How much does camping cost at River Road Park?

Camping fees at River Road Park range from $14-$110/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is River Road Park first-come first-served or reservation?

River Road Park 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 River Road Park before I book?

Yes! River Road Park has 3 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 River Road Park?

River Road Park is open March 15 to October 30. 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 River Road Park?

Yes, River Road Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at River Road Park?

Cell phone service at River Road Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does River Road Park have?

River Road Park has 108 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at River Road Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at River Road Park. 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 River Road Park?

River Road Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

River Road Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at River Road Park?

Fire policies at River Road Park: 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.

4.43

328 reviews

RR 3 BOX 3559D, PIEDMONT, MO 63957-9559, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Missouri Best Campgrounds Missouri

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

482 ft

Price

$14 - $110/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

108 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has 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

482 ft

Price

$14 - $110/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

108 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on CLEARWATER LAKE PROJECT OFFICE Official Website

Get Directions

River Road Park

$14.00 - $110.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $50.00; GROUP STANDARD AREA ELECTRIC: $110.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-147985: $40.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-80656: $17.00; STANDARD...

Group Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

573-223-7777 (CLEARWATER LAKE PROJECT OFFICE) RIVER ROAD PARK GATE HOUSE(573-223-4424

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to River Road Park

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Campground Map

RR 3 BOX 3559D, PIEDMONT, MO 63957-9559, USA

River Road Park

RR 3 BOX 3559D, PIEDMONT, MO 63957-9559, USA

Nearby places

Piedmont, MO: 6 miles

Weather at River Road Park

Current alerts(6)

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 recreation 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 River Road Park

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and scenery—daytime highs generally in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with cool mornings (35–45°F) and the native shrubs and understory in bloom. Water levels and temperatures are ideal for paddling, fishing, and early-season boating while trails and bluff views are at their most photogenic. Crowds are moderate (weekends fill fast), and the reservable season opens March 15, making it easy to secure a site for wildflower- and bird-focused outings. Peak months: May, April, June, September

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring called best season: native shrubs bloom and paddling/fishing conditions favor it.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 15 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About River Road Park

River Road Park sits on the shores of Clearwater Lake near Piedmont, Missouri, operated by the Clearwater Lake Project Office. This large campground offers full-hookup sites for tents and RVs, plus group camping options, with access to paved trails, a swim beach, and lake boating. Visitors come for fishing, hiking, and water recreation in a wooded setting with modern amenities including showers and a camp store.

River Road Park offers a variety of camping accommodations, including standard electric and non-electric sites, as well as group camping areas with water and electric hookups. The campground is suitable for RVs, tents, and group camping activities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best balance of mild weather and scenery—daytime highs generally in the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with cool mornings (35–45°F) and the native shrubs and understory in bloom. Water levels and temperatures are ideal for paddling, fishing, and early-season boating while trails and bluff views are at their most photogenic. Crowds are moderate (weekends fill fast), and the reservable season opens March 15, making it easy to secure a site for wildflower- and bird-focused outings. Peak months: May, April, June, September

Elevation482 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryVertical limestone cliffs frame the campground, sculpted over centuries into bluffs and hidden grottos. Sheltered bays and coves punctuate the shoreline where the Black River flows from the dam. Spring brings native redbud, hawthorn, dogwood, and wild plum into bloom, painting the understory in pink, white, and purple. Bald eagles soar overhead. White-tailed deer browse the forest edges. The elevation is 482 feet.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit.

Groups

The campground has three group picnic shelters with water and electricity. Group sites accommodate up to 40 tents and include a pavilion, grills, and a group fire pit.

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 via Recreation.gov online or through their contact center.

AccessibilitySome reviewers appreciated the accessibility of the park, particularly the paved trails that are suitable for biking and walking. Accessible shower and restroom facilities were also mentioned by a disabled camper who found them clean and convenient.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and large, accommodating RVs and various camping setups. Specific reviews noted, 'Large sites with room between you and your neighbors.

PrivacyThe park offers a mix of privacy levels, with some campers noting spacious layouts while others criticized the proximity of sites. One user noted, 'Each campsite has plenty of room and shade.

