Montauk Campground

Book an RV in Dent County, and you are one step closer to the vacation of your dreams. Start this epic vacation by pointing your home-on-wheels toward Sunklands Conservation Area, which was designated as a natural area in 1980. This area is a pattern of sinkholes where the underlying rock has dissolved, causing the surface area to collapse. The area looks like a typical valley, but it is one of the largest sinkholes in the state. Boyds Creek and the Current River run through the area, and there are tree stands of oak, hickory, and pine, among other tree species.

Gist Ranch Conservation Area, near Summersville, was privately owned before being purchased by the Conservation Department and designated as a refuge. The area is made up of several different ecosystems like fens (which are wetlands with small springs) and small glades that have savanna around their perimeter. There are trails in this park for hiking and cycling, and camping is allowed. You can enjoy wildlife observation as there are deer, turkey, and quail, among other species; many of the resident wildlife forage in the glades on a diverse supply of flora. Hunting and fishing are also allowed, and there is a shooting range that accommodates archery, shotguns, rifles, and pistols.

Indian Trail Conservation Area was originally the site of an iron company that shut down after depleting the area's timber resources; it was replaced by private owners who used the land for grazing their livestock and finally sold to the state for environmental purposes. The property is a kaleidoscope of tree stands, glades, and savanna, with outcrops and ledges of dolomite appearing randomly. There are trails throughout the park, and one of them was formerly the Trail of Tears; it is marked in places by plaques and markers explaining the trail's significance. The park was restored by the Civilian Conservation Corps after being designated; the Corps replanted trees, constructed a pond, and built the access roads that still exist. You can come here to enjoy camping, bird watching, fishing, and hunting. It also has a shooting range.

Once you've had your fill of the outdoors, you should spend some time experiencing the local culture while camping at Montauk Campground. Salem is half an hour's drive north of the campground and has several urban parks where you can relax while enjoying the scenery; it has several museums dedicated to the local nature and geography, a municipal pool, and historical landmarks. One of the monuments, Bo's Hollow, is a replica of a 1930's village and is complete in every detail. You can walk through the landmark at your own pace, enjoying everything it has to offer, including authentic barbecue, beef jerky, and a gift store.

Houston is another small town with historical and cultural importance. During the Civil War, Houston was occasionally guarded by the 5th Missouri State Militia; today, the town has several structures that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has urban parks and a substantial restaurant industry with a blend of commercial chain and locally owned establishments. One of the commercial venues is a drive-in.

Rent an RV near Montauk State Park, and you can enjoy fishing, hiking, nature observation, culture, history, and almost anything else you can think of.