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80 campgrounds and RV Parks near Carthage, MO. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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Best campgrounds near Carthage, MO
Big Red Barn RV Park
Carthage, MO (3 miles away)
$$$$$
(65 sites)
+8
Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park
Carthage, MO (4 miles away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
+6
Coachlight RV Park
Carthage, MO (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+2
Beagle Bay RV Haven Campground
Sarcoxie, MO (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(140 sites)
+6
Camp Childress
Joplin, MO (14 miles away)
Big Shoal RV Country
Joplin, MO (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(81 sites)
+2
Rivers Bend Family Resort
Joplin, MO (16 miles away)
Zans Creekside RV Park
Joplin, MO (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+6
Joplin KOA Journey
Joplin, MO (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(75 sites)
+10
Stage Stop Campground
Neosho, MO (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(16 sites)
+3
Hwy 60 RV Park
Missouri (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(22 sites)
+5
Prairie State Park
Missouri (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(4 sites)
Most common amenities
Toilets Pet friendly Showers Tables Grills Dump station Internet Laundry Playground Firewood
Campgrounds near Carthage, Missouri
Carthage sits in Jasper County in southwest Missouri, a few miles north of I-44 and roughly fifteen miles northeast of Joplin. The town is a working stop on Historic Route 66, with the 1894 Jasper County Courthouse, the Boots Court Motel, and the 66 Drive-In Theatre all inside the city limits. For RV travelers, that combination of interstate access plus a walkable historic downtown makes Carthage a practical overnight or multi-day base between St. Louis and Tulsa.
RV parks in and around town lean toward private, full-hookup properties rather than public campgrounds. Big Red Barn RV Park, Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park, Coachlight RV Park, Camp Childress, and Beagle Bay RV Haven Campground are the closest options, most within a short drive of the courthouse square and the old Route 66 alignment.
Public camping in the wider region falls under the Missouri State Parks system, which is useful for travelers who want to combine a Carthage stop with a trout-fishing or hiking side trip further into the Ozarks.
Things to do near Carthage
Route 66 landmarks anchor most itineraries. The 66 Drive-In Theatre runs double features on weekends from spring through fall, and the restored Boots Court Motel and the courthouse square are within a few blocks of each other for easy walking with kids. Red Oak II, an artist-built recreation of a small Missouri town just northeast of Carthage, is a short drive and photo-friendly.
History stops include the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site, which preserves the Carter Spring encampment area from the first full-scale land battle of the Civil War, fought July 5, 1861. The free Battle of Carthage Civil War Museum downtown covers the wider story with a wall-sized battle mural. Kellogg Lake and Carthage Municipal Park cover the outdoor side of a visit, with fishing, kayaking, and a disc golf course.
For a longer day trip, Roaring River State Park south of Cassville offers trout fishing, seven hiking trails, and a nature center.
Camping spots and RV parks near Carthage, MO
When to visit Carthage
- spring
March - May
70° / 48°F 115 mmWet season; severe storm and tornado risk peaks in Tornado Alley
- summer
June - August
88° / 68°F 105 mmHot and humid; peak Route 66 travel, book sites ahead
- fall
September - November
70° / 46°F 90 mmMild and drier; Maple Leaf Festival fills October weekends
- winter
December - February
46° / 25°F 55 mmCold with occasional snow; most private parks stay open
Carthage has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Spring runs mild and green, but it is also a wet stretch of the year and the core of severe-weather season in this part of Missouri, which sits inside the broader Tornado Alley footprint. RV travelers heading through in April, May, or early June should watch forecasts closely and pick parks with sturdy shelter or a nearby storm plan.
Summer is hot and humid, with July and August highs regularly in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit. It is also peak season for the 66 Drive-In and for family road-trip traffic along Route 66, so booking sites in advance is smart. Fall is the most comfortable window, with cooler days, lower humidity, and the Maple Leaf Festival drawing crowds to town in October.
Winter is short but genuinely cold, with overnight lows often below freezing and occasional snow. Many private RV parks stay open year-round, but amenities like pools and laundry hours can be reduced.
How to book campgrounds near Carthage
Private RV parks around Carthage, including Big Red Barn RV Park, Camp Mi Casa on the Route RV Park, Coachlight RV Park, Camp Childress, and Beagle Bay RV Haven Campground, are typically booked directly with the property by phone or through their own websites. For summer weekends, the Maple Leaf Festival in October, and any weekend with a Route 66 event, reserve several weeks out.
