How much does camping cost at Highway K?

Camping fees at Highway K range from $14-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Highway K first-come first-served or reservation?

Highway K accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Highway K before I book?

Yes! Highway K has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Highway K?

Highway K is open May 15 to September 15. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Highway K?

Yes, Highway K has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Highway K?

Fire policies at Highway K: Firewood restrictions are in effect to prevent the spread of invasive insects and disease; Click here for more information. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Highway K have?

Highway K has 83 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Highway K?

Yes, pets are allowed at Highway K. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Highway K?

Highway K offers: Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Highway K?

Popular activities at Highway K include Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Highway K

3.96

310 reviews

5347 Co. Rd. 452, Annapolis, MO 63620, USA

Great for Groups

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

587 ft

Price

$14 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025 - ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Clearwater Lake Project Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

587 ft

Price

$14 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Open May 15, 2025 - ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Clearwater Lake Project Office Official Website

Get Directions

Highway K

$14.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-138776: $20.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $16.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

573-223-7777 (CLEARWATER LAKE PROJECT OFFICE) 573-558-2202 (HIGHWAY K GATEHOUSE)

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5347 Co. Rd. 452, Annapolis, MO 63620, USA

Highway K

5347 Co. Rd. 452, Annapolis, MO 63620, USA

Nearby places

Annapolis (5 miles, ~10 minutes), Ellington (17 miles, ~25 minutes)

Weather at Highway K

Current alerts(4)

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Operation of ATV's, UTV's and golf carts is prohibited within the developed recreatrion areas.
Outside peak season, campsites are first come, first served
Running of generators is prohibited between the hours of 10p.m. and 6a.m.

Best Time to Camp at Highway K

Best season: summer. Summer is prime for riverside recreation — expect hot, sunny days (highs commonly 85–95°F) and warm Black River water in the 70s°F, ideal for swimming, floating, canoeing and boating. Fishing for bass and catfish is active and boat access is fully usable, while the campground operates on reservations (May 15–Sept 14) so sites and services are at their fullest. Be prepared for higher crowds mid-June through August and book early if you want a riverside site. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Main season May–Sep; river warms into the 70s and supports swimming and paddling.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 15, 2025 - September 14, 2025 for reservations. Outside peak season, sites are first-come, first-served.

About Highway K

Highway K sits on the Black River within Clearwater Lake recreation area near Annapolis, Missouri. Operated by the Clearwater Lake Project Office, this large campground offers tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, plus showers and a dump station. Visitors come for river access, fishing for bass and catfish, swimming in warm summer water, and boating from May through mid-September.

Highway K Campground accommodates a variety of camping types, including sites for tents, RVs, and groups. Some sites offer electric and water hookups, while others are non-electric.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is prime for riverside recreation — expect hot, sunny days (highs commonly 85–95°F) and warm Black River water in the 70s°F, ideal for swimming, floating, canoeing and boating. Fishing for bass and catfish is active and boat access is fully usable, while the campground operates on reservations (May 15–Sept 14) so sites and services are at their fullest. Be prepared for higher crowds mid-June through August and book early if you want a riverside site. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: January, February

Elevation587 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Black River flows directly through the campground, carving channels through limestone and dolomite bedrock at 587 feet elevation. Hardwood forests. Oak, maple, hickory. Cover the rolling hills and provide shade over many campsites. The river's dark water (the source of its name) forms pools deep enough for swimming and riffles that attract bass and catfish. Views extend across the wooded valley from riverside sites. Morning mist rises off the water in warm months, and you'll hear tree frogs and crickets after dark.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at Highway K Campground. Camping options include tent, RV, and group sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 10 people per site. Sites may contain one wheeled camping unit and one tent, or two tents.

Groups

Group sites are available for reservation, with one group noting that they had booked four adjacent spaces for a reunion. Specific details about the maximum number of people or vehicles allowed per group site are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or through its mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessibility at the campground is limited. While some users appreciated the proximity to facilities like the river and the playground, there are no designated disabled camping sites. One reviewer noted the lack of disabled-specific accommodations but praised the ability to drive close to the beach for easier access.

