The best camping near Battle of Athens State Historic Site

If you are a Civil War buff—or someone seeking a classic campout—Battle of Athens State Historic Site is for you. Located along the Des Moines River, this northeastern Missouri park is practically in Iowa. Though a peaceful retreat today, these grounds saw the northernmost battle west of the Mississippi during the Civil War, when 2,500 soldiers battled with muskets, bayonets, and cannons. Interpretative programs help tell the tale. The Mill Trail meanders through ruins from the 19th-century town of Athens. In addition to river frontage, the park has a small lake for fishing and boating.

• Best for big rigs: The Battle of Athens Campground’s 50-amp sites are better for motorhomes and larger RVs. 
• Best for rustic camping: For a classic campout, choose a non-electric site at Battle of Athens Campground.

1. This park offers basic and electric campsites, including both 30-amp and 50-amp hookups.
2. Advanced reservations are not offered at this park, as all sites are first-come-first-served. 
3. Walk-up reservations are generally available.
4. The campground is open year round.
5. Camping is limited to 15 days out of any 30-day period.
6. Showers and water are available April 15 through October 31.

Each spring, the woodlands at Battle of Athens State Historic Site spring to life with green leaves filling the trees and wildflower colors popping on the hillsides. The weather is generally cool through April before warming for summer, with highs sometimes topping 90 degrees in July and August. High humidity is possible through the summer season before breaking in the fall, which ushers in cooler temps in late September. The fall colors peak in October. If camping in the winter months, prepare for freezing temperatures, occasional snows, and limited amenities onsite.

• The shower house is one mile from the camping area and is available April 15 through October 31.
• The camping area has vault toilets.
• Water spigots are not located at individual sites.
• During the off-season, water is available at a frost-free spigot in the camping area.