Join the fun near Sumner. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Sumner is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Sumner, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Long Branch State Park offers basic and electric campsites and a special-use camping area. There are also several walk-in basic campsites available. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites.
There are five boat-in campsites with fire ring, lantern post and picnic table available. Please contact the park office for more information.
$13 - $22 / night
$12 - $23 / night
Camping is permitted only in designated areas and is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. Quiet hours are effective from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the camp area by 10:00 p.m. Quiet hours are defined as the cessation of excessive noise from people or any mechanical device which causes disturbance to other campers. Groups of 10 campers or more must obtain a special use permit.
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/4601.pdf Fountain Grove Conservation Area sits in the floodplain of the Grand River and serves as an important migration stop for a variety of wildlife. It also plays an essential role in providing wintering habitat for Canada geese of the Eastern Prairie Population. The area was the first wetland area developed by the Conservation Commission and has grown from its original 3,433 acres in the 1940s to its present size of 7,906 acres. The area is managed to provide diverse wetland habitats, including marshes, bottomland forests, grain fields, oxbow lakes and sloughs. An active heron rookery is located along Locust Creek. Bald eagles are commonly seen on the area throughout the winter. The area also supports populations of rail, snipe, wood ducks, mourning doves, white-tailed deer, turkey, raccoon, beaver, river otter and many bird species.
Camping is permitted only in designated areas and is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/8422.pdf
This area fronts about two miles of Mussel Fork Creek. The area's rolling topography is typical of this region of the state which is generally marked by southward draining, closely spaced, sub-parallel streams resulting in a general pattern of narrow, linear ridges and wooded stream valleys. Historic conditions included plant communities that followed the elevational gradient with prairies occurring on the higher, drier sites blending with oak savannas on the ridges, and more densely forested areas along the steeper slopes. Low lands adjacent to Mussel Fork Creek were prone to flooding and included a complex pattern of wet prairie, marshes, oxbow lakes and river bank timber. These natural communities were home to a wide diversity of plants and animals. Management emphasis on the area is aimed toward enhancing the processes that result in a diverse prairie-savanna-woodland mosaic. Woodlands are a type of wooded community characterized as having a fairly open canopy cover, a poorly developed understory, and a diverse herbaceous layer of forbs, grasses, and sedges. Woodlands contain fire-tolerant trees, often with wide spreading crowns, and a diverse ground flora that may include species such as little bluestem, wild rye, bottle brush grass, blazing star, coneflower, and a variety of sedges. In northern Missouri, most woodland communities have been degraded due to extensive logging, fire suppression, overgrazing, and other disturbances. Woodland restoration practices used on the area include thinning and prescribed fire. Thinning removes some of the existing trees which provides a more open canopy and allows sunlight to reach the ground. Prescribed fire is essential to restoring a diverse woodland community as it suppresses small diameter woody vegetation, removes leaf and woody litter, and stimulates herbaceous plant growth resulting in a rich ground flora of forbs, grasses, and sedges. Well managed woodlands provide excellent habitat for wildlife. Species commonly associated with woodlands include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, red-headed woodpecker, Coopers' hawk, Indiana bat, three-toed box turtle, and eastern gray treefrog.
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for more information.
Long Branch State Park offers basic and electric campsites and a special-use camping area. There are also several walk-in basic campsites available. For a little extra space, try one of the park's family campsites.
There are five boat-in campsites with fire ring, lantern post and picnic table available. Please contact the park office for more information.
$13 - $22 / night
$12 - $23 / night
Camping is permitted only in designated areas and is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. Quiet hours are effective from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily. Visitors who are not occupying a campsite are required to leave the camp area by 10:00 p.m. Quiet hours are defined as the cessation of excessive noise from people or any mechanical device which causes disturbance to other campers. Groups of 10 campers or more must obtain a special use permit.
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/4601.pdf Fountain Grove Conservation Area sits in the floodplain of the Grand River and serves as an important migration stop for a variety of wildlife. It also plays an essential role in providing wintering habitat for Canada geese of the Eastern Prairie Population. The area was the first wetland area developed by the Conservation Commission and has grown from its original 3,433 acres in the 1940s to its present size of 7,906 acres. The area is managed to provide diverse wetland habitats, including marshes, bottomland forests, grain fields, oxbow lakes and sloughs. An active heron rookery is located along Locust Creek. Bald eagles are commonly seen on the area throughout the winter. The area also supports populations of rail, snipe, wood ducks, mourning doves, white-tailed deer, turkey, raccoon, beaver, river otter and many bird species.
