Is Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) first-come first-served or reservation?

Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) 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 Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) before I book?

Yes! Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) has 19 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 Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)?

Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) is open General on-season: Apr 1–Oct 31; off-season: Nov 1–Mar 31. Exception: Roaring River State Park's on-season begins Feb. 25 (seasonal rates and operations follow on/off-season timelines).. 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 Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)?

Yes, Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) have?

Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) has 35 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)?

Pets are not allowed at Campground 1 (Sites 7-41). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)?

Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)?

Popular activities at Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)

4.51

142 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

General on-season: A...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowersWiFi

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

General on-season: A...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

ElectricShowersWiFi

Book on Missouri State Parks Official Website

Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Nightly campsite rates vary by campground and by available utilities (electric, electric/water, sewer/electric/water) and amperage. Reservation fees...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Missouri State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)

No map location available

Weather at Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)

Best Time to Camp at Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)

The campground comes alive from late spring through early fall, when anglers and families fill the sites with laughter and the excitement of the catch. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit during the golden days of autumn when the hillsides blaze with color and the crowds thin out, or embrace the solitude of the off-season from late fall through winter (though you'll want to check ahead, as some services close). Mark your calendar for February 25th, when Roaring River's on-season officially begins and the park springs back to full operation.

Best

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: General on-season: Apr 1–Oct 31; off-season: Nov 1–Mar 31. Exception: Roaring River State Park's on-season begins Feb. 25 (seasonal rates and operations follow on/off-season timelines).

About Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)

Tucked into a peaceful Ozark hollow where a crystal-clear spring river tumbles past your tent, Campground 1 welcomes you with shaded, grassy sites perfect for families and fishing enthusiasts alike. Sites 7–41 form a scenic loop along Roaring River's banks, where the sound of flowing water mingles with birdsong and the splash of trout rising to the surface.

Campground 1 contains a mix of utility levels with both non-electric and electric sites; a newer section with 50-amp hookups has been reported for RV use.

Historical Significance

Roaring River State Park features notable Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era structures (including the historic stone-and-timber lodge) and a long regional tradition as a family camping and trout‑fishing destination.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground comes alive from late spring through early fall, when anglers and families fill the sites with laughter and the excitement of the catch. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit during the golden days of autumn when the hillsides blaze with color and the crowds thin out, or embrace the solitude of the off-season from late fall through winter (though you'll want to check ahead, as some services close). Mark your calendar for February 25th, when Roaring River's on-season officially begins and the park springs back to full operation.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy and the gentle rush of spring-fed water just steps from your site. The campground nestles in a narrow valley carved between steep, wooded hillsides and dramatic limestone bluffs that glow golden in the afternoon sun. Lace up your boots and explore nearby trails that wind up the surrounding slopes—you'll be rewarded with sweeping views back down into the river valley, where the ribbon of water threads through ancient Ozark forest.

Geological RegionOzark Plateau / Missouri Ozarks (narrow forested river hollow with limestone bluffs)

Scenic ViewsViews include the clear Roaring River, adjacent trout hatchery areas, limestone bluffs and heavily wooded Ozark hillsides; some trails above the campground offer overlooks into the river valley.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsOnline state parks reservation system (web) and call center

Cancellation PolicyCanceling a reservation incurs a $10 fee and forfeits the original reservation fee paid; reservation fees are nonrefundable. Changing a reservation incurs a $5.25 fee. Reservation actions via web or call center incur the fees listed above.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Best CampsitesReviewers have specifically recommended site #11 for shade and general quality; site #24 has been mentioned as a river-adjacent spot. In general, Campground 1 sites are described as well-shaded, grassy and not tightly spaced.

Need help booking Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Campground 1 at Roaring River offers standard Missouri State Parks campsite amenities including picnic tables, fire rings with grills, potable water, flush toilets and multiple shower houses. There are electric hookups (including reported 50-amp service in a newer section) and an RV dump station; wifi has been reported by visitors but may vary.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Roaring River State Park campground is centered on spring-fed trout fishing and supports a range of outdoor activities including trail hiking, fishing, swimming/wading, wildlife viewing and bicycling on park roads and trails.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCold spring-fed water can be extremely chilly—exercise caution when entering the river. Heavy fishing pressure and crowding are common during peak season. Typical Ozark wildlife (raccoons, deer, etc.) may approach campsites seeking food; secure food and trash. Cell coverage can be variable in the narrow valley.

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

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

From Booking Sources

4.5

142 reviews

Top-Rated

Campground 1 (Sites 7-41) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently praise Roaring River for excellent trout fishing, scenic Ozark river settings, family-friendly amenities, and well-maintained campgrounds and facilities. The campground is popular and can be busy in peak season.

Review Summaries

Based on 142 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful spring-fed river and clear water; onsite trout hatchery; shaded, grassy campsites with picnic tables and fire rings; hot showers and flush toilets; nearby historic CCC lodge, nature center...

Based on 142 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book early for weekends and peak season; consider midweek or shoulder seasons for more solitude; bring a variety of lures/flies for trout fishing and personal cleaning supplies for showers; expect...

Based on 142 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Camping was amazing. We stayed at spot 24 in campsite 1 which was right by the water. Wifi is free and reaches throughout most of the campsites.” — “Great trout fishing, must have a state fishing...

Based on 142 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Trout anglers who book early. The on-site hatchery and stocked rainbow trout are the real draw here, and midweek visits in late spring or fall get you the river without elbow-to-elbow pressure on the best holes.

Skip if

Anyone expecting cell service, tent camping, or a quiet weekend without crowds. Pets aren't allowed, peak weekends pack the river hard, and shower cleanliness slips noticeably when the campground is running at full capacity.

Campgrounds

Roaring River State Park

Campground 1 (Sites 7-41)

About Calamus Reservoir (Virginia Smith Dam)

Context for the broader area surrounding Campground 1 (Sites 7-41), sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

<A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Facility.jsp?fac_Name=Virginia+Smith+Dam">Virginia Smith Dam</a> (formerly called Calamus Dam) and Calamus Reservoir, <A HREF="http://www.usbr.gov/projects/Project.jsp?proj_Name=North Loup Division Project">North Loup Division, P-SMBP</a>, are on the Calamus River in Nebraska. Recreation at the site is managed for the Bureau of Reclamation by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Reservoir open 24 hours. Good access roads. Fishing season is year round. Available species include walleye, wiper, white bass, northern pike, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and crappie. Irrigation supply reservoir experiencing moderate fluctuations. The reservoir has 5,142 water surface acres, 6404 land acres and 31 miles of shoreline. <a href="http://www.usbr.gov/gp-bin/arcweb_cane.pl">Current reservoir level.</a>

Directions

Site is 5 miles northwest of Burwell. Nearest highway is Nebraska 91.