RV Campgrounds In Licking, Missouri -- Find RV Parks

37.4995° N, 91.8571° W

Quick Overview

Licking sits in the heart of Missouri's Ozark foothills, where rolling hills meet dense forests and spring-fed streams carve through limestone bluffs. This small town of about 3,000 residents serves as a gateway to some of the state's most pristine wilderness areas, including the nearby Mark Twain National Forest and Bennett Spring State Park. The area's crystal-clear springs and trout streams draw anglers from across the Midwest, while hikers find miles of trails winding through oak and hickory forests.

For RV camping, Licking offers several campgrounds that cater to different camping styles. Both locations provide paid camping options, with some free camping alternatives available in the immediate area. The campgrounds here focus on providing access to outdoor recreation rather than resort-style amenities, making this an ideal stop for RVers who prefer natural settings over swimming pools and golf courses.

From your campsite, you're within a 30-minute drive of Bennett Spring State Park, where the spring pumps out 100 million gallons of water daily at a constant 58 degrees. The Gasconade River offers excellent float trips, while the Mark Twain National Forest provides hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Roaring River State Park lies just 45 minutes south, adding another world-class trout fishing destination to your options.

The camping scene here appeals most to outdoorsy RVers who want full hookups but don't need extensive on-site entertainment. You'll find pull-through sites that accommodate big rigs, but don't expect elaborate clubhouses or organized activities. This is camping for folks who use their RV as a comfortable base camp for exploring Missouri's natural areas.

Spring through fall offers the best camping weather, with summer bringing the highest visitor numbers due to prime fishing conditions. Winter camping is possible but limited, as some area attractions reduce hours or close entirely. Plan your visit between April and October for the fullest experience of what this outdoor-focused region offers.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Licking

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All Dump Stations Near Licking

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
The Resort At Boiling Springs	7.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Boiling Spring Access	7.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Tradewinds	9.4 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Happy Pappy's Montauk RV Park	9.5 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Cave Eddy Campground	10.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Hwy 63 R.v. Park	10.9 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Pinecrest Campground & Cabins	12.6 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Dog's Bluff Access	14.3 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Three Springs RV Park	17.0 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Dent County Commons	19.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies

Traveling to Licking by RV

Licking sits right along Highway 63, making it easily accessible from both north and south. From Springfield, take Highway 65 north to Highway 32 east, then connect to Highway 63 north – a scenic 45-minute drive through classic Ozark countryside. Coming from St. Louis, Highway 63 south provides a straight shot that takes about 2.5 hours, passing through Rolla and several small farming communities.

The roads around Licking handle RVs well, though you'll encounter some hills typical of Ozark terrain. Highway 63 through town has good sight lines and wide shoulders. Watch for deer, especially during dawn and dusk hours – they're particularly active in this heavily forested region.

For fuel and supplies, Casey's General Store on Highway 63 offers diesel and has enough room for larger rigs to maneuver. The Licking IGA provides groceries and basic camping supplies. If you need major RV repairs or parts, you'll want to handle those in Springfield before heading this direction, as local options are limited.

The drive itself becomes part of the experience here. Highway 32 from Springfield winds through some of Missouri's prettiest Ozark scenery, with frequent glimpses of spring-fed creeks and limestone outcroppings. Take your time and enjoy the rural landscape – it's what you came to see.

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Dump Station Costs in Licking

Nightly rates in Licking typically range from $25-35 for basic full hookup sites, reflecting the area's focus on outdoor access rather than luxury amenities. You won't find premium rates here because you're not paying for resort-style facilities – just clean sites with reliable hookups in a great location for exploring the Ozarks.

Currently, a portion% of camping options charge fees while a portion% offer paid camping, though free alternatives exist in the surrounding Mark Twain National Forest for those willing to dry camp. The forest service areas provide 14-day stays at no cost, making this region budget-friendly for extended visits.

