9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Big Lake State Park Campground and Waubonsie State Park Campground both offer top-rated glamping campsites near Watson, Missouri. Big Lake's canvas safari tents include plush queen beds with premium linens, electricity, and climate control systems for year-round comfort. The sites feature private decks overlooking the lake, perfect for morning coffee or evening stargazing. Waubonsie offers luxury yurts with hardwood floors, comfortable furnishings, and kitchenettes stocked with essential cookware. Both glamping campgrounds provide upscale bathroom facilities with hot showers and premium toiletries, a significant upgrade from traditional camping. One guest shared, "The campsite was very nice. Not too expensive. The showers and bathrooms were nice and had decent room."
The surrounding area boasts exceptional outdoor experiences without sacrificing comfort. Waubonsie State Park's network of scenic hiking trails winds through the distinctive Loess Hills, offering impressive overlooks and wildlife viewing opportunities. Big Lake provides glamping guests with exclusive waterfront access, including complimentary kayak rentals and guided fishing excursions. Both locations maintain pristine grounds with ample spacing between luxury accommodations to ensure privacy. Platte River State Park, within driving distance, features distinctive geodesic dome accommodations with panoramic views. A recent visitor mentioned, "The view is worth an overnight stay. The hiking trails are not for bikes, and they have several different skill levels. The lookout was pretty cool as well."
"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."
"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."
from $15 - $110 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There is room to keep up social distancing."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Small park.sites are right next to each other. Picnic tables and fire pits are on site gravel. All roads are narrow one way with the dumpstation at the back end of park with trash dumpsters there."
"We arrived around 8 pm and even though the office was getting ready to close, the woman behind the counter was very kind and helpful. She helped us with finding our spot and with getting firewood."
from $15 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Tents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent."
"New appliances, new furniture, fixtures, new bunk beds, etc. The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival. They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc."
from $35 - $340 / night
Check Availability"Large lake , walking trail . Seems that some site are “ reserved “ by placing the picnic table on the concrete pad. We were able to find 1 open space."
from $7 - $15 / night
Check Availability"A few vault toilets are scattered around the park, but there are no shower facilities. Nearby is a small lake along with a nature center. Park is within a valley with lots of shade trees."
"Well,, it was alright, loud because of the toll bridge next to park, sites were close together, level, fire pits, picnic tables, electric, water and a dump station, stayed 3 days to visit family,, $20"
"Currently flooded, but should be ready for 2019"
LegendTents, cabins and RV camping. Toilets, showers, fire rings. There is a small lake with paddle boats and kayaks for rent. They have a pool and dining hall for rent. Tons od trails and many of them a taylored to mountain biking. There are 2 types of cabins, basic that has a bed amd refrigerator. Then there are luxury glamping cabins.
GuideSmall park.sites are right next to each other. Picnic tables and fire pits are on site gravel. All roads are narrow one way with the dumpstation at the back end of park with trash dumpsters there. So on a sunday you will get stuck in the dumpstation line to drop off your trash even if you don't need to dump. Bathrooms are clean and well maintained. Sites are pretty level. Great playground area for the kids.
GuideMy husband and I tent camped one night at this park. We arrived around 8 pm and even though the office was getting ready to close, the woman behind the counter was very kind and helpful. She helped us with finding our spot and with getting firewood. Our basic tent site was lakeside and had a fire pit and picnic table. The site was so well maintained it was hard to find small sticks for kindling.
The grounds have private bathrooms with toilets and showers. There are two nice playgrounds and a swimming pool. Most campers were enjoying fishing in the small lake. Kayaks were available to rent for a small fee. Kids enjoyed riding bikes around the flat roads.
This is a great spot off I-29 to set up camp and have a rest. It's also a good spot to take young kids fishing.
