Campgrounds Columbia, MO

Central Missouri has a surprise for outdoor enthusiasts: It’s home to some of the best camping in the state. Near Columbia, MO, there are a number of conservation areas along the Missouri River. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is minutes from the city and offers a fun and educational experience for children and adults. There are plenty of scenic trails to hike, bike, or explore on horseback. The park is home to fascinating natural features, including a cave system, and is one of the many opportunities to explore the outdoors near Columbia. A number of campgrounds are located around the city with amenities and campsites to accommodate the type of camping you're looking for, whether you want to stay closer or farther from the city lights.

Best Camping Sites Near Columbia, MO (70)

    Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    1. Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    57 Photos
    78 Saves
    Hallsville, Missouri

    The roar of ATVs and off-road motorcycles combines with the peacefulness of rolling hills at Finger Lakes State Park, one of two ATV parks in the state parks system. Built in a former coal mining area, Finger Lakes’ trails and motocross track are popular with users who come for the day, but often fall under the spell of the spacious campground, leafy trees and hilly terrain. The park is also the site of the challenging 2.75-mile Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail and a 4.5-mile water trail.

    Finger Lakes State Park offers basic and 30-amp and 50-amp electric campsites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    2. Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    17 Reviews
    49 Photos
    39 Saves
    Columbia, Missouri

    Cottonwoods RV Park is a family & pet-friendly RV Park and Campground that is located in the heart of the Missouri off of US Highway 63 in Columbia, Missouri. We are just 4 miles north of I-70, minutes from the University of Missouri, and just minutes from many local attractions including Warm Springs Ranch: The Budweiser Clydesdales Breeding Ranch.

    Our park features paved roads and gravel sites and many indoor and outdoor amenities. Each site is equipped with Full Hook Ups - Electric, Water, and Sewer and a concrete patio and picnic table. Be sure to check out amenities and social calendar pages. We hope while you are here, you will enjoy our friendly, relaxed, and clean atmosphere!

    We would love to be your choice for the perfect option for camping whether you are looking for. Come join us and make new memories and lifelong friends!

    We are proud to be voted as the 2018 Mid-Size Missouri Park of the Year by the Missouri Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $45 - $52 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    3. Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    16 Reviews
    34 Photos
    98 Saves
    Jamestown, Missouri

    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!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    4. Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    35 Photos
    131 Saves
    New Bloomfield, Missouri

    This area is located in a pine forest and provides a campground and picnic area while serving as a trailhead to the 36-mile Cedar Creek Trail. Four picnic sites and 8 campsites are provided. Larger grassy area can provide small groups such as scouts.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground

    6. Lazy Day Campground

    33 Reviews
    68 Photos
    88 Saves
    New Florence, Missouri

    Lazy Day has full hook up RV sites, pull through sites and tent sites.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 - $55 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanson Hills Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanson Hills Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanson Hills Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanson Hills Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanson Hills Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hanson Hills Campground

    8. Hanson Hills Campground

    8 Reviews
    9 Photos
    55 Saves
    Kingdom City, Missouri
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps

    9. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps

    5 Reviews
    6 Photos
    40 Saves
    Columbia, Missouri

    Just minutes from Columbia, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. You can explore Connor's Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world.

    Non-profit, educational or Scout groups can take advantage of the special-use area for overnight primitive camping. It features two fire rings, a vault toilet and several picnic tables. There is no water or electricity. The cost is $2 per person, per night. Reservations are required. For more information, call 573-449-7402.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Graham Cave State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Graham Cave State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Graham Cave State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Graham Cave State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Graham Cave State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Graham Cave State Park Campground
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Showing results 1-10 of 70 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Columbia

Recent Reviews in Columbia

286 Reviews of 70 Columbia Campgrounds


  • Linda H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area
    Oct. 25, 2024

    Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

    Forest and Lake Dry camping

    Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass. Nice fishing lake with docks, boat ramp and vault toilet and the only one provided. Parked lakeside. Quite night with one fishing boat late morning. Get a brochure with park map at entrance as roads pass through park and private property.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Roberts Bluff Access
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Roberts Bluff Access

    Great Overnight Spot

    Great stop 5 minutes off of I-70! The site has three camp sites available with car pull ins and fire rings. Lots of mosquitoes due to the site being right on the water. Also two cats hang out around the site. No bathroom we could find.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground
    Aug. 1, 2024

    Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    Very Nice Campground

    Check-in was quick and easy and we proceeded to pull through site 83 with FHUs. The gravel pad was very long and we had plenty of room for our 40’ rig and F450. The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent at about 40 psi. As we were on the end of a row, we had a lot of front yard space. The sites here are very close together, but long-term guests kept their sites nice and well organized, and overall this CG was very clean. There are mature trees so satellite placement could be challenging. We were able to place our Starlink in the yard area for a good shot to the north sky. We got 4 bars on Verizon and their WiFi worked well for a campground of this size. At the office, they have a nice store and gift shop with one of the best selections of camping shirts etc. that we have seen.

