Campgrounds near Wappapello Lake, Missouri offer a range of pet-friendly options for campers seeking river access and shaded sites. The Ozark region's rolling hills reach elevations of 500-1,000 feet with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F. Humidity levels typically range from 60-80% during summer camping season, creating conditions where shade becomes essential for comfort.
What to do
Cave exploration nearby: Onondaga Cave State Park Campground features underground walking tours with impressive formations. "The Onondaga Cave is a bit pricey to see but it's well worth it, one of the larger caves you can do a walking tour with well maintained and careful paths, lighting etc. Takes about 1.5hrs, our guide was very knowledgeable and humorous," notes Julia M.
River activities: Spend time on the Meramec River with canoe, kayak or tube rentals. "We kayaked here and it was amazing! probably the best short trip you could take on a kayak. It started pouring halfway thru our ride, but even still we had a blast!" shares Allyson D. about Washington State Park Campground.
Historical sites: Visit the prehistoric petroglyphs at Washington State Park. Phil W. writes, "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see." The park contains Native American rock carvings dating back hundreds of years.
What campers like
Quiet, secluded spots: Robertsville State Park Campground provides peaceful camping experiences away from crowds. "Not much to do here, it's just a place for me to camp 15 minutes from home. It has a nice loop trail behind the camp ground that goes down to the river," mentions Tony S.
Wildlife viewing: Campers appreciate natural encounters in these areas. "The State Park has a great canopy of trees located next to a stream as a setting for the campground that bounds with wildlife. We saw deer and raccoons here that entered our campsite," reports Tom K. about Meramec State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Natural water features provide cooling opportunities. "Good swimming! Clear water. Camp store. Firewood available," says Sherry P. about Meramec Caverns Natural Campground, noting the river access that many visitors enjoy.
What you should know
Cell service varies: Coverage can be spotty in some campgrounds. "The campground is great. Most of the sites are flat and paved. The campground is right next to the Meramec River. There is WiFi available but it is not reliable. The cell phone service is virtually non-existent," warns Mats about Meramec State Park.
Summer crowds: Many campgrounds fill during peak season. "This is primarily a campground for people floating the Meramec River and other area streams. They provide canoe rental, and transport to the put-in points. On summer weekends it is crowded and noisy," explains Joel R. about Ozark Outdoors-Riverfront Resort.
Reservations recommended: Book in advance for holiday weekends. Some parks require minimum stays. "On the weekends in the high season be prepared to reserve two nights in a row, which can make it more difficult to get a spot. But if you go during the week you can have the place pretty much to yourself," advises Annie C. about Robertsville State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose camps with kid-friendly amenities: Pin Oak RV Park offers activities for children. "A nice private catch and release pond, an old little mini golf setup, a small (but adequate) swimming pool kept the kids busy," shares Carrie A.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort. "A good stopover on I 44. Stay in cabins or the campground. Small camp store. Nice hiking trails, all easy/moderate. Rent canoes (not sure about kayaks) on site," recommends Lynn G.
Look for dog-friendly campgrounds: When traveling with pets, some spots are better than others. "I do wish they had a playground or some level place for the kids to play, but overall it was very nice and quiet," notes Montt B. about family camping at Robertsville State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Many RV sites require leveling equipment. "The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. (One advantage of being an older park.) But everything is just a little run down. The sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy," observes Joel R. about Pin Oak RV Park.
Quick overnight options: For travelers passing through, RV Self-Park provides convenient access. "I rolled in about 1030 with my daughter and dog. Very well lit, very clean and very easy to get in and very secure with a ton of cameras. Also has a really nice dog area," notes Grant.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds have highway sound. "Very easily accessible from Interstate. They serve and deliver a limited menu from 4-7 pm. Nice pool area. They have canoes for rental onsite. Nice place but sites are un-level for Motorhomes and they are a little tight," says Schelly D.
