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95 campgrounds and RV Parks near Ava, MO. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
95 campgrounds
5478 campsites
32 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Ava, MO
Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park and Campground
Mansfield, MO (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+9
The Hook-Up RV Park
Rogersville, MO (21 miles away)
Missouri RV Park Campground
Mountain Grove, MO (23 miles away)
Cedar Haven RV and Mobile Home Park
Missouri (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(14 sites)
+2
Silver Bell RV Park-Motorhome Park
Rogersville, MO (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(26 sites)
Twin Bridges Canoe and Campground
West Plains, MO (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+2
RV Express 66
Marshfield, MO (30 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
+6
Rustic Meadows RV Park
Strafford, MO (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+10
Bar B RV Park
Forsyth, MO (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(41 sites)
+3
Jellystone Camp Resort
Forsyth, MO (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(62 sites)
+5
Pontiac Cove Marina and Lake Harbour Resort
Missouri (31 miles away)
$$$$$
(32 sites)
+2
River of Life Farm
Missouri (32 miles away)
$$$$$
(11 sites)
+4
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Toilets Showers Tables Laundry Internet Grills Dump station General store Playground
Campgrounds near Ava, Missouri
Ava sits in Douglas County in the Missouri Ozarks, within the Ava-Cassville-Willow Springs Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest. The forest's nine tracts are divided into six distinct ranger districts, and the Ava-Cassville-Willow Springs district headquarters sits on South Jefferson Street in Ava itself. That location makes the town a practical base for RV travelers who want a mix of private hookup parks in town and public forest campgrounds within a short drive.
Private options closest to Ava include Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park and Campground, The Hook-Up RV Park, Cedar Haven RV and Mobile Home Park, and Missouri RV Park Campground. For lake-based camping, Pontiac Cove Marina and Lake Harbour Resort sits on the shores of Bull Shoals Lake in Pontiac, Missouri, offering a full-service marina and campground suited to RVs of various sizes.
Beyond the private parks, the surrounding national forest, Bull Shoals Lake, and nearby state conservation lands add public campgrounds, boat-in sites, and dispersed camping to the mix.
Things to do around Ava
The signature drive is the Glade Top Trail, Missouri's only National Forest Scenic Byway. The 23-mile route weaves through narrow ridge tops with seven overlook pull-outs offering panoramic views that reach to the Springfield Plateau twenty miles to the northwest and forty miles south to the Boston Mountains in Arkansas. The two-lane, all-weather gravel road follows narrow ridge tops rising approximately 500 feet above the surrounding rolling countryside, so plan for slow travel and skip it in a large towable during wet weather.
Within the forest, riders head to the Chadwick Motorized Trails System, which offers nearly 80 miles of multi-use trails for ATVs, UTVs, motorcycles, and mountain bikes, winding through deep forested hollows and down long ridge tops.
On the water, Bull Shoals Lake supports fishing, boating, swimming, and paddling out of Pontiac Cove Marina and other Ozark County access points.
Camping spots and RV parks near Ava, MO
Seasonal patterns for RV trips near Ava
- spring
March - May
66° / 46°F 110 mmWettest season; thunderstorms and wildflower blooms
- summer
June - August
88° / 66°F 95 mmHot, humid peak season; lakeside sites book early
- fall
September - November
68° / 46°F 85 mmMild days, cool nights, strong Ozark leaf color
- winter
December - February
45° / 28°F 55 mmCold with regular snow; some forest sites reduce services
Ava has a four-season climate typical of the southern Missouri Ozarks. Summers are hot and muggy, winters are cold and see regular snow, and skies are partly cloudy year round. RV traffic peaks from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when families come for the lakes and hookup sites fill on weekends and around holidays.
Spring brings the wettest stretch. May is the wettest month in the region, averaging roughly five inches of rain, and thunderstorms can push creeks and gravel forest roads out of shape. Wildflowers and dogwoods bloom across the glades from April into May. Fall is the other prime window: the Glade Top Trail is one of the most popular places in Missouri to see leaves changing, and cooler nights make campfires comfortable.
Winter sites remain available at some private parks and lake resorts, but public forest facilities may reduce services and dispersed roads can be icy after storms. Confirm hookup availability with any private park before booking a cold-weather trip.
How to book campgrounds near Ava
Public campgrounds in Mark Twain National Forest are booked through the federal system. Reservations are handled on Recreation.gov, and campground booking windows typically open several months ahead of arrival, so for peak-season visits book as early as possible and check individual facility pages for exact windows and availability.
