Where to go for Winter Camping in Missouri

Winter Camping in Crowder State Park Missouri

I know November is not technically winter but it was cold!!! When we packed the forecast was 45 degrees. It was 30 degrees. The clothes I packed were for 45 degrees. Although someone was even more unprepared than me, someone was forced to use one of our camping towels as a hat because it was freezing... (Kevin)

Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Missouri, Crowder State Park is a hidden gem that offers visitors a chance to experience the best of Missouri's natural beauty. The park is named after Maj. Gen. Enoch H. Crowder, who was born and raised nearby.

Crowder State Park encompasses over 1,900 acres of rugged terrain, including forests, meadows, and streams. The park's most popular attraction is Crowder Lake, an 18-acre lake that offers fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. Park visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, camping, and picnicking in the park.

One of the things that makes Crowder State Park so special is its diversity of wildlife. The park is home to a variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot deer, wild turkeys, foxes, and even coyotes.

Crowder State Park sprawls across 1,912 acres of picturesque rolling hills and forests in northern Missouri. Within this serene expanse, the campground beckons with 41 spacious campsites that you can book 12 months in advance here. Each site boasts a paved parking pad, accompanied by a table, fire ring, and grill for your convenience. While most sites offer electrical hookups, there are also a handful of larger 'family' campsites available. Additionally, for those who prefer spontaneity, first-come, first-served sites are also an option.

Crowder State Park Camping Amenities

1. Restrooms and Showers: The park provides modern restroom facilities with hot showers, which is especially convenient for longer stays or after a day of hiking and outdoor activities.

2. Picnic Areas: In addition to camping facilities, Crowder State Park has picnic areas with tables and grills. These areas are great for enjoying meals outdoors with family and friends.

3. Playgrounds: Families with children will appreciate the playgrounds available in the park. These areas provide a safe and fun environment for kids to play and expend their energy.

Activities you can do at Crowder State Park:

• Hiking: The park has over 17 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Some of the most popular trails include the Redbud Trail, the River Forks Trail, and the Tall Oaks Trail.

• Camping: The park has two campgrounds, one with basic campsites and one with electric campsites. Visitors can also reserve a platform tent or a group campsite.

• Fishing: Crowder Lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including bass, crappie, and catfish. Visitors can fish from the shore or a boat.

• Swimming: Crowder Lake has a designated swimming area. Visitors can also swim in the Thompson River, which flows through the park.

• Boating: Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from the park office. They can also launch their boats at the boat ramp.

Although it was cold. The trail was beautiful. The weather was cold but it was clear.

Unbeknownst to Kevin and myself 10 minutes after this picture was taken he would get tangled on Georgia's leash and fall on the side of the cliff... I thought he was going to fall in the lake with Georgia tied to him.

He didn't but it was still spooky for me. The trail was frozen, there were too many deer on the trail and Georgia kept wanting to chase after them. For safety, we just headed back to the RV to warm up and head to a rest stop that had an interesting feature.

We only spent a night in the park but it was worth it.

A worthy pit stop: Eagleville Welcome Center!!

The Eagleville Welcome Center Mural, located in Eagleville, Missouri, is a 500-square-foot glass mosaic that depicts the state's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The mural was created by artist Linda Leathers and was installed in 2009.

The mural is divided into four sections, each of which represents a different aspect of Missouri. The first section depicts the state's Native American heritage. The second section celebrates Missouri's role in the Civil War. The third section highlights the state's agricultural and industrial history. The fourth section showcases Missouri's natural beauty, including its forests, rivers, and wildlife.

The Eagleville Welcome Center Mural is a must-see for anyone visiting Missouri. It is a beautiful and informative work of art that provides a glimpse into the state's unique history and culture.

Here are some of the things you can see in the Eagleville Welcome Center Mural:

• Native Americans hunting and gathering

• Civil War soldiers marching into battle

• Farmers working in the fields

• Miners digging for coal

• Horses running through the prairie

• Flowers blooming in the spring

• Rivers winding through the landscape

• Wildlife, such as deer, eagles, and bears

Getting Busted in Gallatin Squirrel Cage Jail

The Gallatin Squirrel Cage Jail is a unique and fascinating piece of American history. It is one of only three remaining "squirrel cage" jails in the United States. The Gallatin Squirrel Cage Jail was in use until 1969 when it was closed due to safety concerns. The jail was then donated to the Daviess County Historical Society, which restored it and opened it to the public as a museum.

