RV Parks In Marshall, Missouri
39.1231° N, 93.1969° W
Quick Overview
Marshall sits in the rolling farm country of Saline County, right in the Great Bend of the Missouri River between Columbia and Kansas City. For RVers, this is quieter, less-trafficked ground than the Ozarks to the south, and the camping here leans toward state parks rather than big commercial resorts. That suits travelers who want space, birdsong and history over pools and arcades. Two Missouri State Parks do the heavy lifting, and both sit within a short drive of town.
Van Meter State Park, about 12 miles northwest, spreads across 1,105 acres at the historic bend of the river. It offers basic and electric campsites with modern restrooms, showers and water, plus a dump station, and full services run April through October. The park is best known for its Old Fort earthworks, an 18-acre fishing lake and a cultural center telling the story of Missouri's American Indian nations. Rigs up to mid-size fit comfortably, though the sites feel more rural than resort.
For larger RVs, Arrow Rock State Historic Site about 13 miles northeast is the stronger pick. It has 12 basic sites, 34 electric sites with 30 and 50-amp service, and a single full-hookup site with sewer, electric and water, plus pull-through and ADA options. Arrow Rock doubles as a restored 1800s Missouri River town with historic buildings and dining, so you get a walkable destination attached to your campsite.
Private RV park options directly in Marshall are thin, so most travelers reserve a state-park site rather than counting on a full-hookup RV resort in town. Both parks book through the Missouri State Parks system, and you can reserve up to 12 months ahead, which matters for holiday weekends. Access is easy: US-65 and US-40 run flat and open through the area, and I-70 is roughly 20 miles south, so getting a big rig in and out is straightforward. If you like history, water and open Missouri sky without the crowds, Marshall makes a relaxed one to three night stop, or a longer base for exploring the river valley.
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Gear for Your Trip to Marshall
All Dump Stations Near Marshall
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeview Home Community | 0.7 mi | 3.9 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Happy Times Campground, Llc | 1.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Marshall Estates Mobile Home Park | 1.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Marshall Estates Mobile Home Park | 1.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Eastwood Trailer Park | 1.2 mi | 3.0 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Harriman Hill Access | 18.8 mi | 4.3 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Stump Island Recreation Park | 19.8 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Popatop2 Campground | 20.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| River Side Kampground | 21.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lincoln Lake RV Park And Campground | 22.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Lakeview Home Community
0.7 miHappy Times Campground, Llc
1.1 miMarshall Estates Mobile Home Park
1.1 miMarshall Estates Mobile Home Park
1.1 miEastwood Trailer Park
1.2 miHarriman Hill Access
18.8 miStump Island Recreation Park
19.8 miPopatop2 Campground
20.9 miRiver Side Kampground
21.0 miLincoln Lake RV Park And Campground
22.7 miTraveling to Marshall by RV
Marshall is reached most easily off US-65, which runs north-south through Saline County, and US-40, the old cross-state route. Interstate 70, the main east-west corridor between St. Louis and Kansas City, passes about 20 miles south near Boonville, so most RVers drop off I-70 and run north on state highways into town. These are flat, open farm roads with good sightlines and no significant grades or low clearances, which makes them comfortable for towables and big Class A coaches alike.
Fuel, groceries and propane are all available in Marshall itself, and you should top off here because the two state parks sit out in rural country with limited services nearby. Columbia is about 55 miles east and Kansas City roughly 90 miles west, so Marshall works well as a midpoint stop when you are crossing Missouri. The drive out to Van Meter and Arrow Rock is short but on two-lane county roads, so take it slow with a heavy rig.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Marshall, Missouri, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Marshall
Camping around Marshall is genuinely affordable because you are staying in state parks rather than premium RV resorts. Basic Missouri State Park sites at Van Meter run roughly $15 a night, electric sites climb into the low-to-mid $20s, and Arrow Rock's sites range from about $15 for basic up to around $33 for the full-hookup site. Those rates are well below what you would pay at a full-service private resort in a tourist town, which is part of the appeal of this stretch of Missouri.
