The best camping near Clinton with wildlife watching

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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.

94% (334) 64 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Clinton

Annie's HIDEOUT Musicians Camp

1. Annie's HIDEOUT Musicians Camp

96%
(49)
40mi from Clinton · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Pitch your tent on one of two wooded islands or back in woods by the creek. Opened new hiking trail up creek cross bridge, down opposite side. Badminton, fishing, paddle boats, hillbilly swimming pool. Second Saturday musician night from 6-9 pm. Stage, PA, drums, mics, amps, dance floor. Learn more about this land:
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Green Acres at Red Brick Farmhouse

2. Green Acres at Red Brick Farmhouse

98%
(211)
46mi from Clinton · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A quiet country retreat nestled in the picturesque rural outskirts of Higginsville, Missouri. Our place consists of three RV sites with water and electric hookups, two camping sites and one on-site travel trailer for rent. Wifi is available at all sites, except for Site 3. Green Acres at Red Brick Farm is located just 50 miles east of Kansas City off of I-70 at Exit 49. Once you are off of I-70 your drive is less than 8 minutes away on all blacktop roads. Site 2 is on gravel with 30 amp hookup and water, preferably best for RV’s and trailers 25’ and under. Site 1 and Site 3 are on gravel with a 20/30/50 amp hookup and water, best suited for larger RV’s and trailers. You may choose your site location, but due to the small number of sites we have we may have to alter your choice. This is so we can accommodate our guests in the best way possible, depending on the size of each rig. If you are towing a vehicle or pulling a trailer your total length should be 55’ or under. We will not accept Triple Axels. Site 4 and site 5 are for tents, pop ups, very tiny trailers and are in flexible locations. A 20 amp standard outlet can be provided for site 4 and site 5. For your use is a shower, toilet, and bathroom sink in our farmhouse basement. Please arrive before dusk, so you don’t disturb other campers. Site 6 Is the on-site travel trailer, ‘Ain’t She Cute’. No Pets are allowed when reserving ‘Ain’t She Cute’. The vintage style travel trailer is completely renovated and decorated with collectibles and antiques and is available for booking. It is furnished with a queen size bed, tiny kitchen, TV, wifi, and full size, not trailer size, bathroom. The trailer is for 2 guests, but an additional guest may sleep on the daybed, preferably a child or small adult. We live onsite in our 1920’s Prairie Style home which is also Red Brick Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast with three Guest Rooms available for booking. Look us up online. At your disposal, is the use of our outdoor furniture, a large yard to walk around in, a fire pit, a BBQ grill, and even a tire swing. Our restaurant, Red Shanty Cafe and BBQ, is located in the town of Higginsville, about 5 miles from Red Brick Farmhouse. Red Shanty Cafe is open Weds and Thurs, 11am - 8 pm and Fri and Sat, 11am - 9pm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night
D'Ranch at Clearwater

3. D'Ranch at Clearwater

100%
(149)
41mi from Clinton · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
D'Ranch at Clearwater is a small, 40 acre hobby farm located on the north side of the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri. What started as a simple love of backyard chickens has now become a dream farm for Tracey Durant and her husband Theodore. Nestled in the valley between two forest covered hillsides, and running adjacent to Clearwater Creek on the east and the lake on the south, D'Ranch could not have been a more perfect location for the Durants to plant their roots and get their feet wet. While they continue their love of backyard chickens with their small egg and hatchery operation know as HeebyJeeby Chickens, they have expanded their interests to an array of friendly farm animals including horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and an occasional turkey or two. 
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$15
 / night
Knob Noster State Park

4. Knob Noster State Park

100%
(1)
35 sites · Knob Noster, Missouri
Named for the small hills rising out of prairie flatlands, this park is a mid-Missouri retreat.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pomme de Terre State Park

5. Pomme de Terre State Park

100%
(4)
239 sites · Hermitage, Missouri
Enjoy a peaceful lake retreat at this Missouri park with diverse camping experiences.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Fangthorn Forest

