Best Campgrounds near Prairie Home, MO

Central Missouri's Prairie Home area provides a diverse camping landscape within a 30-mile radius, featuring both established campgrounds and dispersed options. Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina in Columbia offers riverside camping along the Missouri River with tent and RV sites, while Finger Lakes State Park Campground provides year-round access with electric hookups and water facilities. Free primitive camping can be found at Three Creeks Conservation Area and Robert's Bluff, which serve as convenient stops for travelers along I-70. Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground combines camping with historical significance, located near the historic town of Arrow Rock.

Weather conditions vary seasonally, with humid summers often reaching the 90s and occasional thunderstorms from May through September. Spring brings potential flooding along the Missouri River, particularly affecting riverside campgrounds like Cooper's Landing, which experienced significant flooding in 2019. According to camper Ruby W., "Three Creeks Conservation Area is an easy and beautiful spot to camp for free near I-70, about 15 minutes of a stunning drive away from the interstate." Most conservation areas maintain basic facilities with vault toilets, while state parks offer more developed amenities including showers and electric hookups. Cell service is generally reliable near Columbia but can be spotty in more remote conservation areas.

The Katy Trail, a converted rail-trail running through the region, connects several camping areas and provides recreation opportunities for cyclists and hikers. Campers frequently mention the trail as a highlight, with one visitor noting, "Cooper's has spectacular sunsets, a boat ramp, dock, trails, bonfires, live music, and a very friendly atmosphere. The Katy trail runs through the edge of the property, offering quick access to trail walking, hiking, and bicycling." Finger Lakes State Park attracts ATV enthusiasts with designated riding areas, though some campers note this creates a noisier environment. Fishing opportunities abound throughout the region, with Binder Park Campground offering "amazing fishing whether from boat or shore" according to reviewer Josh S., who noted the abundance of bass, crappie, and catfish in the lake.

Best Camping Sites Near Prairie Home, Missouri (97)

    1. Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    18 Reviews
    Jamestown, MO
    11 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."

    2. Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 474-2747

    $45 - $52 / night

    "Visited in March 2021, some pot holes in drive way, but manageable. Trees seemed to be trimmed back compared to other reviews. Nice facilities and great staff!"

    "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."

    3. Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Hallsville, MO
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 443-5315

    "A rainy weekend didn't deter campers from spending the holiday weekend here at Finger Lakes State Park. I was lucky enough to get a site for a single night when rain was in the forecast."

    "Finger Lakes is one of few places in Missouri for campers to also be able to enjoy riding their ATVs."

    4. Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site

    22 Reviews
    Arrow Rock, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 837-3330

    "there is a nice walking path around the area and the historical site is close by."

    "Bathrooms were centrally located in the campground."

    5. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps

    5 Reviews
    Columbia, MO
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 449-7402

    "When I arrived, I noticed that there were a ton of beautiful primitive trails besides the well-constructed boardwalks. And I also learned that there were even more caves, such as Connor's Cave."

    "Great trails for biking and hiking and the creek is perfect for cooling off. However, this place can get really really busy."

    6. Three Creeks Conservation Area

    7 Reviews
    Ashland, MO
    17 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!"

    7. Katy Roundhouse

    4 Reviews
    New Franklin, MO
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (660) 848-2232

    "Camping right alongside the Katy Trail is hard to find. This campground is one of two I know of. Full hookups at most sites and nearly all are tree covered."

    "Great campground for short visit along Katy Trail. All sites are full hookup & pull-through. Most sites shaded with trees."

    8. Robert's Bluff

    9 Reviews
    Nelson, MO
    22 miles

    "Nice spot to camp for the night if you’re driving through Missouri. Not a terrible amount of mosquitos and the roads don’t get bad after an average rain"

    "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"

    9. Roberts Bluff Access

    9 Reviews
    Nelson, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "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."

    "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."

    10. Pine Ridge Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, MO
    25 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."

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Recent Reviews near Prairie Home, MO

255 Reviews of 97 Prairie Home Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Blackwater Bluffs RV Park

    Nice overnight

    Pull through FHU. Everything worked as it should host is super friendly .

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Roberts Bluff Access

    Nice Little Overnight Spot

    Super convenient overnight spot, about 5 min from I70. Pulled in at about 6:00 in the evening and 2 spots were already taken. We just pulled in for a quick stop for the night. The spot was big enough for our truck and pop-up camper. Quiet area and clean.