Private parks around Ava, including Laura Ingalls Wilder RV Park and Campground, The Hook-Up RV Park, Cedar Haven RV and Mobile Home Park, and Missouri RV Park Campground, take reservations directly by phone or through their own websites. For Bull Shoals Lake stays, Pontiac Cove Marina and Lake Harbour Resort handles bookings directly through the operator, so contact the resort for site availability, hookup options, and current cancellation terms.
What to expect on the ground
Ava is a small Ozark town, and roads leading to campgrounds range from paved state highways to narrow gravel forest routes. Cell coverage is spotty once you leave town, so download maps and reservation confirmations before heading out. Grocery, fuel, and RV supply runs are easiest in Ava itself or on the way in from Springfield.
Sites at private parks near town tend to be level with standard hookups, while forest campgrounds mix developed and primitive layouts. Developed forest sites can include traditional back-in and pull-through units, some with electric hookups and others with only basic facilities, and tent camping is also common.
Expect ticks and chiggers from spring through early fall, snakes in rocky glades, and thunderstorm activity on summer afternoons. Pack leveling blocks for gravel pads and a backup water jug for primitive stays.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Ava, MO
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Ava, MO?
Good news: an RV rental in Ava, MO is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Ozarks. On RVezy, you'll typically see travel trailers starting around $90 to $140 per night, camper vans (Class B) from about $150 to $225, and Class C motorhomes from $175 to $275 per night, depending on age, size, and amenities. Hosts set their own rates, so you can filter by price to match your budget. Want a cheap RV rental in Ava that still feels like a treat? Book mid-week, travel in May or September to dodge peak weekend pricing, and look for listings with included generator hours so you don't pay extra to boondock in the Mark Twain National Forest.
visitmo.com/things-to-do/the-mark-twain-national-forestWhat do I need to rent an RV in Ava, Missouri?
It's refreshingly simple: to rent an RV in Ava, you just need to be 25 or older with a valid driver's license. Missouri's standard Class F license covers all personal-use motorhomes and trailers, regardless of size, so no Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or special endorsement is required, even for a big Class A. RVezy verifies your ID right inside the platform during checkout, so there's no paperwork to chase down. Visiting from abroad? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your local auto club, usually under $25, and you're set to roll into the Ozarks.
dor.mo.gov/driver-license/Is RV insurance and roadside assistance included with my Ava RV rental?
Yes, and this is a huge weight off your shoulders. Every RV rental in Ava, MO booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance. You choose your protection level during checkout, not the host, so coverage matches your comfort zone. If you get a flat on Highway 5 or your battery dies at a Mark Twain National Forest trailhead, one call to RVezy support gets help dispatched. That safety net is what makes a first time renting an RV in the Ozarks feel doable, not stressful.
rvezy.com/insurance-and-protectionWhat if I need to cancel my Ava RV rental?
Booking is lower risk than you might think. RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation policy, and the exact terms applied to your reservation are shown before you confirm payment. Policies include flexibility based on how far out your trip start date is, and there is dedicated support if a host needs to cancel on you, with refunds or travel credits available. Pro tip: book early to lock in the best Ava RVs for summer weekends, then review your cancellation terms at checkout so you know your options if plans shift.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Ava?
Absolutely, your pup is invited. Plenty of hosts offer a pet-friendly RV rental in Ava, and you can find them in seconds using the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy. Some hosts charge a small pet fee, clearly listed on the rig. Once you're here, the Ozarks are great for dogs: leashed pets are welcome at most Mark Twain National Forest campgrounds, including Cobb Ridge, and on many Ozark trails. The Hitching Post RV Park just north of Ava off Highway 5 is also dog-friendly with open green space. Pack a tick check routine and a long lead and you're good to go.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/mtnf/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=21716Can the RV be delivered to my campground near Ava?
Yes, and it's one of the smartest ways to start a stress-free Ozark trip. Many RVezy hosts offer RV delivery in Ava to campgrounds like The Hitching Post RV Park, Theodosia Park on Bull Shoals Lake, or Cobb Ridge Campground in the Mark Twain National Forest. The host drops off the rig, levels it, connects water and power, and walks you through every system, from the propane fridge to the awning. Filter by Delivery on RVezy to see options and fees, usually based on mileage from the host's location. For first-time renters or families who'd rather skip towing a motorhome rental Ava across winding Highway 14, delivery is a game-changer.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106774-RV-deliveryHow far can I drive on my Ava RV rental, and is there unlimited mileage?
