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Thinking about ditching the Black Friday chaos and embracing the great outdoors? Let me tell you about one of our best Thanksgiving traditions: camping at Roaring River State Park. What started as a way to avoid crowded malls has turned into an annual escape, and this year, we hosted Thanksgiving and camped under the stars in one of Missouri’s most scenic parks. Ready for an adventure of your own? This guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to Roaring River State Park for your next Thanksgiving weekend.
Why We Ditched Black Friday for Camping
Years ago, Kevin and I thought Thanksgiving weekend was all about turkey and Black Friday madness. But after a few chaotic years of shopping, we decided to try something different—a post-Thanksgiving hike. That small change evolved into a weekend getaway, and now, it’s a full-blown tradition. This year, after hosting Thanksgiving dinner (where we finally had control over the menu!), we packed up and headed to Roaring River State Park for some much-needed fresh air and outdoor fun.
Pro Tip: If you're looking to book a campsite, try reserving Campground 1, Site #68 through Missouri State Park's reservation system—it's a pull-through with electric hookups, perfect for RVers!
Camping at Roaring River State Park: The Lowdown
Roaring River State Park is a gem in southwest Missouri, known for its trout-filled streams, scenic hiking trails, and lush forested campgrounds. We love it for its peaceful setting and easy access to nature, but things didn’t go quite as smoothly as we’d hoped on this trip. Here’s what went down (spoiler: Kevin ended up tinkering with the RV for hours in the dark...).
We arrived late on Friday, aiming to set up before dark... but nature had other plans. Pro tip: try to arrive during daylight hours! If you’re new to RVing, make sure your RV is properly dewinterized before setting out. (Check out our RV dewinterizing checklist below to avoid our mistakes!)
We spent all day Friday packing, we were optimistic that we would get to our campsite before dark… WRONG!
Planning Your Own Thanksgiving Camping Trip?
Here are some essentials to make your trip as smooth as possible:
Campground Tip: Book early! Sites with electric hookups, like our spot, tend to fill up fast.
Winterizing Your RV: If you’re camping in cooler weather, ensure your RV is dewinterized. Need help? Check out our dewinterizing guide.
Pack Smart: Layers are your friend! The temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, especially on hikes.
Roaring River State Park: A Rich History
This park isn’t just about hiking and fishing—it’s steeped in history. Long before settlers arrived, Native American tribes like the Osage and Delaware lived in this area, drawn by the abundant wildlife and crystal-clear waters. Fast forward to the 1920s, and the Civilian Conservation Corps helped transform this land into the park we enjoy today. The CCC built trails, bridges, cabins, and the dam that created the trout hatchery. The park officially opened in 1937 and has been a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts ever since.
If you’re into history, don’t miss a visit to the Roaring River Spring, where 20 million gallons of water gush daily, filling the river and keeping it stocked with trout. The collapsed cave system that forms this spring is a geological wonder.
Why Roaring River State Park Should Be Your Next Camping Destination
From hiking to fishing to simply relaxing at the campground, Roaring River State Park is a must-visit for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike, a peaceful weekend in nature, or a historical escape, this park has it all. Here’s why we think it should be at the top of your list for your next camping trip:
Stunning Trails: With everything from easy river walks to challenging mountain hikes, there's a trail for every fitness level.
Trout Fishing Heaven: Love fishing? Roaring River's trout-filled streams will have you casting lines all weekend long. The park's hatchery and spring-fed stream are a paradise for anglers.
Family-Friendly Camping: The park’s campgrounds are perfect for both RVers and tent campers. You'll find electric hookups, clean restrooms, and even Wi-Fi for those who need to stay connected.
Natural Beauty: Towering trees, scenic overlooks, and the crystal-clear Roaring River make this park a breathtaking place to explore.
Quiet and Secluded: If you're looking for some peace and quiet, Thanksgiving weekend at Roaring River is perfect. The campsites are spacious, and during off-season times, it feels like you have the whole park to yourself.