  • Laur H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Jul. 27, 2024

    Lazy Day Campground

    Great experience

    Stayed one night in a campervan. Would definitely recommend! We arrived a little late - right at sunset - but the friendly and helpful staff had already texted us all the info we needed for arrival. It was very quiet. Level spaces. Very dark, unlit walk to the bath house, so bring a light! Bathhouse was clean and well kept. Would recommend!

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Danville Conservation Area
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Danville Conservation Area

    Watch out for ticks

    Lovely wooded spot. There are about 6-8 sites. Can back in a camper. Outhouse building. Only had one other camper. Shaded, wooded. We had a lovely night but woke up covered in ticks! Lots of ticks here. We ride our motorcycles here to tent camp. Sites are close. Fire rings , no picnic tables.

  • Bobby J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Roberts Bluff Access
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Roberts Bluff Access

    Wonderful Peaceful Stay

    Only 2 miles off of the highway and is perfect for someone just passing by. I’m on my way from St Louis to Denver and it was perfect for one night. Very quiet but still close enough to hear the hum of the interstate traffic. It looked like there were 3 sites with fire rings and all very nice.

  • Christopher W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Osage Campground Retreat
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Osage Campground Retreat

    Cute Little Camping Spot

    Good: It was clean and tidy, had ice and firewood for sale, was close to the boat ramp for the Osage River, and the bathrooms looked to be newly remodeled. Good shaded and flat spot for our tent.

    Bad: No one on-site, no TP, no paper towels, no internet (Other campers said it had been working until the power went out during a storm a few days before; when the power was restored, the internet didn't come back)

    Conclusion: For $44.29/night, I would keep going next time.

  • Christian D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Robert's Bluff

    Quiet and Free

    Don’t mistake this for the RV hookup site at Roberts Bluff. It’s a bit further down the road and called Roberts Bluff Access. You will eventually see signs for a Conservation site.

    There were about 4/5 spots to pull/back into. Its a small space and really close to the river where you can see huge trout and turtles swimming. There is even a boat ramp.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Roberts Bluff Access
    Apr. 27, 2024

    Roberts Bluff Access

    Quiet overnight stay

    Enjoyed a campfire before a thunderstorm rolled into the area. Ground away from the campsite was a bit muddy and made a mess. No surprises there! Established campfire ring at 2 spots. Another ring farther down in the turnaround beyond the boat launch.

  • Amanda B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Vandalia Community Lake
    Apr. 15, 2024

    Vandalia Community Lake

    Peaceful!

    Gorgeous little lake. Vault toilets. Our camp fire ring was shaped like a heart! Probably not on purpose but we liked it. Very quiet. Lots of fishing. And we actually saw the cat!

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Stump Island Park
    Mar. 20, 2024

    Stump Island Park

    Full hookups, but no showers or bathroom

    If your camper has everything you need, it's a good campground. The website says it's 50 amp only, but it has 30 too. When we stayed there in March 2024, the shower/bathroom was locked. No park management came by our site, and when you call to get information, you get city hall telling you you need to call some other number...that they didn't have. So, everything's up to you.

  • Nate R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Roberts Bluff Access
    Nov. 12, 2023

    Roberts Bluff Access

    Nice place next to a shallow river.

    We liked this place. It was a good place for an overnight camp on our travels. No restroom that we could find. No water or power. Camp is free. It has an old boat ramp so you can get down the the river easier, but water was way too low for a boat when I was there in September of 2023. Down a gravel road a few minutes off the highway in some corn field area. There are only a handful of spaces on the grass. So hopefully you get one or someone is willing to share. We had the place to ourselves.

  • Jeremy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Oct. 20, 2023

    Lazy Day Campground

    Wonderful level sites

    Great staff, wonderful level sites. Bathroom on site. Pool during season. Partially shaded. Dog walk area. Pet friendly.

