Best Campgrounds near Columbia, IL

Camping near Columbia, Illinois, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Hawn State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Hiking is some of the best in Missouri," making it a great spot for those who love to hit the trails.
• Fishing: The riverside views at Cuivre River State Park Campground provide excellent fishing opportunities. A visitor noted, "The park did have nice trails, fishing areas, breathtaking riverside views."
• Caving: Check out the stunning caves at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting," highlighting the unique experience of exploring the caves.

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground remarked, "Hot water showers in bathrooms" made their stay enjoyable.
• Friendly staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA said, "Staff were helpful," which adds to the overall positive experience.
• Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. A review for Pere Marquette State Park Campground noted, "Lots of room between level sites," making it a comfortable choice for families.

What you should know

• Limited shade: Some campgrounds, like St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, have fewer trees for shade. A camper mentioned, "Not many trees for shade but the lake was pretty," so be prepared for sunny days.
• Crowded on holidays: Popular spots can get busy during holiday weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground warned, "The sites are in close proximity to one another so it gets crowded during Holiday weekends."
• No cell service: Many campgrounds, like Onondaga Cave State Park Campground, have poor cell reception. A camper noted, "No cell service from Verizon of T-Mobile," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

• Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park has a playground that kids enjoy, as one reviewer mentioned, "The playground was good for the kiddos."
• Plan for quiet hours: Respect quiet time rules to ensure everyone has a good experience. A camper at St. Francois State Park Campground said, "Quiet time is at 10pm and fellow campers are certain to enforce that rule."
• Pack extra activities: Bring games or crafts to keep kids entertained. One family at Cuivre River State Park Campground enjoyed the "great location for a weekend getaway," which allowed for family bonding time.

Tips from RVers

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Meramec State Park Campground mentioned, "Campsites are on top of each other," which can be a concern for larger rigs.
• Look for full hookups: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Cuivre River State Park Campground appreciated the "full hookups available" for a comfortable stay.
• Be prepared for leveling: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA noted, "The site was not level front to back," so bring leveling blocks just in case.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, camping near Columbia, IL, has something for everyone.