Explore the Trails: Best Hikes at Roaring River State Park
One of the best things about Roaring River State Park is the abundance of hiking trails. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, there’s something for everyone. Here's a quick overview of the trails we tackled:
River Trail
This trail is a must-do, especially for history buffs. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, it’s a flat, scenic walk along the riverbank. The views are fantastic, and you’ll even catch a glimpse of the trout hatchery. Georgia, our pup, was too busy sniffing everything to appreciate the views, but Kevin and I loved it.
Deer Leap Trail
The Deer Leap Trail picks up where the River Trail leaves off, giving you a panoramic view of the hatchery. The trail also features some cool remnants of 19th-century machinery, like an axle shaft from an old waterwheel. First, you go up these boardwalk steps:
Then you come up to this overlook...
And what do you see???? Well, the hatchery but there is an axle shaft of an old-school waterwheel that powered a gristmill back in the 1800s. Maybe it is the time of day but we cannot make out the mill... it is still a pretty awesome overlook of the hatchery
You can also connect to the Fire Tower Trail from here if you’re feeling adventurous.
Fire Tower Trail
If you are up for the challenge you can continue to the Fire Tower Trail. The Fire Tower Trail is the park’s rugged masterpiece. It's steep in parts but rewards you with stunning views of the Ozark Mountains.
We started the hike with colder temperatures but it had started to get warm and we've been hiking some significant miles. I decided to shed some layers and ended up looking like the weird bag lady...
The trail has steep hillsides with hidden stony bluffs and tucked-away forest coves. Some areas in the trail look like there would be a steam but maybe we did not get sufficient enough rain to fill it with water. The cherry on top is this old lookout tower, a relic from the '30s.
Pibern Trail (Hidden Gem!)
If you’re short on time, Pibern Trail is a quick but rewarding hike. It packs a punch with bluffs, limestone woodlands, and a cute little Ozark stream. Plus, it was built by the CCC, adding a touch of history to your nature walk.
This trail might be short but this trail has it all —dry and moist limestone woodlands, towering bluffs offering epic views, slopes facing every which way, and to top it off, a quaint little Ozark stream adding its charm to the mix. It's like a nature lover's paradise all rolled into one trail.
Making the Most of Your Camping Experience
After our long hikes, we loved relaxing back at the campsite. Kevin whipped up breakfast pies (thanks to my brother-in-law, Tim), and we spent the afternoons napping and watching movies in our camper. It was the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and cozy downtime.
Ready to plan your own Thanksgiving camping trip? Start by booking a flight to Springfield-Branson Airport and rent an RV for the weekend, or snag a cozy cabin at the park if you’re not up for tent camping.
Looking for great hotel deals in the area? Check out options near Roaring River State Park that offer easy access to the park’s entrance while keeping you close to local amenities like restaurants and shops.
Tips for an Amazing Thanksgiving Camping Trip
Planning your own Thanksgiving camping trip? Here are a few tips to make it epic:
Book Early: Thanksgiving might be off-season for camping, but Roaring River’s best sites can still fill up fast, especially for RVs. Make sure you reserve your campsite ahead of time.
Bring Layers: November weather can be unpredictable in Missouri, so pack for both cold mornings and warmer afternoons.
Check for RV Prep: If you're bringing an RV, don’t forget to dewinterize! Trust me, it’s a process you don’t want to skip. You’ll be thankful later when you have running water and a cozy setup.
Plan for Food: If you're hosting Thanksgiving before heading out, make sure to plan easy meals for your camping trip. We loved having leftovers and simple breakfast pies for fuel after our hikes.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Make Thanksgiving Camping a Tradition
For us, camping at Roaring River State Park has become the perfect antidote to the stress of the holiday season. Instead of spending Black Friday battling crowds, we spend it hiking through the peaceful Ozark Mountains and warming up by the campfire.
If you're looking for a Thanksgiving weekend that’s full of adventure, nature, and relaxation, skip the shopping and opt for the great outdoors instead. Whether you're an experienced camper or just looking to try something new, Roaring River State Park offers the perfect escape.
So what are you waiting for? Pack up your gear, book your flight or RV rental, and start a new Thanksgiving tradition this year.
TTYL!
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