43 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds surrounding Sumner, Missouri range from full-service state parks to primitive conservation areas. The region includes established camping options like Pershing State Park, with its 39 sites and wetland prairie features, and Long Branch State Park, located approximately 30 miles east of Sumner, offering both tent and RV accommodations. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, while state parks typically feature additional facilities including shower houses, electric hookups, and sanitary dump stations. Several conservation areas in the vicinity allow more rustic camping experiences with minimal amenities.
Seasonal considerations affect site availability throughout the area, with state parks remaining open year-round but offering limited services during winter months. Water access points at many campgrounds are typically shut off from November through March. A visitor noted, "We went at a time when the water was still shut off, there are bathrooms and water available via a very short walk from the walk-in sites April 1-Oct 31." Road conditions generally remain passable for standard vehicles, though some conservation areas may have unpaved access roads. Cell phone coverage can be spotty, particularly at Arrow Rock State Historic Site, where a camper mentioned "no cell phone service really." Most campgrounds require reservations during peak summer months, while off-season camping often operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Lakefront camping stands out as particularly popular in the region. Long Branch State Park provides walk-in tent sites approximately 50 feet from the shoreline, offering privacy and direct water access. According to one visitor, "The walk-in campgrounds at Long Branch are located off in their own little area at the shore of the lake that offers some pretty good isolation." Campgrounds in the area typically remain uncrowded except during holiday weekends. Fishing opportunities exist at multiple locations, including Lake Woolridge at Van Meter State Park and Thomas Hill Reservoir. Wildlife viewing is common, with campers reporting turtle sightings at Hamilton City Lake. The Boardwalk Trail at Pershing State Park receives consistent praise for its 1.5-mile path through wetland habitat, providing a distinctive natural experience not commonly found in northern Missouri.
"There features a wet land prairie that offers a diverse scene that you would not expect in Missouri."
"They are different from any in Missouri. Hiking is so good here. Check out the boardwalk. Small and intimate campground with great spots. Has an archery range."
from $15 - $27 / night
Check Availability"We came over to the lake and the access to it. And there are formal camp spots. They use Picnic Area spots that have fire rings and tables."
"In the nearby town Bosworth there is a nice shop and take away for breakfast and great sandwich/wrap/pizza."
"I could tell there were a few other paths I could take but the grass was a little overgrown and it was already dark out, so I just car camped in the gravel lot."
"It was already late and dark so I didn’t drive back farther. No one else showed up until early the next morning. One other car camper and a sheriff, but he didn’t bother us."
"Before leaving, we took the short .10 mile Missouri River Overlook Trail. We had intended to fish in Lake Woolridge, but the gate was closed already for the night when we arrived."
"The campground is one circular lot with I think around 18 spots. Some are basic just for tents and some have water and or electric. "
from $15 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Long branch SP located in north central Missouri is a fantastic state park. The campground is well situated on the banks of long branch lake."
"Great lake nearby with beach, marina with small store, picnic area. Walking trails throughout. Macon and Bevier are close by. Very nice place to camp."
from $16 - $49 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful spot on the lake. Clean campground, full hook-ups. Tent and RV friendly. Will stop here again!"
"there is a nice walking path around the area and the historical site is close by."
"Bathrooms were centrally located in the campground."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"You can see fireworks 🎆🎇 for Miles all around ."
"Great non electric sites on Thomas Hill Lake. Please leave as you found it or better, it’s basically in my back yard."
LegendLoved the great beach access and lots of boating opportunities. There is a marina for large boats. The campground is great, but on a steep hill. Some spots are harder to get into with a larger rig. Store located in the marina.
LegendWe loved the lake and boating opportunities here. It is very close to Truman State University making it great for college weekends off campus. Great campground.
LegendThis campground is filled with such amazing trees. They are different from any in Missouri. Hiking is so good here. Check out the boardwalk. Small and intimate campground with great spots. Has an archery range.
TravelerBoating, Fishing, Swimming and Trails. Also considered one of the darkest places in the US for star gazing.
ScoutIt looked nice, seemed like it should've been a good stay. I understand this is a Mormon spot, and I thought it would be super safe, but the hair on the back of my neck said "GET OUT". The cabin had one door and felt like a trap. There's no way I was going into The Silo with the camp host who asked too many questions and stood too close with a solo female camper. I didn't mind the literature push or the other campers proselytizing, it comes with the territory. I don't scare easily and I doubted myself for a couple hours but when my guardian angel slapped my face, I bolted. Something was really off.
LegendThis is a very regular state park. Nice flat spots. 30 and 50 amp looks like a decent shower house which is closed. Of course this time of year. They sell wood. Have an amphitheater and lots of super cool trails. There's also a historic bridge and pershing's boyhood home that you can actually tour. Backing up against this is a wildlife refuge that has a tremendous amount of trails and things to see and do so. Recommend coming ready to explore.
LegendWe came over to the lake and the access to it. And there are formal camp spots. They use Picnic Area spots that have fire rings and tables. And you're right on the water and by yourself, it's absolutely fantastic. We came in past pit toilets. And I can see some at another parking area around the corner. There was also a water spigot back there which I'm going to go. Try and see if it works, but I just think this is terrific. So I don't know where the other gentleman who left the. Review actually camped, but I think there is formalized camping around the lake.
ScoutThere is really only one campsite, although there is enough room for probably four campsites, but I arrived when a group had leery spread out over the entire campsite. I camped a little down the road in a grassy area to avoid being inconsiderate of the people already setup.
