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 (94)

    1. Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    16 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

    17 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 only negative thing I would say is 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."

    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

    21 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. 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."

    9. Robert's Bluff

    7 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"

    10. Binder Park Campground

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

    "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."

    "Trails are color coded and they do a great job of separating them by difficulty. The lake also has great fishing if you want to put in a canoe and do some paddling around."

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Recent Reviews near Prairie Home, MO

242 Reviews of 94 Prairie Home Campgrounds



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 94 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 16 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.

What parks are near Prairie Home, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Prairie Home, MO that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.