Best Campgrounds near Kirksville, MO

Camping near Kirksville, Missouri, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV.

What to do:

• Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Thousand Hills State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "There are several different trails you can hike or bike," making it a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Fishing and Boating: At Wakonda Lake Campground — Wakonda State Park, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A camper shared, "We stayed by Wakonda Lake in an oversized site with steps leading down to a little beach."
• Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Long Branch State Park Campground, have swimming areas. One visitor noted, "We’ll definitely be coming back in the warmer months to enjoy some swimming and boating."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities. A review for Crowder State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms and showers are very very clean."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Wakonda Lake Campground mentioned, "Sites were spacious, clean, plenty of space between sites."
• Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. One camper at Pershing State Park Campground said, "The campground hosts... have been nothing but helpful and kind."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Boulder Lake Campground — Wakonda State Park, may not have all the amenities you expect. A review noted, "The lakes are not clear and had snakes which we saw while fishing."
• Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds are only open during certain months. For instance, Lake Wapello State Park Campground is open from April 1 to December 31.
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Pershing State Park Campground mentioned, "A raccoon ended up tearing through our trash but that was the only negative here!"

Tips for camping with families:

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One review for Wakonda Lake Campground highlighted, "There’s a large playground!"
• Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer various activities. A visitor at Thousand Hills State Park Campground said, "There are several playgrounds for kids, fishing, a marina, and a great restaurant."
• Safety Precautions: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Long Branch State Park Campground advised, "The sites are each very spacious with flat areas."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A review for Hickory Haven Campground mentioned, "Level grass tent sites. Shade of trees. Electric outlets at sites."
• Plan for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Island View Campground—Lake Rathbun noted, "It tends to be very busy."
• Quiet Spots: Look for quieter areas within campgrounds. A camper at Crowder State Park Campground shared, "The park is quiet, there is fishing and plenty of hiking."

Camping around Kirksville, Missouri, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.