The best camping near Big Lake State Park
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Big Lake adventure.
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100% (2 reviews)
Enjoy a scenic retreat at this waterfront state park.
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Stay at a public campground in Big Lake State Park
Top-rated campgrounds near Big Lake State Park
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Fun Family Farm - Overview
18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres · Robinson, KS
Fun Family Farm (FFF) near Robinson, KS is an organic farm where our hobby is creating fun! This entry is to give you an overview of the farm and also in case you want to hold a laid-back, nature-oriented, special event at the FFF, where our mantra is, “nothing will be perfect, but everything will be fine.” So, if you are looking for artificial perfection, look elsewhere.
---For any of the guest houses, bring your own linens or sleeping bags, or rent from us.
---The Blue Bedroom has a double bed in it, as does the Hippie Van. Both have either air conditioners or heaters as needed.
---The Big Yellow Bus has a queen bed and two sets of bunk beds in addition to a wood stove, air conditioner, small refrigerator, and a microwave.
---Braden's Brown Bus has a double bed and a futon, air conditioner, sink and a small refrigerator.
---The Hippie Van is a painted VW van with the seats removed and a double bed built in. AC and Heat are available.
Some of the fun we create on the farm includes:
---Super-deluxe horseshoe pit and dart board
---900-lb counter-weighted trebuchet for throwing pumpkin, watermelons, or bowling balls over 400 feet
---Lots of rural roads, paved and unpaved for bike riding (bring your own bike)
--- Smallish pond with a beach for swimming
---Creek for wading and looking for fossils
---Several fire-pits with seating
---Lots of shaded sitting areas for visiting and flowers for viewing
---Mowed trails through the woods
---Lawn games including lighted bocce ball
---Playground equipment and a large sandbox for the kids
---Cows, pigs, ducks, geese, turkeys, and chickens at various stages of growth depending upon the time of year.
---If the weather is right, an ice skating rink
Amenities Include:
---An Outdoor shower
---Fire-pits with hot dog sticks, grates, and seating
---Gas Grill
---Access to town water for drinking
---Access to well water for sand and water play
---Two NICE outhouses in the barnyard (one is known to the local children as “the magic bathroom” due to its blue lighting)
---Seldom used outhouse at the pond.
If you are interested in renting the entire farm for a family reunion or wedding etc., message us at least 6 months in advance and we will be able to block off the dates you are requesting.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Booked 2 times
Wathena Riverfront Campground
16 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Wathena, KS
Wathena Riverfront Campground is a new mom and pop private camping club which is made up of 10 waterfront acres along the main channel/current of the majestic Missouri River. It is about 2.5 miles SW of Wathena, KS and is bordered by Walnut creek to the south and a small creek just north of the boat ramp. We do not have staff on site on a scheduled basis. Campground and riverfont access is for registered guest only, there are no public facilities.
Larger RV sites with electric only (30 amp camper plugs). The nearest RV dump station is at Love's Truck stop in St. Joseph 14 miles to the East. Each site has its own fire ring. You may bring your own wood or buy some at Casey's in Wathena. We often have some self service wood on premises as well (pay through Venmo). There is a hydrant near the elevated deck which is supplied with city water in case you need to fill jugs.
Feel free to fish and enjoy shore fires along the banks of the Missouri River, but do so at your own risk and supervise minors at all times. Remember to bring your own fishing gear for an immersive experience by the water. Experience the tranquility of the riverfront and make the most of your stay.
To help you choose which site is best for you: RV sites 2-6 are our largest RV sites. Tent camping site 12 is our largest overall site and is the only tent camping that you can drive right up to your tent. Sites 9 and 10 are the only 2 that you can park at, walk to nearby river and pitch a tent riverfront. Site 11 is the closest site (along with 7-10) to our tiny home/AirBnB. Site 11 is our only 50 amp service, sites 1-8 are 30 amp camper plugs, sites 9 and 10 share a standard outlet plug. Sites 1-6 and 12 are surrounded by grass, sites 8-11 are surrounded by sand.
There is a fairly steep boat ramp past site 10. There are public boat ramps that are maintained in nearby Elwood, St. Joseph (near the Casino) and Atchison. This ramp can only be used by registered campground guest only and users assume all risk to themselves and property.
