RV camping near Steelville, Missouri offers options ranging from riverside settings to quiet farm retreats within the Ozark foothills. Located in Crawford County at elevations between 700-900 feet, the area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s and humidity levels often reaching 70-90% during peak camping months. Cell service can vary significantly between campgrounds, with reception strongest at locations on higher elevations and weakest in river valleys.
What to do
Float the Meramec River: Indian Springs Resort and Campground serves as both a launch point and take-out spot for float trips, with shuttle services available. "Float was easy and beautiful," notes a camper, while another mentions "the second day, I drove my husband up to the put-in (less than 10 mins) and he floated back and took out here."
Explore walking trails: Haven Hollow RV Park features extensive walking paths across their property. "They cut walking trails over 200+ acres with a little pond," according to one reviewer, who added they "had to use bug spray as the ticks were out in mass" during their May visit.
Fish local streams: Pheasant Acres RV Park provides access to nearby fishing spots. "Sheri/Sharon the owner...gave us Maps for the trails and where there was nearby trout fishing," reports one camper who appreciated the local knowledge.
Attend seasonal events: During summer, many campgrounds organize activities for families. "Our family absolutely loves camping at PARV! We go down every year for kids fishing day," shares one visitor about their tradition at Pheasant Acres.
What campers like
Peaceful settings: Haven Hollow RV Park receives praise for its tranquil atmosphere. "This place is much more like private property (with the bonus of full hookups), than an 'RV park'. Everything about this place is A+," writes one reviewer who appreciated the "beautiful views in very direction (open fields, tree lines, greenery, pond, clear views of sky)."
Family activities: Indian Springs Resort offers organized entertainment beyond camping. One visitor notes they provide "tons of games like volleyball and horseshoes, plus onsite programs and activities including scavenger hunts, movie nights, pancake breakfasts."
Clean facilities: Doolittle Acres RV Park maintains well-kept grounds and amenities. "The camp area looks new, cute playground, small fenced dog park type area, showers, laundry, fire pits and picnic tables," reports one camper who stayed there during a fishing trip.
Easy access: Several parks offer convenient locations for overnight stays. "Good area only a mile off the highway so it made a great night stopping point," mentions a Doolittle Acres visitor, though they noted "Since it's close the highway it was a little loud with traffic."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Several campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Indian Springs Resort and Campground runs from April to October, which affects availability during off-season months.
Highway noise levels: RV Self-Park and other campgrounds near major routes experience road noise. "You will hear some highway noise, but honestly, after years in trucking, it just felt like home," writes one RVer, while another notes "If you love the sound of freeways this is the place for you."
Limited facilities at some parks: Not all campgrounds offer full amenities. RV Self-Park has "No bathroom which they let you know when you book," according to a visitor, making it suitable primarily for self-contained units.
Road conditions: Access to some parks requires careful navigation. Haven Hollow visitors note "Road going in is narrow and steep but any rig should make it," and recommend following website directions instead of GPS.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated activity areas: Doolittle Acres features "cute playground" areas specifically for children. "They have a little dog park, kids park, and it was all clean and well maintained," reports one camping family.
Consider campgrounds with swimming options: Indian Springs Resort offers water recreation on-site. "Great camp store and a large sandy beach with natural swimming holes, plus a seasonal pool," mentions a reviewer who camps there with their children.
Find campgrounds with open play spaces: Pheasant Acres provides "a big open field for the kids to play ball and rabbits the kids loved feeding," according to a family camper who rated their experience five stars.
Check for family programming: Some campgrounds organize activities specifically for children. A Pheasant Acres visitor notes "The Hostess Sherry...loves our kids and grand kids and always has something to do for them."
Tips from RVers
Site layouts and hookups: Most parks offer different connection options. The sites at Pheasant Acres RV Park "were kind of tight. But there was shade and picnic tables at the site. The owner helps backing in," according to one RVer who appreciated the assistance.
Leveling requirements: Surface conditions vary between parks. Meramec Valley Campground has "terrible gravel roads with huge potholes and uneven RV sites," according to a recent visitor, suggesting leveling blocks may be necessary.
Length restrictions: Check maximum RV sizes when booking. Haven Hollow accommodates "about a 40' rig with some able to support up to 42' max," notes a reviewer traveling with a 39' fifth wheel who adds "When you make your reservation they will confirm the length of your rig and put you in the appropriate site."
Digital connectivity: Internet access varies significantly. Haven Hollow visitors report "WiFi wasn't very good and cell was spotty even with the booster," while another campground reported "good access for our starlink" for those with satellite internet options.