6. Fangthorn Forest

100%
(50)
25mi from Clinton · 1 site · Tent, RV
In the 1840's there was a trading post on the property known as Lick Skillet because the owner would set the pans out at night for the dogs to lick.  Today, we call it Fanthorn Forest and it's our dream, our haven and our home.  We love sharing our farm with others and allowing them the same experience of peace and tranquility we get from the land.Learn more about this land:Located only 50 miles SE of Kansas City, MO!  We have woods and pasture with Settle's Ford Wildlife area (fishing and hiking available) 1/4 mile away. Camping is primitive with only an outhouse and no shower facilities. There are MANY thorn trees, so hikers must have proper footwear.  Fire ring, wood and a grate for cooking are provided.  Livestock encounters are also available with owners in attendance.  All proceeds are put back in the farm to care for the animals and the land.  RV's are allowed, but we do not have any hook ups available and they are not allowed in the woods.  Parking area is at the end of the driveway for both cars and RV's.  We love kids and will provide lawn darts or any other games we have available if requested.  Please visit our website at fangthornforest.com for more information.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Von Holten Ranch Century Ranch

7. Von Holten Ranch Century Ranch

100%
(98)
37mi from Clinton · 40 sites
Von Holten Ranch was originally in 1906 by David Von Holten's great grandfather.  David is the 4th generation to own the family farm.  David and Brandy married in 2005.  Brandy Von Holten is an avid horsewoman.  They quit their jobs, bought the family farm, and opened an equine trail riding facility and fully functioning camping facility.Learn more about this land:Winery nearby, horses and mules visible, heated and air conditioned guest shower house, creek that runs year round, mostly wooded, private firepits.Von Holten Ranch is on a century farm, meaning that the land has been in the same family for over 100 years. It is also home to a rustic wedding barn and an equine trail riding facility. We are considered the gateway to the Ozarks. The deer are plentiful and easily viewable, especially in the open fields.
4 Modern Cabins with full kitchens

8. 4 Modern Cabins with full kitchens

80%
(10)
17mi from Clinton · 4 sites
Learn more about this land:4 modern cabins with full kitchens/queen beds/wifi. Half block from Katy Trail State Park and Rock Island Spur. Cycle, hike, nature, Amish community.

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.

94% (334) 64 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Clinton

Annie's HIDEOUT Musicians Camp

1. Annie's HIDEOUT Musicians Camp

96%
(49)
40mi from Clinton · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Pitch your tent on one of two wooded islands or back in woods by the creek. Opened new hiking trail up creek cross bridge, down opposite side. Badminton, fishing, paddle boats, hillbilly swimming pool. Second Saturday musician night from 6-9 pm. Stage, PA, drums, mics, amps, dance floor. Learn more about this land:
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
Green Acres at Red Brick Farmhouse

2. Green Acres at Red Brick Farmhouse

98%
(211)
46mi from Clinton · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A quiet country retreat nestled in the picturesque rural outskirts of Higginsville, Missouri. Our place consists of three RV sites with water and electric hookups, two camping sites and one on-site travel trailer for rent. Wifi is available at all sites, except for Site 3. Green Acres at Red Brick Farm is located just 50 miles east of Kansas City off of I-70 at Exit 49. Once you are off of I-70 your drive is less than 8 minutes away on all blacktop roads. Site 2 is on gravel with 30 amp hookup and water, preferably best for RV’s and trailers 25’ and under. Site 1 and Site 3 are on gravel with a 20/30/50 amp hookup and water, best suited for larger RV’s and trailers. You may choose your site location, but due to the small number of sites we have we may have to alter your choice. This is so we can accommodate our guests in the best way possible, depending on the size of each rig. If you are towing a vehicle or pulling a trailer your total length should be 55’ or under. We will not accept Triple Axels. Site 4 and site 5 are for tents, pop ups, very tiny trailers and are in flexible locations. A 20 amp standard outlet can be provided for site 4 and site 5. For your use is a shower, toilet, and bathroom sink in our farmhouse basement. Please arrive before dusk, so you don’t disturb other campers. Site 6 Is the on-site travel trailer, ‘Ain’t She Cute’. No Pets are allowed when reserving ‘Ain’t She Cute’. The vintage style travel trailer is completely renovated and decorated with collectibles and antiques and is available for booking. It is furnished with a queen size bed, tiny kitchen, TV, wifi, and full size, not trailer size, bathroom. The trailer is for 2 guests, but an additional guest may sleep on the daybed, preferably a child or small adult. We live onsite in our 1920’s Prairie Style home which is also Red Brick Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast with three Guest Rooms available for booking. Look us up online. At your disposal, is the use of our outdoor furniture, a large yard to walk around in, a fire pit, a BBQ grill, and even a tire swing. Our restaurant, Red Shanty Cafe and BBQ, is located in the town of Higginsville, about 5 miles from Red Brick Farmhouse. Red Shanty Cafe is open Weds and Thurs, 11am - 8 pm and Fri and Sat, 11am - 9pm.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night
D'Ranch at Clearwater