You've got plenty of road to roam. Hosts set their own mileage policies on RVezy, and many Ava listings include 100 to 150 free miles per night, with some offering an RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for a longer Ozarks loop. From Ava you can reach Branson and Table Rock Lake in about 60 miles, Springfield in 55 miles, Bull Shoals Lake in 45 miles, and Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in roughly 110 miles. Each listing clearly displays the daily mileage allowance and the cost per additional mile, so there are no surprises. Pro tip: if you're planning a multi-state RV road trip from Ava, message the host before booking to ask about a discounted mileage bundle.
modot.org/Where are the best campgrounds near Ava, MO?
You're spoiled for choice. Some of the best campgrounds near Ava include The Hitching Post RV Park, four miles north of town on Highway 5, with full-hookup 50-amp sites and a tiny home village vibe; Cobb Ridge Campground in the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District of Mark Twain National Forest, with 45 sites and electric hookups for rigs up to 35 feet; North Fork Recreation Area on the cool, spring-fed North Fork River; and Theodosia Park Campground on Bull Shoals Lake, about an hour south. For lake life closer to Branson, Aunts Creek Campground on Table Rock Lake is a fantastic add-on to your Ava RV trip. Reserve early for holiday weekends.
fs.usda.gov/r09/marktwain/recreation/ava-cassville-and-willow-springs-areasWhen is the best time to take an RV trip from Ava?
Late April through mid-June and all of September into mid-October are the sweet spots. Spring brings dogwood blooms and showy wildflowers along the Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway, with daytime highs in the comfortable 65 to 80°F range. Fall delivers blazing oak-hickory color across the Mark Twain National Forest and crisp 60 to 75°F days. July and August are hot and muggy, with average highs near 88°F and heat indexes that can hit 104°F, so you'll want a rig with strong air conditioning. Winters dip to the mid-20s°F at night with light snowfall, but many RV parks in Ava stay open year-round if you want a quiet Ozark getaway.
weather.gov/sgf/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving around Ava?
You'll do great, and you won't be on your own. Every host on RVezy gives a hands-on walkthrough at pickup covering driving, leveling, hookups, dumping tanks, and propane, and most are happy to take your calls or texts during the trip. Ava sits in rolling Ozark hills where highways like 14, 5, and 76 are paved, well-signed, and far less stressful than city driving, ideal for a first time renting an RV. If anything, the trickiest part is narrow forest roads into spots like Hercules Glades Wilderness, where smaller Class B or Class C rentals shine. Choose a rig sized to your comfort, take it slow, and enjoy the views.
modot.org/What happens if the RV breaks down during my Ava trip?
You're covered around the clock. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so if you get a flat tire on the Glade Top Trail, run low on fuel on Highway 5, or have engine trouble at Cobb Ridge Campground, one call dispatches help to your location. Your host is also just a message away for quick troubleshooting (often it's something simple, like a tripped GFCI). RVezy support is reachable before, during, and after your trip too. Save both numbers to your phone before you leave town, screenshot them in case of spotty cell service in the Mark Twain National Forest, and breathe easy.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best road trip destinations from Ava, MO?
You're in a fantastic launchpad for an RV road trip from Ava. Branson and Table Rock Lake sit about 60 miles southwest (roughly 1.5 hours) for shows, Silver Dollar City, and lakeside camping. Springfield is 55 miles north for Bass Pro's flagship and Wonders of Wildlife. Bull Shoals Lake and Theodosia are 45 miles south for trophy fishing. Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is 110 miles southwest, a Victorian mountain town worth two nights. And the Buffalo National River near Jasper, Arkansas, is about 130 miles south, with float trips and elk viewing. Cross-border travel into Arkansas, Oklahoma, or Kansas is fine on RVezy rentals; travel to Mexico is not permitted because insurance coverage doesn't extend there.
nps.gov/buff/index.htmHow much should I budget for fuel on an Ava RV trip?
Fuel is one of your most predictable expenses, and Missouri helps you out. Gas prices in the Ava and Springfield area typically run lower than the national average. A travel trailer towed behind a pickup averages about 10 to 13 MPG; a Class C motorhome runs around 8 to 10 MPG; and a Class A averages 6 to 9 MPG. For a 300-mile loop from Ava through Branson and back, plan on roughly $80 to $130 in fuel for a Class C. Pro tip: fill up in Springfield or Mountain Grove before heading deep into the Mark Twain National Forest, where stations are sparse and prices climb.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book campgrounds near Ava?
