The RV Atlas Podcast 9 Great Campgrounds in Branson, Missouri
Like Gatlinburg and Myrtle Beach, Branson is a family friendly camping destination, offering both the natural beauty of the Ozarks and tons of attractions. Luckily, Branson campgrounds and RV resorts are as bountiful as the fun. Whether you prefer a peaceful lakefront retreat or an active kid-friendly RV park, there’s a great campground for you in Branson, Missouri.
On this week’s episode of the RV Atlas podcast we are excited to welcome Kerri Cox from Travels with Birdy back on the show to share a roundup of Branson campgrounds. To listen to Jeremy interview Kerri please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your shows. Or read on below for a guest post from Kerri.
Welcome to Branson!
Branson is a small town with big theaters, big roller coasters, and big lakes. The brightly lit Branson Strip (AKA “76 Country Boulevard”) cuts a strip through the Ozark Mountains. Beyond the giant statue of King Kong and over the the go-kart tracks, you can spy the rolling green hills (which turn orange in the fall).
This regional destination grew in national popularity during the 1980s when the local bluegrass and comedy music shows were joined by big names in the country music scene. While some of that action has died down, even today you can take your pick of live performances, which now are no longer limited to country, morning through night.
Since the 80s, Branson has really expanded to become a family destination with theme parks, museums, mini golf courses, and so much more. There truly is something for everyone, whether you want to chase thrills at Silver Dollar City, chase deals at an outlet mall, or chase laughs at a comedy show. Toddlers, teens, and grandparents alike can be ALL be entertained!
Now that we’ve set the scene, let’s take a look at some great Branson campgrounds!
Public Campgrounds in Branson
Public Branson campgrounds offer the best scenery in the region, with a mix of amenities and hookup options. These parks have the lowest price point but may be the hardest to book due to their popularity!
Table Rock State Park
- Location perks: Table Rock State Park provides easy access to both the lake and the Strip, located right on the water less than 15 minutes from Branson’s main attractions.
- General vibe: While the sites aren’t as big as some state parks, this campground has a good mix of nature and amenities, with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Hook ups: Basic, electric, and full hookup sites
- Amenities: Boat ramp, marina with watercraft rentals, visitor center
- Activities: Hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, paddling, boating, and more
- Extra insider info: Check out the new deluxe yurts!
Branson Lakeside RV Park
- Location perks: Branson Lakeside RV Park is a city-owned park within walking distance of downtown Branson and the Landing shopping/entertainment complex. It’s located along the shores of Lake Taneycomo under an iconic bridge.
- General vibe: This is a bustling park with a lot of road noise, but it also has some cool features because of its location.
- Hook ups: All full hookup
- Amenities: Fishing piers, trolley stop for free downtown trolley, free passes to Branson’s AquaPlex waterpark
- Activities:
- Extra insider info: The park just added new, larger patio sites that look amazing. Don’t try to swim in the lake, as it’s too cold, but definitely try to go out on a kayak or canoe.
Indian Point Corps of Engineers Campground
- Location perks: Similar to Table Rock State Park, Indian Point COE is located on the lake and within arm’s reach of Branson’s attractions
- General vibe: This is a classic campground with large sites and tall trees that’s a little less developed than the state park.
- Hook ups: Electric/water and electric-only sites
- Amenities: Boat launch and marina
- Activities: Fishing, swimming, paddling, boating, and more
- Extra insider info: On days when Silver Dollar City is busy, the roads to the campground will be very congested.
Old Highway 86 & Mill Creek Corps of Engineers Parks
- Location perks: Old Highway 86 COE and Mill Creek COE are two campgrounds that are much more remote than the rest on this list, but the drive is worth it if you want to experience all the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
- General vibe: The waterfront sites are among the most scenic you will find in all of Branson, and the campgrounds are quiet and peaceful.
- Hook ups: Electric/water
- Amenities: Boat launch, swim beach,
- Activities: Fishing, swimming, paddling, boating, and more
- Extra insider info: Book early or watch for cancellations (you can set up availability alerts on Recreation.gov) since these COE campgrounds are super popular!
- Fun fact: I reviewed Old Highway 86 COE on the RVFTA podcast on one of my very first visits in 2015! You can still find that episode here!
Private Campgrounds in Branson, Missouri
Private Branson campgrounds are plentiful! You’ll find a lot of relatively similar campgrounds, and it seems like new ones are being built each month! Most are pretty similar in quality, as long as you check the reviews before you book.
Branson KOA
- Location perks: The Branson KOA is located near the Strip but not directly on it. You can use less-congested side roads to reach it.
- General vibe: It’s a very typical KOA, with some sites that are tight and out in the open and some that have special perks or more shade. It’s definitely family friendly with a pool that has a small slide.
- Hook ups: Water/electric and full hookup
- Amenities: Pool, snack bar with pizza and wings, pancake breakfast on select days, golf cart rentals, dog run
- Activities: Family game area with corn hole,
- Extra insider info: The deluxe patio sites are worthwhile for the extra space, shade, and furnishings if you’ll be spending a lot of time in the campground.
