- Hannibal
Popular camping styles for Hannibal
Dog-friendly a-frames near Hannibal guide
Overview
The spirit of Mark Twain lives on in Hannibal. This small northeastern Missouri town was home to Twain for just over a dozen years, and his experiences along the Mississippi River would shape his life and major works. Today, tourist sites abound, ranging from notable landmarks to kitschy fun. Private RV parks cater to travelers with full hookup sites and various amenities. Public campgrounds are not widely available near Hannibal. Head south to find the Dupont Reservation Conservation Area and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds along the Mississippi River.
Where to go
Mark Twain Lake
Mark Twain Lake, located 30 miles southwest of Hannibal, is a destination for recreation and camping. Swimming, fishing, and boating are popular activities on this 18,600-acre lake. Mark Twain State Park is on its shores, providing access to a scenic slice of the Salt River Hills. Three campgrounds have a mix of basic and electric sites. The Army Corps of Engineers also offers camping along Mark Twain Lake, ranging from hike-in trailside sites to well-serviced RV campsites, with full hookups.
Wakonda State Park
Head 30 miles north of Hannibal to find camping opportunities at Wakonda State Park, a favorite for anglers and bird watchers, thanks to the park’s six lakes. Hiking, biking, swimming, and boating are popular activities. Two campgrounds offer a mix of tent and RV sites, some are basic and others have electric or full hookups.
Siloam Springs State Park
Venture into Illinois to find Siloam Springs State Park, which is considered one of the state’s most beautiful. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, archery and more can be enjoyed in the park’s wooded landscapes. A variety of camping offerings are available, including hike-in tent sites, equestrian sites, and RV sites. Some have electric hookups.
Springfield, Illinois
Combine your visit to a town with a literary hero with a visit to a town with a political one. Springfield, Illinois, 100 miles east of Hannibal, is where Abraham Lincoln started his career en route to the presidency. Visitors can explore a number of sites and memorials. Several private RV parks and glamping rentals with various amenities are found in the area, and public camping is available at the fairgrounds, a city park, and south of town at Sangchris Lake State Park.
When to go
Hannibal is a festival town, with something to celebrate each month of the year, even through the winter. The weather outside may be cold with occasional snows during the winter months. Spring, summer, and fall offer the best weather, though midsummer can get hot and humid. Fall is a favorite time to take in the changing scenery.