For public campgrounds in the wider region, Missouri State Parks uses a single reservation system at icampmo.com or 877-422-6766. Sites can be reserved up to twelve months in advance, and same-day reservations are accepted online or by phone until 7 p.m. CT on the day of arrival. Unreserved sites may still be available on a walk-up basis at most parks if they are not already booked.
What to expect on the ground
Most RV parks near Carthage are compact, privately run properties oriented toward Route 66 travelers and overnight interstate stops rather than resort-style destinations. Expect full hookups, level pull-throughs or back-ins, Wi-Fi of variable quality, and easy access to Historic 66 alignments and the courthouse square. Family amenities like playgrounds and pools vary by property, so confirm directly when booking.
Cell service is generally solid across the Carthage area on major carriers. Grocery, fuel, propane, and RV supply stops are available in town and along the I-44 corridor near Joplin. Summer thunderstorms can be intense, and this region sees tornado activity in spring, so know your park's severe-weather procedures and monitor NOAA alerts on longer stays.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Carthage, MO
How much does an RV rental in Carthage, MO typically cost?
Good news: an RV rental in Carthage, MO is one of the more affordable ways to experience Route 66 and the Ozarks. On RVezy, travel trailers usually start around $95 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from about $175 to $285, and larger Class A coaches sit between $225 and $400. Campervan rental Carthage MO options often come in around $125 to $200 nightly. To find a cheap RV rental Carthage, MO, travel midweek, book outside the October Maple Leaf Festival window, and consider an older travel trailer for solid savings without sacrificing comfort. Pro tip: many hosts offer multi-night discounts of 10 to 20 percent for stays of five nights or more, so a week-long road trip can be surprisingly budget-friendly.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Carthage%2C+MissouriWhat license do I need to rent an RV in Carthage, MO?
A regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Carthage, MO. Missouri does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal-use motorhomes, fifth wheels, or travel trailers, so your everyday Class E or out-of-state equivalent works perfectly. To book on RVezy you generally need to be 25 or older and an approved driver, and your ID is confirmed quickly through the platform during checkout. International visitors driving on a Route 66 RV trip should bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home-country license. Most first-time renters are surprised how simple Missouri's licensing rules are for a Carthage RV trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my RV rental in Carthage protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Carthage booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit Route 66 with real peace of mind. You choose your coverage level at checkout based on how much extra security you want, and the plan covers most physical damage to the RV during your trip. Hosts do not set or pick your coverage; you do, which keeps you in full control. That means a small mishap, like a cracked awning at Camp Mi Casa or a flat tire near Red Oak II, does not have to derail your Carthage RV trip. It is one of the biggest reasons first-time renters feel confident booking on RVezy.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if my Carthage road trip plans change after I book?
Booking your Carthage RV rental is low-risk because RVezy, not the host, sets the cancellation policy, and it includes a money-back grace period right after you book. After that window, your eligibility for a refund depends on how far out from your trip you cancel. Because RVezy applies the same cancellation rules across the platform, you will not see different policies between listings. If a Jasper County thunderstorm or unexpected work conflict pops up, contact RVezy support right away so they can walk you through your options. That flexibility makes saying yes to your Route 66 trip a lot easier.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Carthage RV trip?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental Carthage MO options are plentiful on RVezy, just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter to see hosts who welcome dogs and cats. Carthage is a wonderfully dog-friendly base too: Kellogg Lake has shaded walking paths along the water, Carthage Municipal Park offers wide-open grass for fetch, and Route 66 photo stops like Red Oak II are happy to have leashed pups in tow. Many local campgrounds, including Big Red Barn RV Park and Ballard's Campground, are pet friendly with room to walk your dog. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet cleaning fee or breed notes so check-in is smooth and your pup is officially part of the adventure.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Carthage%2C+MissouriCan the RV be delivered to me in Carthage?
Yes, RV delivery Carthage is one of the most popular options on RVezy, and it's a game-changer if it's your first time renting an RV. Many local hosts will drive the motorhome or travel trailer straight to your chosen spot, whether that's Camp Mi Casa on the Route, Ballard's Campground, Big Red Barn RV Park, or even a private driveway near the Jasper County Courthouse square. They'll level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system so you can focus on enjoying the trip. Delivery fees typically run $2 to $5 per mile round-trip. Pro tip: filter by Delivery on RVezy and message hosts directly to lock in your preferred campsite setup before you even arrive.
visitcarthage.com/How far can I drive on my Carthage RV rental, and is unlimited mileage available?