RangerWe stayed in the recently renovated Owen #4. The renovations really updated it and they need to update the pictures they have on the web, with what it looks like now. New appliances, new furniture, fixtures, new bunk beds, etc. The cabin was very clean and organized upon arrival. They supply most everything thing you need i.e. dishes, cookware, etc. The one thing it does need is a corkscrew! We forgot ours and went without the wine we brought for dinner. With that bombshell though, it was beyond worth the getaway. The winter hiking was fantastic and it was quiet except for the wildlife, but that is why we went out there!
LegendThis 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. This is a new park dedicated this year by the Nemaha NRD: sort of a multi-county natural resource agency found exclusively in Nebraska.
The picnic tables, vault toilets, paved walking trails, playground equipment are all new and well laid out. Gravel slabs with electrical hookup are only $12 a night but that is deceiving because you need to purchase a $5 day pass or $15 annual pass to come to the park. Yet even the some of the primitive sites have slabs for a pop-up and did not appear to cost anything beyond your vehicle pass.
The lake is too small for any boat with more than a trolling motor (there is a boat ramp) and should be outstanding for a kayak or canoe. Fishing should be great here. Paved trail and wide gravel slabs with raised fire pits should make this a great rustic getaway for handicapped campers. There is even a paved path to the end of a jetty of fishing in the lake.
This park is close to the Steamboat Trace Hiking/Biking Trail which is a 26-mile trail following the bluffs and coming within spitting distance of the Missouri River. Peru Nebraska is close, home of one of the oldest colleges this side of the Mississippi. Peru is also close for limited supplies such as Ice and band-aids. Auburn and Nebraska City are both about 10 miles away, Neb City has a Walmart.
I think this park is best for a quiet weekend getaway. I recommend you contact the NRD for an annual pass and take advantage of the other parks they operate. You could hike or Bike the Trace and tent camp for free!
RangerWell,, it was alright, loud because of the toll bridge next to park, sites were close together, level, fire pits, picnic tables, electric, water and a dump station, stayed 3 days to visit family,, $20 a night
TravelerWe stayed in a teepee which was a first for us. The teepee area has about 8 teepees, each on a platform. Short walk in but a wagon is provided to help unload equipment. Picnic and fire pit near the teepee. We did have a raccoon one night, he thought about checking out the tepee while we sitting around the fire but my dog's bark scared him away. Lots of hiking in the area.
TravelerWe stayed here so that we would be within walking distance of Brownville. It took a while to figure out how to make a reservation (you call the River Inn Resort). When I made the reservation, I was told there is no electricity, which is fine since we have solar. However, we were not told there are no tables, or fire rings... there pretty much isn't anything other than land. The land that is there is pretty rough as well. There were very large burs of some sort throughout the grassy areas, which made it difficult for our dog to go anywhere during our trip. There were also an unbelievable amount of gnats, but that is probably due to the proximity to the river. The people at the River Inn Resort, where you check in, were friendly and helpful. However, we would not stay here again.
GuideThis is a park that was previously a State Recreation Area that was given over to the Village of Brownville prior to the flooding in 2011. A majority of the silt and debris has been cleared, and the boat ramp for the Missouri River at the north end is accessible. To the best of my knowledge the Steamboat Trace path bike path is still closed from flooding.
Primitive camping only. River Inn resort just to the south has Electric sites, but they too are in the process of cleaning up, but appear to have sites open.
Camping opportunities near Watson, Missouri concentrate along the Missouri River corridor in the western part of the state. This area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and moderately cold winters. Spring flooding can impact campground availability, particularly at riverside locations like Brownville Riverside Park, which experienced significant flooding damage in 2019 and 2024.
Hiking in Loess Hills: Waubonsie State Park offers distinctive hiking trails through the unique Loess Hills formation. "The hiking trails are not for bikes, and they have several different skill levels," notes Tony B. The park features multiple difficulty levels to accommodate various abilities, with scenic ridge trails providing memorable views of the surrounding landscape.
