Tent camping near Columbia, Illinois offers easy access to parks in both Illinois and Missouri, just across the Mississippi River. The area's diverse terrain includes wooded hills and riverside settings with seasonal temperatures ranging from summer highs in the 90s to winter lows below freezing. Most established campgrounds in this region remain open year-round, though amenities like bathhouses close seasonally from November through March.
What to do
Hiking trails: Klondike Park features several technical mountain bike sections and connects to the Katy Trail. "Trails are beautiful and perfect for families wanting to just come to a park for a day and hikers," notes Jake K., who adds it's a "10/10 would recommend to anyone wanting to camp!"
Fishing opportunities: The small lake at Klondike Park offers good fishing access from the shore. According to Annie C., there's a "great fishing pond by the campground," making it convenient for anglers who want to camp nearby.
Wine country exploration: When camping in Augusta, you're positioned perfectly for winery visits. "This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94," explains Marty C. about Old Cove.
Float trips: Old Cove specializes in group camping and river float experiences. Mara F. notes, "For float trips they pick you up from your campsite and bus you to your put in point. You can float the Meramec for 4 or 9 miles and you end back at the campsite."
What campers like
Proximity to urban areas: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground offers a natural escape close to St. Louis. Chad K. mentions, "Babler sp is one of those state parks that you just don't expect to see so close to a major city. The hiking trails are plentiful and quiet."
Affordable tent sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer budget-friendly tent camping options. Jake K. found Klondike Park to be a great value: "Can't go wrong for a 10$ a night campsite with restrooms and water available."
Family-friendly atmosphere: The campgrounds near Columbia tend to be welcoming for families with children. At St. Charles County Klondike Park, Jonathan P. shared, "My kids loved exploring out there," giving the tent camping amenities and views "a solid 5 stars."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and amenities. Jonathan P. noted that St. Charles County Klondike Park has a "very clean showers house" and even features a "shared camp kitchen."
What you should know
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Annie C. points out that "sites are not very private, and some are right on top of the next. I like sites 65 and 58 for their privacy or grassy tent spots."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for nocturnal visitors at your campsite. April D. warns about Babler State Park: "The raccoons. They dont give a darn who you are. They will walk right up to, smile, and take your chips. Scandalous!"
Walk-in tent sites: Some campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas to campsites. At World Shooting and Recreational Complex, tent sites may require a short walk, but as Christi L. notes, it's a "huge campground with a lake to boat, kayak or fish from the bank."
Seasonal facility closures: Winter camping requires planning for limited amenities. Archie S. experienced this at Babler State Park: "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze is was inconvenient for a spring break trip."
Tips for camping with families
Short trails for beginners: Look for family-appropriate hiking options. Scott M. says of Babler State Park: "The trails are not too long but can be challenging for small kids or folks that are not used to hiking."
Playground access: Countryside Escape offers tent camping sites near playground facilities, though recent visitors have reported some confusion about the location. Consider calling ahead to confirm availability.
Group campsites: Old Cove specializes in group camping accommodations. Mara F. explains, "They only offer group campsites, which is why the camping rate is so high. It is $50/night for 10 people. You get a nice open area with a pavillion, picnic tables, and a firering."
Lake activities: The World Shooting and Recreational Complex offers water-based recreation suitable for children. Christi L. describes it as a "lake to boat, kayak or fish from the bank" where her family camps "every summer with my son's shooting team."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Babler State Park, certain areas work better for larger rigs. Nancy W. advises: "Sites 13-33 are popular open and sunny campsites with nice grassy areas between them. In contrast sites 52-75 are much more treed and have a private feel to them."
Paved pads: Many campgrounds offer paved sites suitable for RVs. Nancy W. notes that at Hagood Farm and Trails, "All campsites and patios are paved and level with a comfortable amount of space between sites."
Seasonal access: Winter camping requires planning for limited amenities. Nancy W. points out that at Babler State Park, "the bathhouse with flush toilets closes November 1 and doesn't open until the spring. During the winter the only water spigot is available located near the camp hosts at site #36."
Utility availability: Electrical hookup options vary by campground. Nancy W. notes, "The campground has 30 basic and 43 electric sites (which are either 50 amp or 30 amp). There is no sewer or water at individual sites but water spigots are scattered throughout the campground."