Earlier is better, but you've got options. Mark Twain National Forest campgrounds like Cobb Ridge, North Fork, and Aunts Creek are bookable on Recreation.gov up to six months in advance, and summer weekends fill fast, especially for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Missouri State Parks (like Lake of the Ozarks State Park, 90 minutes north) use the state's icampmo1.usedirect.com reservation system, also six months out. Private parks like The Hitching Post RV Park in Ava take direct reservations and tend to have more last-minute openings. Pro tip: aim for a Sunday-through-Thursday window for the best chance at lakeside sites and you'll often save on nightly rates too.
recreation.gov/camping/gateways/2737What are driving conditions like around Ava and the Ozarks?
Honestly, they're some of the most enjoyable RV roads in the Midwest. Highway 5, Highway 14, and Highway 76 around Ava are paved, well-maintained two-lane roads with gentle Ozark curves and rolling grades, not the white-knuckle mountain passes you'd find out west. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk, slow down for the occasional gravel forest road if you venture into Mark Twain National Forest, and use lower gears on the descents around Bull Shoals Lake. Summer thunderstorms can pop up quickly, so check radar before pulling out. Winter ice events happen a few times a season; if you're traveling December through February, build in a flexible day.
traveler.modot.org/What hookups and amenities do campgrounds near Ava offer?
Most local parks have everything you need to plug in and relax. The Hitching Post RV Park north of Ava offers full hookups with 50-amp service, water, and sewer at every site. Mark Twain National Forest campgrounds like Cobb Ridge and Aunts Creek typically provide 30/50-amp electric, potable water spigots, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station at the entrance, though individual sites are usually electric-only. Theodosia Park and Cape Fair offer boat ramps and marinas. For dumping and filling water between trips, the Mountain Grove and West Plains travel plazas have public dump stations. Pro tip: always carry a 30-to-50-amp adapter and a 25-foot drinking-water hose; the spigot is rarely where you expect it.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234039What's inside a typical RV rental in Ava?
More creature comforts than most first-timers expect. A typical campervan rental Ava or Class C on RVezy comes fully equipped with a queen or king bed, convertible dinette, propane stove, microwave, fridge/freezer, indoor bathroom with shower and toilet, roof-mounted air conditioning, furnace, and seatbelts for everyone riding. Many listings include a TV, Bluetooth stereo, outdoor speakers, and a propane grill hookup. Generators are standard on most Class C and Class A rentals for off-grid camping in the Mark Twain National Forest. Wi-Fi varies, so if you need to work remotely, message the host to confirm a hotspot. Check the listing's amenities list to match the rig to your family's must-haves.
fs.usda.gov/r09/marktwainWhat add-ons and pickup options are available for Ava RV rentals?
Hosts make life easy with optional extras. Common add-ons for an RV rental in Missouri include linen and towel packages ($25 to $75), kitchen kits with cookware and dishes ($25 to $50), camp chairs and outdoor rugs, bike racks, extra generator hours, and propane refills. Pickup is typically at the host's location near Ava, with a 30 to 60 minute walkthrough included. Many hosts also offer delivery to local campgrounds, festival lots, or your driveway. Mileage policies and generator hours are listed on each rig, so you can compare side by side. Pro tip: bundling delivery, linens, and a fully stocked kitchen kit makes your first family RV trip Ava feel like checking into a cabin.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Ava%2C%20MissouriHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
It's straightforward and secure. When you book an RV rental in Ava, MO, you pay through RVezy's secure checkout using a credit card, no cash or off-platform transfers needed. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (typically a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars depending on the rig) shortly before pickup, and it's released back to your card after the trip once the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. To avoid deposit hiccups: do the pre-trip walkthrough with your host, photograph any existing scuffs, refill fuel and propane to the agreed levels, empty the tanks at a dump station, and return on time.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhere can I park or boondock overnight near Ava?
You've got more free and low-cost overnight options than you'd think. Dispersed (free) camping is allowed in much of the Mark Twain National Forest along the Ridge Runner National Recreation Trail and forest roads in the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs Ranger District, with no hookups but plenty of solitude. Rippee Conservation Area and Vera Cruz Access offer free primitive sites managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The Walmart Supercenter in Mountain Grove (about 25 miles north) traditionally allows one-night overnight RV parking with manager permission. Insider tip: the Glade Top Trail National Scenic Byway south of Ava has gorgeous pull-offs for daytime stops, with the closest established camping at Caney Picnic Area's nearby forest sites.
mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/placesNearby cities with campgrounds
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