Ward’s Creekside Campground

Ward’s Creekside Campground, formerly known as The Water's Edge, offers a unique and rustic outdoor experience nestled along the beautiful Shoal Creek in Joplin, Missouri. Spanning 43 acres of raw Southwest Missouri beauty, this campground provides a scenic backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities, catering to those seeking a connection with nature. Whether you're looking for a peaceful riverside retreat, an adventurous float trip, or a simple spot to set up camp, Ward’s Creekside Campground has been a destination for many who appreciate the natural charm of the region.

The campground’s appeal lies in its direct access to Shoal Creek, a local favorite for its clear waters and recreational opportunities. It’s a place where visitors can unwind by the water, enjoy the tranquility of the natural surroundings, and partake in popular creek activities. While some experiences shared by visitors have highlighted areas needing improvement, the campground's core offering of direct creek access and a relaxed atmosphere continues to attract those looking for an authentic outdoor experience.

Ward’s Creekside Campground is conveniently located at 6614 Old Hwy 71, Joplin, MO 64804, USA. This address places it just south of the main Joplin area, providing easy access for local residents and those traveling from further afield in Missouri or neighboring states. The proximity to Joplin means that essential services, stores, and additional attractions are within a reasonable driving distance, offering a balance between a natural escape and urban convenience.

The campground's location along Old Highway 71 ensures straightforward navigation for visitors. While the setting is designed for an immersive outdoor experience, its accessibility makes it a practical choice for day trips or longer stays. Visitors can easily find their way to the property, which serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of Shoal Creek. It's a prime spot for those looking to enjoy the creek without venturing too far from the amenities that Joplin offers.

Ward’s Creekside Campground offers a range of services designed to facilitate a natural outdoor experience, particularly focusing on access to Shoal Creek and camping provisions. While recent reviews have highlighted some concerns regarding general upkeep, the fundamental services for enjoying the creek remain available.

• RV Camping: Sites available for recreational vehicles, including full hookup options, though specific amp details (30/50 amp) may vary by site.
• Primitive and Improved Tent Camping: Designated areas for both rustic tent camping and sites with some basic amenities like 15 amp electric hookups.
• Day Passes: Allows non-campers access to the creek for swimming, fishing, and general enjoyment of the natural surroundings.
• River Tube Rentals: Inner tubes available for rent to facilitate float trips down Shoal Creek.
• Canoe Rentals: Canoes can be rented for those interested in a paddling experience on the creek.
• Float Trip Services: The campground is a popular location for launching or retrieving kayaks and offers services for float trips, including parking for vehicles at one end of a trip.
• Shower Facilities: Available for campers' convenience, providing a place to refresh.
• Bathroom Facilities: Essential amenities for campers and day visitors.
• Pet Friendly: Welcomes dogs, allowing visitors to bring their beloved pets along for the outdoor adventure.

Ward’s Creekside Campground offers several features and highlights that emphasize its connection to the natural environment and outdoor recreation, particularly centering on Shoal Creek. While the general condition of the grounds has drawn mixed reviews, the natural elements remain a significant draw.

• Shoal Creek Access: The primary highlight is direct and extensive access to Shoal Creek, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and wading.
• Floating Opportunities: The campground is a popular starting or ending point for float trips, with services for tubes and canoes. Many enjoy the roughly 1.5 to 2-hour float trip from Grand Falls to the campground's location.
• Large Camping Spots: Compared to some other campgrounds, Ward’s Creekside Campground is noted for offering generously sized camping spots, including extra wide areas for RVs, providing more space and comfort.
• Natural Shade: Many RV sites are naturally shaded by a plentiful supply of tall trees, offering relief from the sun, although some mature trees have reportedly been cut down.
• Proximity to Grand Falls: Situated just about five minutes by car from Grand Falls, a significant natural landmark, making it convenient for visitors to experience this local attraction.
• Friendly Staff (as noted in some reviews): Some past visitors have highlighted friendly staff who check on campers, contributing to a positive experience.
• Peaceful Environment (as noted in some reviews): Despite some concerns, others have found the atmosphere to be peaceful, contributing to a relaxing outdoor stay.
• Outdoor Activities: Beyond floating, fishing is a popular pastime, and the general natural setting encourages wildlife viewing.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information regarding Ward’s Creekside Campground, visitors can utilize the following contact details:

Address: 6614 Old Hwy 71, Joplin, MO 64804, USA

While a direct phone number for Ward's Creekside Campground was not consistently available across recent public information, general inquiries for campgrounds in the Joplin area or those listed under "Undercliff Campground" at the same address may sometimes be reached at: (417) 623-5441. It is recommended to verify the current contact method and operational status before planning a visit, especially given the varying reviews regarding management and conditions.

Ward’s Creekside Campground offers a unique proposition for locals in Missouri, particularly those in the Joplin area, seeking an accessible outdoor escape centered around water activities. Its primary appeal lies in its direct access to Shoal Creek, a beloved natural resource for swimming, fishing, tubing, and canoeing. For many Missourians, especially during warmer months, the opportunity to cool off and recreate in the creek without extensive travel is a significant draw.

While recent customer feedback has indicated a decline in the campground's overall upkeep and management, it's essential for potential visitors to weigh these concerns against the fundamental offering. For those prioritizing direct water access and a more rustic, less developed camping experience, Ward’s Creekside Campground can still serve as a convenient local option. Its large camping spots, noted in some reviews, provide ample space, which can be a valuable feature for families or groups. The potential for a peaceful environment, as experienced by some past visitors, suggests that with the right expectations, it can still provide an enjoyable, if rugged, outdoor adventure close to home.

The campground's history and its past reputation as a friendly and peaceful spot, coupled with its consistent offering of float trip services and proximity to Grand Falls, mean it holds a certain nostalgic appeal and functional utility for creek enthusiasts. For locals, it represents an easily reachable natural setting for a quick day trip or a casual overnight stay to engage with the natural beauty of Shoal Creek, a defining feature of the Joplin landscape. Visitors are encouraged to consider current reviews and potentially contact the campground directly to ascertain the most up-to-date conditions before planning their trip.

Ward’s Creekside Campground

6614 Old Hwy 71, Joplin, MO 64804, USA