Where the Missouri River presses up against the Katy Trail, Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina occupies a narrow strip of ground that has been drawing campers, cyclists, and river watchers since the 1970s. The approach involves winding, rolling roads that drop down to gravel before reaching the site, so low-clearance vehicles should take note. The campground is small, running roughly 50 sites, and the Missouri River sits just feet from many of them. Plowboy Bend Conservation Area lies about a mile and a half to the southwest for those wanting a quieter, more dispersed alternative nearby.
The atmosphere here is social by design. A covered outdoor stage hosts live music Thursday through Sunday, food trucks rotate through on weekends, and a cash bar and general store stock drinks, snacks, firewood, and ice. There is also a Thai food option on site that multiple reviewers single out. Bar traffic from the marina can drift into the campground in the evenings, and there is no physical barrier separating the two areas, so campers who want privacy may find the setup less than ideal. Quiet hours do kick in around 10 p.m., and reviewers consistently note the late-night atmosphere settles down considerably after that.
The Katy Trail runs directly along the edge of the property, giving cyclists and walkers immediate trail access without driving anywhere. The river itself is wide and deep at this stretch, with visible currents and undertows that make it unsuitable for swimming. Brenda P. notes "the river is wide and deep here," and bird activity along the banks has included bluebirds, cardinals, and indigo buntings. Sunsets over the water draw campers out of their sites most evenings.
On the practical side, electric and water hookups are available for RVs, but as Candy H. points out, "you will have water and electric but no sewer and no dump station on site," so plan your stay length accordingly. Shower availability has varied across reviews depending on the season and recent flood conditions, the facility has experienced significant flood damage in past years. Reservations are accepted, online payment is an option, and pets are welcome. Rates run $10 to $60 per night depending on site type.
Cooper's Landing works well as an overnight stop along the Katy Trail corridor or as a base for a few days on the river, particularly for campers who do not mind a lively, communal setup. Those passing through the Columbia area can also browse camping near Jamestown for additional options in the region. If the mix of river access, trail proximity, and weekend music fits your style, it is worth a night or two.
Description
Looking for a spot to launch your boat, rest your head for the night, or spend some quality time with your friends and family? Cooper’s Landing offers all of this and more! We’re a year-round full-service marina, campground, store, and live music venue on the banks of the Missouri River and right off the Katy Trail. Our family-friendly campground is freshly graded for RV and tent camping and our brand new Backyards and Beyond edition glamping tent package is ready to rent. The country store is stocked with ice, cold beverages, snacks, and firewood. Bring your own grub, or be wowed by the occasional food truck!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina is located in Missouri near Jamestown
Address
11505 Smith Hatchery Road
Columbia, MO 65203
Coordinates
38.81784011 N
92.38476375 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/31/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/30/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/31/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/30/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/30/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 20 min from Columbia, MO
- 34 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 1 hr 59 min from St. Louis, MO
- 2 hrs 2 min from Kansas City, MO

