  • Cindy C.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Lakeview Park - Mexico

    Nice campground

    It's $20 if you're a non-resident (of Mexico MO) unless you're here for an event, then you get a discount. Nice flat cement pads. Everything worked well and not too busy. No tent camping sign posted on the way in.

  • Kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground — Arrow Rock State Historic Site

    Quiet and clean

    We stayed 2 weekend nights in late summer/early Fall. Every site was occupied but still it was pretty quiet. The bathrooms/showers are clean, but maybe could use a few more given the number of sites.

    Nice ~2 mile walking trail through the woods was shady and cool despite the heat.

    We were in site 019, which was at the end of a loop and had only one neighbor. It backs up to the little lake, so we did hear some noise from the people fishing.

    We occasionally got 1 bar on T-mobile.

  • Sean
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Cross Creek RV Park

    DONT STAY HERE

    The road to get in and out of this place is absolutely ridiculous. You can try to go 1mph to avoid potholes or washed out area just to hit the next pothole and washed out area. Dont make the mistake we made! Read all the Google reviews (including the 5 star ones which also complain about the road)  i stopped counting after 25.. that explains alot about how much the owners care. The road was so bad we took a loss on the money and stayed elsewhere. Id rather loose out on a few hundred then damage my vehicle getting in and out of this place multiple times during my stay.

  • L
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Ben Branch Lake Conservation Area

    Its Nice

    Ben Branch is a Nice Place. It is nothing special. The camping Spots DO fill up quickly as there are only like 5-7 spots. On a weekend, Its gonna be loud! Lots of ATVs up and down the Gravel Road. The bathrooms just say if you know You Know. 🫩

  • 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.


Guide to Prairie Home

Camping near Prairie Home, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina, are right on the Missouri River. One reviewer mentioned, “You may get to see a paddleboat cruising the river,” making it a great spot for fishing and enjoying the water.
  • Hiking and biking: The Katy Trail runs through some campgrounds, providing easy access for hiking and biking. A visitor at Finger Lakes State Park Campground noted, “This park is great for families to fish, ride mountain bikes, and enjoy the ATV trails.”
  • Exploring historic sites: Campers at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground can enjoy the nearby historic town. One guest shared, “The walk or drive to the historic town literally park of the park was a surprise.”

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground said, “The bathrooms and showers were clean,” which is a big plus for many.
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have helpful hosts. A visitor at Binder Park Campground mentioned, “Hosts are good people and easy to speak with,” making the experience more enjoyable.
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having room to spread out. One reviewer at Arrow Rock State Historic Site Campground noted, “Sites are spaced further apart for great privacy.”

What you should know:

  • Ticks in warmer months: Campers should be aware of ticks, especially in spring and summer. A visitor at Finger Lakes State Park Campground warned, “As with most 'green' places in the spring and summer, the ticks are outrageous.”
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups or amenities. A camper at Roberts Bluff Access mentioned, “No restroom that we could find,” so plan accordingly.
  • Crowded during peak times: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina noted, “When we got to the campground, the one lane gravel road was packed on both sides with cars parked for an event.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. A visitor at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground shared, “The campground was full of activities for the kids,” making it a great choice for families.
  • Choose quieter sites: If you want a peaceful experience, opt for campgrounds that are less crowded. A camper at Pine Ridge Recreation Area mentioned, “It was a nice quiet area designated camping spots.”
  • Pack for outdoor fun: Bring along fishing gear, bikes, and outdoor games. A family at Hanson Hills Campground enjoyed fishing and relaxing by the pond, saying, “The pond was a great place to relax and watch the kids reel in fish after fish.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground’s sites. A reviewer at Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground noted, “The utilities were in the middle of the pad and water pressure was decent,” which is helpful for RVers.
  • Be prepared for gravel roads: Some campgrounds have gravel access roads. A visitor at Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park mentioned, “Our truck and camper was covered with gravel dust,” so be ready for that.
  • Look for long-term stays: Some campgrounds have long-term residents, which can create a friendly atmosphere. A camper at Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park said, “Everyone was friendly, quiet and seemed to keep to themselves.”

Camping near Prairie Home, Missouri, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Prairie Home, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Prairie Home, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Prairie Home, MO and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Prairie Home, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Prairie Home, MO is Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina with a 4.1-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Prairie Home, MO?

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