Camping near Pineville with showers

In the Western Missouri Ozarks, Pineville is prime float trip territory, thanks to the Elk River and its tributaries. If hitting the water isn’t in your plans, there’s much to explore in the tri-state region. The Ozark mountains extend into Oklahoma and Arkansas, providing landscapes for hiking and mountain biking, with beautiful bluffs and tumbling waterfalls. Private RV parks across the region offer camping amenities like full hookups and free wifi, and river access is sometimes an extra benefit. Nearby, the Huckleberry Ridge Conservation Area offers primitive camping near Pineville.

You might know of Joplin from Nat King Cole’s classic “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66.” Once a stop on the famed highway, today, Joplin is a small town on the rise, recovering from a devastating tornado. Travelers can check out picturesque Grand Falls, the Wildcat Glades natural area, and sites from the Route 66 heyday. Several private RV parks in Joplin and nearby Carthage provide amenities, but public parks are hard to find without venturing out of town. 

Summertime brings the bounty of campers to the Pineville region, due to the popularity of the rivers and outdoor activities. The waters are a refreshing break from the heat and humidity of the season. Spring and fall are pleasant, with moderate temperatures and scenic landscapes. For prime leaf-peeping, head to the region in October. Winter is the slow season, as freezing temperatures and winter precip are possible. Some campgrounds close temporarily.