3. D'Ranch at Clearwater

100%
(149)
41mi from Clinton · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
D'Ranch at Clearwater is a small, 40 acre hobby farm located on the north side of the Lake of the Ozarks in Central Missouri. What started as a simple love of backyard chickens has now become a dream farm for Tracey Durant and her husband Theodore. Nestled in the valley between two forest covered hillsides, and running adjacent to Clearwater Creek on the east and the lake on the south, D'Ranch could not have been a more perfect location for the Durants to plant their roots and get their feet wet. While they continue their love of backyard chickens with their small egg and hatchery operation know as HeebyJeeby Chickens, they have expanded their interests to an array of friendly farm animals including horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, ducks, and an occasional turkey or two. 
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$15
 / night
Knob Noster State Park

4. Knob Noster State Park

100%
(1)
35 sites · Knob Noster, Missouri
Named for the small hills rising out of prairie flatlands, this park is a mid-Missouri retreat.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pomme de Terre State Park

5. Pomme de Terre State Park

100%
(4)
239 sites · Hermitage, Missouri
Enjoy a peaceful lake retreat at this Missouri park with diverse camping experiences.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Fangthorn Forest

6. Fangthorn Forest

100%
(50)
25mi from Clinton · 1 site · Tent, RV
In the 1840's there was a trading post on the property known as Lick Skillet because the owner would set the pans out at night for the dogs to lick.  Today, we call it Fanthorn Forest and it's our dream, our haven and our home.  We love sharing our farm with others and allowing them the same experience of peace and tranquility we get from the land.Learn more about this land:Located only 50 miles SE of Kansas City, MO!  We have woods and pasture with Settle's Ford Wildlife area (fishing and hiking available) 1/4 mile away. Camping is primitive with only an outhouse and no shower facilities. There are MANY thorn trees, so hikers must have proper footwear.  Fire ring, wood and a grate for cooking are provided.  Livestock encounters are also available with owners in attendance.  All proceeds are put back in the farm to care for the animals and the land.  RV's are allowed, but we do not have any hook ups available and they are not allowed in the woods.  Parking area is at the end of the driveway for both cars and RV's.  We love kids and will provide lawn darts or any other games we have available if requested.  Please visit our website at fangthornforest.com for more information.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night
Von Holten Ranch Century Ranch

7. Von Holten Ranch Century Ranch

100%
(98)
37mi from Clinton · 40 sites
Von Holten Ranch was originally in 1906 by David Von Holten's great grandfather.  David is the 4th generation to own the family farm.  David and Brandy married in 2005.  Brandy Von Holten is an avid horsewoman.  They quit their jobs, bought the family farm, and opened an equine trail riding facility and fully functioning camping facility.Learn more about this land:Winery nearby, horses and mules visible, heated and air conditioned guest shower house, creek that runs year round, mostly wooded, private firepits.Von Holten Ranch is on a century farm, meaning that the land has been in the same family for over 100 years. It is also home to a rustic wedding barn and an equine trail riding facility. We are considered the gateway to the Ozarks. The deer are plentiful and easily viewable, especially in the open fields.
4 Modern Cabins with full kitchens

8. 4 Modern Cabins with full kitchens

80%
(10)
17mi from Clinton · 4 sites
Learn more about this land:4 modern cabins with full kitchens/queen beds/wifi. Half block from Katy Trail State Park and Rock Island Spur. Cycle, hike, nature, Amish community.

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Clinton with wildlife watching guide

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.