Camping options around Ashland, Missouri span across the Mark Twain National Forest and nearby conservation areas with elevations ranging from 600 to 850 feet above sea level. The area experiences humid continental climate with hot summers reaching 90°F and cold winters often below freezing. Most campgrounds remain accessible from April through October, though some primitive sites close during winter months due to road conditions.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: At Finger Lakes State Park Campground, campers can enjoy kayaking and canoeing through the unique strip mining quarry landscape. "Kayaking, canoeing, motocross, swimming, picnic, campground, fishing. Just across the gravel road is a shooting range and more strip mines," notes one visitor.
Disc golf course: Binder Park Campground offers a full disc golf course with trails color-coded by difficulty level. "17 Full service sites. A very clean facility with full plumbing. A full disc golf course nearby and several ball fields. We love this park," reports a camper.
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Pine Ridge Recreation Area features multiple trails through diverse terrain. "Set in the Cedar Creek District of the mark Twain National Forest this campground is perfect for a night stay or a backpacking trip. On site camp hostess and privy. Great hammock camping," states one review.
Live music: Cooper's Landing hosts regular performances Thursday through Sunday during summer months. "They have a stage for live music. Good people and a fun time. Food truck set up and beer was being sold. Gorgeous lookout onto the Missouri River," shares a visitor.
What campers like
Water access: Camping sites right on the Missouri River at Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina get high ratings. "Campsites were right on the Missouri River. Had great views and a stunning sunset. Staff was super friendly and helpful. We set up our tent and enos for the night on the way to Colorado," one camper mentions.
Free camping options: Pine Ridge Recreation Area provides no-cost camping with basic amenities. "Free camping, donations are encouraged. Two water spigots in the camping area. Pit toilets are fairley clean. Busy on the weekends, best time is middle of the week," according to a regular visitor.
Easy road trip stops: Multiple campgrounds serve well as overnight breaks during longer journeys. "An easy and beautiful spot to camp for free near I-70. About 15 minutes of a stunning drive away from the interstate. Plenty of sites, lots, and places to rest for the night," notes a traveler about Three Creeks Conservation Area.
Food options: Some campgrounds feature unique dining opportunities not commonly found at camping areas. "Great food and views! I suggest trying the Thai food, but if you aren't into that they also have BBQ. This is a very relaxing spot and I recommend checking it out."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds have limited availability outside summer months. "Closed August 28 2021. Will reopen in April 2022," reports a visitor to Pine Ridge Recreation Area Mark Twain National Forest.
Noise considerations: Finger Lakes State Park allows motorized recreation which creates ambient noise. "I'm not a fan of the motorcross noise, but there is a noise curfew so it's tolerable," explains a regular camper.
Variable camping fees: Pricing ranges from free to $50 per night depending on amenities. "I arrived at the site in April of 2025, and was greeted with a locked gate and signage stating rates are $15 per night. Envelopes and lock box are in place," notes a camper about changing rates at Pine Ridge.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between established campgrounds and conservation areas. "There is air traffic overhead. Columbia airport is rather small so other than rotary wing aircraft (helicopters) from the hospital, it's not too bad," mentions a visitor to Three Creeks.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming spots: Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park offers kid-friendly water recreation. "Out new favorite place! This campground has everything for a perfect long weekend! We just took 40+ family members and everyone fell in love with this campground. Free rentals on pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddle boats."
Trail difficulty ratings: Look for color-coded trail systems appropriate for different ages. "Trails are color coded and they do a great job of separating them by difficulty," according to a visitor to Binder Park.
Weekend planning: Reserve sites well in advance for summer weekends as popular areas fill quickly. "Busy on the weekends, best time is middle of the week," advises a camper about Pine Ridge Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to see local animals. "Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out. Watched the sunset by the river and it was beautiful."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground offers spacious sites for larger rigs. "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," reports one RVer.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds with RV sites offer dump facilities. "You will have water and electric but no sewer and no dump station on site. Plan your length of stay accordingly," advises a visitor to Cooper's Landing.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "The only thing I didn't love was the gravel road all the way in. Our truck and camper was covered with gravel dust. So if you had anything exposed, it'll get a bit dusty."
Site spacing considerations: RV sites at some campgrounds are positioned very close together. "The spaces were very close to each other. Our slide nearly went over the patio of the next site over. But it was our family staying in that lot so it was ok."
