Puma Campground — Mark Twain State Park
Beautiful
I stayed in one of the cabins which are very nice. They are basic but I loved the front porch. Tge cabins ha e electricity and a fridge but no bathroom. The hiking was great and I loved the rocks.
Cabin camping near Columbia, Missouri ranges from hostel-style bunks to family-sized resort cabins, with options to suit most budgets and comfort levels. Cabin campgrounds near Columbia offer both rustic and fully furnished accommodations, making it easy to find the right fit whether you prefer a simple bunk or a cabin with showers and toilets. Most cabins feature electricity, with varying levels of furnishing depending on location. Cedar Creek offers larger family-sized cabins with water hookups, showers, and toilets. Puma Campground at Mark Twain State Park provides simple, clean cabins with air conditioning. "The cabin is simple and clean. It has air conditioning, which is needed in Missouri in August (it was sooo hot). Cabin is private with fire pit and picnic table at the front which faces near the woods," noted one visitor about the Puma cabins. Turner Katy Trail Shelter offers a hostel-style cabin option with bunk beds specifically for hikers and cyclists using the Katy Trail.
Rustic and deluxe cabins are both available, depending on the location. Cedar Creek Resort cabins are located near fishing ponds and offer more amenities, while Camp Takimina provides a more private, rustic experience without electric hookups. Most cabin accommodations require reservations, especially during summer months. Pet policies vary by location—Cedar Creek Resort prohibits pets while Camp Takimina and Hickory Ridge allow them. A camper wrote: "The cabins are spectacular and right on the water! Free rentals on pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boats." Pricing typically ranges from economical options like the Turner Katy Trail Shelter at $6 per night to more comfortable resort-style accommodations at higher rates.
Most cabins include beds but require visitors to bring their own linens, towels, and toiletries. Kitchen facilities vary significantly between locations. Cedar Creek Resort cabins offer more extensive amenities, while more rustic options may provide only basic facilities. The Turner Katy Trail Shelter includes a communal kitchen with refrigerator and microwave, but guests must bring their own bedding. Cedar Creek Resort features a camp store for supplies, while other locations have limited on-site provisions. Bathhouses and shower facilities are available at most locations but may be a short walk from cabin sites. Visitors should check specific amenity listings when booking to ensure cabins meet their comfort requirements.
"The cabins are spectacular and right on the water! We just tooK 40+ family members and everyone fell in love with this campground."
"Oh my as we drove in this place was amazing There were fishing ponds a retreat center and cabins Hiking trails Rv park w laundry Over 160 acres of land to explore on!!!"
$15 - $85 / night
"The camp was quiet, private, and peaceful. There are no hookups, but water was right next to us near the parking lot, and the picnic tables near the lodge were shaded most of the day. "
$24 - $80 / night
"I stayed in one of the cabins which are very nice. They are basic but I loved the front porch. Tge cabins ha e electricity and a fridge but no bathroom. The hiking was great and I loved the rocks."
"We rented cabin A for 4 days for our summer vacation. We couldn’t have been happier. The cabin is simple and clean."
$10 / night
"The Katy Trail Turner Shelter Hostel is located in Tebbetts, Missouri at mile 131.2. The shelter is open for individuals and groups, including youth groups, using the trail."
$25 - $48 / night
"He escorted us to our site which was tucked away under some nice trees. Though campground is close to interstate, noise was minimal (I think because of the trees)."
"Showers and bathrooms."
I stayed in one of the cabins which are very nice. They are basic but I loved the front porch. Tge cabins ha e electricity and a fridge but no bathroom. The hiking was great and I loved the rocks.
We rented cabin A for 4 days for our summer vacation. We couldn’t have been happier. The cabin is simple and clean. It has air conditioning, which is needed in Missouri in August (it was sooo hot). Cabin is private with fire pit and picnic table at the front which faces near the woods. Bathrooms and shower houses were clean and a short walk.
Pure, pristine, well maintained. Easy access to the lake. The campsites were level, clean, and spacious. I didn't think I'd like the gravel pad or concrete block for trailer & picnic tables, but they made the set up & tear downs easy. The screen room fit perfectly around the picnic table block. The campground bathrooms were clean and the shower temperature & water pressure were phenomenal. The park featured a playground, boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station. Everything we hoped it would be & more. Wished we had booked a longer stay!
