Fairfax camping areas spread along the Missouri River valley at approximately 1,350 feet elevation, with Lake Francis Case offering 540 miles of shoreline. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F with limited natural shade, while spring brings significant rainfall that can affect primitive camping areas and access roads.
What to do
Wildlife viewing along shorelines: The 1.2-mile North Shore Path at North Point Recreation Area accommodates hikers looking for bald eagle sightings. "Enjoy watching the bald Eagles during the winter months," notes a reviewer at South Shore Lakeside Use Area.
Fishing from shore: Most recreation areas offer shoreline fishing access for multiple species. "Fishing from shore. Fishing: walleye northern pike sauger sunfish perch common carp black bullhead channel catfish smallmouth bass," reports a camper at South Shore Lakeside Use Area.
Swimming at designated beaches: South Shore Lakeside Use Area offers a swimming beach with gravel shoreline. "Nice spots, beautiful lake and beach, not crowded at all," writes Magdalena. "We had so much fun. Not the best fishing but the weather was amazing," notes Jesse about North Wheeler Recreation Area.
What campers like
Water-edge campsites: Pease Creek Recreation Area offers sites with direct river access. "A wooded campground, about .25 mile walk/drive to the river. Clean bathrooms and vault toilets. Nice shoreline to stroll along with dogs," writes Kirstin G.
Uncrowded camping options: Less developed areas provide quieter alternatives to busier recreation areas. "This is an underrated campground. It's got one pit toilet, clean, no hookups so no RVs, except me, a great view from any site, and, most of all not crowded," explains a South Shore Lakeside Use Area camper.
Clean facilities: Snake Creek Recreation Area maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "Bathrooms and showers kept very clean. Water hookups throughout but we were farther than 50 feet and had to fill up when we arrived," reports Derek & Kristen A.
What you should know
Water access considerations: Water systems at many recreation areas shut down seasonally. "Open year round but Oct 1–April 30 water sourced amenities may be shut off," notes a camper about North Point Recreation Area.
Limited cell service: Some camping areas have spotty coverage. "The only downfall is that our phones don't get service there (Verizon & AT&T)," explains a reviewer at Platte Creek State Rec Area.
Heat preparation essential: Summer temperatures require extra water and shade. "Bring your insect spray and enjoy," advises Magdalena about South Shore Lakeside Use Area.
Tick awareness: Certain recreation areas report high tick populations. "We stayed in the south campground for Memorial Day weekend. Our site was sloped and needed a good mowing and trim. Ticks were HORRIBLE," warns Heidi M. from Snake Creek Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Platte Creek Recreation Area offers family-friendly swimming spots. "Nice campground along the river with tent and full hookup sites," notes Katie L.
Playground facilities: Several recreation areas maintain playground equipment. "Clean bathrooms, playground area, hiking trails, kids fishing pond and beach area," says Joanne H. about Snake Creek Recreation Area.
Youth fishing opportunities: Dedicated fishing areas cater to young anglers. "Needed a camping spot for some hunting I was doing in the area. This worked great. Had good spots for pitching a tent and had fire rings for a camp fire," reports Scott B. about South Scalp Creek Recreation Area.
Basic cabin options: For families wanting shelter beyond tents, cabins provide simple accommodations. "Cabins are super cute and fit the price. $55/night gives you AC, electricity, and a bed (2 twins, 1 full). Great view from the cabin deck," writes Katie L. about North Point Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites need leveling equipment. "Sites are gravel and, for the most part, level. We didn't require any leveling blocks at all. 50 - 30 - 20 amp service with no errors at the electric box," reports Bibs O. about Pease Creek Recreation Area.
Site selection for larger RVs: Some campgrounds have limited large rig capacity. "This is a very comfortable location with power, water and a nearby dump station," notes Les G. about Spencer Park Fairgrounds.
Electrical service details: Different recreation areas offer varying electrical hookups. "Campsite $26.00 Electric (115 campsites)," explains a North Point Recreation Area camper about electrical options.
Water fill considerations: Many campsites require filling tanks before setting up. "Gravel mound on lots of sites so it was a bit tricky to back in and level but we managed," explains a Snake Creek Recreation Area visitor.
