Springfield, Missouri and the surrounding area are fantastic places for an RVing adventure. John Polk Campbell and his brother founded this city in 1818, but it was not until 11 years later that the city started thriving. It was the first European settlement in Southwest Missouri. William Fullbright moved to the area in 1830 and led efforts to get others to move to this region. People living in the city voted to incorporate it in 1838.
Local officials have divided this city into 31 neighborhoods. Many people come to this location to explore the start of historic Route 66. A great place to start your visit is at the History Museum on the Square. Eight interactive galleries showcase more about this area before and after the construction of this road in 1926. From there, it is a quick walk to the Route 66 Visitors Center, with many displays focusing on this historic road. Head across the street to Jordan Valley Park when ready for a break, as you will love the water features in this recreation area. Then head southwest about 2.6 miles to explore the Route 66 Car Museum, where you can see over 70 vintage automobiles. Since you are bound to get hungry while exploring these downtown attractions, consider starting your day with the flavorful waffles at Bailey's Breakfast Café. If you prefer a vegan diet, stop at Bosky's Vegan Grill, where their fried faux-chicken sandwich is superb. You may also want to dine at Springfield's Steak 'N Steak, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you enjoy sports, Springfield will not disappoint. It is home to the National Rifle Association's National Sporting Arms Museum and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. Everyone will love visiting the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, where you can learn more about the history of conservation. This facility often hosts seasonal shows that you will want to attend. Regardless of the season, visit the Springfield-Green Botanical Gardens, where something is always in bloom. After a full day of exploring, consider dining on soul food at Lamberts, which is famous for staff members throwing dinner rolls at you.
Campgrounds Near Springfield, Missouri
Springfield/Route 66 KOA Holiday offers bike and pedal car rentals and a seasonal swimming pool. They can accommodate RVs up to 90 feet long. Your children will love taking a train ride and mining for gems that might even include a shark's tooth.
Another fantastic option is Cooks RV Motor Park. They can accommodate RVs up to 90 feet long. If you have a dog along, they will love the 10-acre plot attached to this campground. The owners of this family-friendly campground go out of their way to ensure you have a great stay, and they will help you back your trailer in if necessary.
In Ozark, you are sure to love Lambert's Cafe RV Park. Each campsite is 75 feet long, and there is plenty of space between the rows of campers so you can easily navigate. This campground is next to Lambert's Café, and you can find grocery stores and other businesses within easy walking distance. There are 34 sites available, and each comes with an electrical hookup. Dogs are welcome at this campground.
National Parks near Springfield, Missouri
It is only about 165 miles from Springfield to Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis. You will want to ride to the top of the arch and enjoy the views on a clear day. It is the tallest monument in the United States. Additionally, spend time exploring the displays at the foot of the monument showcasing westward expansion. Then, head across to the Old Courthouse to see the exhibits related to the Dred Scott case in the location where lawyers held the first two trials. You can also board a boat to take a short tour of the Mississippi River.
Another national park you may want to explore is Hot Springs National Park, about 197 miles from Springfield. Take a stroll along Bathhouse Row to see the unique architecture of each building that workers constructed between 1893 and 1923. Wander in each one of them as they each have their own business. You can soak in a bathtub like the first tourists coming to this location did before federal officials created this national park in 1921. If you love hiking, there are 26 miles of hiking trails to explore. West and North mountains are popular biking destinations. While you are exploring, make sure to take plenty of mineral water with you. You can get it for free in front of city hall Libbey Memorial Physical Medicine Center, the National Park Service administration building, and at several locations along Bathhouse Row. Gulpha Gorge Campground is a beautiful place to spend a night or two. Each campsite comes with electricity and a grill.
While it is a 390-mile drive to Mammoth Cave National Park, you will love visiting this location which has the largest cave system in the world. Scientists have mapped over 600 miles of it, and they think they have only scratched the surface. Several types of tours are available of this cave, with the lantern tours being a favorite. Mountain biking is popular at this location. The most challenging trail is the South Loop because of its technical features, including two log rides. Hikers will love exploring the hiking trails. The more developed trails are on the south side, while there are over 60 miles of backcountry trails on the park's north side. This park has three campgrounds, with two equipped to handle RVs. Mammoth Cave Campground is near the visitor center and has 111 campsites. Maple Springs Group Campground is on the less developed north side and is an excellent option for hikers.
