes one camper. The campground rents tubes, canoes, and kayaks for day trips on the Jacks Fork River. Sites include water and electric hookups with riverside views.
Modern facilities: Many campgrounds near Summersville have updated their amenities recently. At Big Rock Candy Mountain Campground, a visitor mentioned it's a "completely new place" with a "pool, pleasant place for kids and adults, good restaurant, live entertainment on occasion, views, trails."
What you should know
Seasonal booking challenges: Reservations fill quickly at popular campgrounds, especially during summer and fall. For Echo Bluff, "you need to reserve your site months in advance because this campground is so popular," according to a frequent visitor.
Road conditions: Access roads to some smaller RV campgrounds involve gravel sections. Haven Hollow is "back about 3 miles off some very country roads" with "the last 1.5 miles [being] gravel and... a little dusty coming in." Large rig owners should plan their route carefully and "take it slow."
Shade availability: Newer campgrounds may lack mature trees. At Three Springs RV Park & Campground, sites are "well lit at night" but offer limited natural shade. Echo Bluff has similar conditions where "all of the campsites are out in the open with no shade."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Montauk State Park offers family-oriented hiking suitable for young children. One parent notes their son "likes to search for the water bubbling out of the ground" on the short quarter-mile spring trail. The park also offers nature programs at their amphitheater.
Swimming spots: Look for designated swimming areas with gradual entries. Outside Montauk State Park, "you can take a gravel road out of the park to a funky little place called Bo's Hollow" where families can "take a model A ride to Ashley creek for swimming and a picnic."
Entertainment options: Several RV campgrounds near Summersville, Missouri provide organized activities. Echo Bluff State Park has "a lot of activities aimed at kids" according to visitors, while Big Rock Candy Mountain features a restaurant and occasional live entertainment that appeals to all ages.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many rv campgrounds around Summersville have varying pad conditions. At Little Sinkin Creek RV Resort & Campground, 31 sites accommodate RVs with electric, water, and sewer connections. The campground is described as "a gem. Family operated and located in the Ozark Mountains."
Hookup reliability: Electrical systems vary between parks. Road Runner RV Park offers "newer looking hook ups" and "easily the best thing about this stay was the hospitality of the management." The park is expanding to accommodate more guests despite having "18 people on the waiting list for a full-time spot."
Level sites: Finding level spots matters for larger rigs. Haven Hollow provides "level pad[s]" that can accommodate rigs up to "40' with some able to support up to 42' max." When making reservations, they "confirm the length of your rig and put you in the appropriate site" based on terrain constraints.
