Emily G.
Traveler
TravelerThomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area
Great free camping
Might not have showers but is a nice free campground. It’s pet friendly and you are not on top of your neighbors. Definitely going to come back here.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Sumner, MO
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Pershing State Park Campground features both electric and non-electric tent and RV sites where pets are welcome at all campsites. The park provides clean restrooms, showers, and a sanitary dump station while maintaining shaded sites with adequate spacing between neighbors. Van Meter State Park Campground similarly allows pets throughout its camping areas, offering 30-amp electric hookups and picnic tables at each site. Both parks maintain well-mowed grounds with fire rings at each campsite. The campground hosts at Pershing State Park make regular rounds without being intrusive and have been noted for their helpfulness and friendly demeanor. Sites are generally level with hard surfaces surrounded by abundant shade trees.
Several conservation areas near Sumner offer more primitive camping options for those traveling with pets. Fountain Grove and Mussel Fork Conservation Areas provide free camping with fire rings and more basic amenities. These areas tend to be less private but well-maintained with mowed grass and good gravel roads. Mussel Fork features small gravel lots with fire rings at each site, though some areas near the creek may be inaccessible during wet conditions. Campers with pets should be prepared for buggy conditions, particularly near marsh areas, as multiple reviewers have mentioned the need for insect repellent when camping in the region. Wildlife encounters are common, so keeping pets leashed and supervised is essential for their safety and the protection of local fauna.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Sumner (28)
1. Fountain Grove Conservation Area
"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."
2. Mussel Fork Conservation Area
"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."
3. Lincoln Lake RV Park
"Beautiful spot on the lake. Clean campground, full hook-ups. Tent and RV friendly. Will stop here again!"
4. Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area
"It’s pet friendly and you are not on top of your neighbors. Definitely going to come back here."
"You can see fireworks 🎆🎇 for Miles all around ."
5. Lodder Up & Camp
"Very small campground on the edge of town (appx 20ish sites). Full hookups and all most amenities you will find at larger properties: laundry, showers, picnic tables and fire rings."
from $25 - $450 / night
Check Availability6. Salisbury City Park
"City Park that is right outside of town. 17 spots that are first come first serve, roughly 4 people seem to be full time residents, but kept the park clean."
from $20 / night
Check Availability7. A Country Charm RV Park
"Small (15 Spaces) RV park located 1/2 mile from the Missouri Star Quilt Co. Most likely the reason why people come to Hamilton. Very clean and well kept."
8. Bonanza Conservation Area
"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."
9. Stump Island Park
10. Dockery Park
"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 aren’t sheltered or hidden from the rest of the park though which was kinda weird when the kids from the baseball field nearby were staring at us putting up the tent."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 26 min from St. Joseph, MO
- 1 hr 39 min from Columbia, MO
- 1 hr 41 min from Kansas City, MO
- 2 hrs 5 min from Jefferson City, MO
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Sumner, MO
2 Photos of 28 Sumner Campgrounds
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Sumner, MO
131 Reviews of 28 Sumner Campgrounds
Chad K.
LegendLong Branch State Park Campground
Fantastic state park
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. The walk in sites are 50 feet from the lake and are level. The park has a swimming beach along with boat ramps and as we were told great fishing. The majority of the camp sites have lake views and are far enough from the highway that it is quiet at night. There are several hiking trails, from a prairie hike to a forest hike. The facilities are updated and clean. Talking with the park ranger, this park does fill on up quickly and reservation are recommended.
Nathan P.
RangerAnnie and Abel Van Meter State Park Campground
Well maintained campgrounds with short trails and lake for fishing
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.
- BBobbie C.Traveler
Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground
Quiet for Labor Day Weekend
Park 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.
- JJIll
GuideArrow Rock State Historic Site Campground
clean typical public rv campground
Sites aren't too close together and the general feel is quiet. the bathrooms and showers are clean and well kept. there is a nice walking path around the area and the historical site is close by.
Breanne D.TravelerThousand Hills State Park Campground
Great Hiking and Relaxation Destination
There are tons of things to do during any stay at Thousands Hills (affectionately called Thousand Chills). There are kayaks and canoes to rent, lakeside shelters, plenty of trails to hike, and plenty of campgrounds. There are areas that have cabins and also places that have RV hookups. Really great for anybody!
I went after a rain and it was beautiful. Many of the trails absorb water well and it's not too muddy. The trails and campsites are dog friendly and are very well marked.
Grant M.RangerLong Branch State Park Campground
More than meets the eye.
So, at first glance, small corps of engineers lake and stock Missouri state parks campground. But, we came back and there’s some unique stuff. A small trail that winds through tall grass prairie is great for kids and a cool perspective not much found in state. Also, there’s a sweet backpacking loop on a peninsula that is super rare north of the Missouri River. Quiet, and a great stop off hwy 36.
- LLeanne B.
