Best Campgrounds near Sturgeon, MO

The rural landscape surrounding Sturgeon, Missouri encompasses several camping options within a 30-mile radius, ranging from state parks to conservation areas and private campgrounds. Finger Lakes State Park, approximately 15 miles south of Sturgeon, offers year-round camping with both wooded and open sites for tents and RVs. Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area, located northwest of Sturgeon, provides free primitive camping in a heavily forested setting with lakeside access. Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina along the Missouri River combines camping with cultural amenities including live music and food options. The region's camping infrastructure spans from basic tent sites with minimal facilities to full-service RV parks with hookups, showers, and camp stores.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this part of central Missouri. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F with high humidity, making air-conditioned cabins at locations like Mark Twain State Park particularly valuable. According to camper reviews, "Missouri in August gets sooo hot," making shade a critical amenity. Spring brings moderate temperatures but increased precipitation that can affect road conditions at conservation areas. Tick activity becomes pronounced in warmer months, with one visitor noting, "Use spray to keep the buggers off!" Most developed campgrounds maintain clean facilities, though site availability becomes limited during summer weekends and holiday periods. Reservations are strongly recommended for state park campgrounds from May through September.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive feedback from visitors to the area. Campsites along the Missouri River at Cooper's Landing offer "great views and stunning sunsets" according to multiple reviews. The Katy Trail, a converted rail-trail that runs near several campgrounds, provides recreational opportunities for cyclists and hikers. Finger Lakes State Park distinguishes itself by permitting ATV use on designated trails while maintaining quiet camping areas. Visitors note that "most camping sites have at least some shade" at state parks, an important consideration during hot summer months. Conservation areas like Rudolf Bennitt provide more secluded experiences with "quite nights" and good fishing opportunities but fewer amenities than developed campgrounds. Bathroom and shower facilities at state parks generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance.

Best Camping Sites Near Sturgeon, Missouri (82)

    1. Finger Lakes State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Hallsville, MO
    9 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."

    2. Cottonwoods RV Park & Campground

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, MO
    16 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. Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Higbee, MO
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    "Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses. Camping at lake is open gravel or grass."

    "Stay at lake for three days, established area with vault toilet and gravel parking. Has boat ramp and fishing docks."

    4. Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Columbia, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 239-8340

    "We had family from Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri, and everyone raved how this was their new favorite spot."

    "We didn’t explore the grounds much but apparently we could’ve walked and seen the horses by the resort. The only thing I didn’t love was the gravel road all the way in."

    5. Camp Takimina

    1 Review
    Columbia, MO
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 445-7536

    $15 - $85 / night

    "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. "

    6. Cooper’s Landing Campgrounds and Marina

    18 Reviews
    Jamestown, MO
    29 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."

    7. Hanson Hills Campground

    10 Reviews
    Kingdom City, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 642-8600

    "Plenty of room to be camped away from others."

    "Kinda drive in and park anywhere you see a firepit. We had a rooftop tent on the truck and a tent. We camped near the smaller pond."

    8. Slate and Wild Roses

    1 Review
    Holliday, MO
    17 miles
    +1 (573) 289-5908

    $25 - $30 / night

    "As the evening wore on I heard barred owls and coyotes, as well as the nearby cows. The fireflies came out at dark and gave me an impressive show."

    9. Tri-City Community Lake

    Be the first to review!
    Hallsville, MO
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 815-7900

    10. Lakeview Park - Mexico

    4 Reviews
    Mexico, MO
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 581-2100

    "We camped in a 32' Class C for 7 days during the Miss Missouri Pageant. It's a quite little park with maybe 15-20 sites with electric only. There is potable water and sewer dump on site."

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Recent Reviews near Sturgeon, MO

395 Reviews of 82 Sturgeon 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 .

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Graham Cave State Park Campground

    A Nice little campground

    A little rough on the way in, but the campground itself had nice spaces in the trees, picnic tables had covers, and we had electrical hookups. Some spaces might require some leveling. Camp host was very 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.

  • L
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Graham Cave State Park Campground

    Not Impressed

    If I were you I would not waste any time going here it's not worth getting off of the interstate. The campsites are decent I would have to say... Don't try to put a kayak in the Loutre though. and Do Not Stop ANYWHERE along the route if You do BOSS MAN will Harass You until You hate this place. Too Many Restrictions and its really just a waste of time...the Cave is Once You've seen it blah blah blah

  • 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.

