The best camping near Mark Twain State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Mark Twain State Park adventure.

Once home to a famous author, this park helps you write your own adventure tales.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Mark Twain State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Mark Twain State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Mark Twain State Park

99%

(171)

PeaceTree Farms

27 sites · Lodging, Tents176 acres · Eolia, MO

PeaceTree Farms is a charming Event Venue, Organic Farm and Outdoor Resort. Hosting everything from weddings, fall and holiday festivals to off-grid camping. Our 153 acre farm has been in our family since the 1970's and has been generally preserved as a wildlife and conservation farm. Your hosts, Katie and Steve are excited to share PeaceTree Farms with fellow nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

100%

(14)

The Pocket

4 sites · Lodging, RVs30 acres · Columbia, MO

A literal 30 acre pocket of paradise tucked away just minutes North of Columbia, MO. Here you’ll find a private lake with fishing access, rolling hills with stunning sunrises and sunsets and complete privacy (other than the hosts that live on the property) perfect for a glamping getaway. Level spot with electric and water for an rv, or stay in our 28’ bunkhouse (sleeps 6) RV. Our rentable 24’ yurt will be available soon. Picnic tables, fire pit and grill available. Pet friendly, fiber Wi-Fi coming soon. Come play yard games, swing, fish, bring your kayak or paddle board, kids can play or swim on our sandy beach, or just walk our 1 mile perimeter trail, a perfect place to rest, rejuvenate and recharge. Farm fresh eggs are available as is any extra firewood. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our little pocket of paradise.

100%

(4)

Peno Creek Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Frankford, MO

Peno Creek Campground offers an acre and a half of peaceful, serene countryside overlooking the Peno Creek. We offer primitive camping and RV camping. There are no hookups. Firewood available upon request. There are fire pits available with stairwell access to sit down next to the creek while you enjoy

100%

(2)

Herb Farm Glamping Couples Retreat

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Huntsville, MO

My name is Connie and I own and operate a medicinal herb farm. My husband and I added bell tents for a glamping experience three years ago, to share the beauty and serenity of this place with others. Guests will have access to approximately five acres of hammock and seating areas, volleyball net, outdoor theater with a 150 inch screen, firepit, and trails. Nice private outhouse and shower stall are a short walk from the tent area. Hot water on demand. Towels and robes provided for the hot tub. Guests can choose one movie per stay to be shown on the night of their choice at sundown. Light towels and mosquito repellants are provided at the tent. See photos of all areas for details.

100%

(5)

Double Hearts Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Monroe City, MO

Welcome to Double Hearts Ranch, in Monroe City, Missouri! B: 573.735.7258 Website: https://doubleheartsranchmo.com/ Are you looking for a more private camping experience or small event location a mile from Mark Twain Lake? The ranch's 8 acre is a unique place to do just that along with the ability to interact and learn about rare breeds of horses. Full-hooks for RV and tent campers. Close to horse trails and Spalding Beach, it is a quiet and charming spot to refresh and relax, or host an event.

Booked 5 times

Jellystone Park Mark Twain Resort

185 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Monroe City, MO

Create family memories at Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park™. Our RV park campground resort has non-stop fun and activities for the whole family including a Water Zone, jumping pillow, theme weekends, mini golf, swimming pool and more. Your next family vacation will be one to remember. Whether you book a stay in one of our deluxe cabins or you are bringing your family’s RV, there’s a perfect place for you at Mark Twain Lake Jellystone Park™. We invite you and your family to come and enjoy our five-star RV park campground resort in Monroe City, Missouri.

100%

(1)

Escape to North River Glamping

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2200 acres · Shelbyville, MO

Settle into The Grove at North River Ranch, a lovely glampground on our 2200 acre working regenerative ranch. Look out on the pond, under the shade of oak, maple and honey locusts. Hike a trail through forested paths, around beautiful wide pastures. Look for protected birds on our Audubon Certified property, and observe deer, fox, beavers and other wildlife in their natural, balanced environment. Enjoy quiet, restful sleep in furnished platform tents with quality linens and handcrafted quilts under beautiful, unobstructed starry skies.