Budget a small reservation fee on top of the nightly rate when you book online, and factor in that you will fuel and provision in Marshall since the parks sit out in the country. There are no resort surcharges, no metered electric and no pool fees here, so your real costs are the site, firewood if you want it, and any state historic-site attractions you choose to add at Arrow Rock. For a low-cost, low-key Missouri River stop, it is hard to beat.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Marshall
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Best Time to Visit Marshall by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
23F - 42F
Crowds: Low
State-park water and showers are shut off November through March, so plan on dry camping. Cold snaps bring ice and occasional snow. You will likely have the parks nearly to yourself.
Spring
Mar - May
46F - 68F
Crowds: Medium
Green, pretty and increasingly busy on weekends as services come back online around April 15. Watch for severe thunderstorms and the occasional tornado warning April through June.
Summer
Jun - Aug
68F - 88F
Crowds: High
Hot and humid with afternoon storms. Weekends fill up, especially around holidays, so reserve ahead. Full services are running and the fishing lake is popular.
Fall
Sep - Oct
46F - 70F
Crowds: Medium
The best all-around window: crisp mornings, fall color, fewer bugs and good availability midweek. Services still run through October before the winter shutoff.
Explore the Marshall Area
Fill your fuel and fresh-water tanks in Marshall before heading to either state park, since the rural sites have limited on-site services and the nearest full-service stores are back in town. Remember that Van Meter's water, showers and dump station only operate from mid-April through October, so a shoulder-season or winter trip means dry camping. If you are running a larger rig, aim for Arrow Rock rather than Van Meter, and grab the single full-hookup site early because it goes fast.
Reserve through the Missouri State Parks system rather than showing up cold on a summer weekend, especially around holidays when you can book up to a year out. Birders should bring binoculars for Van Meter, which records well over 200 species. And if you appreciate history, plan a half-day to walk Arrow Rock's restored 1800s village and grab a meal there. Spring brings severe-storm risk, so keep an eye on the sky and know where the bathhouse or a solid building is.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Marshall
What are the best RV parks near Marshall, MO?
The two reliable choices are both Missouri State Parks. Van Meter State Park, about 12 miles northwest, offers basic and electric campsites on 1,105 acres with a fishing lake, showers and a dump station from April through October. Arrow Rock State Historic Site, about 13 miles northeast, has 34 electric sites, one full-hookup site and pull-through options, and it doubles as a restored 1800s river town. Private full-service RV resorts in Marshall itself are limited, so most RVers reserve one of these state-park campgrounds rather than expecting an in-town RV park with a pool and clubhouse.
Do the campgrounds near Marshall have full hookups?
Full hookups are limited around Marshall. Arrow Rock State Historic Site has a single full-hookup site with sewer, electric and water, plus 34 electric sites offering 30 and 50-amp service. Van Meter State Park provides basic and electric sites with a central dump station rather than sewer at each site. If you specifically need sewer at your pad, book Arrow Rock's full-hookup site early because there is only one. Otherwise, plan to use the dump station on your way out. Both parks have modern restrooms and showers available during the April-to-October service season.
How do I reserve a campsite near Marshall?
Both Van Meter and Arrow Rock book through the Missouri State Parks reservation system online at icampmo1.usedirect.com or by phone at 877-422-6766 (877-ICampMO). Missouri recently expanded the booking window so you can now reserve up to 12 months in advance, which is worth using for summer holiday weekends when sites fill. Midweek in spring and fall you can often find first-come availability, particularly for Van Meter's basic sites. Reservations require payment at booking, and there is a small reservation fee added to the nightly rate. Check the current service dates before a shoulder-season trip.
Are the parks near Marshall big-rig friendly?
Arrow Rock State Historic Site is the better bet for larger RVs because it has pull-through sites, 50-amp electric and ADA-accessible sites designed to handle bigger coaches. Van Meter State Park is more rural and its sites suit small to mid-size rigs better than a 40-foot Class A. The roads in are flat, open farm highways with good sightlines and no significant grades or low clearances, so getting a big rig to either park is not the problem, the site dimensions are. Call ahead to confirm site length if you are running something long, and request a pull-through when you book.
