Camper submitted image from Vandalia Community Lake - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Vandalia Community Lake - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Vandalia Community Lake - 3
Official
Camper submitted image from Vandalia Community Lake - 4
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Vandalia Community Lake - 5
Roads
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Verified

pro

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Vandalia Community Lake

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Vandalia Community Lake in Missouri offers a camping experience near a body of water surrounded by flat terrain. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include Mark Twain State Park and the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site, providing opportunities for exploration and learning.

Location

Vandalia Community Lake is located in Missouri

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Laddonia take Route K east 4 miles and then County Road 524 east 2 miles. From Vandalia take Route W south for 4 miles and County Road 524 west 2 miles.

Coordinates

39.23560217 N
91.53565818 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Vandalia Community Lake needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

75%
0%
25%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 4, 2025

Perfect, quiet, peaceful

Very nice place, I wouldn’t rely on facilities. Quiet at night and during the day some local fisherman come to fish lots of bugs in the afternoon and at night.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2025

Perfect fit for us!

Fairly nice conservation area, about 10 camping sites with picnic tables and fire rings, vault bathrooms aren’t very clean but over all a decent getaway.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Vandalia Community Lake by Kayla W., April 13, 2025
Reviewed Apr. 15, 2024

Peaceful!

Gorgeous little lake. Vault toilets. Our camp fire ring was shaped like a heart! Probably not on purpose but we liked it. Very quiet. Lots of fishing. And we actually saw the cat!

Sitethe one closest to the single vault toilet. there were about eight sides available.
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Vandalia Community Lake by Amanda B., April 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Vandalia Community Lake by Amanda B., April 15, 2024
  • Review photo of Vandalia Community Lake by Amanda B., April 15, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2022

Very peaceful/quite free camping

Stayed here for 2 nights, was a very peaceful and quite area to sleep. No disturbances. Right on the lake, plenty of fish. Bathrooms are fairly disgusting and full of spiders and there is a stray cat that stalks your food.

Month of VisitOctober

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Vandalia Lake Campground?

Vandalia Community Lake offers basic amenities, including approximately 10 camping sites equipped with picnic tables and fire rings (some campers have noted heart-shaped fire rings). The campground features vault toilets, though cleanliness can vary. There is direct lake access for fishing, which is a popular activity. The facilities are minimal, so campers should be prepared with their own supplies and not rely heavily on the available amenities. The quiet environment and lakeside location are the primary attractions rather than developed facilities.

Where is Vandalia Lake Campground located in Missouri?

Vandalia Community Lake is located in Vandalia, Missouri, a small community in the northeastern part of the state. The campground sits directly on the shores of the lake, offering waterfront camping in a peaceful rural setting. The location provides a quiet retreat surrounded by natural beauty, making it popular with anglers and those looking for a tranquil outdoor experience away from urban areas.

How far is Vandalia Lake Campground from Columbia, Missouri?

Vandalia Community Lake is approximately 70 miles northeast of Columbia, Missouri. The drive typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, primarily via Highway 54 and connecting routes. The distance makes it feasible for a weekend getaway from Columbia while being far enough away to escape city crowds and enjoy the peaceful rural setting.