77%

(11)

Maya Creek

5 sites · RVs, Tents310 acres · Fulton, MO

310 Acre Oak woodland forest sanctuary. This property is run as a conservancy and land trust with a board of directors. Trish & Cameron are land stewards and caretakers as well as managing the camping. We are Leftie Hippie Punk Burners. We are artists, postal carriers and permaculture farmers and natural builders. We believe in BLM, and are LGBTQIA ourselves as well as allies and support all people and critters and nature and are intolerant of hate and mysogeny. We love providing a safe beautiful place in the woods for anyone who needs it. The woods are beautiful, there's a few spots cleared for camping and there are trails to hike, a composting toilet, and not too far from the highway, but far enough you can't hear it. We have a fire pit, hammock and picnick tables for you to use if you like. We love meeting people and we also respect mutual privacy. We live off grid but have some power enough to charge your phone should you need it. We have WiFi but please bring your own drinking water. We have a small Berkey for drinking water here but its best you bring your own. We are in process of installing some outdoor showers and more tiny houses. We are a place in progress and we live here (so there may be projects in progress) and so does the wildlife and that includes ticks. We have a dog, cat, chickens, and abundant wildlife and please consider this PRIMITIVE CAMPING. We look forward to meeting you and thanks for visiting!

100%

(1)

Soldier's Sanctuary

3 sites · RVs10 acres · Moberly, MO

Learn more about this land:Hi! Soldiers Sanctuary operates under the premise, that at some point in our lives we have been a soldier. Someone who keeps going even in the face of adversity. This is a healing, grounding, Mind, Body and Spirit balancing piece of property where you can come to escape whatever war, drama or issue that is keeping you from being you whole happy self. You are here to connect with yourself , maybe others and nature. Simple is key here. We are on 10 beautiful serene calm acres with woods to hike, a pond to fish, working resident dog and our wildlife of turkey, cranes, racoons, squirrels, beaver, deer and fox to name some. There is a patio to enjoy a more communal and easy going viwing or there are community firepits. NO FIRES except in the locations. You have access to a stocked pond for catch and release fishing. Please let us know if you would like to fish. Soldiers Sanctuary is 30 mins to a real amish living community. Here you can shop in the stores they themselves do their shopping. You are 15 mins to town and 45 mins to Columia Mo a thriving college town. There is a beach approx 35 miles away and a state park with various amenities is out off the main highway. Soldiers Sanctuary is a division of Warrior's Outpost a homestead teaching facility. You may be in attendance while a lesson is being taught. Stay and learn homesteading and survival tactics from ex military and real herbalist/Naturopathic Doctor. At Soldiers Sanctuary we want you away from electronics ,distractions while learning and gaining your inner strength. There is a small play area for children and any pets require an additional fee and permission to attend as we do not want others disturbed.

The best camping near Mark Twain State Park guide

Overview

About

Named for Missouri’s iconic author, Mark Twain State Park has two focal points: the gorgeous waters of Mark Twain Lake and the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site. One provides recreational activities, while the other tells the story of this notable author. Tour the small museum to see the cabin where Mark Twain was born, among other artifacts, before setting out for adventures on, in, or around the lake. Turn the page for more adventure amid the rugged woodlands and lakeside hills. Three campground loops and a set of cabins provide onsite accommodations.

Notable campgrounds

Notable Camping Spots

Best for water access: The Puma Campground is located closest to the lake.
Best for privacy: The Coyote Campground has a mix of large basic and electric sites, with vegetation providing separation between many sites.
Best for classic park camping: The Badger Campground has 25 back-in, electric sites, perfect for RVs or tents.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The campgrounds are open year round, with reservations available March 1 through November 30, offering a longer season than most of the other state parks in Missouri.
Water spigots and showerhouses are only open April 15 through October 31, with one frost-free spigot provided during the off-season.
Family campsites are available in the Puma Campground, with two camping pads and shared yards and amenities.
Reservations may be made up to 12 months in advance on the Missouri State Parks website or by phone.
Basic campsites do not have hookups. Electric sites offer 30-amp, with a handful of 50-amp sites available in the Puma Campground.

When to go

Thanks to the generous lake access, Mark Twain State Park is busiest through the summer months. Summers are hot and humid in Missouri, making a swim in the lake a refreshing activity. Spring offers pleasant temperatures for lake activities, other than swimming. Fall is a scenic time, as the colors reach their peak in October. Winter is the slow season, with occasional freezing temperatures and precip. Ice fishing is not allowed on the park lakes. In November and December, the park may partially close for managed deer hunts.

Know before you go

The 18,000-acre Mark Twain Lake abounds with bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, and more for fishing.
A smaller four-acre lake is good for small children or for those who prefer to fish from the shore.
A swim beach is available, with onsite changing facilities.
The park also offers six camper cabins, with electricity and heat and air. They do not have restrooms or water.
Five hiking trails take visitors through varied woodlands and along the lake.
Take a day trip to the town of Hannibal, which inspired many of Twain’s most famous works. A number of historic sites and tourist attractions celebrate the author.