Fishing opportunities: Duck Creek Recreation Area provides excellent bank fishing access with newly developed facilities. "Fishing is great right off the bank. NRD permit required," reports A H. The lake prohibits motorized boats larger than trolling motors, creating a peaceful environment for anglers.
Water recreation: Big Lake State Park Campground features water activities including kayak rentals. "Kayak rental is available but if fishing isn't your thing this might not be the park for you," explains Carissa H. The oxbow lake provides a protected environment for water recreation, though visitors should note approximately three-quarters of the lake is privately owned.
Accessible natural areas: Platte River State Park Campground offers varied terrain and natural features without requiring extensive hiking. "I love Platte River State Park; there are accommodations for every type of camper - cabins, RV, privative - hell they even have teepees!" says Jared J. The park balances accessibility with natural immersion.
Clean facilities: Waubonsie State Park maintains well-kept public facilities. "The bathrooms and shower were clean. Water is easily accessible," reports Danni A. This commitment to cleanliness extends throughout the park, though visitors should note potential wildlife encounters, as "signs in the bathrooms warning of the raccoons... are not exaggerating."
Spacious waterfront sites: Big Lake State Park provides direct lake access from certain campsites. "Both back in and pull through sites available with electric, dump site, and fresh water fill station... level, shaded gravel sites, and primitive sites right by the lake," shares Sam C. The campground layout accommodates various camping preferences with some waterfront options.
Seasonal closures and flooding: Several campgrounds in the region face periodic closures due to Missouri River flooding. "This park is right off the Missouri river, and everytime there is flooding this places gets shelled," explains Tony B. regarding Haworth City Park. Always check current status before planning trips, especially in spring or after heavy rainfall periods.
Limited amenities at some locations: Brownville Riverside Park offers primitive camping with minimal facilities. "We were not told there are no tables, or fire rings... there pretty much isn't anything other than land," reports Danni A. The campground's proximity to the river creates challenging conditions with "very large burs of some sort throughout the grassy areas" and "an unbelievable amount of gnats."
Campsite privacy varies: Weeping Water Campground offers first-come, first-served camping with varied spacing. "First come, first serve campground city park. Large lake, walking trail," notes Barbara P. Some sites may be unofficially reserved by locals placing "the picnic table on the concrete pad," limiting availability for travelers.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground facilities for children. Weeping Water offers "a very well done out-of-the-way and quaint park" according to AUDREY S., providing recreational options for younger campers. Duck Creek also includes newer playground equipment near the entrance.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Pony Creek Co Park offers wildlife observation in a natural setting. "I still love the areas wildlife, and the lake," shares Tony B. The surrounding Loess Hills region supports diverse bird populations including pelicans, herons, hawks, owls, and eagles.
Bike-friendly roads: Big Lake State Park features flat campground roads suitable for children's biking. "Lots of flat roads for biking though!" notes Carissa H. The level terrain throughout the campground creates safe cycling conditions for inexperienced riders while the park layout provides defined boundaries.
Hookup availability: Duck Creek Recreation Area provides electrical hookups but limited water connections. "Has electric hookups but no water hookups so bring your own water or make sure you fill your hold tank at the one water hydrant," advises Mandi T. RVers should arrive with filled freshwater tanks or prepare to fill at the single available hydrant.
Site positioning: Big Lake State Park offers both back-in and pull-through RV sites with electrical service. "The majority are pull through sites. Everything is fairly level and they have nice park, picnic areas and boat ramp," explains Jason C. The level sites accommodate various RV sizes with minimal setup difficulty.
Dump station considerations: Several campgrounds provide dump stations, though access can be complicated during busy periods. Big Lake State Park places "the dumpstation at the back end of park with trash dumpsters there. So on a sunday you will get stuck in the dumpstation line to drop off your trash even if you don't need to dump," warns Jolie C. Plan departures with potential dump station delays in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Watson, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Watson, MO is Waubonsie State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
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