ScoutThousand Hills Trail Camp
Thousand Hills Camping
The Thousand Hills campsite it great I have camped here on multiple occasions using a tent and a pop-up camper. They offer basic and electric sites. All the sites are a nice size and many provide shade as well which is nice during the hot summer. All the sites include a firepit, lantern holder, and a picnic table. There are multiple waterspouts throughout the campsite so you never have to walk far to collect water. There are also multiple outhouses within short walking distance of all the sites, they are clean but they have no lights so if you need to use it during the night you will need to bring a flashlight or lantern. The main bathroom however, though it may be further away then the outhouses for most sites, it is not unreasonably far away. At most it is probably a 5 minute walk from the sites that are further from it, and the walk is quite easy. The main bathroom has lights, outlets, toilets that flush, sinks, and several showers which you can control the temperature and are nice for camp showers. There is a camp store down at the marina where you can get firewood, food, and camping supplies. You can also rent pontoons, kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards for a decent price. If you rent anytime before noon Monday-Friday you can rent boats for half off which is a great deal. The park has a nice free beach which you can drive to or access through a trail which starts at one of the campsites. The park has two playgrounds and there are many trails, some that are light and easy, some moderate, and a long one that goes around the lake. Which has a backpacking campsite. I have not used the cabins here but they look like they are nice and they have easy access to the lake and docks right next to them for easy access to your boat.
- KKay A.Scout
Long Branch State Park Campground
Peaceful but fabulous!
Mostly concrete pads, most are pretty level. Lots of wildlife, clean shower housees, great camp hosts, firewood and ice available for purchase. 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.
Guide to Sumner
Sumner, Missouri sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level in north-central Missouri, characterized by rolling hills and bottomland forests along the Grand River watershed. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-70°F. Winter camping remains available at several parks though services may be limited during colder months.
What to do
Hiking trails and boardwalks: Pershing State Park offers several trails including a unique boardwalk experience. "The Boardwalk trail - 1 1/2 miles of boardwalk through forest. Just beautiful!" according to Theresa H. The park features wetland prairie ecosystems unusual for Missouri.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple fishing locations exist throughout the area's conservation lands and lakes. At Long Branch State Park, the fishing is reportedly excellent. "The marina is very nicely set up for handicapped accessible fishing from the fishing dock," notes Carissa H., adding that the lake is large enough for various water activities.
Historical exploration: Visit historic sites within short driving distance of campsites. "We also visited nearby LaClede where John J. Pershing's boyhood home is. Very informative and interesting," reports Theresa H. The Arrow Rock historic town is also accessible from regional campgrounds.
What campers like
Campground tranquility: Van Meter State Park provides a peaceful camping environment. "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," explains Nathan P. Many campers mention the quiet atmosphere at this location.
Wildlife viewing: The region's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife observation opportunities. "Woke up with a little friend in our tent lol wife was not pleased. All in all abundant wildlife and a calm cool getaway," reports Josh S. about Van Meter State Park. Birdwatching is particularly popular at several locations.
Budget-friendly options: Several conservation areas offer free camping with basic amenities. At Thomas Hill Reservoir Conservation Area, campers appreciate the value. "This is my favorite free camp ground. No showers or electric sites, however, the grounds are well kept, its quiet and has an awsome lake," notes dwminph. Free sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables.
What you should know
Bug protection essential: Insect populations can be significant, especially near wetland areas. "Clean, well cared for campground. The even numbered sites are really big and back up to big open grassy area with shade trees. The odd numbered sites are smaller and may hold water after a rain, but more private. Bring plenty of bug spray. The campground is right by a marsh and it is REALLY buggy," warns Jill T. about Van Meter State Park.
Seasonal service changes: Some parks reduce services during off-season months. "Electric $21 in season. $19 off season. Off season starts Nov 1. Water is turned off," notes Sue B. about Pershing State Park's fall camping conditions. Verify available amenities if camping outside summer months.
Site selection considerations: Crowder State Park offers varied site types but quality varies. "While I loved our camping spot, this park was just OK for me. The grounds and restrooms are nice, and it's much smaller than most parks. We stayed in electric site #19. It's nice because it's a pull through site with no neighbors on either side," explains Meaghan S.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational facilities for convenient family access. "Our site was right across from the playground, which was quite busy, but things quieted down and by 10pm everyone was on best behavior," reports Staci I. about Crowder State Park, which also maintains strict enforcement of quiet hours.
Beach access: Arrow Rock State Historic Site offers fishing opportunities with nearby swimming areas. "There is a small fishing lake in the camp ground," notes Dina L. Long Branch State Park provides a "nice swim beach with sand" according to Jolie C.
Site privacy: Family camping benefits from more isolated sites at several parks. "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!" reports Adriana W. about Long Branch State Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: RV campers should be prepared for uneven sites at some parks. "Pad is asphalt but not necessarily level," warns Muffy Clark G. about Crowder State Park. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most area campgrounds.
Full hookup availability: Limited parks offer complete RV services in the region. For RVs requiring full hookups, Lodder Up & Camp provides these amenities. "This is a great park in a small town. The park seems newly built or remodeled. It was very clean. Some sites have concrete pads and others are rock. Sites seemed level despite there being a lot of elevation change within the park. Utilities were in great shape," reports Jeff C.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between parks. "Nice place for a quiet getaway, downside if any is no TV reception, cell phone service is 4g," notes Steve W. about Crowder State Park, while Arrow Rock has "no cell phone service really" according to Dina L.
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