Westphalia, Missouri sits at an elevation of 735 feet in the heart of Missouri, where the Ozark highlands transition to the northern plains. The region features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, including hot summers and cold winters. Camping options in this area range from primitive sites to upscale accommodations with several locations providing river access for water recreation.
What to do
River floating trips: 4-hour tubing adventures starting at $20 at Garrison Canoe Rental and Campground on the Meramac River. "Showed up late for a float trip. They were very accommodating for our group. We rented the new tubes they carry. They were very comfortable with back support and pillow when you're leaning back," notes one visitor.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Access multiple fishing locations at Daniel Boone Conservation Area where primitive camping is available at no cost. "The setting includes a pond and a trail to a small lake," according to a visitor. Another notes that "the grass had been mowed recently so the path around the pond was easily walkable."
Biking the Katy Trail: Located just 3.5 miles from several campgrounds, this flat, shaded trail offers a scenic route for cyclists. "We rode the Katy Trail which is only 3.5 miles down the hill from here," mentions one camper at Daniel Boone. Another visitor states, "Katy trail is easy biking beautiful views, shaded. Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out."
What campers like
Riverside camping sites with sunset views: Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina offers direct waterfront access. "This was a nice short notice trip we took. Only downside is it's near MU, so throughout the day, you get a lot of kids hanging out until the 'quiet hours' set in. Next time we'll bring bikes and hop on the trail. Also, we caught an AMAZING sunset from our site!" notes one camper.
Entertainment options beyond nature: Evening activities provide social experiences for glamping close to Westphalia, Missouri. "Leaving this magical place today. For anyone wanting to stay be aware they have live music Thursday through Sunday. They wrap everything up by 10pm and it's very quiet late night," writes a visitor at Cooper's Landing.
Clean facilities with consistent maintenance: Lazy Day Campground receives praise for its upkeep. "Very clean, great restrooms, clean. Has laundry room. Nice level sites," comments one reviewer. Another adds, "The campground was easy to find, located just 5 miles off I-70 with clear signage along the way."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Some glamping options near Westphalia operate only during warmer months. A visitor notes, "We spent 2 nights here. Wish we could spend more. Extra effort was made by the staff to make this a special place. Landscape art makes it a fun place to explore."
Varied terrain conditions: Sites range from grassy to gravel depending on location. At Indian Springs Resort and Campground, "We tent camped in sites 61-64 (now one huge site, but at one time they were three individual), which directly overlooks the river and sits on a very private corner."
Wildlife encounters: The area hosts diverse bird species and small mammals. "There's a little pond with wildlife like rabbits and frogs," mentions one Daniel Boone camper. Another visitor reports: "We watched the sunset by the river and it was beautiful. The river is wide and deep here. Current and undertows make it definitely not suitable for swimming. You can see the water swirling and churning."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds welcome pets with designated areas. "The 1/2-acre dog park was especially impressive," notes a visitor to Lazy Day Campground. Another camper adds that the park was "clean, well-maintained, and featured fun wood carvings."
Organized activities for children: Hickory Ridge Campground schedules regular events. "Lots of activities - pool, cornhole tournament, potluck dinner, and movie night. Great place for families. New owners are clearly making improvements and working hard to create a unique place," reports a visitor.
Safety considerations: Always check swimming conditions before entering water. "The river is wide and deep here. Current and undertows make it definitely not suitable for swimming," warns a visitor at Cooper's Landing. Locations with dedicated swimming areas provide safer alternatives for families seeking luxury outdoor accommodations near Westphalia.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Pay attention to road conditions leading to campgrounds. At Crooked Creek, one RVer notes, "Arrived late, be aware this is a good 5-10 minutes down a dirt road (after a rainy night it was not pretty pulling my trailer back to the highway)."
Connectivity options: Service varies significantly between locations. "We got 2 bars on Verizon and 3 bars on T-Mobile, and our T-Mobile Home Internet worked very well. The CG WiFi was fine for email and web browsing," reports an RVer at Lazy Day Campground.
Hookup positioning: Prepare with extension cords and hoses for some sites. "The gravel pad was fairly level, and although the utilities were toward the back of the site, we had no trouble connecting. There were two sewer hookups—a nice touch," shares a Lazy Day visitor.