When is the best time to RV in Marshall?
Fall, roughly September through October, is the sweet spot: crisp mornings, fall color, fewer bugs and easy midweek availability, with park services still running before the winter shutoff. Late spring is a close second once the weather warms and water is turned back on around April 15. Summer is warm, humid and busy on weekends with afternoon thunderstorms, so reserve ahead. Winter is quiet and cheap but water and showers are shut off from November through March, meaning you will be dry camping in the cold. Pick fall if you want the easiest all-around experience.
Can I camp near Marshall in winter?
You can, but plan for dry camping. Missouri State Parks shut off water, showers and dump-station service at Van Meter and Arrow Rock from November through March, so your rig needs to be self-contained with full fresh-water and empty holding tanks. Winters here bring cold snaps, occasional ice and snow, so protect your plumbing and carry a way to stay warm off shore power if the electric sites are limited. The upside is near-total solitude and the lowest rates of the year. If you need reliable hookups and hot showers, wait until services return in April.
Are there free or boondocking options around Marshall?
Not really. Saline County is farm country, so there is little public land for dispersed or free camping close to Marshall, and the two state parks are the practical camping options. You will not find the sprawling national-forest or BLM boondocking you get out West. If you are trying to camp cheaply, the Missouri State Park basic sites at around $15 a night are your best value. Always camp in a designated site rather than pulling off on rural roadsides or private farmland, and reserve through the state system so you have a guaranteed, legal spot for the night.
What is there to do near Marshall while camping?
The area rewards RVers who like history and the outdoors. Van Meter State Park has an 18-acre fishing lake, hiking trails through the Loess Hills, the Old Fort American Indian earthworks and a cultural center. Arrow Rock is a fully restored 1800s Missouri River town where you can walk historic streets, tour buildings and grab a meal. In Marshall itself, Indian Foothills Park offers a lake, trails and disc golf. Birders do well throughout the area, with more than 200 species recorded at Van Meter. Columbia, about 55 miles east, adds shopping, dining and college-town energy for a day trip.
Is there a dump station near Marshall?
Yes. Both state parks operate dump stations during their April-through-October service season. Van Meter State Park has a dump station along with its restrooms and showers, and Arrow Rock State Historic Site provides one as well. Because sewer hookups at individual sites are rare here, most RVers use the central dump station on the way out of the park. Outside the April-to-October window these services are shut off, so during winter you will need to dump elsewhere before or after your stay. Plan your tank capacity accordingly if you are visiting in the colder months when facilities are closed.
How far is Marshall from the interstate?
Marshall sits about 20 miles north of Interstate 70, the main east-west route across Missouri between St. Louis and Kansas City. Most RVers exit I-70 near Boonville or the Marshall Junction area and run north on US-65 into town. US-40, the historic cross-state highway, also serves the area. These connecting roads are flat, open and easy for big rigs, with no steep grades or low bridges to worry about. The short hop off the interstate makes Marshall a convenient overnight or two-night stop if you are crossing the state and want something quieter than a highway RV park.
Do I need to book state-park sites far in advance?
For summer weekends and holidays, yes. Missouri lets you reserve up to 12 months ahead, and popular electric sites at both parks fill for July 4th, Labor Day and other holiday weekends. For midweek stays in spring and fall you can often walk up or book a few days out, and Van Meter's basic sites frequently have first-come availability. Arrow Rock's single full-hookup site is the one to grab early no matter the season because there is only one. When in doubt, book online through the Missouri State Parks system so you are not gambling on availability after a long drive.
What should I stock up on before leaving Marshall for the parks?
