Best Tent Camping near Columbia, IL

Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Columbia? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Columbia. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Columbia campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Columbia, IL (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
    • No image available

      2. Sandstone Spring & Camp

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      7 Saves
      Swansea, Illinois

      Tent only camping. Deep in 300 million years old Carboniverous sandstone spring bed valley with fossils. Place to relax & take in the nature of this hidden gem in the city of Belleville, IL. No restrooms. No showers. Swimming in areas of spring is limited to shallow pools. But it is enough to cool you off.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents

      $28 - $38 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Cove

      3. Old Cove

      1 Review
      5 Photos
      8 Saves
      Robertsville, Missouri
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $50 - $75 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
      Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
      Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape
      Camper-submitted photo from Countryside Escape

      4. Countryside Escape

      2 Reviews
      4 Photos
      19 Saves
      Edwardsville, Illinois

      Pick from a variety of spots from the lakeside, to secluded forest, to open field for pitching your tent on this orchard land! This property is open to dispersed camping wherever you prefer. Equipped with fire pits, pond for viewing water fowl, and bathrooms with showers inside the house. This is a great spot to spend the night on your way to or from St. Louis, Chicago or Indianapolis. Close to St Louis and all the fun there! Great biking in the area, hiking at Pere Marquette State Park, and swimming and water sports at Horseshoe Lake State Park. Firewood can be bought on site, grocery, convenience stores, restaurants, fast food and gas stations easy drive of 10-15 min.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $15 - $16 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Hagood Farm and Trails
      Camper-submitted photo from Hagood Farm and Trails
      Camper-submitted photo from Hagood Farm and Trails

      5. Hagood Farm and Trails

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      3 Photos
      7 Saves
      Wappapello Lake, Missouri

      We are a working Longhorn farm with goats, horses donkeys and more. We have over 6 miles of trails and creek to explore. We also have a pond for fishing . We have mountains and valleys with backpack sites as well as site you can drive up to.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Trash

      $27 - $35 / night

      • No image available

        6. Indian Camp Creek Park

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        11 Saves
        Foristell, Missouri

        Indian Camp Creek Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. It is St. Charles County’s largest park with 603 acres, including more than 10 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use. Camping, disc golf, fishing and an inclusive playground are just some of the amenities found there. Situated at the confluence of Big Creek and Indian Camp Creek, fishing is plentiful. A large lake on the property is stocked with bluegill, bass, and catfish.

        History lovers will find the park exciting as well and will want to find their way to the historical Cannon family cemetery. This cemetery has been preserved on park property and has headstones dating back to the early 19th century. Additionally, a "ghost structure" of the original log cabin built in the late 1800s on the site still stands in the park.

        Climb to the top of the restored silo, which serves as an observation tower, and discover the beautiful prairies, vast wooded hills, and protected habit found throughout the park.

        Group camping site is designed for large group activities and can accommodate up to 100 guests or 200 for an additional fee. Eight individual sites also are available. Rental Fee is $75 per weekday night, or $150 for mandatory two-day weekend reservation.

        • Reservable
        • Tents
        • Group
        • Picnic Table

      Recent Tent Reviews in Columbia

      388 Reviews of 6 Columbia Campgrounds


      • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dam East - Mcnair Campground
        Sep. 28, 2024

        Dam East - Mcnair Campground

        Location Great for Travel

        McNair ACE: Tate 4 for cleanliness and stopover location for travels on nearby highway. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

        (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

        Overall Rating: 4 Price 2024: $ 9w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/3 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: no Site Spacing: closer Pad surface: blacktop Reservations: Required Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: no Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: yes Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Nice flush Showers: small private Cell Service (AT&T): 2-3 bars Setting: near lake Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Outside sites are by far the best. 16,17,18 are favorites .

      • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dam East Recreation Area
        Sep. 28, 2024

        Dam East Recreation Area

        GREAT LOCATION for STOPOVER

        East Dam ACE, IL: Not an interesting view from here, but well maintained campground . Quiet.
        (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

        (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

        Overall Rating: 4 for cleanliness and location for travels on nearby highway. Spillway is not particularly pretty. Price 2024: $9 w interagency pass Security: No gate Usage during visit: 60% during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: No Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Required. Can be made upon arrival through rec.gov Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: At nearby ACE campground Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: In adjacent day use area Showers: No. Nearby - check w host. Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: along Kaskasia River/ spillway Recent Weather: 80s Insects: no Host: yes Rig Size: large Sites: Some sites are along the spillway.

      • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Pin Oak RV Park
        Sep. 27, 2024

        Pin Oak RV Park

        Old and shows wear

        This is an older RV park and campground, and the age shows. We spent several nights here due to engine problems with our tow vehicle. The sites are level, and there is plenty of shade. (One advantage of being an older park.) But everything is just a little run down. The sites are gravel and close together do not much privacy. They come with water, sewer & electric. There is a pool (closed when we were there), playground, mini golf, a lake, game room, laundry and a small store with basics. The bathroom and showers were clean, but dated. Not all facilities were in working order. Two of 6 washers were out of service, one bathroom stall was out of order, pot holes in the road. There are also cabins, and RVs available to rent. There is quite a bit of traffic noise from I-44 and there are a lot of excess lights kept on all night long. The staff was friendly and check in was easy. Many of the sites are occupied be semi-permanent residents. They have internet, but it is weak and spotty. Saturday night they had a band making noise for 3 hours!

      • KThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from St. Francois State Park Campground
        Sep. 9, 2024

        St. Francois State Park Campground

        Peaceful

        I stayed from 9/4/24-9/8/24. I stayed in the primitive campground. It was very quiet and peaceful. My site was close to the camp host and the shower house. Shower house was nice with 4 separate showers with locking doors. Water pressure was great and they were clean. There is a handicap shower unit as well that had a bench and hooks and a shelf to keep your things dry. The bathrooms were separate from the showers with 4 locking stalls. These too were kept clean and toilet paper was always full. Four sinks and mirrors and one outlet close to the sinks for hairdryer etc. The grounds were clean and grass was nicely cut. My campsite had a picnic table a campfire with grill grate and a light post to hang a lantern. The camp host were very friendly and drove around often on golf carts to make sure ppl were ok or needed anything. There was a place to fill your bottled water containers. The checkin office sold ice, campfire wood and a variety of ice creams, stickers and t shirts and sweatshirts. The park has trailheads to hike and an equestrian area. River access for swimming and fishing. There is a separate area with electrical sites and also handicap sites in the electrical and primitive campgrounds. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and will be returning often.

      • Nathaniel B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
        Aug. 8, 2024

        St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

        Best campsite we've found to explore STL

        Well maintained and well managed park. Staff on duty at all hours is awesome! We called ahead but didn't need a reservation. It is a city park and had that feel... not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty and the playground was good for the kiddos. Five minutes from food and stores. 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. I'll

      • lThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout
        Jul. 16, 2024

        Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout

        Lots of fun close to home

        Nice rv park. Lots to do. The golf carts are genius. We used all weekend and had a great time. Played in the waterhole, played on the lake w/paddleboats and kayaks. Nice campsites and showerhouse. The bar and store were beautiful. Arcade, pool,games for kids and adults. Loved it

      • RThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Cherokee Lakes Campground
        Jun. 30, 2024

        Cherokee Lakes Campground

        Secluded and spacious tent camping sites

        I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive.

      • E
        Camper-submitted photo from St. Francois State Park Campground
        Jun. 16, 2024

        St. Francois State Park Campground

        RV campsites

        Awesome place to camp. Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups. Staff is super kind. Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule but that’s unfortunate for those of us who still want to listen to music and sit by the fire. Overall great camping spot!

      • K
        Camper-submitted photo from Hillbillie Ranch
        May. 18, 2024

        Hillbillie Ranch

        Hillbillie Ranch is not there anymore

        They are no longer a campground. Bought out now private property.