The museum offers tours of the jail which was by appointment, which allows visitors to learn about its history and design.

The Gallatin Squirrel Cage Jail is a popular tourist destination, and it is also a National Historic Landmark.

The jail was designed by William H. Brown and Benjamin F. Haugh and was built in 1885. It was patented in 1881, and the patent described the jail as a "prison in which prisoners can be controlled without the necessity of personal contact between them and the jailer."

The jail's unique design consists of three floors of pie-shaped cells that revolve around a central axis. This allowed one jailer to easily monitor and control all of the prisoners. The jail also had several other security features, such as a central observation post and a system of alarms. What is interesting about this particular jail is that it is circular, the cells are pie shaped and it is ALL MADE OF METAL

And the wonders do not stop there. The only way the prisoners can get out is when the INNER circle rotates and they get to the single opening. The entire circle is enclosed in a permanent metal structure.

Most of the time the prisoners are inside a cell that does not open, in the dark because it was 1880s so no electricity and no running water.

Also, these beds are all metal. The cove in the back is the toilet. They don't provide mattresses in this jail according to the tour guide. I mean... what kind of crime would you have had to commit to deserve this?!

All of the parks we have been to were on a first come first serve basis unlike in the summer when you have to make a reservation. This was nice but one of the lessons learned during our first night was that it is better to get to your site in daylight so you do not have to navigate in the dark which can be difficult if you have an RV. Even though it is a bit early, we thought we should head on to Wallace State Park to explore and camp for the night

Winter Camping in Wallace State Park

Wallace State Park is a 502-acre park located in Clinton County, Missouri. One thing that we always like about winter camping is that it provides a different landscape than it is during the summer.

The park is already known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic beauty but it is even more peaceful and scenic on a sunny winter morning. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities at Wallace State Park, including hiking, fishing, camping, and picnicking.

We did get to relax and explore the park a little bit before we headed in for the day. We explored Lake Allaman which is a six-acre lake located in the heart of the park. Visitors can fish from the shore or a boat. The lake is also a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing.

Wallace State Park Amenities

1. Campground: The park features a campground area with various campsites suitable for tents and RVs. These sites typically include amenities such as fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms and showers.

2. Trails: Visitors can explore the park's scenic beauty through hiking trails that wind through woodlands, meadows, and along waterways. These trails offer opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and peaceful nature walks.

3. Fishing: Wallace State Park provides fishing opportunities in its lakes or ponds. Anglers can try their luck catching bass, catfish, sunfish, and other freshwater species. Make sure to have a valid fishing permit if required.

4. Picnic Areas: The park offers designated picnic areas equipped with tables, grills, and sometimes shelters. These areas are perfect for family gatherings, picnics, and enjoying meals amidst nature.

5. Boating: If you enjoy boating, the park may offer boat launch facilities for non-motorized watercraft like kayaks, canoes, or paddleboats. It's a great way to explore the park's lakes or ponds.

6. Playgrounds: Families with children will appreciate the playgrounds available in the park. These areas provide a safe and fun environment for kids to play and enjoy outdoor activities.

7. Visitor Center: Wallace State Park likely has a visitor center or interpretive center where you can learn about the park's history, ecology, and recreational opportunities. It's a good starting point for understanding the park's resources and planning your activities.

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park: A Step Back in Time

We had a late start in our day because... I was doing homework, it was cold, and we had to do RV maintenance like emptying gray and black water, and filling up our water tanks... mostly because we wanted to take it easy today.

We had planned most of our day the last couple of days with a lot of stops that we ended up scaling back a lot as the day went on each day. So today we set realistic goals of chilling in the morning, some walks for Georgia, and then heading to Watkins Woolen Mill State Park.

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, located in Lawson, Missouri, is a unique and historic park that offers visitors a chance to step back in time and learn about the state's wool industry. The park is home to the Watkins Woolen Mill, a 19th-century mill that was once one of the largest and most successful wool mills in the country.