Total Campsites108 campsites

Recommended SitesSites like A36, A37, and A40 are recommended for their water views and larger areas. However, large RVs may struggle with entry into tighter spots like A09.

Best CampsitesSites A37 and A40 are praised for space and views. Waterfront loops offer scenic positioning along the shoreline. Campers note that some sites provide plenty of room and shade, though proximity varies across the park.

Need help booking River Road Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

River Road Park offers a range of amenities set against the scenic backdrop of Clearwater Lake and the Black River. The majority of campsites feature electric and water hookups. Additional amenities include a dump station, hot showers, picnic shelters, a boat ramp, a playground, and three group picnic shelters that come with electricity. Visitors can also enjoy paved roads and pathways, fish cleaning stations, lantern posts, and scenic overlooks. The area is described as clean and well-maintained in reviews.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

River Road Park offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy the Black River Hike and Bike Trail, which connects to other interpretive trails. Seasonal activities like Halloween-themed events are also highlighted in reviews.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyFirewood restrictions are in effect to prevent the spread of invasive insects and disease; Click here for more information

Cell CoverageCell phone service is described as poor, with some users reporting that service could be accessed near the spillway. One camper mentioned, 'Cell service is really bad - if you walk up by the spillway you can maybe get some reception.' Another stated, 'NO cell service' while some appreciated the disconnection.

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

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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 River Road Park

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From Booking Sources

4.4

328 reviews

Recommended

River Road Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

River Road Park generally receives positive reviews for its clean facilities, spacious sites, and range of activities. However, some reviewers have raised concerns about maintenance issues, poorly lit bathrooms, and lack of cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 328 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 328 reviews.

Site R01Loved
Site R01 is highlighted for its peacefulness.
A36Mentioned
Certain sites like A36 and A09 received mixed reviews for being spacious but difficult to back into with large RVs.

What Campers Love

Visitors appreciate the clean and spacious sites, friendly staff, and variety of recreational activities. Many reviews highlight the paved hiking and biking trails, good fishing opportunities, and...

Based on 328 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include inconsistent cleanliness of restrooms, water outages, poor cell phone reception, and outdated facilities. Some reviewers also noted difficulties with backing in RVs and...

Based on 328 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking sites early, especially for holidays, and bringing extra water. They suggest walking up to the spillway for cell reception and advise against bringing large RVs due to tight...

Based on 328 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are the most popular, with visitors praising the shade and water activities. Some complaints about high grass and maintenance issues increase during this season. Fall is considered...

Based on 328 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Bathrooms and showers are kept clean.' - 'Bathrooms and shower houses were so nasty.' - 'Large sites with room between you and your neighbors.' - 'Great place to put in canoes or kayaks.' - 'NO...

Based on 328 reviews

Accessibility Features

A disabled camper noted that the showers and bathrooms were clean and convenient. Paved trails also make the park accessible for wheelchairs.

Based on 328 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many visitors appreciate the pet-friendly environment. However, some have noted issues with off-leash dogs in the park.

Based on 328 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want full hookups and lake recreation with modern amenities like showers and a camp store.

Skip if

You need pristine restroom maintenance or wide roads for oversized RVs.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Frequently Visited

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Campground 1 (Sites 1-43)

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Nestled in the shade of towering hardwoods, Campground 1 offers 43 sites where the forest meets the water. You'll be just steps from the crystal-clear St. Francis River and Big Creek, with a boat ramp nearby and miles of mountain trails waiting to be explored. Whether you're here to paddle, fish, hike the St. Francois Mountains, or simply relax by the river, you'll find everything you need—from the nature center to the camp store—right in the park.

5580 State Highway 143, Patterson, MO 63956-9729, United States

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Campground 2 (Sites 112-172)

5580 State Highway 143, Patterson, MO 63956-9729, United States

Tucked into the ancient St. Francois Mountains, Campground 2 offers 61 shaded sites (112-172) where forest meets water. With Big Creek and the St. Francis River just steps away, families return year after year for the perfect blend of woodland camping and waterside adventure.

61 campsites

Reservable

No fees available

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Campgrounds

Clearwater Lake

River Road Park

About Clearwater Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding River Road Park, 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.