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Best Campgrounds near Watson, MO

273 Reviews

The Missouri River valley near Watson offers a mix of rustic and developed camping opportunities within a 30-mile radius. Charity Lake provides primitive camping with basic sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables, while Rock Port RiversEdge Campground and R U Lost RV Lots offer more developed options with utility hookups. Hoot Owl Bend provides dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more remote experience. The region includes a blend of public recreation areas and private campgrounds, with accommodations ranging from tent-only sites to full-service RV parks and occasional cabin rentals at places like Waubonsie State Park Campground.

Access to camping areas varies significantly by season, with many riverside locations subject to flooding and closure. "The river has flooded it out as of June 28, 2024 and it will likely be unusable for at least the remainder of this season," noted one camper about Brownville Riverside Park. Road conditions can be challenging at some of the more remote sites, particularly after rainfall. Charity Lake requires navigating a narrow gravel road with a sharp turn to enter, and some locations demand higher clearance vehicles. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with better connectivity at developed campgrounds closer to Interstate 29. Most established campgrounds require permits or day-use fees, while dispersed areas like Hoot Owl Bend typically have no formal registration process.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Watson area, with fishing opportunities available at several locations. Duck Creek Recreation Area features excellent bank fishing and family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and swimming areas. Many campground reviews highlight the peaceful atmosphere and wildlife viewing opportunities. A recent review noted that at Charity Lake, visitors can expect "a very primitive but quiet spot, great fishing, primitive hiking, a small amount of camping spots." Campgrounds in this region tend to be less crowded than those in more popular tourist destinations, though weekend occupancy increases during summer months. The mixed-use campgrounds throughout the area accommodate various camping styles, from tent camping to large RVs, making the Watson region suitable for diverse outdoor preferences.

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Best Camping Sites Near Watson, Missouri (70)

    1. Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    24 Reviews
    Shubert, NE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 883-2575

    $25 - $30 / night

    "The park is huge and takes you along an hour long historic trail that has old settlements, ruins of workshops and beautiful view-points of the Missouri river from the bluff edges."

    "We pulled up as you literally drive through a bunch of open farmlands to get here and it was almost a little spooky because we did not see anyone."

    2. Ash Grove Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    23 Reviews
    Shubert, NE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 883-2575

    $30 / night

    "The Missouri River is right there, you can take trails to get there or drink be. The Indian Cave is along the river. Not my belief it’s a real cave but there is a historical aspect to it."

    "The park also has a store, a museum, horseshoe pits, archery, trails, and boating on the Missouri river.  There is a cemetary and an old restored town."

    3. Charity Lake

    8 Reviews
    Watson, MO
    2 miles
    +1 (816) 271-3100

    "It is close to the highway and you can certainly hear it but it didn’t bother me, it’s kinda handy to have a place close to the highway when you’re just stopping for the night."

    "This site is $0 is nice quite area right off main highway camp sites are first come first serve"

    4. Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    20 Reviews
    Nebraska City, NE
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 873-6866

    "Centrally located and walkable. There is a small lake close by that we walked the dogs too. Also 20 minute bike ride to GSR Casino. I appreciated the free filtered water dispenser in the office."

    "Easy access to highway."

    5. Waubonsie State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Hamburg, IA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (712) 382-2786

    $14 - $110 / night

    "This also gave us time to really explore those trails I was drooling over. We took one of the more scenic trails and took us over the top of some of those beautiful Loess Hills."

    "Not many amenities but the bathrooms are clean and the trails are fantastic. The view is great from the side bluff train. Close to Nebraska city. Tent sites are not too close together."

    6. R U Lost - RV Lots

    4 Reviews
    Nemaha, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 209-3301

    "We were in Site 2 and enjoyed the plush green scenery around us! Aside from a vegetable garden, there is a beautiful garden of flowers and plants that you can walk through. It smells so nice!"

    "This year is an Outage shut down so the Campsite and others around the plant is very minimal. You need to call if anything is open for your stay."

    7. Brownville Riverside Park

    5 Reviews
    Nemaha, NE
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 883-2575

    8. Duck Creek Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Watson, NE
    10 miles
    Website

    $27 / night

    "This park is a beautiful lake. We saw white pelicans and blue herons on this visit but it is not uncommon to see hawks, owls, and eagles in the area."

    "Lots of sites but majority are on top of the hill away from the water."

    9. Hoot Owl Bend

    4 Reviews
    Nemaha, MO
    11 miles

    "Was confused at first because there was a private road sign near the turn off, but after some looking it does look like it’s a legit spot to camp. Good enough for a place to lay your head at least."