Site SizeThe campsites vary in size, with some being described as 'very large,' such as site K17, which was noted to have ample space. However, other sites are described as tight or challenging to access, with one user mentioning, 'Site was an angled, steep, backward uphill climb.

PrivacySite privacy varies significantly. Some campers appreciated the spacing of sites in the K loop, which they found to offer 'a lot of room between spaces,' while others complained about sites being 'so close together that you have absolutely no privacy.

Total Campsites83 campsites

Recommended SitesFor families, sites near the playground in Loop A are recommended. For quieter stays, weekends should be avoided.

Best CampsitesThe K loop gets consistent praise for spacing and river proximity. Site K17 is noted as very large with ample room. Sites K13 and K15 are also mentioned for privacy and water access. Other loops have tighter spacing. One camper described a site as 'an angled, steep, backward uphill climb,' so check site details before booking if you're bringing a large RV.

Need help booking Highway K?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Highway K Campground provides a range of amenities tailored to campers' needs, including 83 campsites, many of which offer electric hookups and some with water hookups. Additional facilities include a dump station, hot showers, a picnic shelter, and a playground. It features fire pits, picnic tables, and an area ideal for water recreation such as swimming and fishing. According to user reviews, there have been maintenance issues, such as leaking water spigots, unclean shower facilities, and occasional lack of hot water in the showers.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Highway K Campground offers a range of activities, including fishing, canoeing, boating, and swimming. The Black River provides a scenic backdrop for these activities, and several nearby attractions, such as Elephant Rocks State Park, make for interesting day trips.

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Highway K

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From Booking Sources

4.0

310 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Highway K has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present a mixed picture of the Highway K Campground. Positive aspects include the beautiful Black River, access to recreational activities, and spacious campsites in some loops. However, recurring complaints highlight issues with site maintenance, bathroom cleanliness, and limited management presence.

Review Summaries

Based on 310 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 310 reviews.

Site K17Loved
Site K17 is noted for being spacious, while site K13 is described as close to a busy road.
site B10Mentioned
Loop A is popular among groups due to its proximity to the playground, but some sites in Loop B have challenging access to electric hookups, such as site B10.

What Campers Love

Many users praised the scenic beauty of the Black River, the spacious sites in some areas, and the affordable camping rates. Comments such as 'LOVE THE BLACK RIVER AND HIGHWAY K CAMPGROUNDS' and...

Based on 310 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include unclean and poorly maintained restrooms and showers, leaking water spigots, a lack of camp hosts, and overcrowded sites. One user summarized the issues by stating, 'The...

Based on 310 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users frequently recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including firewood, as it is not sold on-site. Other tips include avoiding weekends if seeking a quieter experience and reserving space in...

Based on 310 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer months are the most popular for camping at Highway K Campground. However, weekends can become crowded and noisy, and maintenance issues with facilities appear most acute...

Based on 310 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The Black River is beautiful and clear. We love camping here every summer.' 2. 'Bathrooms were bug-infested and dirty, and the showers were nasty.' 3. 'We had a wonderful time until a neighbor's...

Based on 310 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews indicate limited accessibility for disabled campers, though some mention the ability to drive close to the beach for easier access.

Based on 310 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed reviews for pet owners, with some sites allowing pets but also complaints about barking dogs disrupting the peace.

Based on 310 reviews

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Campgrounds

Clearwater Lake

Highway K

About Clearwater Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Highway K, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Clearwater Lake is noted for the grandeur of its hills, natural springs, and splendid beauty. Trails and a watchable wildlife area are a sightseer?s delight. The shoreline is studded with picturesque bluffs covered with sweet william, indented bays, and coves. Experienced sportsmen and beginners take advantage of the excellent fishing opportunities. Parks offer modern camping conveniences around the lake. Three State parks and several historic sites are nearby.

Directions

7 miles west of Piedmont, or 120 miles south of St. Louis via US 67, then west on MO 34.