Lakeshore RV Park
- Location perks: Technically, outside of Branson, Lakeshore RV Park is closer to the small town of Hollister, while providing easy access to Branson lakes and attractions.
- General vibe: This well-maintained new park is small and quiet maintained with a friendly staff. It does have a lot of road noise.
- Hook ups: All are full hookups
- Amenities: Newly built showers and laundry
- Activities: Fishing, paddling
- Extra insider info: The waterfront sites are really nice, with some having doublewide concrete pads. Do note that Taneycomo Lake is not for swimming, with water temps around 50 degrees; however, this is a cool place for paddling!
Silver Dollar City Campground
- Location perks: Located on a different peninsula than Silver Dollar City, the park’s campground offers a lot of convenience thanks to a free park shuttle–all while bypassing some of the Silver Dollar City traffic.
- General vibe: This is a bustling family friendly campground with the added benefit of nice trees. You will get a lot of road noise.
- Hook ups: Water/electric and full hookup
- Amenities: Large pool, camp store, free SDC shuttle and reduced-price tickets
- Activities: Swimming
- Extra insider info: The cabins are built in the style of the buildings at SDC and offer rustic charm.
Branson Musicland Kampground
- Location perks: Branson Musicland Kampground is located right on the Strip, so you can easily walk to many restaurants and attractions.
- General vibe: The canopy of trees helps reduce the noise of traffic.
- Hook ups: Water/electric and full hookup
- Amenities: Pool and pet area, well-maintained restrooms, showers, and laundry
- Activities: Swimming
- Extra insider info: The campground is built on a hillside and has some tighter roads and sites for big rigs. Get a pull-through if you have a larger RV. You will have to deal with traffic on the Strip to reach it unless you check into the backroads.
Things to Do in Branson, Missouri
If you’ve been to Myrtle Beach, Gatlinburg, or similar tourist towns, Branson will feel very familiar, as it has a similar mix of attractions. Of course, each place has a bit of its own personality. Here are some of the top things to do in Branson:
- Go to a live show. You’ll find dozens of music, comedy, and magic shows, including old favorites like The Baldknobbers and The Pressleys, which play on the traditional hillbilly theme with country music. Dolly’s Stampede is extra fun and has a good meal.
- Find a thrill. Silver Dollar City is a particularly scenic theme park, with tons of fun for kids of all ages. It’s a sister park to Dollywood, so you’ll find a similar atmosphere. The roller coasters earn national reviews. On a hot day, explore Marvel Cave. For water attractions, head to White Water. Plus, there’s the traditional mix of tourist-town fun, like a ferris wheel, helicopter rides, ziplines, go karts, mini golf, and more!
- Hit the waters. Branson is surrounded by three lakes. Lake Taneycomo is like a river that snakes through the old downtown and along the Landing, while Table Rock Lake is a behemoth that extends deep into the valleys surrounding Branson. Further south, Bulls Shoals is the quietest. All offer great waters for boating, paddling, and fishing, among other water sports. You can also take a ride on the Showboat Branson Belle.
- Tour a “museum.” I use the word “museum” lightly here since these aren’t your standard educational museums. Instead, you’ll find locations like Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Hollywood Wax Museum, the Titanic Museum, and more.
- Go shopping. Head to the old downtown area to find tourist shops, like Dick’s 5 & 10. Nearby, Branson Landing is an outdoor mall with a water and fire show along the lake. You’ll also find a lot of great craft stores, antique shops, and outlet malls all across town.
- Enjoy the Ozark Mountain scenery. Check out the hiking and biking trails, go horseback riding, or take a scenic drive. Whatever you do, just make sure to get off of the Strip and out into the hills for outdoor recreation!
- Catch the Bass Pro Vibe. Did you know Springfield, Missouri, is the hometown of Bass Pro? Aside from visiting the original shop in Springfield, you can visit the Branson store on The Landing or attractions developed by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro. Check out the Top of the Rocks area for a golf-cart cave tour, restaurants, nature trails, golf, museum, and more. Or, head to Dogwood Canyon for more nature experiences.
- Eat! Don’t leave Branson without eating some of the local cuisine (i.e. fried foods, Southern blue plate specials, barbecue, etc.). For ice cream, Andy’s Custard is a can’t-miss local favorite!
Which of These Branson Campgrounds is Best for You?
It’s hard to say which Branson campground is the right fit for you! Luckily, there are dozens of options far beyond the ones listed here! The main thing is to pay attention to the location and the reviews. After camping in Branson for over a decade, my family doesn’t have one clear favorite. Instead, we pick our park based on what we want to do or where we want to be. You can read more about the parks listed above, as well as a few other options, over on my Ultimate Guide to Branson Campgrounds.
I hope this roundup of Branson campgrounds help you a great place to stay for your visit to my corner of the Show Me State!
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