We stayed only one night here while passing through. Campground’s new owner is very kind and friendly. He escorted us to our site which was tucked away under some nice trees.
Though campground is close to interstate, noise was minimal (I think because of the trees).
Pretty flowers throughout campground. Bathrooms with a shower and laundry room. Salt water pool, nice grassy area. Some sites had fire pits and picnic tables but not all.
Would definitely stay here again.
The Katy Trail Turner Shelter Hostel is located in Tebbetts, Missouri at mile 131.2. The shelter is open for individuals and groups, including youth groups, using the trail. It is run by the Conservation Foundation of Missouri Charitable Trust. The shelter is two stories with 40 bunk style beds. Guests must bring their own bedding. There are showers, restrooms and a kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave. The cost is$6 per night per person. For groups of 10 or more the cost is$25 plus $2 for each member.
To make a reservation, please call the office at 573-634-2322. They will need your name and phone number for a reservation. For more information on the Katy Trail, visit bikekatytrail.com.
We stayed at Camp Takimina on our first shakedown trip with our Popup camper. It was amazing. It was about 5-10 minutes from I-70, super easy to get to. The camp was quiet, private, and peaceful. There are no hookups, but water was right next to us near the parking lot, and the picnic tables near the lodge were shaded most of the day. Portapotties were clean and well stocked. We brought our dog and two children and the had an absolutely fabulous time! We hiked a lot in the woods, played in the creek, and had plenty of time and space to figure out our new to us popup camper. There aren't actual spots for to park in, it is just a big gravel lot with a couple designated areas for campers if the lot is full (it wasn't full at all). We reserved Arrow Hill also, which is a huge site right next to the parking lot, so we had a campfire ring to cook on. Most of the firepits have benches that surround them, which was very handy not to have to move chairs around all the time. The tent sites were huge- easily would fit multiple tents at each site, and we will absolutely be back to tent camp, and with the popup too!
Out new favorite place! this campground has everything for a perfect long weekend! The cabins are spectacular and right on the water! We just tooK 40+ family members and everyone fell in love with this campground. We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot. The fishing was great, amenities were fantastic, and the hosts were amazing. Free rentals on pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boats. We will be back again, especially since they just built more cabins!
Oh my as we drove in this place was amazing There were fishing ponds a retreat center and cabins Hiking trails Rv park w laundry Over 160 acres of land to explore on!!! A must stop if you are in Columbia MO
Campground Review:
Mark Twain state Park is an absolute blast. approximately 30 minutes from Hannibal MO this park sits on Mark Twain Lake. Several hiking trails in the area will get you in touch with nature and an abundance of deer. Large playgrounds in the camping area's as well as visitor center areas. All loops in this park have electric and basic sites. No water hookups aside from host sites. Best part is all shower houses fairly new. We never located any vault toilets but found all three loops had their own shower house.
Park has a boat ramp with ample parking and if you have better luck than I did a fish cleaning station. While having a boat ramp close may be a deterrent it was rare to have much boat noise with the tall trees surrounding these large private sites.
We stayed in site 76 in puma loop which was a sloping site but it was massive. The lots on either side of ours were similar in layout but much more level. 76 also has a path to the waterfront which we utilized daily.
It rained on us for most of our stay we found Mark twain state park to be well worth the trip.
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time- today I am testing the GCI Outdoors Master Cook Station.
While looking at GCIOutdoors.com for the right item for my family to try out we were amazed at the function of their site. We were able to compare multiple items flawlessly and despite much debate locate an item we believed may reduce our overall need to pack everything including the kitchen sink. The cook station didn't immediately jump off the page for my wife. She had her heart set on a new rocker chair of which GCI Outdoors has an amazing selection. However, I was able to win her over after pointing out the endless options the Master Cook Station (AKA My Kitchen) Offers.
My Kitchen provides functionality as a table, a cook top, a drying rack, food storage, and does so taking up the same amount of space as a folding chair. Our first night in camp the dreaded dinner bell began ringing and my loving wife walked over to our new kitchen. After cooking, plating, and eating from this beast she looked at me and said, "Never again will I doubt your decision making about anything." (or at least thats how I remember it.) She actual was really impressed how this cook station had taking the stress out of meal time. With a built in sink we were able to cook, eat, and clean from a singular location and when done we could either fold it up and tuck it away or use it for evening activities.