State Parks Near Springfield, Missouri
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a beautiful place to explore as the park contains sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, bluffs, and a spring. You can also see the ruins of a castle workers constructed for Kansas City businessman Robert Snyder in about 1905. The European-style castle was to serve as his private retreat, but an automobile accident killed him before the building's completion. His son lived in the home, but there were costly land-right law battles. Finally, his money ran out, and the property was sold and used as a hotel. The state took over the property in the 1970s, but vandals and erosion have destroyed the home. There are numerous hiking trails, including the 3.5-mile-long Ha Ha Tonka Scenic Loop, which allows you to see most of the park's geology. Only backcountry camping is available.
Withrow Springs State Park near Huntsville, Arkansas, is a terrific place to go on a springtime floating adventure on the north-flowing War Eagle Creek. Many love to stroll along the Dogwood Nature Trail in the spring to see and smell the dogwood trees in bloom. The two-mile-long War Eagle Trail runs along the creek and features a small cave about its midway point. Tennis courts, baseball, and softball fields are available. There are 29 campsites at this park.
The Honey Creek Area at Grand Lake State Park near Grove, Oklahoma, is a fantastic place to go fishing for bass, catfish, bluegill, spoonbill, and crappie. In all, there are more than 1,300 miles of shoreline to fish. You will also find an ADA-compliant fishing pier. Additionally, this lake is a fantastic place to go waterskiing. This 38-acre park has 48 full-hookup campsites, four bathhouses, and three picnic shelters.
National Sites Near Springfield, Missouri
George Washington Carver National Monument is a place to learn more about this inspirational man's life and see where he grew his first garden. You can also see a bust of him and his birthplace. Special events, like storytelling days, are held throughout the year. Consider making the most of your visit by taking one of the twice-daily guided tours.
Buffalo National River flows for 151 miles, and it is one of the few remaining untamed rivers in the contiguous United States. Many head to the upper part of this river for a springtime paddling adventure or launch downstream for paddling adventures in the summer and fall. You can find hiking trails along the river's shores and two of the trails run by old homesteads. The Jim Villines Trail along the upper portion of the river runs to his homestead, established as a fur trading post in 1882, and you can see several buildings he constructed. The Morning Star Trail runs to a community of older homes that workers constructed after finding iron ore in the nearby hills.
The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site gives you a glimpse into this president's life. You can take a guided tour of the home where he lived after marrying Bess. Workers initially constructed the house in 1867, but Truman added onto it at least twice to make it a prime example of Victorian architecture. As you tour this area of Independence, Missouri, you will see what President Truman called the center of the universe.
National Forests Near Springfield, Missouri
Mark Twain National Forest covers over 1.5 million acres in 29 Missouri counties. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is near the middle of this forest, and the Current and Jacks Fork rivers are awesome places for a floating trip. The bottomlands at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge are a terrific place to see mule deer. There are over 80 miles of trails at the Chadwick Motorcycle and ATV Use Area for off-roading on a mountain bike, ATV or UTV. This national forest is home to 24 campgrounds. Favorites include Alley Springs Campground near the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Red Bluff Campground, which overlooks Huzzah Creek with stunning views of red bluffs.
Ouachita National Forest is in Oklahoma and Arkansas. All campsites at this 1.8-million-acre national forest are on a first-come basis. If you love to go shooting, head to the Bear Mountain Shooting Range. You can launch for a paddling trip at the Dragover Day Use Area, or the Kerr Memorial Arboretum is a unique place for a hike. There are numerous places to go fishing, including Charlton Recreation Area, which offers shoreline fishing on Walnut Creek. History lovers will want to explore the abandoned Shady Grove Dam. Consider camping at the Charlton Recreation Area, where you will find 46 campsites spread around three loops. Another terrific option is Shady Lake, which has 66 campsites spread around four loops.
While visiting Springfield, leave time to explore the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, covering more than 1.2 million acres in Arkansas. Blanchard Springs Recreation Area is a terrific place to start a visit because they have a visitor center staffed with knowledgeable national forest rangers. Horsehead Lake is a fantastic place to go swimming. Blanchard Springs Cavern is a great place to go caving, and they offer guided tours. If you are looking for free camping opportunities, Sam Throne Recreation Area is a fantastic choice, and you can go hiking and rock climbing near this campground. Paddlers and anglers will want to consider staying at Long Pool Recreation Area on Big Piney River's shores.
