The best camping near Long Branch State Park

The sandy beach of Long Branch State Park offers a taste of the coast in north-central Missouri. Sure, you won’t find ocean waves or deep seas, but the pristine waters are welcoming and scenic, providing a focal point for outdoor recreation. Opportunities for fishing, boating, paddling, and swimming abound. If you haven’t brought your own watercraft, stop by the marina to find rentals. While the lake is a commanding feature, the grasslands shouldn’t be overlooked, as this is the last remaining patch of savanna and prairie lands in northern Missouri. Experience the ever-changing landscapes along one of three hiking trails.

• Best for tent camping: Nearly 10 walk-in campsites at Long Branch Campground are among the prettiest in the park, located on the lakeshore amid a scattering of trees.
• Best for big rigs: A generous number of 50-amp electric sites are available at Long Branch Campground.
• Best for camping with friends and family: The family sites at Long Branch Campground offer paired campsites with a shared yard and individual amenities.

1. Advanced reservations are recommended for summer visits, especially on weekends and holidays.
2. Reservations are accepted 12 months in advance online and by phone.
3. Campsites may be reserved year round, but water access is limited in the off season (November 1 through March 31).
4. Walk-up reservations are available.
5. A two-night stay is required on weekends, either Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday. 
6. Several boat-in campsites are available—contact the park for more information.

The prairie landscape pops with wildflowers in spring, and the grasses green. If it’s lake fun you seek, summer is the prime time, as the waters warm for swimming and other watersports. Be prepared for camping with high temperatures and humidity in July and August. Through September, the weather becomes more moderate, and the lake becomes more serene without the summer crowds. If camping in winter, you may have the park practically to yourself, but come prepared for freezing temperatures and snowfalls.

• The well-stocked marina store offers treats, fishing supplies, gasoline, camping supplies, and beach toys.
• The marina is open Memorial Day through Labor Day.
• Water spigots are not available at individual campsites.
• From November through March 31, water is available at a single frost-free spigot.
• This is one of the few Missouri State Parks offering opportunities for metal detecting.