🌝 2024 Solar eclipse: Book now for 4/8

The best camping near Long Branch State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Long Branch adventure.

Hit the beach at this lakefront park in north-central Missouri.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Long Branch State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Long Branch State Park

Booked 1 time

J & S campsite

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Huntsville, MO
26 hookups with 2-20 amp, 1-30amp and 1-50 amp on each pole. Everything is below ground: Electric, water and sewer. $425 per month!! 7 miles from Thomas Hill, warm waters and 4 miles from Thomas Hill Power Plant Great place to relax & explore! Great wooded area. Or cemetery to walk through! Come camp with us!
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(5)

Ubuntu Treehouse

1 site ¡ Lodging5 acres ¡ Rutledge, MO
This was built by a single mom who wanted to build a 100% green house with zero formaldehyde, toxins or chemicals. A house that would be among the trees high up in the air and could give you a birds eye of the land at the edge of this beautiful community. It is not complete yet but it's a truly serene place that is magical in every way.Learn more about this land:PLEASE READ THE PROPERTY DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING!!! Welcome to the peaceful Ubuntu treehouse, located at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, an intentional community of about 50 people focusing on environmentally friendly living. The glamping style off grid treehouse (NO wifi / NO electricity / NO reception) is set at the very edge of a vineyard and an organic farm within the community with sunset views that will not be rivaled. Ubuntu is the perfect place to have a getaway to recharge, have a meditation retreat or quiet reading time. Enjoy a swim in the pond, hike the multiple walking paths or bird watch in the surrounding 280 acres of pure nature.Built 100% green with no chemicals of any kind, it's covered in windows on all sides for extreme light and is immersed deep in nature. Take a break from electricity, wifi and cell reception and instead listen to sounds of birds and owls and watch bats, fireflies and stars from the deck.The Ubuntu treehouse is 500sq feet of open space furnished with a Cali King organic bed, an additional floor couch and an air mattress if needed. Although there is no running water, there will be water containers provided for cooking or hand washing. There is a kitchen with a small stove and ice box as well as any dishware, cookware and basic spices you might need as well as a huge selection of teas and snacks. Also you will have games, books, dart board and a hammock to enjoy. Outside you will find an enormous deck to sun bathe, do yoga or just lounge around and watch birds. The closest neighbors next to the house run the organic farm that have chickens, cows, goats, turkeys, pigs and ducks which you might hear during your stay. Ubuntu is about 12 feet off the ground and it has no railings on the stairs or around the deck so those who are scared of heights might not fare well. It feels HIGH when you get up there. The building is all wood and the inside space is loosely divided by some fabric tapestries into one bedroom area and lounge. The house is not complete and there is no insulation or wood stove so for now it's good for warmer months or those who feel they are polar bears :) The exterior landscaping is far from finished and the area around Ubuntu is a mix of wild overgrown weeds and the Ubuntu Treehouse is also rough around the edges but the magic of the place is there, if only you are ready for it.Guest accessUbuntu is about a five minute walk back from the public parking area here at Dancing Rabbit (I will have a cart available to get your luggage there!), as you cannot drive the car all the way to the house. UBUNTU AMENITIES: NO Electric. NO Internet. NO Running water. Bedding: I'll have clean bedding on the bed upon your arrival. Lights: solar lights and headlamps provided Kitchen: Basic stove, ice box, cooking utensils, dishes. Sink: Portable hand/dish was station (bucket underneath must be emptied!) Drinking water: A Berkey system will be available Bathroom: There is a composting toilet in the treehouseDANCING RABBIT ECOVILLAGE: Ubuntu Treehouse is located at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, an intentional community of about 50 adults. We're ecologically oriented, so there's a lot of alternative sights to see and experience while here. Many houses use timber framing, strawbale, cob, or otherwise green construction techniques. Folks who live here focus on conservation and a mindfulness of the natural world around us, and we encourage guests to do the same, as you're inclined.A stay in the Ubuntu treehouse can include a short 30 min walking tour of Dancing Rabbit upon your arrival (please arrange this ahead of time), alternatively we can just check you in and you can explore on your own. (Remember to stay off private property, and keep to the gravel paths within the village). By staying here, you'll get an interesting window into a radical and dynamic environmental experiment.OTHER THINGS NEARBY:ZIMMERMAN'S GROCERY/DINER: Three miles from the village is the amazing Zimmerman's Grocery store and diner. This is a comprehensive Mennonite run operation. They package most of the dry goods themselves. Lots of tinctures, salves, and herbal treatments. The place is open from 8-5 Mon thru Sat and serves classic diner comfort food.RUTLEDGE MEAT MARKET: If you like meat or cheese, you're in the right spot. This small town country butcher shop is very friendly, affordable, and offers top quality simple food.TRAILS: The village is located on a 280 acre land trust that includes a few miles of trails through prairie and woodland.SWIMMING: Just on the edge of the village is a nice swimming pond. (1 min walk from the treehouse). Adult and child swimmers are often naked (no need for alarm). On the sandy "beach" is a small floating dock, a few wooden chairs, and a drying platform under an osage tree. This swimming hole is quite popular during the warm season.Checking in after dark can be difficult for all parties, and is not recommended.Other things to noteYou will lose reception BEFORE you arrive here, so make sure you are prepared with directions. Most do not get service anywhere in the village.
from 
$90
 / night
96%
(27)

Papa's Alpacas Camping Paradise

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents520 acres ¡ Green Castle, MO
Learn more about this land: Papa's Alpacas Camping offers 20 acres of rolling open hills, wooded areas, and a creek for great hiking. Full hookups are available. Stocked ponds are available as well as Papa's Alpacas Petting Zoo which includes alpacas, sheep, goats, and mini donkeys on a donation basis. Very secluded location with breathtaking views away from any traffic or distracting noise. Star gazing at its best!
from 
$40
 / night
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.
from 
$20
 / night
Saved 9 times

The Owls Nest Treehouse

1 site ¡ Tent20 acres ¡ Kirksville, MO
Learn more about this land:Relaxing, rustic space in treehouse. Property also has a large tent platform. Enjoy the serenity by watching the pond and listening to wildlife. Property Walking is walking distance to Thousand Hills "H" trail. Perfect spot for halfway point. NO BATHROOMS OR SHOWERS! Off grid w no electricity, only battery powered lights.
from 
$30
 / night
100%
(7)

Green Goat Cottage

1 site ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Fayette, MO
The cozy cottage has thick walls built of straw bales and plaster; many windows; wood stove; window air conditioner; electricity; hot/cold water; full kitchen with large refrigerator, electric stove/oven, double sink, and dishware; bathroom with full tub/shower, sink, compost toilet and washing machine. The upstairs has two bedrooms - one with two extra long twin beds that can be joined as king size (bedding supplied). Bring your queen air mattress or sleeping bags for the other bedroom. Access to upstairs is a firmly fixed leaning ladder. There are fields and ponds to explore. An outdoor fire pit is available for those cool nights under the stars. If you want bring your horses there is a fenced area for boarding and water available. You may park trailer on property. Extra $10 @ night per horse. Numerous Conservation Areas within 15 to 30 minutes with multiple trails, lakes and more.
from 
$55
 / night

The best camping near Long Branch State Park guide

Overview

About

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.

Notable campgrounds

  • 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.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  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.

When to go

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.

Know before you go

  • 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.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.