You've got plenty of room to roam. Many Carthage hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, and a growing number offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for a longer Route 66 road trip from Carthage. From downtown Carthage, you can reach Joplin in about 20 minutes (18 miles), Springfield in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes (75 miles), Branson in about 1 hour 45 minutes (95 miles), Bentonville, Arkansas in around 1 hour 30 minutes (85 miles), and Tulsa, Oklahoma in about 2 hours (115 miles). Extra miles, if needed, typically run $0.30 to $0.45 each. Pro tip: if you're planning the full Route 66 stretch to Oklahoma City or beyond, filter for unlimited-mileage listings on RVezy first.
modot.org/route-66Where are the best campgrounds near Carthage, MO for my RV?
You have some genuinely great options for RV camping Carthage. Camp Mi Casa on the Route is a classic Route 66 RV park in town with full-hookup pull-throughs and a small pool. Big Red Barn RV Park offers level gravel pads in a quiet wooded setting just off the highway, great for families. Ballard's Campground provides full hookups with 30 and 50-amp service close to Joplin. Coachlight Campground on S. Garrison Ave has easy big-rig access right in town. For a state park experience, Roaring River State Park is about 70 miles south with trout fishing and shaded sites. Pro tip: book Camp Mi Casa early during the October Maple Leaf Festival, sites go fast.
mostateparks.com/park/roaring-river-state-parkWhen is the best time of year for a Carthage RV trip?
Carthage is a true four-season destination, but spring (April to early June) and fall (mid-September through October) are the sweet spots. Spring temperatures typically run a comfortable 55 to 75 F with blooming dogwoods, while fall delivers 60 to 75 F days and the spectacular Maple Leaf Festival, which draws huge crowds to the courthouse square. Summer (June through August) brings 80 to 95 F heat with humidity and afternoon thunderstorms, though warm evenings are perfect for the 66 Drive-In Theatre. Winter dips to 30 to 50 F with occasional snow. Heads-up: southwest Missouri sees active severe weather in spring, with peak tornado activity in April and May, so keep a weather app handy. Pro tip: October weekends book out fastest, so reserve your motorhome rental Carthage early.
weather.gov/sgf/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay in Carthage?
You'll do great, Carthage is one of the easiest places in the country to learn. The town's grid layout, wide streets around the historic square, and flat-to-rolling terrain make it ideal for first time renting an RV. Your RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup, covering driving, hookups, slide-outs, propane, and the dump valves, so you're never left guessing. If you'd rather skip driving entirely, choose a host who offers delivery and they'll set everything up at your campground. Pro tip: take your first practice loop on Old Route 66 between Carthage and Carterville, it's flat, low-traffic, and lets you get a feel for the rig before any longer leg of your trip. Host support is just a text away the whole time.
modot.org/safetyWhat happens if I have a problem on the road near Carthage?
You are never on your own. Every RV rental in Carthage, MO booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so a flat tire on I-44, a dead battery at Red Oak II, or a lockout at the 66 Drive-In is handled with one phone call. Service providers cover the whole region, with major hubs in Joplin (about 20 minutes west) and Springfield (about 75 miles east), meaning help arrives quickly along the Route 66 corridor. RVezy's customer support team is also available before, during, and after your trip if you have questions. Pro tip: save the roadside assistance number to your phone before you leave the driveway, and snap a photo of the RV's VIN for fast service dispatch.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best RV road trip routes from Carthage?
You're sitting on a road tripper's dream. The most iconic option is the Route 66 road trip from Carthage west through Joplin (20 miles), Galena KS, and on to Tulsa, Oklahoma (115 miles, about 2 hours). Head east on Route 66 to Springfield (75 miles) for the Birthplace of Route 66 Museum, then push to Branson (95 miles) for lakes and shows. South into Arkansas gets you to Bentonville and Crystal Bridges Museum in 85 miles, or to Eureka Springs in about 90 miles. Cross-border travel into Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas is fully allowed on your RVezy rental; just note Mexico is not covered. Pro tip: a 5-night loop of Carthage to Tulsa to Bentonville back to Carthage is the perfect first Route 66 sampler.
nps.gov/subjects/travelroute66/index.htmWhat should I budget for fuel on my Carthage RV trip?
Missouri has some of the most affordable gas in the country, which makes a Carthage RV trip easier on the wallet than most destinations. Expect around $2.90 to $3.30 per gallon for regular unleaded in Jasper County, often 30 to 50 cents cheaper than national averages. Travel trailers towed by a half-ton truck average 10 to 13 MPG, Class C motorhomes get 8 to 10 MPG, and Class A coaches average 6 to 9 MPG. For a 500-mile Route 66 loop in a Class C, you're looking at roughly $175 to $225 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up at the big truck stops along I-44 in Joplin or at the Loves in Sarcoxie, they consistently have the lowest prices in the area and easy RV access.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Carthage?