Seasonal pricing stays relatively stable, though some campgrounds offer weekly or monthly discounts during slower periods in late fall and early spring. Summer rates may increase slightly during peak trout season, but the differences are usually just $5-10 per night.

Good Sam and Passport America discounts apply at area campgrounds, potentially saving 10-15% on extended stays. For groceries and fuel, prices run about average for rural Missouri – not particularly cheap, but not inflated either. Stock up on specialty items in Springfield if you're planning an extended stay, as local selection is limited but adequate for basic needs.

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What RVers Are Saying About Licking

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Best Time to Visit Licking by RV

❄️

Winter

Dec-Feb

25-45°F

Crowds: Low

Most campgrounds stay open but some amenities close. Trout fishing continues but check stream conditions.

🌸

Spring

Mar-May

45-70°F

Crowds: Medium

Excellent weather for camping and hiking. Trout season opens with heavy stocking at area parks.

☀️

Summer

Jun-Aug

65-85°F

Crowds: High

Peak season for fishing and camping. Book ahead for weekends. Streams provide natural cooling.

🍂

Fall

Sep-Nov

45-75°F

Crowds: Medium

Beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures. Fewer crowds but excellent fishing continues through October.

Explore the Licking Area

The campgrounds here cater to anglers and outdoor enthusiasts rather than families seeking resort amenities. Both locations offer full hookups and can handle big rigs, but you're paying for location and access to outdoor recreation, not fancy facilities.

For boondocking, dispersed camping is available in nearby Mark Twain National Forest, though you'll need to drive about 15 minutes from town to find suitable spots. The forest service allows up to 14 days of free camping in designated areas.

Bennett Spring State Park, just 20 minutes away, deserves a full day visit. The spring itself is impressive, but the real draw is the trout fishing – they stock the stream daily during season. Even non-anglers enjoy watching the massive spring bubble up from underground caverns.

For dining, the Licking Cafe on Main Street serves solid home-style meals with generous portions. It's the kind of place where locals gather for coffee and conversation. The Pizza Palace offers decent pizza and stays open later than most places in town.

Pet owners will find plenty of opportunities for walks along forest service roads and trails. Keep dogs leashed near streams during trout season, as fishing regulations are strictly enforced. The cooler water temperatures make this area comfortable for pets even during summer months.

National Parks Nearby

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Springfield (12)Warsaw (9)Branson (8)Lebanon (8)Saint Joseph (7)Joplin (6)Columbia (6)Salem (6)Kirksville (5)Cameron (5)Eldon (5)Carthage (5)

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Licking

What are the best RV campgrounds in Licking?

Both campgrounds in Licking focus on providing access to outdoor recreation rather than resort amenities. They offer full hookups and can accommodate large RVs, with the main appeal being proximity to Bennett Spring State Park and Mark Twain National Forest for fishing and hiking.

Is there free RV camping near Licking?

While Licking itself doesn't offer free campgrounds, Mark Twain National Forest provides dispersed camping about 15 minutes from town. You can dry camp for up to 14 days at no cost in designated forest service areas, though you'll need to be self-sufficient for water and waste disposal.

What is the best time of year to camp in Licking?

Spring through fall offers the best camping weather, with April through October providing the most comfortable temperatures and full access to area attractions. Summer brings peak crowds due to prime trout fishing season, while spring and fall offer fewer visitors but excellent outdoor conditions.

Are there full hookup RV parks in Licking?

Yes, both RV campgrounds in Licking provide full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections. The sites can accommodate large RVs and offer pull-through options, though the focus is on outdoor access rather than extensive on-site amenities or entertainment facilities.

Can I fish from RV campgrounds near Licking?

While the campgrounds themselves don't offer fishing, you're within 20 minutes of Bennett Spring State Park, which features world-class trout fishing in spring-fed streams. The Gasconade River also provides excellent fishing opportunities, and many campground guests use Licking as a base for daily fishing expeditions.