Camping near Trenton, Missouri features campgrounds ranging from primitive lakeside sites to full-service RV parks. Located in northern Missouri's rolling terrain, this area typically experiences warm, humid summers with temperatures reaching the 90s and winter lows often dropping below freezing from December through February. The camping season runs primarily from March through November, with most facilities closing water sources during winter months.
What to do
Dark sky viewing: Lake Paho offers exceptional stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. "Very nice view of the lake, lots of campsites around the lake. Not many lights around and no big cities and a low horizon so it's a good place to visit for a visual observation night with a telescope or binos," notes Greg B. about this primitive campsite.
Explore hiking trails: Crowder State Park Campground features multiple hiking paths through its 1,900 acres. "Great campground. The site was nice and large, lots of kids to play, but quite. Nice hiking trails. The lake is really a large pond, you can kayak, canoe, fish and swim if you dont mind a pond," explains Jason C.
Fish at multiple locations: Several campgrounds offer fishing in small lakes and ponds. At Pershing State Park Campground, campers can fish in wetland areas. "The pileated and red headed woodpeckers are in abundance and the trails including a long boardwalk make for interesting walks. The setting is a oak/hickory forest," says Dexter E.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower buildings. Rita H. reports about Crowder State Park: "The bathrooms and showers are very very clean. Even the vault bathroom next to our site wasn't that nasty."
Private, shaded sites: Wallace State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots. "I love how many of the basic sites are secluded or at least mostly separate from other sites. Many have treeline surrounding so your site is closed off from others, ensuring some privacy," shares Erin P.
Free camping options: Dockery Park in Gallatin provides no-cost or donation-based camping. "Found this place traveling thru, nice park with electric, water, picnic table, bathrooms and a great view with a pond and gazebo, stayed one night, had a couple electric/water sites and places for tents under a nice shade tree," explains Bill S.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds reduce services during winter. "Fall Camping... $21 Electric on season, $19 Electric off season. Off season starts Nov 1. Water is turned off. Showers, laundry, dump station, playground in park," notes Sue B. about Pershing State Park.
Varied lake sizes: Lakes at most campgrounds are relatively small. Steve W. describes Crowder State Park: "Park is sitting on 1900 acres with plenty of hiking trails and a 18 acre lake. Nice place for a quiet getaway, downside if any is no TV reception, cell phone service is 4G."
Reservation needs: Summer weekends fill quickly at state parks. "Thursday night the campground was practically empty, but by 7pm on Friday night it was nearly full," reports Staci I. about Crowder State Park's spring opening weekend.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Honey Grove Campground, families can enjoy outdoor activities together. "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!" writes Adam M.
Spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with room for kids to play. Wallace State Park offers "nice, simple, quiet campground. The campsites are shaded and pretty secluded," according to Brandi F.
Swimming options: Several parks feature small lakes with swimming areas. Theresa H. says about Pershing State Park: "There are some wonderful trails nearby. Our favorite was the Boardwalk trail - 1 1/2 miles of boardwalk through forest."
Tips from RVers
Level pads: Most state parks provide solid parking surfaces. Muffy Clark G. notes about Crowder State Park: "The campsites are large, grass and shady. Pad is asphalt but not necessarily level."
Small town amenities: A Country Charm RV Park in Hamilton offers convenience to local services. "Lovely small RV park. Only about 12 sites. Super friendly, helpful owner. Quiet area in a small town but grocery store just down the road if you need to restock," shares Mary D.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in state parks but available at private campgrounds. "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," explains Bill B. about A Country Charm RV Park.