ScoutLike other posters mentioned, nice open gravel lot just off the road but hidden from plain view. It was already late and dark so I didn’t drive back farther. No one else showed up until early the next morning. One other car camper and a sheriff, but he didn’t bother us.
Camping near Sumner, Missouri features numerous options within a 30-mile radius, with sites ranging from primitive lakeside spots to fully equipped state park campgrounds. The region sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level in Missouri's northern plains, characterized by gently rolling hills and grasslands interspersed with wooded areas. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions in the 60-70°F range with occasional rainfall.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area offers multiple fishing spots with easy access. According to one visitor, "You can see fireworks for Miles all around" during Fourth of July celebrations at the reservoir. Another camper noted it has an "awesome lake" and well-maintained grounds despite being a free campground.
Hiking woodland trails: The boardwalk trail at Van Meter State Park provides a unique ecosystem experience. "Several short hikes in the park that are appropriate for kids and dogs," mentions a visitor. Another review highlights that the "trails through marsh on raised platform are awesome" and provide opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Historical exploration: Arrow Rock State Historic Site offers access to preserved buildings and cultural sites. A camper noted, "There is a historic town you can tour for free that is within walking distance from the campsites." Another visitor recommends "going to see a show in Arrow Rock! It is great to go when they are having a festival and dress in period clothing."
Lake activities beyond fishing: Long Branch State Park features a sandy swimming beach, boat ramps, and rental options. "Great lake. Wonderful swim beach with sand," wrote one visitor. Another camper mentioned, "They have a great lake, and quite campground. The lake has a nice beach next to the marina. Marina store has icecream and other small items if you need something."
Secluded lakeside camping: The walk-in sites at Long Branch State Park provide direct lake access away from more developed areas. As one camper shared, "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!"
Free camping options: Multiple conservation areas offer no-cost camping with basic amenities. Mussel Fork Conservation Area received this comment: "Had a great stealth camping experience here. Road was gravelled all the way down and opened up to a big gravel lot." Another visitor at Fountain Grove Conservation Area noted it has "picnic tables and fire rings at the camping sites and they were well maintained (grass mowed, good gravel roads etc.)."
Uncrowded experiences: Many campgrounds in the region remain relatively quiet even during peak season. Regarding Van Meter State Park, one visitor called it a "Secret gem" they almost didn't want to review to keep it undiscovered. Another camper noted, "We camped here over Memorial Day weekend in 2017 - the campgrounds were fairly empty!"
Attentive campground hosts: Several campgrounds receive praise for their helpful staff. At Pershing State Park, a visitor mentioned, "Good campsites, camp host very friendly and helpful." Another review noted, "The campground hosts, Dan and his wife, have been nothing but helpful and kind. They make their rounds often but never impose."
Seasonal water availability: Many campgrounds turn off water services during colder months. At Van Meter State Park, one camper noted, "Electric $21 in season. $19 off season. Off season starts Nov 1." At Pershing State Park, a visitor shared, "Showers, laundry, dump station, playground in park. Great hiking trails. $21 Electric on season, $19 Electric off season. Off season starts Nov 1. Water is turned off."
Bug protection needed: Due to wetland proximity, insect repellent is essential. A visitor to Van Meter State Park warned, "Bring plenty of bug spray. The campground is right by a marsh and it is REALLY buggy." Another camper commented about the "buggy atmosphere" due to nearby marshland.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across campgrounds. At Arrow Rock State Historic Site, multiple visitors noted "no cell phone service really" and "We occasionally got 1 bar on T-mobile."
Site terrain considerations: Some campgrounds have uneven ground requiring leveling equipment. One camper mentioned at Long Branch State Park, "Campsites are at slants so be prepared to level." Another review of a site at Pershing State Park noted, "Take the last spot on the loop for extra privacy and to be close to the restrooms."
Playground access: Van Meter State Park offers play areas suitable for younger children. A visitor noted it "had a nice playground for small kids including a little play area and some swing sets." Another review mentioned the "clean, well cared for campground" with "big open grassy area with shade trees."
Swimming options: Several lakes feature designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. One camper at Long Branch State Park commented, "The swimming beach looks very nice" and another mentioned it's a "great lake, wonderful swim beach with sand."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to spot local animals. As one visitor to Van Meter State Park noted, "Woke up with a little friend in our tent lol wife was not pleased. All in all abundant wildlife and a calm cool getaway."
Educational sites: Some parks feature interpretive centers with historical or natural displays. A visitor to Van Meter State Park mentioned, "The visitors center has some great information and interesting displays about American Indian heritage."
Leveling requirements: Pack leveling blocks for most campgrounds in the area. At Long Branch State Park, a visitor noted, "Great campsites with concrete pads, friendly staff and a decent shower house for a state park. The only negative was no water at the campsites."
Hookup availability: Lincoln Lake RV Park provides full connections for self-contained units. "Beautiful spot on the lake. Clean campground, full hook-ups. Tent and RV friendly," reported one camper.
Road conditions: Most parks have accessible entry roads, though some conservation areas have gravel access. At Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area, a camper noted "access is easy peasy" despite its more remote location.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on privacy versus openness preferences. At Arrow Rock State Historic Site, a camper observed, "The largest camp area of Arrow Rock is definitely geared towards RVs, but there is a 'basic loop' with twelve basic campsites for tent camping."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Sumner, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sumner, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 43 campgrounds and RV parks near Sumner, MO and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Sumner, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sumner, MO is Pershing State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sumner, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Sumner, MO.
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