Cave explorers and trail runners find Rock Bridge Memorial State Park's Educational Scout Camps positioned within Missouri's extensive cave country. The campground operates on open terrain near a creek, with rough access roads that can challenge standard vehicles during wet conditions.
Multiple reviewers highlight the park's cave systems, particularly the Devil's Icebox, which maintains a constant 56-degree temperature even during humid summer months. The property features both constructed boardwalks and primitive trails marked by distance and difficulty levels. Families with children frequently use the boardwalks that wind through the wooded areas, while more adventurous visitors tackle the challenging trail segments. Wildlife sightings and abandoned agricultural structures appear along the more remote paths.
The creek provides cooling opportunities during warm weather, though Jenn L. notes "it is always busy and being busy, it is loud." The campground can experience significant crowding, particularly during peak seasons. Standard amenities include toilets, picnic tables, and trash service, with campfires and pets permitted throughout the grounds.
Scout groups and non-profit organizations receive discounted rates through the reservation system. For additional camping options in the region, visitors can explore campgrounds near Columbia. This facility works best for groups comfortable with primitive conditions and those prioritizing cave access over solitude.
Description
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRock Bridge Memorial State Park is located in Missouri near Columbia
Coordinates
38.88601811999999 N
92.31515536 W
Connectivity
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Connectivity
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Access
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 5 min from Columbia, MO
- 24 min from Jefferson City, MO
- 1 hr 44 min from St. Louis, MO
- 1 hr 49 min from Kansas City, MO