As a pop up camper space is always limited and at a premium. The GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station not only met our expectations it surpassed them. This swiss army table will be a must have among all of our friends and the high quality of this product tells me that we will get to show it off for quite some time.
Cabin accommodations near Columbia, Missouri range from basic to full-service options within a 45-mile radius. Most cabin sites require reservations, particularly during summer months when temperatures typically reach 85-95°F. Winter cabin camping is available at select locations with overnight temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February. Cabins provide shelter from the area's significant rainfall, which averages 43 inches annually.
Fishing access: Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park offers multiple fishing ponds with complimentary equipment. "We stayed at Camp Takimina on our first shakedown trip with our Popup camper. It was amazing. It was about 5-10 minutes from I-70, super easy to get to. The camp was quiet, private, and peaceful," notes Kari W.
Boating options: Mark Twain State Park provides boat ramps with ample parking for watercraft. According to Josh S., "Park has a boat ramp with ample parking and if you have better luck than I did a fish cleaning station. While having a boat ramp close may be a deterrent it was rare to have much boat noise with the tall trees surrounding these large private sites."
Trail access: Turner Katy Trail Shelter serves as a dedicated hostel for hikers and bikers using the Katy Trail. Joyce R. explains, "The Katy Trail Turner Shelter Hostel is located in Tebbetts, Missouri at mile 131.2. The shelter is two stories with 40 bunk style beds. Guests must bring their own bedding. There are showers, restrooms and a kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave."
Privacy between sites: Puma Campground at Mark Twain State Park offers well-spaced cabin sites. Nathan P. notes, "Like the forest feel of the sites, with found coverage between the sites, giving a nice sense of privacy."
Air conditioning availability: Cabins at Puma Campground include cooling systems for summer comfort. Kris C. shares, "The cabin is simple and clean. It has air conditioning, which is needed in Missouri in August (it was sooo hot). Cabin is private with fire pit and picnic table at the front which faces near the woods."
Proximity to water: Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park features waterfront cabin options. Kathy F. observes, "Oh my as we drove in this place was amazing. There were fishing ponds a retreat center and cabins. Hiking trails. Rv park w laundry. Over 160 acres of land to explore on!!!"
Bathroom access varies: Some cabins require walks to restroom facilities. Stacy D. from Puma Campground says, "The restrooms and showers are very clean and well maintained. We met both hosts and they were friendly and accommodating."
Provisions planning: Most cabin locations require bringing your own supplies. Josh S. notes, "The closest store for provisions is about 15 miles away, but ice and firewood is available on site from both hosts."
Reservation requirements: Camp Takimina and other cabin facilities need advance booking. "We reserved Arrow Hill also, which is a huge site right next to the parking lot, so we had a campfire ring to cook on. Most of the firepits have benches that surround them, which was very handy not to have to move chairs around all the time," reports Kari W.
Multiple accommodation options: Cedar Creek Resort offers various cabin sizes for different family needs. Jason R. shares, "We just took 40+ family members and everyone fell in love with this campground. We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot."
Swimming areas: Mark Twain State Park includes water access points suitable for children. Abbey S. comments, "Met up for a family reunion at Mark Twain, adults loved the boat accesses and the kids loved the swimming! Something for everyone!"
Activity planning: Hickory Ridge Campground organizes family-friendly events. Mindy D. reports, "Lots of activities - pool, cornhole tournament, potluck dinner, and movie night. Great place for families. New owners are clearly making improvements and working hard to create a unique place."
Overnight stays: Hickory Ridge Campground offers convenient access from major highways. Julie G. mentions, "We stayed only one night here while passing through. Campground's new owner is very kind and friendly. He escorted us to our site which was tucked away under some nice trees. Though campground is close to interstate, noise was minimal (I think because of the trees)."
Level assessment: Check site conditions before setting up at Mark Twain State Park. Cathy S. advises, "I found the site 98 in the Puma area quite nice with a little more grassy area. There were a few sites with semi view of the water. I recommend 77 and 82."
Seasonal considerations: Cedar Creek Resort accommodates year-round cabin stays. Beth R. notes, "Good for an overnight stay. Came in late, called number & lady gave us instructions to find site. Beautiful campground."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Columbia, MO?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Columbia, MO is Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.
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