Camping is permitted only in designated areas and is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/8422.pdf
This area fronts about two miles of Mussel Fork Creek. The area's rolling topography is typical of this region of the state which is generally marked by southward draining, closely spaced, sub-parallel streams resulting in a general pattern of narrow, linear ridges and wooded stream valleys. Historic conditions included plant communities that followed the elevational gradient with prairies occurring on the higher, drier sites blending with oak savannas on the ridges, and more densely forested areas along the steeper slopes. Low lands adjacent to Mussel Fork Creek were prone to flooding and included a complex pattern of wet prairie, marshes, oxbow lakes and river bank timber. These natural communities were home to a wide diversity of plants and animals. Management emphasis on the area is aimed toward enhancing the processes that result in a diverse prairie-savanna-woodland mosaic. Woodlands are a type of wooded community characterized as having a fairly open canopy cover, a poorly developed understory, and a diverse herbaceous layer of forbs, grasses, and sedges. Woodlands contain fire-tolerant trees, often with wide spreading crowns, and a diverse ground flora that may include species such as little bluestem, wild rye, bottle brush grass, blazing star, coneflower, and a variety of sedges. In northern Missouri, most woodland communities have been degraded due to extensive logging, fire suppression, overgrazing, and other disturbances. Woodland restoration practices used on the area include thinning and prescribed fire. Thinning removes some of the existing trees which provides a more open canopy and allows sunlight to reach the ground. Prescribed fire is essential to restoring a diverse woodland community as it suppresses small diameter woody vegetation, removes leaf and woody litter, and stimulates herbaceous plant growth resulting in a rich ground flora of forbs, grasses, and sedges. Well managed woodlands provide excellent habitat for wildlife. Species commonly associated with woodlands include white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobwhite quail, red-headed woodpecker, Coopers' hawk, Indiana bat, three-toed box turtle, and eastern gray treefrog.
Guide
Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided. Parked lakeside. Quite night with one fishing boat late morning. Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property.
Scout
Had a great stealth camping experience here. Road was gravelled all the way down and opened up to a big gravel lot. 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. Had no issues and didn’t see or hear anyone else!
Scout
Easy check in if you have made online reservations. Very well taken care of and clean. Great spot to visit the quilting stores here.
Guide
Free camping in designated camping area per MO Dept of Conservation rules. Pit toilets and mowed area for camping. Hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities inside the area.
Ranger
Stayed here for several days. Wonderful facility on the edge of Gallatin. Stores and gas just a mile away. A duck was the only full time resident of the park. We got several visits from the local residents. They were delightful. We were informed that the park and rec district has a recommended fee of $35/night. However, the city says it's a donation. So if you stay there and don't make a donation, that is between you and your conscience.
Ranger
It is against their rules to camp anywhere but on a gravelly parking lot. We camped just off the road and got a citation. It's not really disbursed camping.
ScoutBeautiful spot on the lake. Clean campground, full hook-ups. Tent and RV friendly. Will stop here again!
ScoutThe owners we very nice. Campground is clean and all sites are full hookups
Scout
Stayed here overnight and the camphor was very friendly and helped us out. Bathrooms and showers were open, super clean. Peaceful and would definitely stay again to venture into the town
Guide
This was my first time out on Bee Trace Trail and I had a great time. Both the hike into the campsite and out the next morning were pretty easy; the back half of the brown loop, specifically the stretch between the backpack camping site and the kayak camping sites, was sometimes frustratingly difficult to follow. I had to pull out my phone several times to get reoriented. That being said, that stretch isn't very long and the rest of the trail presented zero issues for navigation.
The campsite for backpacking is located at the very tip of the peninsula and it's a great spot. There is a camper-made fire ring here, but the regulations(and posted signs) state no fires, so I would be cautious with what you choose to do. The kayak sites are a little more developed, with picnic tables, trash hooks, and iron fire pits/grills, but I'm not sure how they feel about backpackers using those. On the day(s) I went through, I saw only two other people on the blue loop and nobody on the brown. However, I saw tons of boats out on the lake going by and they all had full view of the campsite(I think it would be pretty clear even once the trees are full); something to be aware of if you're looking for a super isolated camp. There is plenty of space to pitch a tent and many trees to choose from for hanging a hammock.
If you're looking to get your feet wet with backpacking(as I was), this is a great spot to do it. If you're a seasoned backpacker and are just looking for a quick out-and-back, I think you would be equally pleased.
Guide
The walk-in campgrounds (it's about a 50 foot walk from the parking lot to each site) at Long Branch are located off in their own little area at the shore of the lake that offers some pretty good isolation. Although 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. The sites are each very spacious with flat areas and material already laid out for pitching a tent and plenty of trees for throwing up a hammock. Although firewood was stated to be available year round from the vending machine, it was locked up when we went through, but there is a convenience store right across the highway from the lake that sells wood bundles and anything else you might need.
We really enjoyed our time here and we'll definitely be coming back in the warmer months to enjoy some swimming and boating.
