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Best Campgrounds near Jefferson City, MO

378 Reviews

The central Missouri landscape surrounding Jefferson City features a mix of established campgrounds and primitive sites along the Missouri River and nearby lakes. Binder Park Campground, located minutes west of downtown Jefferson City, provides 17 full-service RV sites with electric and water hookups, while Osage Campground Retreat offers 38 sites with similar amenities about 15 minutes east of the city. For those seeking free camping options, Pine Ridge Recreation Area in Mark Twain National Forest and Three Creeks Conservation Area provide more rustic experiences with basic facilities. The region's camping options extend to unique accommodations like Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina along the Missouri River and the Turner Katy Trail Shelter, which serves hikers and cyclists with bunk-style beds.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Spring brings potential flooding along the Missouri River, affecting riverside campgrounds like Cooper's Landing, which experienced major damage during the 2019 floods. Summer humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F make water access particularly valuable. According to one camper at Binder Park, "The lake offers amazing fishing whether from boat or shore. Lots of bass, crappie and catfish." Winter camping remains available at several year-round facilities, though lake levels often drop significantly. Cell service varies considerably, with most established campgrounds maintaining adequate coverage while conservation areas may have limited connectivity. Most campgrounds within 30 minutes of Jefferson City require reservations during peak summer weekends.

The Katy Trail State Park, running along the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad corridor, connects several camping areas and provides a unique recreational opportunity. "The Katy trail runs through the edge of the property, offering quick access to trail walking, hiking, and bicycling," notes one visitor to Cooper's Landing. Wildlife viewing ranks highly in camper reviews, with deer sightings common at conservation areas. Fishing opportunities abound at Binder Park and Scrivner Road Conservation Area, while paddling is popular on the Missouri River and at smaller lakes. Campers frequently mention the contrast between developed sites with full hookups and the more secluded primitive options. Site spacing varies considerably, with some campgrounds offering greater privacy than others.

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Best Camping Sites Near Jefferson City, Missouri (108)

    1. Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 364-4621

    "Close to Columbia but far enough away for a getaway. Easy to find from the road, even in the dark. Fire pits and picnic tables are there. Vault toilets and running water available."

    "However, it is also one of my favorites close to home to hike. The campsites are always clean, but you almost always find litter in the fire rings."

    2. Binder Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Lohman, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 634-6482

    "Great campground with electric and water just minutes west of downtown Jefferson City. No cable or wifi but good tv reception."

    "A full disc golf course nearby and several ball fields. We love this park.

    The lake offers amazing fishing wether from boat or shore. Lots of bass crappie and catfish."

    3. Osage Campground Retreat

    8 Reviews
    Westphalia, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 469-8430

    "Close to Jefferson City and plenty of river activities. Check them out. You won’t be disappointed."

    "Ask for a site around the perimeter for privacy."

    4. Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    18 Reviews
    Jamestown, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 657-1299

    $10 - $60 / night

    "A beautiful campground located right next to the Missouri River. Live music, amazing Thai food, general store with snacks, beer, ice cream and merchandise."

    "See beautiful scenery on the MO River & Katy Trail. You may get to see a paddleboat cruising the river."

    5. Pikes Camp

    1 Review
    Jefferson City, MO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    6. Pine Ridge Recreation Area Mark Twain National Forest

    4 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, MO
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (417) 967-4194

    7. Turner Katy Trail Shelter

    1 Review
    Holts Summit, MO
    11 miles
    Website

    $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."

    8. Dry Fork Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, MO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 438-5427

    "Others had left some trash around. we picked up what we could.

    please pack it out if You pack it in.."

    "Great primitive campground with old homestead foundation along the trail. Perfect stop during you back packing trekk"

    9. Scrivner Road Conservation Area

    1 Review
    Russellville, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "This Missouri Conservation area is a Swiss Army knife of rugged of the path camping. Rivers, Lakes, Gun range, Horses and hiking can all be enjoyed here."

    10. Three Creeks Conservation Area

    7 Reviews
    Ashland, MO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "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. All free and secluded!"

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Recent Camping Photos near Jefferson City, MO

66 Photos of 108 Jefferson City Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Jefferson City, MO

378 Reviews of 108 Jefferson City Campgrounds

  • J
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    Mostly Scenery.

    I do Not like that the fire pits nearest to the river are 30 inches from a 30ft drop off!  Only 2 people can enjoy the campfire because of that.  

    Secondly, they do Not provide tables for the campers.  Kinda expensive to Not have tables.

    Not a good fishing place because it's a treacherous walk down.

    The evening band was awesome!

