Beach camping near Clinton with climbing
Hit the waters—or find fun on land—in this Missouri getaway.
- Clinton
Popular camping styles for Clinton
Beach camping near Clinton with climbing guide
Overview
With its location on Truman Lake, Clinton is a summertime hotspot in western Missouri. However, thanks to its 55,000 acres of surface water, it has enough room for everyone. You’ll never feel crowded, making this a prime location for relaxing, fishing, boating, and paddling. After some fun on the water, head downtown to stroll the square. Historic buildings and Victorian architecture add to the charm. Private RV parks and glamping rentals are found across the region. The Army Corps of Engineers and the town of Osceola operate public campgrounds on Truman Lake, offering dry camping, as well as tent and RV sites with partial and full hookups.
Where to go
Harry S. Truman State Park
Named for the Missouri-born president, Harry S. Truman State Park offers recreation and camping accommodations on Truman Lake. The onsite marina, swim beaches, and ample shore access make it easy to hit the waters. Six campgrounds provide tent and RV campsites, with some electric hookups available.
Knob Noster State Park
Knob Noster State Park is 30 minutes north of Clinton. It preserves woodlands and prairies along a creek, with scenic hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Two lakes provide waters for fishing and paddling. RVers will find basic and electric sites, while tent campers can choose from the developed campgrounds or primitive backpacking campsites along the McAdoo Trail.
Kansas City, Missouri
While downtown Kansas City is more than an hour northwest of Clinton, it is close enough for a day trip (or for camping at the many RV parks sprinkled across the southern suburbs). The city offers a fantastic array of museums, with art, history, sports, and music as focal points. The reinvigorated downtown is an energetic spot for shopping and dining. In addition to the private RV parks, public campgrounds can be found nearby, primarily centered on Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake.
When to go
With the lake at the center of the action, Clinton’s peak season is summer. The refreshing waters offer a break from Missouri’s heat and humidity. However, spring and fall are also beautiful times for a boat tour, as long as you stay on the water instead of hopping in it. Fall brings a burst of color to the region’s woodlands. Winter is generally not the best time for camping, unless you come prepared for freezing temperatures and bouts of snow and ice.