Marshall has fuel, groceries and propane, and you should top off all of it before heading out because both state parks sit in rural country with limited nearby services. Fill your fresh-water tank too, especially if you are visiting outside the April-to-October service window when park water is shut off. Grab firewood, ice and any groceries in town rather than expecting a well-stocked camp store at the parks. Cell coverage is decent but not guaranteed deep in the parks, so download maps and reservation confirmations ahead of time. A little provisioning in Marshall makes the rural stay much smoother.
Are pets allowed at the campgrounds near Marshall?
Yes, both Van Meter State Park and Arrow Rock State Historic Site welcome leashed pets at campsites and on most trails, which is standard for Missouri State Parks. Keep dogs leashed, clean up after them, and never leave them unattended at your site, particularly in summer heat when temperatures inside a closed rig climb fast. Some buildings and swim areas may be off-limits to pets, so check posted signage. The open trails at Van Meter and the walkable historic streets of Arrow Rock both make for good dog walks. Bring proof of vaccination and plenty of water for your animals on hot days.
What are the best RV parks near Marshall, MO?
The two reliable choices are both Missouri State Parks. Van Meter State Park, about 12 miles northwest, offers basic and electric campsites on 1,105 acres with a fishing lake, showers and a dump station from April through October. Arrow Rock State Historic Site, about 13 miles northeast, has 34 electric sites, one full-hookup site and pull-through options, and it doubles as a restored 1800s river town. Private full-service RV resorts in Marshall itself are limited, so most RVers reserve one of these state-park campgrounds rather than expecting an in-town RV park with a pool and clubhouse.
Do the campgrounds near Marshall have full hookups?
Full hookups are limited around Marshall. Arrow Rock State Historic Site has a single full-hookup site with sewer, electric and water, plus 34 electric sites offering 30 and 50-amp service. Van Meter State Park provides basic and electric sites with a central dump station rather than sewer at each site. If you specifically need sewer at your pad, book Arrow Rock's full-hookup site early because there is only one. Otherwise, plan to use the dump station on your way out. Both parks have modern restrooms and showers available during the April-to-October service season.
How do I reserve a campsite near Marshall?
Both Van Meter and Arrow Rock book through the Missouri State Parks reservation system online at icampmo1.usedirect.com or by phone at 877-422-6766 (877-ICampMO). Missouri recently expanded the booking window so you can now reserve up to 12 months in advance, which is worth using for summer holiday weekends when sites fill. Midweek in spring and fall you can often find first-come availability, particularly for Van Meter's basic sites. Reservations require payment at booking, and there is a small reservation fee added to the nightly rate. Check the current service dates before a shoulder-season trip.
Are the parks near Marshall big-rig friendly?
Arrow Rock State Historic Site is the better bet for larger RVs because it has pull-through sites, 50-amp electric and ADA-accessible sites designed to handle bigger coaches. Van Meter State Park is more rural and its sites suit small to mid-size rigs better than a 40-foot Class A. The roads in are flat, open farm highways with good sightlines and no significant grades or low clearances, so getting a big rig to either park is not the problem, the site dimensions are. Call ahead to confirm site length if you are running something long, and request a pull-through when you book.
When is the best time to RV in Marshall?
Fall, roughly September through October, is the sweet spot: crisp mornings, fall color, fewer bugs and easy midweek availability, with park services still running before the winter shutoff. Late spring is a close second once the weather warms and water is turned back on around April 15. Summer is warm, humid and busy on weekends with afternoon thunderstorms, so reserve ahead. Winter is quiet and cheap but water and showers are shut off from November through March, meaning you will be dry camping in the cold. Pick fall if you want the easiest all-around experience.
Can I camp near Marshall in winter?
You can, but plan for dry camping. Missouri State Parks shut off water, showers and dump-station service at Van Meter and Arrow Rock from November through March, so your rig needs to be self-contained with full fresh-water and empty holding tanks. Winters here bring cold snaps, occasional ice and snow, so protect your plumbing and carry a way to stay warm off shore power if the electric sites are limited. The upside is near-total solitude and the lowest rates of the year. If you need reliable hookups and hot showers, wait until services return in April.
