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

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Wakonda State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Wakonda State Park

Jensen Woods

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents550 acres · Mound Station, IL

Welcome to your new favorite camping oasis. Sitting on 550 acres. There is a lot to offer. Enjoy the day at one of the two ponds. Our fishing pond is stocked with catfish, bass, and bluegill. Catch and release only please. While our swimming pond offers kayaks, canoes, and a beach swimming area. Not into fishing? Jensen has 15 miles of trails. The trails are open for hiking, biking, and horses. No motorized vehicles on the trails. Four wheelers, dirt bikes, utv..etc. are not allowed at Jensen woods. Enjoy the peace and quiet. Worried about rain? Jensen offers a small lodge. The lodge is equipped with a small shared kitchen. The basement is tornado graded. The lodge also offers free WiFi, washer and dryer, board games, and a foosball table. This will keep your family nice and safe. Along with being entertained for hours. Dogs and horses are allowed at Jensen. All pets need to be children, adult, and other animal friendly. The owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Pets owners are responsible for any damages or injuries caused by pets. Hunting is not allowed. All archery must be done in the archery area. Only field tips are allowed. Fire must be made in the fire pits only. Fire pits are located at all lodging sites. Fire pits are also located at both ponds. Please no outside firewood. Firewood is located at multiple locations.

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Railroad creek camp ground

5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Hamilton, IL

Learn more about this land:Come enjoy primitive camping while you commune with nature and hunt geodes and fossils in the famous Keokuk Geode region. Property is within close proximity to Nauvoo, Illinois and within a very short distance to the Mississippi River. The camping area is level ground and surrounded by trees. The property has a hillside geode mine on it and there is a creek running through it that has a lot of geodes in it.

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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.

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.