  • Serge P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Vandalia Community Lake

    Perfect, quiet, peaceful

    Very nice place, I wouldn’t rely on facilities. Quiet at night and during the day some local fisherman come to fish lots of bugs in the afternoon and at night.

  • 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 Sturgeon

Camping near Sturgeon, Missouri offers year-round options with varied terrain across Boone and Randolph counties. The area sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with glacial till prairie soil that can become muddy after rain. Many campsites in the region feature mature oak-hickory forest that provides natural shade during summer months when temperatures frequently reach the 90s.

What to do

Paddling adventures: Finger Lakes State Park features narrow waterways ideal for exploring by canoe or kayak. "Paddling through these channels is such a dreamy experience. Kayaks and canoes are available to rent as well," notes one visitor who enjoys early morning water activities.

Motorcross trails: Former strip mining areas have been converted to recreational use at Finger Lakes State Park. "If you are into motocross/atv this would be a wonderful place to camp! But I had mostly come for the lake/swimming/camping," shares one camper, highlighting the specialized trails available for off-road vehicles.

Bike the Katy Trail: Cooper's Landing Campgrounds and Marina provides direct access to the Katy Trail State Park. "Katy trail is easy biking beautiful views, shaded. Blue birds, cardinals and also an indigo bunting were seen our first trip out," reports a visitor who enjoyed wildlife viewing while cycling along the converted rail-trail.

What campers like

Riverside sunsets: Waterfront camping at Cooper's Landing offers spectacular evening views. "Campsites were right on the Missouri River. Had great views and a stunning sunset," writes one visitor who particularly enjoyed the riverside location just south of Sturgeon.

Peaceful forest settings: Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area provides more isolated camping experiences. "Heavily forested with a lake. Trails and camping areas in woods are setup for equestrian with good trails for hikers, bikers and horses," notes a camper who appreciated the natural surroundings.

Live entertainment: Cooper's Landing features regular performances during warmer months. "They have a stage for live music. Even had phone service," comments one camper who enjoyed the social atmosphere. The venue hosts music Thursday through Sunday evenings until 10pm, making it busier but more entertaining than other area campgrounds.

What you should know

Weather challenges: Missouri summers demand preparation. "Missouri in August gets sooo hot," making air conditioning or shade essential during peak summer. One visitor to Cottonwoods RV Park confirms the campground has "mature trees so satellite placement could be challenging" but provides good shade.

Insects: Tick activity increases dramatically in warm months. "The ticks are outrageous. This time was no exception, use spray to keep the buggers off!" cautions a camper, highlighting the importance of insect protection from April through October.

Road conditions: Many conservation areas have limited access during wet weather. "A short excursion down a dirt road made the place feel remote, but within the comforts of society," writes a visitor about Hanson Hills Campground, noting how rain affects dirt roads leading to camping areas.

Tips for camping with families

Lake activities: Mark Twain State Park offers family-friendly water recreation. "Met up for a family reunion at Mark Twain, adults loved the boat accesses and the kids loved the swimming! Something for everyone!" shares a visitor who found activities for all age groups.

Playground access: Hanson Hills Campground provides play areas for children. "The campground was full of activities for the kids. The pool was clean and the grounds were very clean and nice," notes a visitor who camped there during Labor Day weekend when organized events were scheduled.

Private camping: At Mark Twain State Park, "The sites are well spaced and clean," allowing families separation from neighboring campers. Large sites accommodate multiple tents and provide room for children to play within sight of the campsite.

Tips from RVers

Site levelness: Prepare for uneven terrain at many area campgrounds. "Beautiful area, but honestly not sure if any campsite is truly level. Be prepared," advises an RV camper at Mark Twain State Park who recommends bringing leveling blocks.

Access to supplies: Cedar Creek Resort & RV Park provides convenient proximity to Columbia amenities. "Good for an overnight stay. Came in late, called number & lady gave us instructions to find site," reports a traveler who appreciated the accessible location and after-hours check-in process.

Hookup variations: Campgrounds offer different levels of services. "We stayed at site 76 in puma loop which was a sloping site but it was massive," notes a visitor to Mark Twain State Park, adding that electric sites are available but no water hookups exist outside of host sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Sturgeon, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Sturgeon, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 82 campgrounds and RV parks near Sturgeon, MO and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Sturgeon, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Sturgeon, MO is Finger Lakes State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 23 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Sturgeon, MO?

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