ScoutIf your camper has everything you need, it's a good campground. The website says it's 50 amp only, but it has 30 too. When we stayed there in March 2024, the shower/bathroom was locked. No park management came by our site, and when you call to get information, you get city hall telling you you need to call some other number...that they didn't have. So, everything's up to you.
Scout
Had a big fire outside one of the cabins today! Great company, warm flames, and hot dogs makes for a wonderful night, but the stars and beautiful weather seriously enhanced it like none other! The campground really felt comfortable and my whole family really enjoyed our stay!
TravelerPark was full. We could only book a basic site (no hook-ups) through the website but the camp host easily upgraded us to a vacant electric site. Great park to bring your dogs! The walk or drive to the historic town literally park of the park was a surprise with a couple of hiking paths making each trip different from the first.
Traveler
You can reserve online or with an attendant on site! Spots are small but all shaded. A raccoon ended up tearing through our trash but that was the only negative here! Take the last spot on the loop for extra privacy and to be close to the restrooms.
TravelerI 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! This site had lots of space and was spread out from neighbors. The campground hosts will deliver firewood to your campsite when bought at their little market. Definitely recommend!
TravelerVery nice, clean and organized campsite. Sites are spaced further apart for great privacy. Host was pleasant and very friendly. Nice to see him driving through the site checking up on things.
Ranger
We camped out here for the weekend.
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.
The ones on the inside of the circle have more space and are more open but you don't have any privacy. Most spots on the outside of the circle, especially on the north and west sides have more privacy but not as much space.
The grounds are well kept with grass while maintained.
I hiked on most of the trails in one day. I missed the memorial trail and boardwalk. Home that I walked on will maintained. Some of them are more difficult than others but none of them too strenuous.
Note about the lake - Once you get to the parking lot for the lake you'll see nothing but trees. On the east side of the parking lot (next to the state park signage/billboard) there are two trail heads. Take the one on the left. There's a quarter mile hike down to the lake. The way back is mostly uphill. Not too steep, but steep enough you might feel it if you don't do much hiking/walking.
Playground It had a nice playground for small kids including a little play area and some swing sets.
Restrooms There were two bathrooms present. One was a traditional drop toilet. It had a solar fan so surprisingly it did not have any smell. The other bathroom has a shower and the women's had two toilets and the men's had one toilet and a urinal. Everything was clean.
Dog-friendliness We did not take any dogs but we saw plenty of people who had dogs.
GuideThe largest camp area of Arrow Rock is definitely geared towards RVs, but there is a "basic loop" with twelve basic campsites for tent camping. There is a bathroom/shower house very close to the basic loop and the basic loop is well away from the RV area. Right up the road is Big Soldier Lake where you can fish as well. The camp host was helpful in providing firewood and was very attentive of the sites. The campsites are a bit crowded in with each other as there are 12 in the small basic loop, but a few campsites at the back end of the loop provide a lot of area to stretch and spread out into.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're excited to welcome this partner to our platform. Randy is your host, and would love to take you on a tour on his farm. There are 4 sites in total, all with stunning 360 rolling hill views. A shared toilet and shower are available! Check them out and post some pictures here. Happy Camping!
RangerDeer hunting camp. Lots of city hunters with NO CONCEPT of safety during hunting.
RangerElectric only sites, some extremely difficult to level in, but overall a very well maintained park and a great host. The town of Arrow Rock is awesome, adds a great element to staying here.
Guide
I stayed one night for an activity at the state park the following day. The shower houses had individual, private, large, and very clean facilities. It was not crowded at all. Campground #2 was the smaller of the two campgrounds. The spots seemed more fitting for RV’s vs tent but there were a couple of tents. I slept in my van so it wasn’t an issue for me. I may reconsider visiting this park for tent camping.
Traveler
Very nice area. The camping spots are relatively level and are mainly concrete or asphalt. The park hosts are friendly and helpful. The bathrooms and showers are very very clean. Even the vault bathroom next to our site wasn’t that nasty.
GuideBeautiful, quiet, shady campground. Lots of space between sites. Fun to explore the historic area. Good, well-marked trails around the campground, to the visitor center, town, and river. We plan to return.
RangerThis worked great as an overnight stop on our way to MN. We were there midweek during the off-season, so our nice pull-thru site was fine. Some sites were small and open. Bathrooms were closed for the season, but the building looked pretty new.
TravelerUsed to stay here as a kid during deer season, recently came back to it to explore some more. Multiple campsites available along the highway, but the marked site is one of the best, right by a great fishing lake. Very quite, no amenities.
Camping near Sumner, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Sumner, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Sumner, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, Sumner, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 41 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 4.1-star rating from 10 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.
What parks are near Sumner, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Sumner, MO that allow camping, notably Blue Springs Lake and Mark Twain Lake.
