Tent camping options near Warrensburg, Missouri include locations within a 40-mile radius of town. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters. Fall camping is popular for moderate temperatures and colorful foliage displays along the area's waterways and wooded areas. Seasonal campground closures typically occur between November and March due to winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Harriman Hill Access offers shore fishing along the Missouri River. As one camper notes, "Not bad camp spots here" though recent visitors should be aware of safety concerns.
Water activities: Bledsoe Ferry provides direct water access for swimming and boating. One camper shared, "Awesome" when describing this family-friendly location along Truman Dam Access Road.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds connect to local trail networks. Many sites are positioned within walking distance of trails that showcase Missouri's native oak-hickory forests and prairie remnants.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Farrington City Park receives praise for its upkeep. One camper noted, "Beautiful, well maintained. The park itself is well-maintained, and the staff is very helpful and friendly."
Peaceful settings: Despite proximity to roads, many campers report minimal disruption. A reviewer at Farrington City Park mentioned, "There were a number of horse-drawn buggies that came through in the early evening."
Multiple tent sites: Tent Sites at Milo Farm offers 22 designated tent camping locations, making it suitable for groups requiring multiple sites. The campground provides drinking water and picnic tables, distinguishing it from more primitive options in the region.
What you should know
Safety considerations: Recent reviews indicate security concerns at some locations. A September 2023 review of Harriman Hill Access warned, "I woke up to find out that the other campers we saw were actually homeless people. They're were people in the bathroom strung out on something also. Don't camp here!"
Amenity variations: Campground facilities vary significantly. Some locations prohibit fires while others provide fire rings and sell firewood on-site. Windsor Crossing Park requires reservations while other locations operate on a first-come basis.
Seasonal availability: Most tent camping near Warrensburg operates seasonally with limited winter access. Spring through fall provides the best camping weather, with April through October offering the most reliable conditions for tent campers.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with bathroom access: When camping with children, prioritize locations with toilet facilities. Harriman Hill Access provides toilet facilities but no drinking water, requiring families to bring sufficient water supplies.
Reserve ahead for weekends: Shawnee Bend near Warsaw accepts reservations, which proves valuable during peak summer weekends when the best tent camping near Warrensburg, Missouri fills quickly.
Pet policies: Pet rules vary by location. While most campgrounds allow pets, Farrington City Park prohibits them. Always verify current pet policies before arrival, especially when camping with children who may be expecting animal companions.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Warrensburg lack RV hookups. Farrington City Park provides a sanitary dump station but no electrical or water connections for overnight stays.
Size restrictions: Windsor Crossing Park is noted as big-rig friendly, making it one of the few tent camping areas that can also accommodate larger vehicles for families using both tents and RVs.
Access roads: While most locations offer drive-in access, Tent Sites at Milo Farm requires a walk to reach the camping area, making it impractical for RVers seeking to camp near their vehicles.