Highway K Campground

highway k campground, highway k campground photos

For Missourians craving refreshing river adventures and a serene natural escape, Highway K Campground in Annapolis offers an ideal blend of outdoor excitement and peaceful relaxation. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground is strategically located on the clear waters of the Black River, providing direct access to one of the region's most popular floating and swimming destinations. It’s a place where the sounds of the river replace city noise, and the convenience of well-maintained facilities meets the beauty of the Ozark Foothills.

The Black River and its surroundings are a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts in Missouri, offering ample opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Highway K Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring these aquatic wonders, while also providing a comfortable and family-friendly environment. Despite its popularity, particularly on warm summer weekends, the campground aims to provide a pleasant and well-serviced experience for its visitors. If you’re a local Missourian looking for a convenient, active, yet relaxing spot to enjoy the state’s natural waterways, Highway K Campground is a destination worth exploring. This article will provide a detailed overview of what makes Highway K Campground a great choice for your next Missouri outdoor adventure.

Highway K Campground is situated at Co Rd 452, Annapolis, MO 63620, USA. This places it in Iron County, within the scenic Ozark region of Southeastern Missouri, directly on the beautiful Black River. Its designation as "Highway K Park" often refers to the broader recreation area that includes the campground and day-use access to the river.

Accessibility to Highway K Campground is relatively straightforward for Missouri residents. From Annapolis, you typically follow MO Highway K west for approximately 5 miles, and the park will be found on your left, with facilities on both sides of the bridge. This location provides convenient access to various points of interest in the region. It's notably close to some of Missouri's most famous natural attractions, including Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Elephant Rocks State Park, and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, all of which make for excellent day trips within a reasonable driving distance. While the area can become bustling on hot summer weekends due to its popularity for river access, its general accessibility via state routes ensures a relatively easy journey for campers bringing RVs or trailers.

Highway K Campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, provides a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable and functional camping experience, catering to both RV and tent campers.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a total of 83 sites. Many of these sites come with electric hookups (30-amp service), and some sites also include water hookups. There is at least one designated tent-only site, but RV sites can also accommodate tents. Sites are designed to be roomy and well-kept.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available on-site for RV and trailer waste disposal, ensuring a hygienic departure.
• Hot Showers and Flush Toilets: The campground provides hot showers and flush toilet buildings, which are generally maintained in good condition, offering a comfortable amenity for campers. There are also privy (outhouse) facilities.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, facilitating outdoor dining and traditional campfire experiences.
• Day Use Area: "K-Bridge" also functions as a day-use area, allowing visitors to drive onto a beach area along the river's edge for parking and swimming. This shared space contributes to the lively atmosphere, though it can become busy.
• On-Site Store and Floating Device Rentals: While not detailed, reviews mention "Friendly's service at the store" and "rafts and other floating devices in good shape," indicating an on-site convenience store and rentals for river activities.
• Float Trip Pick-up Service: One of the key services highlighted is the "on-time pick up by bus driver from river" provided by canoe outfitters, indicating that transportation for float trips is efficiently managed from the campground. Jeff's Canoe Rentals is one such outfitter located near Highway K Bridge.
• Reservations: All sites are reservable and can be booked up to 6 months in advance, providing planning flexibility, especially for popular weekends.
• Public Phone: A public phone is available on-site, a useful amenity in more rural areas.

Highway K Campground's primary highlights revolve around its direct access to the Black River and its integration into the vibrant recreational opportunities of the surrounding Ozark region.

• Direct Black River Access: The most significant feature is its location directly on the Black River, offering immediate access for swimming, wading, fishing, and floating activities. The crystal-clear water is a major draw.
• Popular Floating Destination: Being a key hub for outfitters like Jeff's Canoe Rentals, the campground is ideal for those planning canoe, kayak, or raft trips down the Black River. The organized pick-up services make this highly convenient.
• Large Swimming Beach Area: The day-use area provides a large swimming beach with ample space, though it can get very crowded on hot summer weekends.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Despite potential for crowds, the presence of a playground and the general atmosphere of families enjoying the river makes it a welcoming place for those with children.
• Proximity to State Parks: Campers are within a short drive of several iconic Missouri State Parks:
  • Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: Known for its unique geological formations where the Black River flows through ancient volcanic rock, creating natural waterslides and pools.
  • Elephant Rocks State Park: Features giant, spherical granite boulders, offering a unique landscape for exploration.
  • Taum Sauk Mountain State Park: Home to Missouri's highest point and Mina Sauk Falls, the state's tallest waterfall.
• Scenic Drives and Natural Beauty: The surrounding area of the Ozark Foothills provides lush, wooded landscapes and opportunities for scenic drives. Campsites themselves are described as being in a "lush, wooded area of mixed hardwoods."
• Well-Maintained Facilities (Generally): Reviews often praise the good condition of showers and the overall cleanliness of the services, reflecting the efforts of the US Army Corps of Engineers.

To inquire about camping at Highway K Campground, which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Clearwater Lake, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Co Rd 452, Annapolis, MO 63620, USA (often listed more specifically as 5347 County Road 452, Annapolis, MO 63620)

Gatehouse Phone: (573) 562-7343 (also listed as 573-558-2202 for Highway K Gatehouse)

Clearwater Lake Project Office Phone: (573) 223-7777

For reservations, it is highly recommended to use the official recreation.gov website (search for "Highway K Campground, Clearwater Lake") or call the national reservation line at (877) 444-6777. Given its popularity, especially during peak season, booking in advance is advisable. For specific park information or current conditions, contacting the gatehouse or the Clearwater Lake Project Office directly is recommended.

For Missouri residents, Highway K Campground offers a highly suitable and exciting option for their next outdoor adventure, particularly for those drawn to river activities and exploring the unique natural beauty of the Ozarks. Its convenient location in Annapolis, directly on the Black River, means a relatively short and straightforward drive from many parts of the state, allowing more time for recreation and less time spent traveling.

What makes Highway K Campground especially appealing to locals is its direct access to the clear waters of the Black River, a prime spot for floating, swimming, and fishing. The presence of on-site outfitters for canoes, kayaks, and rafts, complete with convenient pick-up services, makes planning a float trip incredibly easy and hassle-free. This means Missourians can truly immerse themselves in one of their state's most beloved pastimes. The campground’s well-maintained facilities, including hot showers and flush toilets, provide essential comforts that enhance the outdoor experience.

Furthermore, its proximity to iconic Missouri State Parks like Johnson's Shut-Ins and Elephant Rocks offers fantastic opportunities for day trips, allowing families and outdoor enthusiasts to combine their camping trip with explorations of truly unique geological formations and hiking trails. While the day-use area can get busy, it reflects the campground's popularity and offers a lively, communal atmosphere for enjoying the river. The ability to reserve sites up to six months in advance provides the necessary planning flexibility for popular summer weekends. By choosing Highway K Campground, Missourians are not just finding a place to camp; they are securing a direct entry point to thrilling river adventures and memorable family fun within the stunning landscapes of their home state.

Highway K Campground

Co Rd 452, Annapolis, MO 63620, USA