The campground is at the original steamboat landing and downtown of the now ghost town of Palermo, KS. Nearby town of Wathena (2.5 miles) is the site of the beginning of the California Trail where settlers were let off at the river NE of town (area and trail is marked) and headed west. The Pony Express started at nearby St. Joseph, MO (9 miles) and passed through the area. It has a museum. Wathena has Star 36 Diner (breakfast, lunch and supper), the legendary Dairy Barn (ice cream and food options), Doniphan Nutrition (drinks), VFW bar, quilting store.
Pets
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from
$20
/ night
99%
(666)
Horse Creek Adventures
26 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents170 acres · Sidney, IA
Horse Creek Adventures is a 170 acre ranch that provides an opportunity for visitors to stay one night or several days to enjoy the land and area sights. You have your choice as to how you want to stay. Our "off the grid" cabins offer a special opportunity to camp with a roof.
The cabins are extremely popular! Check out the information about them and then check the photos posted by quests and read their reviews to give you lots of ideas of how you could enjoy these one of a kind sites.
Tenting is available all over the 170 acres. You can tent by the pond;
on top of the hill, or in a valley. These sites allow you to "get away from it all" and let the stress melt away. We have tenting sites close to
a road to give you flexibility to see local attractions while enjoying the whole 170 acres. Lastly, we have RV hook-ups with 119, 30 amps and
50 amps
The land is part of the famous Loess Hills. There are hilltops to take in the breath taking views and valleys surrounded by trees.
A pond full of trophy sized bass , catch and release, no license required. Wildlife abounds including a wide variety of birds. We have been described by avid birders as a rich place for birding.
The area is rich with history-Lewis and Clark;
French Canadian trappers and their Lakota wives
established French Villages;
Mormons came through here on the way to Utah; Jesse James played cards.
Waubonsie State Park is close with hiking trails and seven miles of Horse trails. At night you can use a portable corral to have your horse close.
End the day around a campfire, look at the stars and the lightening bugs and be serenaded to sleep by the coyotes and whip-poor-wills
Enjoy !!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$30
/ night
The best camping near Big Lake State Park guide
Overview
About
As its name implies, Big Lake State Park is all about the water. The 646-acre waterway is the largest oxbow lake remaining in Missouri. Fun fact: The lake itself is actually larger than the state park. Toss out a line from a shore or fishing dock—or hit the waters for boating and paddling. An onsite pool offers clear, cool waters for summertime splashing. Take a stroll through the wetlands to watch for wildlife, as many migratory birds are attracted to the large marsh. For overnight stays, book a tent or RV site in the campground or rent one of the premium cabins.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for water views: Big Lake Campground’s basic sites are located directly on the shores of Big Lake.
- Best for big rigs: Sites 1 through 8 at Big Lake Campground offer 50-amp hookups.
- Best for new campers: Big Lake Campground has several pull-thru sites that make RV parking easier.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Reservations may be made up to 12 months in advance through the Missouri State Park website or by phone.
- The campground is open year round, with reservations offered April 15 through October 31.
- Showers and water are available April 15 through October 31.
- The park offers basic sites, with no hookups, and electric-only sites. Water is available at a handful of spigots placed throughout the campground.
- Weekend reservations require a two-night stay, either Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday.
- Advanced reservations are recommended for weekends and holidays, especially in the summer peak season.
When to go
Summer is a popular time to visit Big Lake State Park, as the warm weather invites outdoor recreation on the waters and the park pool is open. Visitors may encounter temperatures in the 90s and high humidity. Though summer and fall are pleasant, this is the slower season. The campground may be quieter, and the waters may be more still. Natural beauty abounds. The campground is open through the winter. Campers need to prepare for below freezing temperatures and the possibility of snow and ice.
Know before you go
- Wifi is not offered by the park.
- Potable water is available at a frost-free spigot during the off season.
- The premium camper cabins have air conditioning, a kitchen, a bathroom, and sleeping space for up to six people.
- Watercraft rentals may be available onsite. Call to confirm before visiting.
Top cities near Big Lake State Park
- Big Lake State Park
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