    Will Not be back because of the above.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Osage Beach RV Park

    Great place, friendly people and beautiful grounds

    We stayed overnight here because our dog was sick and this was close to the animal hospital we visited. We wish would have stayed here originally (we stayed the. first night at the state park). While the State Park was nice this campground offered so much more and was closer to town so we could walk to restaurants. 

    I would definitely stay here again.

  • J
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    Perfect for me

    The camp sites are very close to each other. But the campers around us were very nice. Only needed one night and it worked prayer for us.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    Coopers Landing Missouri

    Rustic. You come down winding rolling roads then onto gravel to get here. Katy bike trail on one side Missouri River on other side site 2 completely level for our 31e RV. Boat dock. They have food trucks that come in and live entertainment. Very peaceful and we will be back. Katy trail is easy biking beautiful views, shaded.Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out. Watched the sunset by the river and it was beautiful. The river is wide and deep here. Current and undertows make it definitely not suitable for swimming. You can see the water swirling and churning.

  • J
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park

    Out new favorite place!

    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!

  • Fred R.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Coconuts RV Resort

    July 4th week

    Campground was set up as tiers up the hillside. The top had 2 pools, shower house, and restroom all new and very NICE! Only issue was the kids being allowed on golf carts all day and late into the night flying all over both directions. Kids on bikes all night with no lights on bikes or grounds. It's a free for all. The lower pools are big with scenic views of the boats and lake front. Bar area was adequate and food was good but limited. DG was close and supermarket was 30+ minutes ito town.

Guide to Jefferson City

Camping near Jefferson City, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lazy Day Campground said, "Bathhouse was clean and well kept."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers rave about the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Graham Cave State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp host was helpful in providing firewood and was very attentive of the sites."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Maramec Spring Park said, "It’s beautiful, clean, nice cold water to refresh in and trails to hike!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Danville Conservation Area, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "Only had one other camper. Shaded, wooded. We had a lovely night but woke up covered in ticks!"
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground can fill up quickly. One visitor mentioned, "Check-in was quick and easy and we proceeded to pull through site 83 with FHUs."
  • Seasonal Crowds: Expect larger crowds during peak seasons. A reviewer at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground said, "Park was full. We could only book a basic site (no hook-ups) through the website."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Check for level sites before booking. A reviewer at Graham Cave State Park Campground noted, "We had our choice of sites and picked the one that looked closest to level but still a long way off."
  • Hookup Availability: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground mentioned, "The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent."
  • Quiet Hours: Be mindful of quiet hours, especially in family-friendly areas. A camper at Lazy Day Campground said, "It was very quiet. Level spaces."

Camping near Jefferson City, Missouri, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for your next outdoor getaway!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find lakeside camping sites near Jefferson City?

Binder Park Campground offers lakeside camping just minutes from Jefferson City with 17-18 full-service RV hookup sites. Each site features a covered picnic table pavilion, and the park includes a disc golf course. For those willing to drive a bit further, Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campground provides excellent lakefront camping about 1.5 hours from Jefferson City. This popular state park offers more extensive facilities and recreation opportunities centered around one of Missouri's largest lakes.

What are the best campgrounds near Jefferson City, MO?

Osage Campground Retreat stands out as a highly-rated option near Jefferson City, offering quiet surroundings, excellent bathroom facilities, and friendly staff. The campground provides easy access to river activities and has received praise for its cleanliness and atmosphere. Another excellent choice is Scrivner Road Conservation Area, a versatile rustic camping destination with rivers, lakes, hiking trails, and even a gun range. This first-come, first-served area offers basic riverside camping with fire rings in a more primitive setting.

What are the closest camping options to downtown Jefferson City?

Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina is located close to Jefferson City right on the Missouri River, offering beautiful riverside camping with spectacular sunsets. The campground features live music, a boat ramp, dock access, and connects to the Katy Trail for cycling enthusiasts. Basic amenities include port-a-potties and shower facilities. Another option for those seeking easy downtown access is Pine Ridge Recreation Area, which provides basic camping with water and toilet facilities in a convenient location for exploring Jefferson City attractions.

Are there RV parks available near Jefferson City, Missouri?

Yes, several RV parks serve the Jefferson City area. Hermann City RV Park is located in the charming historic town of Hermann, offering full hookups in a picturesque setting with access to restaurants, shops, and galleries. For RV campers who prefer a quieter setting, Lakeview Park in Mexico, MO provides approximately 15-20 electric sites with potable water and a sewer dump station on-site. Some sites can function as pull-throughs depending on occupancy, making it suitable for larger rigs up to 32 feet.

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