Pershing State Park

We stayed for a couple of nights in mid-October. All electric sites appeared to be occupied. Our particular site was fine, though there are a number that are more wooded. The campground is well maintained and the campground host was very attentive and helpful.

There is convenient access to a number of hiking trails from the campground. The boardwalk loop trail is really amazing.

This is our first camping trip at this state park and we will be happy to revisit again if we are in the area.

I grew up near this park but had never been there. We needed a spot to overnight so I took a shot. We were the only ones at the park which was a little strange, but the site was level and we had power so it was great for a quick overnight stop. We might have done some exploring but the weather was cold and rainy and it's not that much fun traveling with two wet, muddy German Shepherds!

One note, our site cost $19 with our old-fart discount, but with the online fee it went to $25.50!?!?!?! At least the checkin was easy on my phone and the access from US36 is pretty easy.

We arrived for a one night stay on April 1 and were surprised to find shower houses and water still turned off. Website said they would be open on April 1 but signs at the campground said April 14. They did have a pit toilet and a couple of spigots available.
Our campsite was shaded and level and had electrical hookups. Nice playground, walking trails, and several places to fish. The campground was very quiet but there were only 3 or 4 other campsites occupied. Dump station was available.

We loved this very simple campground. We were in one of the larger sites that had a mix of sun and shade. Husband was able to work. Internet ranged from two bars to five bars of 4G LTE AT&T and Verizon at our site. No boosters. Lower at night. I had trouble getting internet at 9pm. We did not watch tv or do any streaming, so I'm not sure how good that would be. We were in site #8. Not good for a tent as no flat spots but site #9 is very similar and does have more options if you need to add a tent. There are some soft spots in the grass around the picnic table and fire ring from perhaps moles. These two sites also have larger areas behind the camper than other sites. No soft spots there. Spots around the loop range from very small to larger. Some do have steep drop-offs from camping pad to the fire rings and picnic table. We were able to get level using just one leveling block under each tire on the passenger side. Inside the loop the sites are flat with plenty of room and nicely dispersed. Very nice people. There is a camp host. Firewood was available for $5. Self check-in online. Quiet even though full over the weekend. Handful of campers during the week. Family friendly. Small campground. Big rigs might have trouble. Most campers here had 5th wheels, travel trailers, and pop-ups. We have a small 26ft Class A and did fine. Clean showers and bathrooms. Dump station. Potable water faucets dispersed throughout campground and next to dump station. Husband did a little hiking. We came to visit family and didn't use the rest of the state parks facilities. But very nice State Park. We enjoy playing disc golf and found a great course in Brookfield about 10 miles away. It is a city park with lots of benches, picnic areas, and playground equipment. Very nice.

Stayed here traveling through Missouri. What a little gem of a park. Quiet, sites are pretty flat, and not crowded. Beautiful walking areas and plenty of room between sites. The main portion for RVs was uncluttered (20 sites or so) and then there is another sections for tents. Our site, 13, was quite long big enough for a 40' Class A. We have a 24' Class C with a toad and did not have to unhitch.

Better cell coverage up the hill from where we were. Yes, you can hear the highway but it's nearly 3/4 mile away so it's not overbearing. A really nice stay. Cash only - no cards on site. Definitely worth the stop.

Stayed here traveling through Missouri. What a little gem of a park. Quiet, sites are pretty flat, and not crowded. Beautiful walking areas and plenty of room between sites. The main portion for RVs was uncluttered (20 sites or so) and then there is another sections for tents. Our site, 13, was quite long big enough for a 40' Class A. We have a 24' Class C with a toad and did not have to unhitch.

Better cell coverage up the hill from where we were. Yes, you can hear the highway but it's nearly 3/4 mile away so it's not overbearing. A really nice stay. Definitely worth the stop.

We stayed here in August in our 21’ TT. The park was well maintained and bathrooms very clean. Lots of shade trees in the back of the park. Sites could be more level and they are tight, but we managed. Weak cell service on our Verizon. There is a 1.5 mile hiking trail on a boardwalk as you turn right out of the campground. It’s not marked so look for the red barn on the right side of the road and turn right beside the barn.

Earlier reviews were helpful regarding a hard-to-see turn off to the park off of 36 and being extra friendly to the camp host if it was the same one as was experienced earlier. Thankfully, didn't have a problem with either one in the end. Nice little campground loop in a fairly small park. We had a shady spot (10) and it looked like most of them had some shade with the exception of 2,3,4 and 9 that we could see. Quiet camping experience. There were several families and groups but all quiet, respectful and friendly. We took the boardwalk hike and it was nice and shady with some educational signs and a little overlook to climb and see the prairie. Went up and visited the picnic area with the lake and enjoyed fishing pretty much alone in the evening. The fish gods weren't smiling on us and we managed only a few smaller bluegill and bass. A Walmart just about 10 minutes away back toward Brookfield was handy for picking up a few important things we'd forgotten (ice cream, dish soap). The shower house was clean and the dump station easy to get our Casita in and out of. Overall, it was a very pleasant relaxing place to spend a few days hiking, fishing and sitting around the campfire.

Camp host is harassing. Has come by our campsite daily for four days with something nasty to say. I’ve seen him go through my fire pit, unsure what he is looking for. In 100 degree 4th of July weather I put an inch of water in a baby pool for my dog to cool off as the sites do not have water or sewer. Host got in my husband’s face WITHOUT a mask and yelled at him to throw the pool away or get kicked out of the park. Seems really extreme. This behavior is a o extreme we are packing up and leaving. Incredibly unprofessional and unsafe business practices during COVID. Will be reporting to the Missouri State Parks department ASAP.

Insane that unattended children who have almost been hit by cars, blaring music, and trashy campsites with unattended dogs are tolerated but allowing my dog to cool off is considered “dangerous to children.” 0/10 do not recommend until their have a change in host.

Be safe out there. Wear a mask!

The MO state parks just opened for campers after the COVID pandemic. Reservations are required now and not all sites are available yet. Signs for the park entrance on US 36 are small and easy to miss so take it slow on your way in.

This is a beautiful park, definitely a hidden gem! Lots of space between sites, clean bathrooms and showers. The Boardwalk hike is about 1/4 mile from the campsite and definitely worth doing! Several other shorter trails are in or near the park also. Some sites in full sun (ours was). This park will be gorgeous in the fall and we hope to come back then!