  • Toni S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Sep. 27, 2023

    Lazy Day Campground

    Simply Fabulous

    We discovered this gym. On our way home. Just needed to stay overnight, but will definitely be back. The little details make it very homey. Sites are well laid out and easy to maneuver. Full hook ups or tent sites are available to meet the needs of the camper. Clean facility and family friendly.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
    Sep. 13, 2023

    Robert's Bluff

    Awesome spot for getting in late

    Great spot on my road trip west! Put in some miles and didn’t get in until about 2am and this was easy to find and great spots away from the highway but also didn’t have to trek far away

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Robert's Bluff
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Robert's Bluff

    Good for over night

    Decided to take my time heading from Southern WA to Southern IN and this is the best dispersed camping I’ve seen on this trip. I’ll definitely stop here again if I’m ever heading down I-70, and hopefully I’ll have my RV with me.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Harriman Hill Access
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Harriman Hill Access

    Drug Dealer Area

    Not bad camp spots here, but there are a lot of drug deals going on here. Don't feel very safe at all. Sept 2023. Update... so I woke up to find out that the other campers we saw were actually homeless people. They're were people in the bathroom strung out on something also. Don't camp here!

  • Chris J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Helds Island Access
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Helds Island Access

    Nice spot bring boat

    There’s a boat launch here. Saw a decent amount of traffic for this. Grass sites. Road is well maintained. Quiet the one night I spent there. No tables.

  • Jose B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Graham Cave State Park Campground
    Sep. 1, 2023

    Graham Cave State Park Campground

    Great place quiet clean

    I was on my way to St. Louis MO. And need a place for the night. This is just few miles from hwy 70 east to reserve and pay on the phone. I t was nice they I put my tent instead of sleeping on the car. Recommended

  • Jeremy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lazy Day Campground
    Aug. 28, 2023

    Lazy Day Campground

    Super clean and convenient

    Excellent grounds. Very very clean and well kept. Hosts/owners are extremely responsive and helpful. Sights have some trees. Walking paths, dog walk area, fire pits, bathhouse. I would visit again.



Guide to Columbia

Camping near Columbia, Missouri, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Many campgrounds, like Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground, have great hiking trails. One visitor mentioned, "Beautiful campgrounds. Hiking trails. Super showers & toilets. Clean. Friendly staff."
  • Fishing and Boating: Long Branch State Park Campground is perfect for fishing and boating. A camper shared, "We really enjoyed our time here and we'll definitely be coming back in the warmer months to enjoy some swimming and boating."
  • Visiting Historic Sites: Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground is close to historic attractions. One reviewer noted, "The town of Arrow Rock is awesome, adds a great element to staying here."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lazy Day Campground said, "Bathhouse was clean and well kept. Would recommend!"
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Graham Cave State Park Campground remarked, "The camp host was helpful and friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough space between sites. One camper at Ray Behrens mentioned, "Each site included a wooden picnic table and a fire pit. There was a large grass area between us and the next camper."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Finger Lakes State Park Campground, may have fewer amenities. A camper noted, "The bathrooms and showers were clean, but some sites looked level, but some are a bit wacky."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. A visitor at Indian Creek Campground advised, "Raccoons visited nightly so secure your food supply and trash."
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds may have noise from nearby roads. A camper at Ray Behrens mentioned, "Some road noise in the distance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground said, "Great place to stay. Nice pool clean bathrooms and a really nice laundry."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Many campgrounds have playgrounds or trails. A visitor at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina shared, "The Katy trail runs through the edge of the property, offering quick access to trail walking, hiking, and bicycling."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. A camper at Lazy Day Campground mentioned, "The little details make it very homey."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground noted, "The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A camper at Long Branch State Park Campground said, "The sites are each very spacious with flat areas."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Dump Stations: Some campgrounds may not have dump stations. A visitor at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina mentioned, "You will have water and electric but no sewer and no dump station on site."

Camping around Columbia, MO, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the campground details and reviews to find the best fit for your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Columbia, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Columbia, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 70 campgrounds and RV parks near Columbia, MO and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Columbia, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Columbia, MO is Finger Lakes State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Columbia, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Columbia, MO.

  • What parks are near Columbia, MO?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Columbia, MO that allow camping, notably Mark Twain Lake and Harry S. Truman Lake.