Campground










Campground Overview
Rating
Address Excello, MO 65247, USA
Hours
Campground Location & Map
Campground About
For Missourians seeking a tranquil and well-maintained spot to enjoy the great outdoors, the Campground in Excello, MO, located on the serene Thomas Hill Reservoir, presents a wonderful option. This isn't a sprawling commercial park, but rather a more intimate and cherished spot, known for its cleanliness and the dedication put into its upkeep. It offers a refreshing escape where the focus is on simple pleasures: a quiet environment, easy access to a pleasant lake, and the comforts of well-equipped campsites.
While it may not be a "big lake," the charm of this campground lies precisely in its understated beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors consistently praise its maintenance and the thoughtful amenities provided at each site, such as canopies, fire rings, and tables. It's a place that, despite being "extremely busy on weekends," manages to maintain a welcoming and clean environment. For those who prioritize a quiet getaway and a chance to unwind by the water, this campground offers a true slice of Missouri peace. It's perfect for tent campers and those with smaller RVs looking for a well-kept, no-frills, yet highly enjoyable camping experience right here in our beautiful state.
The Campground is ideally situated in Excello, MO 65247, USA, directly on the shores of Thomas Hill Reservoir. This location places it within north-central Missouri, offering a convenient escape for residents from various parts of the state, including those from Kansas City or St. Louis who are willing to make the scenic drive. Excello itself is a small community, ensuring that the surrounding area maintains a peaceful, rural charm, which contributes significantly to the campground's quiet appeal.
Accessibility to the campground is generally straightforward via Missouri's state and county roads. While Excello is not a major metropolitan hub, it is a recognized location, and visitors should find the drive to be relatively simple. The specific address, "Excello, MO 65247, USA," indicates it's a known point of interest within the area. Once you arrive in the vicinity, signage should guide you to the campground entrance.
Given its rural setting, campers should plan to arrive well-prepared with all necessary supplies, as immediate access to large grocery stores or extensive services might require a short drive to nearby towns like Marceline or Macon. However, the campground's focus on tranquility means that its slightly secluded location is a feature, not a bug. It allows campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Thomas Hill Reservoir. Its direct waterfront access and easy road approach make it a practical choice for Missouri locals seeking a relaxed, lakeside camping trip without extensive travel complexities.
- Campsites: The campground offers 10 designated sites available for camping.
- Canopies: Each of the 10 sites is equipped with a canopy, providing shade and shelter, which is a significant amenity.
- Fire Rings: Every site includes a fire ring for campfires, perfect for cooking or enjoying evenings by the fire.
- Picnic Tables: Each site also comes with a picnic table for outdoor dining and gathering.
- Handicapped Accessible Site: At least one site is designated as handicapped accessible, ensuring inclusivity.
- Dumpsters On-Site: Convenient dumpsters are available for waste disposal, helping to keep the campground clean.
- Potable Water: Potable (drinking) water is available, typically located near the maintenance buildings. Campers may need to carry water to their individual sites.
- Full Hookups (for some sites): While the reviews mention "small sites, not suitable for large RVs," other public information for "Lodder Up & Camp Thomas Hill" (which shares the Excello address) indicates "full hook-ups" with 120V, 30A, and 50A. This suggests there might be a mix of site types, or the reviews refer to specific areas, but full hookups are generally available for some RVs.
- Free WiFi: Public information for Lodder Up & Camp Marceline and Thomas Hill indicates Free WiFi, which is a modern convenience for campers.
- Laundromat: A laundromat is listed as a facility for "Lodder Up & Camp Marceline," which might also apply to the Thomas Hill location, although not explicitly confirmed for the Excello campground in the primary reviews.
- Shower House and Restrooms: Public information for "Lodder Up & Camp Marceline" includes "Shower house and restrooms for our campers." While the primary review only mentions "clean, well maintained" facilities, this suggests the presence of modern restrooms and potentially showers.
- Boat Parking: Sites are described as having "plenty of room for boat parking," a great feature for those bringing watercraft.
- Vending Machine: Public information from a related campground suggests vending machines might be available.
- Children's Playground: Public information from a related campground suggests a playground might be available.
- Clean and Well-Maintained: A top highlight, consistently praised by visitors, is the campground's exceptional cleanliness and meticulous maintenance. This ensures a pleasant and comfortable stay for all.
- Peaceful Lakeside Setting: The campground is situated on a "nice and quiet" lake (Thomas Hill Reservoir), offering a serene environment for relaxation and enjoyment of the water.
- Thoughtful Site Amenities: Each of the 10 sites comes equipped with a canopy for shade, a fire ring for campfires, and a picnic table, providing essential comforts for a complete camping experience.
- Intimate Size: With only 10 sites, the campground offers a more intimate and less crowded feel compared to larger parks, fostering a sense of community among campers.
- Privacy Between Sites: Despite being "pretty small sites," the layout ensures that campers are "not on top of your neighbors," providing a decent level of personal space.
- Handicapped Accessibility: The presence of at least one handicapped-accessible site demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity.
- Direct Water Access: Being on Thomas Hill Reservoir offers direct access for fishing, boating, and enjoying lake activities.
- Excellent for Smaller Rigs/Tents: While not ideal for very large RVs, it's perfectly suited for tent campers and smaller recreational vehicles, catering to a significant segment of the camping community.