Are there free or boondocking options around Marshall?
Not really. Saline County is farm country, so there is little public land for dispersed or free camping close to Marshall, and the two state parks are the practical camping options. You will not find the sprawling national-forest or BLM boondocking you get out West. If you are trying to camp cheaply, the Missouri State Park basic sites at around $15 a night are your best value. Always camp in a designated site rather than pulling off on rural roadsides or private farmland, and reserve through the state system so you have a guaranteed, legal spot for the night.
What is there to do near Marshall while camping?
The area rewards RVers who like history and the outdoors. Van Meter State Park has an 18-acre fishing lake, hiking trails through the Loess Hills, the Old Fort American Indian earthworks and a cultural center. Arrow Rock is a fully restored 1800s Missouri River town where you can walk historic streets, tour buildings and grab a meal. In Marshall itself, Indian Foothills Park offers a lake, trails and disc golf. Birders do well throughout the area, with more than 200 species recorded at Van Meter. Columbia, about 55 miles east, adds shopping, dining and college-town energy for a day trip.
Is there a dump station near Marshall?
Yes. Both state parks operate dump stations during their April-through-October service season. Van Meter State Park has a dump station along with its restrooms and showers, and Arrow Rock State Historic Site provides one as well. Because sewer hookups at individual sites are rare here, most RVers use the central dump station on the way out of the park. Outside the April-to-October window these services are shut off, so during winter you will need to dump elsewhere before or after your stay. Plan your tank capacity accordingly if you are visiting in the colder months when facilities are closed.
How far is Marshall from the interstate?
Marshall sits about 20 miles north of Interstate 70, the main east-west route across Missouri between St. Louis and Kansas City. Most RVers exit I-70 near Boonville or the Marshall Junction area and run north on US-65 into town. US-40, the historic cross-state highway, also serves the area. These connecting roads are flat, open and easy for big rigs, with no steep grades or low bridges to worry about. The short hop off the interstate makes Marshall a convenient overnight or two-night stop if you are crossing the state and want something quieter than a highway RV park.
Do I need to book state-park sites far in advance?
For summer weekends and holidays, yes. Missouri lets you reserve up to 12 months ahead, and popular electric sites at both parks fill for July 4th, Labor Day and other holiday weekends. For midweek stays in spring and fall you can often walk up or book a few days out, and Van Meter's basic sites frequently have first-come availability. Arrow Rock's single full-hookup site is the one to grab early no matter the season because there is only one. When in doubt, book online through the Missouri State Parks system so you are not gambling on availability after a long drive.
What should I stock up on before leaving Marshall for the parks?
Marshall has fuel, groceries and propane, and you should top off all of it before heading out because both state parks sit in rural country with limited nearby services. Fill your fresh-water tank too, especially if you are visiting outside the April-to-October service window when park water is shut off. Grab firewood, ice and any groceries in town rather than expecting a well-stocked camp store at the parks. Cell coverage is decent but not guaranteed deep in the parks, so download maps and reservation confirmations ahead of time. A little provisioning in Marshall makes the rural stay much smoother.
Are pets allowed at the campgrounds near Marshall?
Yes, both Van Meter State Park and Arrow Rock State Historic Site welcome leashed pets at campsites and on most trails, which is standard for Missouri State Parks. Keep dogs leashed, clean up after them, and never leave them unattended at your site, particularly in summer heat when temperatures inside a closed rig climb fast. Some buildings and swim areas may be off-limits to pets, so check posted signage. The open trails at Van Meter and the walkable historic streets of Arrow Rock both make for good dog walks. Bring proof of vaccination and plenty of water for your animals on hot days.
All Dump Stations Near Marshall (59)
RV ParkLakeview Home Community
RV ParkHappy Times Campground, Llc
RV ParkMarshall Estates Mobile Home Park
RV ParkMarshall Estates Mobile Home Park
RV ParkEastwood Trailer Park
RV ParkPopatop2 Campground
RV ParkRiver Side Kampground
RV Park