For most of the year, 2 to 4 weeks ahead is plenty for the best campgrounds near Carthage, MO. There are two big exceptions: book 2 to 3 months out for the October Maple Leaf Festival weekend and for summer holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day, when Camp Mi Casa, Big Red Barn, and Ballard's fill up fast. Private parks book directly through their own websites or by phone. For Missouri State Parks like Roaring River or Stockton Lake, use the official Missouri State Parks reservation system, which opens reservations up to a year in advance. Pro tip: midweek arrivals (Sunday through Wednesday) are almost always available last-minute and often cheaper per night.
icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/What are the driving conditions like in and around Carthage?
Driving an RV around Carthage is refreshingly relaxed compared to big-city rentals. The downtown grid around the Jasper County Courthouse is easy to navigate, though watch height clearance under the railroad bridges south of town (most are 13'6" or higher, well within RV range). I-44 runs just south of Carthage and is the main artery to Joplin, Springfield, and beyond, with wide lanes and gentle Ozark hills. Old Route 66 between Carthage and Joplin is two-lane and scenic but has some narrow shoulders. Spring and early summer bring thunderstorms and occasional tornado watches, so check the forecast each morning. Pro tip: avoid Garrison Avenue downtown on Maple Leaf Festival Saturday in October, take the I-49 bypass instead and you'll save 30 minutes.
traveler.modot.org/What amenities will I find at campgrounds in the Carthage area?
Most RV parks near Carthage are well equipped for a comfortable stay. Camp Mi Casa on the Route, Big Red Barn, and Ballard's all offer full hookups (30 and 50 amp electric, water, and sewer), with most sites being level gravel pull-throughs that fit rigs up to 70 to 90 feet. You'll typically find on-site dump stations, potable water fill, free or low-cost WiFi, laundry, hot showers, and small pools or playgrounds. Need to dump or fill up between stops? Love's Travel Stop in Sarcoxie (12 miles east on I-44) has a dedicated RV hookup lane. Pro tip: cell service in this part of southwest Missouri is generally strong on Verizon and AT&T, so streaming and remote work from your campsite usually work just fine.
mostateparks.com/page/54902/campground-amenitiesWhat's included inside the RVs available in Carthage?
You'll be impressed by how turnkey these rigs are. RV rentals in Carthage, MO on RVezy come fully equipped for a family RV trip Carthage: real beds (queen or king masters, bunk options, convertible dinettes), a full kitchen with stove, microwave, fridge/freezer, and cookware, and an indoor bathroom with toilet and shower. Most Class C motorhomes and travel trailers include rooftop air conditioning, furnace heat, a TV, and onboard freshwater, gray, and black tanks. Many also include a generator, outdoor speakers, awning, and seatbelted seating for travel. WiFi hotspots are commonly offered as an add-on. Pro tip: message hosts directly through their listing to confirm specifics like a coffee maker or outdoor grill, most are happy to add anything extra to make your Carthage RV trip seamless.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/rv-safetyWhat add-ons and pickup options should I know about?
RVezy hosts in Carthage offer plenty of optional extras to customize your trip. Common add-ons include camping chairs and table ($15 to $30), bedding and linen packages ($25 to $75), kitchen kits ($25 to $50), portable generators ($50 to $75 per day), bike racks, BBQ grills, and propane refills. Pickup is typically at the host's home in Carthage or a nearby town like Joplin or Webb City, with a full orientation walkthrough included. Many hosts also offer delivery to local campgrounds or your driveway for a per-mile fee. Mileage policies vary by listing, you'll see free miles per night clearly stated on each one. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a generator add-on if you're heading to a non-hookup site, it's the easiest way to glamp Route 66.
visitmo.com/things-to-do/route-66-highway-tour-carthageHow does payment and the security deposit work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure. When you book your RV rental Missouri trip on RVezy, you pay through the platform with a credit or debit card, never directly to the host in cash. Your total includes the nightly rate, cleaning fee, any add-ons, and applicable taxes, all itemized upfront so there are no surprises. The security deposit is handled separately from your booking payment and is pre-authorized on your card around your trip start, then released after a successful return with no issues. To avoid any deposit hiccups, do a quick walkthrough video at pickup and drop-off and return the RV in the condition outlined in your listing. Pro tip: keep all your receipts in case you need them later.
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