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Established Camping

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps, near Columbia, Missouri, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors. This park is known for its stunning scenery, featuring beautiful trails, creeks, and even some intriguing caves to explore.

While camping isn't allowed here, visitors rave about the hiking and biking opportunities. One reviewer mentioned, “Great trails for biking and hiking and the creek is perfect for cooling off.” The park's unique features, like the famous Devil's Icebox, offer a refreshing escape from the summer heat, with temperatures inside the cave dropping to a cool 56 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, be prepared for a busy park. Many folks enjoy the hustle and bustle, with families and adventurers alike taking advantage of the picturesque boardwalks and trails. As one visitor put it, “It is always busy and being busy, it is loud, if you're looking for a quiet hike.”

Just across the street, there’s even more public land waiting to be explored, making this a great base for your outdoor adventures. Whether you're hiking, biking, or just soaking in the natural beauty, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is a spot you won't want to miss.

Description

State Park

Just minutes from Columbia, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. You can explore Connor's Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world.

Non-profit, educational or Scout groups can take advantage of the special-use area for overnight primitive camping. It features two fire rings, a vault toilet and several picnic tables. There is no water or electricity. The cost is $2 per person, per night. Reservations are required. For more information, call 573-449-7402.

Fee Info

Camping Fees

Nightly camping rates vary from campground to campground based on different criteria. Campsites with an electric amenity (electric, electric/water, sewer/electric/water) are priced differently for those with 30 amp. service than for those with 50 amp. service (premium). The links below are full listings of the camping rates by facility, broken down by season. 2017 On-Season Rates

(April 1-Oct. 31)*

2017 Off-Season Rates

(Nov. 1-March 31)* *Exceptions to Season Timelines At Roaring River, Bennett Spring, and Montauk state parks, the on-season begins Feb. 25. Some northern parks begin on-season operations on April 15. The on-season for Table Rock State Park runs from March through November.

Nine Missouri state park campgrounds offer "value camping" with lower rates that vary depending on the day and season. These value campsites provide you with an even more economical alternative for spending the night and may encourage you to discover a new state park you have not tried before. When you are planning a camping trip, consider staying at one of the following state parks and take advantage of their "value camping:" Graham Cave, Lake Wappapello, Pomme de Terre, Robertsville, Stockton, Harry S Truman, Mark Twain, Van Meter. or Washington. You may discover a new "favorite" park.

Reservation Fees

When making an advance reservation, additional fees apply as listed below. The reservation fee is nonrefundable. These fees apply for each site reserved. General Camping

Group Tent Area (Meramec State Park) To make a reservation $8.50 $8.50 To change a reservation $5.25 $10 To cancel a reservation $8.50* $10* *This is in addition to the forfeiture of the original reservation fee paid at the time of the reservation.

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Location

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps is located in Missouri

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.88601811999999 N
92.31515536 W

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Features

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  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

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Reviews

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2019

Fun times right close to home

I've been out hiking here several times. It is always busy and being busy, it is loud, if you're looking for a quiet hike. That said, loads of nice scenery, a creek, and always something new to be found.

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2018

Great Biking

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

Reviewed May. 17, 2018

Your missing the best part

Not only is this an amazing park but directly across the street sits more public land to explore

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps by Curtis M., May 17, 2018
  • Review photo of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps by Curtis M., May 17, 2018
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2017

Caves, Boardwalks, and Turtles - Oh my!

In the month of August I took a solo trip out to Columbia, MO to spend the entire day immersed in the beautiful Columbia landscape. I first heard about the cave systems, especially the infamous Devil's Icebox. And I had seen pictures of these beautiful wooden boardwalks that meander through the trees. 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. A number of families with little children ran around enjoying the boardwalks, ascending and descending the stairs built into the hills. I found the Devil's Icebox and was rejoiced by how remarkably cool it was (56 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact!) compared to the thick, humid summer air. I explored some of the extensive primitive trails, first by hiking and then by trail running. There are beautiful sights along the way, from wildlife to old, abandoned silos. The trails were marked by distance and difficulty, ranging from easy to challenging. I have yet to take on any camping out here. I had read that they charge non-profit groups and scouts a very small fee per person. I will have to go back and set up camp in these woods. I highly recommend exploring this park for the adventurous as well as the next family outing!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps by Ashley F., September 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps by Ashley F., September 20, 2017
  • Review photo of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps by Ashley F., September 20, 2017
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps?

    Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps is located at 757 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Educational Scout Camps, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.