    "There seems to be some private RV camping nearby which I was unsure about but they never came and bothered me."

    10. Rock Port RiversEdge Campground

    2 Reviews
    Watson, MO
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 744-5485
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Recent Camping Photos near Watson, MO

65 Photos of 70 Watson Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Watson, MO

273 Reviews of 70 Watson Campgrounds

  • Nicholas The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    H.F. Thurnau Conservation Area

    Great no frills dispersed campsite

    Great location close to the main road with easy access to town. There are about four gravel, graded spots to choose from.

  • J
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Charity Lake

    Did NOT Feel Safe

    Gravel road is narrow w/ very sharp left turn to enter. Steep grade up to parking area required 4W drive. I do NOT recommend for over 24’ pull-behind camper. Once arrived, it’s a quiet & beautiful location. Very secluded & has no lighting. We were the only campers there, however, there was a single truck present. They were fishing, & the driver & passengers sharply eyed us up & down , then grimaced, which made us feel VERY uncomfortable, so we left immediately & made sure that they didn’t follow us. Our “Spidey Senses” were going off, so bugging out asap was the best option. Ended up camping behind a fuel station in the next town b/c we were so tired, but slept w/ one eye opened b/c it shook us so much. Reminded us of the movie “Deliverance” in a non-funny way. Would not recommend staying overnight if you’re there alone, it’s way too sketchy. Plus the skeeters ate us up & the toilet was putrid.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground

    Nice campground but neighbors noisy

    Just stopped for one night. Some highway and train noise whenever outside. Neighbor playing music outside late at night (after 10pm) which was annoying. Came after hours and name was left on board with check in info: Sites are nice with trees and vegetation but not very level. Dog park is nice though

    Would recommend for a stopover

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Little Rivers Edge

    Great respite camping

    What a great rural campground The owner was fantastic to deal with. Very quiet and peaceful, a true little gem.

  • Bob W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Stanton Lake Park

    Exceptional bargain

    $5 for a tent, water, shower and electricity to recharge devices. Perfect amenities for bikepacking.

  • Justin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 1, 2025

    H.F. Thurnau Conservation Area

    Nice little camp spots

    Nice little camp spots. No amenities available. But there are actually two locations to camp there are multiple camp spots near the entrance, and also more if you drive down to the boat ramp, there are a few around there also.

  • Carter G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2025

    Hoot Owl Bend

    Good enough for a place to sleep

    Was confused at first because there was a private road sign near the turn off, but after some looking it does look like it’s a legit spot to camp. Good enough for a place to lay your head at least. I used a pickup truck with a tent and nobody bothered me. I did hear animals huffing and saw some shadows run next to the truck at like 2am haha.

Guide to Watson

Camping near Watson, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different tastes.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground. A happy camper said, "The amenities such as showers and bathrooms were clean and decorated cute."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors rave about the helpful staff at R U Lost - RV Lots. One camper mentioned, "Owner of camp is very nice and very helpful."
  • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy the beautiful surroundings at Charity Lake. A reviewer described it as "a treat of a spot" with a "beautiful lake."

What you should know:

  • Park Fees: Be aware that some campgrounds, like Ash Grove Campground — Indian Cave State Park, have additional fees. One camper noted, "You do have to pay a daily park fee on top of the camping price."
  • Wildlife Caution: At Waubonsie State Park Campground, campers should be cautious of raccoons. A visitor warned, "We had a raccoon at our campsite trying to steal our food."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Duck Creek Recreation Area, may have limited facilities. A camper mentioned, "There is no water hookups, and the bathrooms are basic."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Stanton Lake Park, which has a nice playground away from the sites. A reviewer said, "They have a little fishing lake, disc golf, volleyball courts, a playground, and a dog park."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites, such as Big Lakes Turtle Cove Campground. One camper noted, "Great view, large spot, dog friendly."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids, like hiking and fishing. A visitor at Hackberry Hollow Campground mentioned, "A place where there are things to see and do."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: RVers appreciate level sites, which can be found at Victorian Acres RV Park & Campground. A reviewer said, "The majority are pull through sites. Everything is fairly level."
  • Electric Hookups: Ensure your campground has electric hookups, like Ash Grove Campground, where one camper mentioned, "The electric sites are all on one area with showers and indoor plumbing."
  • Quiet Locations: Look for quieter campgrounds, such as R U Lost - RV Lots, where a visitor noted, "This was truly a very pleasant camping site for us!"

Camping near Watson, Missouri, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Watson, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Watson, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 70 campgrounds and RV parks near Watson, MO and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Watson, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Watson, MO is Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Watson, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Watson, MO.

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