The mill was built in 1860 by Waltus Watkins, a successful businessman and entrepreneur. Watkins was a pioneer in the wool industry, and his mill was one of the first in the country to use modern machinery and techniques to produce high-quality woolen products. The mill operated for over 100 years, and it produced a wide variety of woolen products, including blankets, clothing, and yarn. The mill's products were sold all over the country, and they were known for their high quality and durability.

The Watkins Woolen Mill is a museum that offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of the mill and the wool industry. The museum offers guided tours of the mill, which allow visitors to see the original machinery and learn about the process of making woolen products. We did not get to go inside the historic sites because the tours are a total of 2 hours long and we had Georgia. We did not eat to leave her in the RV by herself for that long even though it is hooked up to electricity and she had heat on.

Watkins Woolen Mill State Park & Historic Site Amenities

1. Historic Site: The park is home to the historic Watkins Woolen Mill, a preserved 19th-century woolen mill that offers guided tours. Visitors can explore the mill's machinery, learn about its history, and gain insights into the textile industry of the past.

2. Picnic Areas: The park provides designated picnic areas equipped with tables and grills. These areas are ideal for picnicking, enjoying meals outdoors, and relaxing amidst the park's natural beauty.

3. Trails: Watkins Woolen Mill State Park features several hiking trails that wind through woodlands, meadows, and along waterways. These trails offer opportunities for nature walks, birdwatching, and wildlife observation.

4. Fishing: The park offers fishing opportunities in its ponds or lakes. Anglers can try their luck catching bass, catfish, bluegill, and other freshwater species. A valid fishing permit may be required.

5. Visitor Center: The park likely has a visitor center where visitors can obtain information about the park, its history, and available activities. The center may also offer exhibits, educational programs, and interpretive displays.

6. Historic Buildings: In addition to the woolen mill, the park may feature other historic buildings or structures that showcase the area's heritage. These buildings may be open for tours or exploration, providing insights into local history and architecture.

7. Campground: While Watkins Woolen Mill State Park is primarily a historic site, it may offer limited camping facilities or nearby camping options for visitors who wish to stay overnight in the area. It's advisable to check with the park or nearby campgrounds for camping availability and reservations.

Other Attractions: Notable Mentions

We had a couple more stops before we started heading home. One of them was to see a cannonball fired during the Battle of Lexington that was lodged in The Lafayette County Courthouse

Does it look legit? I don't know...

Then we walked around the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site. It was closed but we were able to walk around the Anderson House and the Battlefield.

Then a quick stop at the Confederate State Park. Most of the structures had been long since demolished but we still get to see the monument of the Cemetery of the Confederate Dead and the park chapel

And that is it... that's the conclusion of our Northwest Missouri RV Adventure!

Tips for Winter Camping

Winter RV camping in Missouri can be a wonderful experience, with stunning scenery and plenty of activities to enjoy. However, it's important to be prepared for the cold weather and snow. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe and comfortable during your winter RV camping trip:

1. Winterize your RV. This is essential to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting while camping. There are many different ways to winterize your RV, so be sure to do some research to find the best method for you.

2. Choose a campsite wisely. Look for a site that is sheltered from the wind and has plenty of sunlight. This will help to keep your RV warm.

3. Insulate your RV. This can be done by adding weatherstripping to the doors and windows, and by covering the vents and underbelly of your RV. You can also purchase an RV skirt, which is a piece of fabric that wraps around the bottom of your RV to help keep the heat in.

4. Use a space heater. This is a great way to supplement the heat from your RV's furnace. Be sure to place the space heater in a safe location, away from any flammable materials. Also, make sure you do not leave the space heater unattended. We would turn ours off when we sleep

5. Stay warm and hydrated. Dress in layers so that you can adjust to the changing temperature. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

6. Be prepared for power outages. Winter storms can sometimes cause power outages. Be sure to have a backup plan, such as a generator or solar panels.

7. Have a first-aid kit on hand. This is always a good idea, but it's especially important when camping in winter.

8. Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. Be sure to have carbon monoxide detectors in your RV and to keep all vents and chimneys clear of snow

Winter doesn't always mean that you get stuck inside. Usually when the sun is out you would find us outside even for a little bit. I hope you enjoyed our Winter Camping Guide to Missouri.

Do you go winter camping? Where do you go?