- Quiet Evenings: The atmosphere is notably quiet, especially in the evenings, allowing for peaceful stargazing and undisturbed relaxation.
- Proximity to Lake Activities: The lake, though not "big," is well-suited for leisure and fishing. Thomas Hill Reservoir is known for fishing, offering opportunities to catch various species.
- Homestead Feel: The personal attention from the management, ensuring quiet and a lack of disturbance, contributes to a very comfortable and secure feeling for campers.
Based on the provided information, the Campground in Excello, MO (which appears to be associated with or operated as part of "Lodder Up & Camp" locations) offers a clear and competitive pricing structure rather than frequent, fluctuating promotions. The focus seems to be on providing consistent value for a well-maintained and amenity-rich experience.
Current pricing details available for the related "Lodder Up & Camp Thomas Hill" location, which aligns with the Excello address, indicate the following:
- Back-in Sites: $35 per night
- Weekly Rate: $185 per week for all sites
- Monthly Rate: $500 per month for all sites
These rates already present a significant saving for those planning longer stays, with the weekly rate effectively making one night free, and the monthly rate offering substantial savings compared to daily or weekly bookings.
An important note regarding booking is that while online booking is available, there may be "up to a 10% processing fee." Campers should factor this into their budget when planning.
While not traditional "promotions," these transparent and affordable multi-night rates serve as a valuable offer for Missouri locals looking for an extended, budget-friendly camping trip. Given the positive reviews about cleanliness and amenities, these prices offer excellent value. For the most up-to-date pricing and to confirm any other potential offers or specific booking details, it is always recommended to check the official website or contact the campground directly.
To learn more about the Campground in Excello, MO, inquire about site availability, or make a reservation, you can typically find contact information through the associated management or booking platforms. While the primary review itself doesn't provide a direct phone number, information from related sources (like "Lodder Up & Camp" which has listings for Excello) can be used.
- Address: Excello, MO 65247, USA (This is the primary mailing/physical address for the campground)
As specific direct phone contact details were not universally provided with the given information, it's highly recommended that interested individuals search online for "Lodder Up & Camp Thomas Hill" or "Campground Excello MO" to find their official website. Websites for such campgrounds usually provide:
- Online booking portals
- Contact forms or email addresses
- Potentially a direct phone number for reservations or inquiries.
This direct approach will ensure you receive the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reservations, current site availability, and any specific questions you may have about amenities or policies.
For Missouri locals, the Campground in Excello, MO, particularly its serene setting on Thomas Hill Reservoir, offers an exceptionally appealing option for a peaceful and convenient getaway right in our own state. Its suitability stems from several key aspects that resonate with what many Missourians seek in a camping experience.
Firstly, the campground's standout feature is its impeccable cleanliness and how "well maintained" it is. This attention to detail immediately puts campers at ease, allowing them to relax and enjoy their surroundings without concerns about upkeep. The thoughtful provision of canopies, fire rings, and picnic tables at each of the 10 sites ensures that every visitor has essential comforts for a complete outdoor experience, ready for immediate use. This makes it an incredibly easy and inviting destination, especially for those looking for a hassle-free trip.
Secondly, the intimate size of the campground, with just 10 sites, fosters a quiet and more personal atmosphere. Even though it can be "extremely busy on weekends," the design ensures that campers are "not on top of your neighbors," providing a valued sense of privacy and space. This intimate setting is ideal for individuals, couples, or small families seeking a tranquil retreat, away from the boisterous crowds often found at larger parks. The emphasis on "quiet time" is a significant draw for locals looking to truly de-stress and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Finally, its prime location on Thomas Hill Reservoir offers direct access to a "nice" lake, perfect for fishing, leisurely boating, or simply enjoying the calming presence of water. While it may not be a massive lake, its charm lies in its tranquility, making it superb for those who prefer calm waters over bustling aquatic activity. This combination of well-kept amenities, a peaceful environment, and direct lake access at an affordable price makes this Campground in Excello a hidden gem and a perfect fit for any Missouri local eager for a clean, quiet, and enjoyable lakeside camping adventure close to home.
Customer Reviews
Wonderful place! Clean, well maintained. 10 sites with canopies, fire rings, & tables. ( 1 is handicapped) dumpsters on site. Potable water by maintenance buildings. Pretty small sites, not suitable for large RVs. Extremely busy on weekends!!
Nice and quiet it's not a big lake but it's nice here and I love it here, the only thing I could do without is homeless lady keeps coming around and trying to make this her 2nd home, I want my quiet time not being bothered by no one. I have plenty begging where I live unfortunately. I don't mind helping a little bit, but usually you can't get rid of them after you did it once.
Very pleasant free campground on a nice lake. No electricity but it has water and multiple fairly nice pit toilets. Also multiple boat ramps. I was there on a Sunday in spring and there were a few families during the day hanging our and having fun, but only two or three other groups spent the night. I suspect, as others mention, it might get louder on summer weekends, but since I'm retired, this will be one of my regular mid-week campgrounds/lake kayaking spots.
Wonderful free campground. Bathrooms and fresh water. Loved it here. Plenty of sights and att service.
Amazing free campground. Can't believe this is free. Other states and towns need to take note. This is how it's done!
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