The best camping near Wakonda State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Wakonda State Park adventure.

100% (2 reviews)

A bounty of lakes provide scenery and recreation at this northeastern Missouri park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Wakonda State Park

Book externally

Public campgrounds in the park
Book externally

Stay at a public campground in Wakonda State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Wakonda State Park

100%

(1)

Escape to North River Glamping

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2200 acres · Shelbyville, MO

Settle into The Grove at North River Ranch, a lovely glampground on our 2200 acre working regenerative ranch. Look out on the pond, under the shade of oak, maple and honey locusts. Hike a trail through forested paths, around beautiful wide pastures. Look for protected birds on our Audubon Certified property, and observe deer, fox, beavers and other wildlife in their natural, balanced environment. Enjoy quiet, restful sleep in furnished platform tents with quality linens and handcrafted quilts under beautiful, unobstructed starry skies.

100%

(6)

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.

100%

(5)

Double Hearts Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Monroe City, MO

Welcome to Double Hearts Ranch, in Monroe City, Missouri! B: 573.735.7258 Website: https://doubleheartsranchmo.com/ Are you looking for a more private camping experience or small event location a mile from Mark Twain Lake? The ranch's 8 acre is a unique place to do just that along with the ability to interact and learn about rare breeds of horses. Full-hooks for RV and tent campers. Close to horse trails and Spalding Beach, it is a quiet and charming spot to refresh and relax, or host an event.

The best camping near Wakonda State Park guide

Overview

About

Looking for a natural playground in northeastern Missouri? Look no further than Wakonda State Park. With a bounty of lakes—six in total—this park is a water-lover’s paradise. Bring your boat or kayak, or rent one onsite. Set sail to explore the three water trails. Or, toss in a line to try your hand at catching bass, crappie, or catfish. Be sure to look to the skies and shores to watch for migratory birds and other wildlife. Swimming, hiking, and biking round out the onsite activities. Venture over to the Great River National Wildlife Refuge to explore habitats and wildlife along the Mississippi River.

Notable Camping Spots

Best for tent campers: Boulder Lake Campground has four walk-in tent sites.
Best for big rigs: Wakonda Lake Campground has full hookups, including 50-amp, at every site.
Best for relaxation: Wakonda Lake Campground has just 14 sites in a quiet loop.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations open at 7:00 a.m. CST 12 months in advance and are bookable online or on the phone.
Two-night reservations are required for weekend stays (Friday and Saturday or Saturday and Sunday).
Boulder Lake Campground and Wakonda Lake Campground are both open year round, but reservations can only be made April 15 through October 31.
Water and showers are available April 15 through October 31.
Walk-up reservations are allowed for non-reserved campsites.
Some sites have shore access to the nearby lakes. Check park maps for locations.

When to go

Summer is the busier season at Wakonda State Park, as the waters warm through May and June. Sites without shade may be especially hot, while the cooler waters offer heat relief for those who take a swim. Spring may be chilly, but warm days are perfect for relaxing at the park. Fall brings pops of colors to the woodlands, especially in October. Though campsites are open year round, campers need to prepare for the potential of freezing temps and frozen precip, but the serenity of the park at this quiet time of year is tempting.

Know before you go

Lake shores are natural habitats. Be aware of poison ivy, ticks, and chiggers.
Tent campers heading to the walk-in sites will find free utility carts for packing gear and supplies in and out.
Many campsites are in open prairie terrain, so expect full sun in summer. The Boulder Lake Campground is more likely to have some sides with shade.
Watercraft rentals are available April 15 through October 31. Free boat launches are available on Wakonda and Agate lakes.
The natural sand swim beach has a showerhouse nearby.