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park
        Apr. 19, 2024

        St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park

        Good now, and will be really nice when the trees get bigger

        Stayed here most of the several weeks we needed to be in St. Louis for family matters. Definitely our favorite place in the area. The grounds are clean and pleasant, if a bit sparse with little shade. This will change over the subsequent years, however, as there are many relatively newly planted trees. The nicest spots are the ones by the lake, with only one neighbor and a better view of the lake. The staff are kind and helpful. Water and electric worked fine. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. Trash and recycling receptacles are huge and convenient. My only complaint is the poorly thought out sink situation in the bathrooms which make it impossible to wash in a sanitary way as you must hold the tap to keep the water flowing and there are no paper towels to that with, only hand dryers. There is boating and archery on site, a dog run, and a small playground.

      • Katrin M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Hawn State Park Campground
        Mar. 24, 2024

        Hawn State Park Campground

        Nice campground in the woods.

        We camped at site 39 over the weekend. The park was very clean and family friendly. There are several hiking trails and an overlook. The restrooms and showers are still closed for the season, but there are primitive vault toilets. The sites are very close together, so there is not much privacy. Also, some have electricity and some not. The firewood was wet und would not burn. The landscape around the park was very nice. We camped here to visit the Gateway National Park and Mastodon Natural Site.

      • David T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Washington State Park Campground
        Mar. 13, 2024

        Washington State Park Campground

        December Camp

        Loved the campground! However, lesson learned to reserve a campsite further from the road. Great hiking trails. Fishing not so much. Scenic views. Easy plug n play electric on a 30 amp box, no issues with blowing fuses like I have at other big state parks. Clean vault toilets (I didn't like how people would drive into the park from the highway just to use the bathroom).. overall good stay though. I'll definitely go back!

      • Mike L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from St. Charles County Klondike Park
        Jan. 10, 2024

        St. Charles County Klondike Park

        Fantastic Camping Just Off The Katy Trail

        I have bike-packed along the Katy and this is an excellent spot for an overnight(s) stay. It is a tough, but short, climb from the trail. You may have to walk up the hill - challenge made :-) . This is a St. Charles County Park and it is well maintained. They also have small cabins though pretty basic. Make sure to store your food securely overnight - the racoons are pretty thick and hungry at night. I have also done short bike-packing trips from Chesterfield and St. Charles for an overnight(s) stay. If you need it, grab food in Augusta or Defiance before arriving. There are no services in the park.

      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from Beyond the Trail RV Park
        Oct. 10, 2023

        Beyond the Trail RV Park

        Convenient Location

        The location of the campground is ideal being located adjacent to the Katy bike trail and within walking distance from restaurants, a brewery and wineries.  The sites are mostly open, small and tight for larger RVs. The roads are all gravel as are the sites and there is limited grassy areas. The site services, electric, water and sewer, are located to the front of the site and extensions were needed for both the electric and sewer. The park has no onsite laundry and there are none in town. If it wasn't for the location I would probably give the park 2 stars.



      Guide to Columbia

      Discover the charm of tent camping near Columbia, Illinois, where you can immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities.

      Tips for tent camping near Columbia

      • For a unique experience, consider staying at Countryside Escape, where you can camp around a pond and enjoy the sounds of nature.
      • If you're looking for a well-maintained site, St. Charles County Klondike Park offers beautiful trails and a family-friendly atmosphere.
      • Be prepared for mosquitoes at Countryside Escape; bringing bug spray is essential for a comfortable stay.

      Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $50

      • At St. Charles County Klondike Park, you can enjoy a night of camping for just $10, making it an affordable option for families.
      • Group camping at Old Cove costs $50 per night for up to 10 people, providing a spacious area with amenities for a fun outing.
      • Hagood Farm and Trails offers a unique camping experience on a working farm, with prices that cater to various budgets.

      Tent campers should check out St. Charles County Klondike Park

      • This park features reservable sites and is known for its scenic trails along the Missouri River, perfect for hiking and biking.
      • Old Cove is ideal for those looking to combine camping with float trips, offering a fun way to explore the local waterways.
      • At Sandstone Spring & Camp, you can enjoy a peaceful setting with essential amenities like drinking water and picnic tables.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Columbia, IL?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Columbia, IL is St. Charles County Klondike Park with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Columbia, IL?

        TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Columbia, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.