Soak in the waters or the bountiful landscapes of the Western Missouri Ozarks.
In the Western Missouri Ozarks, Pineville is prime float trip territory, thanks to the Elk River and its tributaries. If hitting the water isn’t in your plans, there’s much to explore in the tri-state region. The Ozark mountains extend into Oklahoma and Arkansas, providing landscapes for hiking and mountain biking, with beautiful bluffs and tumbling waterfalls. Private RV parks across the region offer camping amenities like full hookups and free wifi, and river access is sometimes an extra benefit. Nearby, the Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area offers primitive camping near Pineville.
You might know of Joplin from Nat King Cole’s classic “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” Once a stop on the famed highway, today, Joplin is a small town on the rise, recovering from a devastating tornado. Travelers can check out picturesque Grand Falls, the Wildcat Glades natural area, and sites from the Route 66 heyday. Several private RV parks in Joplin and nearby Carthage provide amenities, but public parks are hard to find without venturing out of town.
Another hub of activity near Pineville is found in Northwest Arkansas, where the tri-cities of Rogers, Bentonville, and Fayetteville converge. The Ozarks hills are home to a mountain biking scene that’s gaining national attention, as is the renowned Crystal Bridges of American Art. Private RV parks are scattered across the metros, with scenic public campgrounds found at nearby Devil’s Den State Park and Beaver Lake.
Grab a fly rod or fishing pole, and head to Roaring River State Park. Located around 60 minutes east of Pineville, this state park is a popular spot for trout fishing, thanks to the well-stocked spring-fed waters. It’s also a good location for soaking in the scenery of the Ozarks, with hiking and biking trails crisscrossing the landscape. The onsite campgrounds offer sites for tents and RVs, some with electric hookups. Cabin rentals offer comfortable accommodations along the creek.
Summertime brings the bounty of campers to the Pineville region, due to the popularity of the rivers and outdoor activities. The waters are a refreshing break from the heat and humidity of the season. Spring and fall are pleasant, with moderate temperatures and scenic landscapes. For prime leaf-peeping, head to the region in October. Winter is the slow season, as freezing temperatures and winter precip are possible. Some campgrounds close temporarily.