Camping near Columbia

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While the University of Missouri–Columbia (commonly called Mizzou) is the heart of the city, Columbia is much more than a college town. Located halfway between Missouri’s two largest cities (St. Louis and Kansas City) and just north of the state capital in Jefferson City, Columbia is center stage in the Show Me State. It offers a hip downtown, outdoor recreation, and a diverse culture. Campers will find unique glamping getaways, private RV parks, state park campgrounds, and more.

98% (781)

Top-rated campgrounds near Columbia

2. The Pocket

100%
(31)
7.5mi from Columbia · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
A literal 30 acre pocket of paradise tucked away just minutes North of Columbia, MO. Here you’ll find a private lake with fishing access, rolling hills with stunning sunrises and sunsets, plenty of space to reset with nature, perfect for a glamping getaway. We have 3 separate sites on the property. Our 24’ yurt that sleeps up to 6 with indoor toilet (no shower) propane fireplace for chilly fall and winter stays and AC for the Missouri heat; a cozy RV that sleeps 4 (queen bed and bunks in the back) offers all the amenities of home with a kitchen and bathroom (with hot water and shower); and last we have a level gravel site with 30amp electric and water hook ups (no dump capability) with picnic table, fire pit and grill available for those that want to bring their own RV. We are Pet friendly (with additional cost for the yurt) as we have our own over friendly farm dog. Come play yard games, swing, fish, bring your kayak or paddle board, kids can play or swim on our sandy beach, or just walk our 1 mile perimeter trail, a perfect place to rest, rejuvenate and recharge. Farm fresh eggs are available as well as any extra firewood. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our little pocket of paradise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

7. Selby Farm Horse Retirement

99%
(697)
11mi from Columbia · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Summary: Easy access from I-70 Great views. Usually very quiet except for wildlife sounds Portapottie at both camping areas Great star viewing. Excellent conditions for pets Hosts live nearby and are good communicators via text or phone. Hosts can direct you to several local attractions and shopping options. Hosts are happy to take questions before, during, or after your stay. Narrative about Selby Farm: Selbys have lived on this 75 acre farm since 1990. Doug and Brenda are retired from teaching at nearby public schools. Our Farm is now dedicated to boarding retired horses for their owners. Feel free to review the Selby Farm Horse Retirement webpage if you are a horse fan. We encourage you to visit our business website where you will see more farm pictures, videos, and where you will learn more about us. We practice rotational grazing for the health of the horses and the health of our pastures. The horses live in a herd as they would in the wild. Basically, they are hanging out with their friends! They also get regular care and feed and so are VERY happy. You will see and probably interact with the horses if you wish. They are guaranteed to come closer if you have treats like carrots and apples slices. Our quiet county road used to be the main road along the river. A hundred years ago it was called "Shanty Road". The shacks that were along it housed workers that harvested food from farms in the river bottom. The only evidence of those shacks now is perrenial flowers growing in unusual places. The area is inhabited by professionals working in nearby towns and cities. In fact there are only five homes along our 1.5 mile section of Copps Chapel Road. The native Americans who used this area did so because of the great diversity of wildlife and availability of water. Also the view is amazing in all directions. Was using this ridge top encampment for security, or just because the view is so satisfying? The Missouri River is on the far side of the bottoms now, but has been very close historically. There is also a large spring flowing from a cave nearby. Witness the flint chips when you walk through our barn lot. You are likely to see a broken stone tool that was once worked on by a native American. These river hills are composed of soils blown in from the end of the last ice age. Being near the river, erosion has cut down the surrounding area making the scenic topography associated with Missouri River valleys and river hills.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night

15. Sunny Ridge Stables

100%
(4)
11mi from Columbia · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Working horse facility, we host harvest host, and horse motel over night horse boarding also. We have facilities to plug in to water and electric, we have 30amp, and 110 amp, and allow dry camping. We have 7 - 12x14 box stalls with fans and bucket hooks, we have a 40x40 outdoor wooden paddock, we have a 120x100 outdoor arena, we offer free wifi to our guests. Reservations are required, we get busy spring through fall. We offer riding, trail riding, tours and hands on with horses, we have trails right off the property, there are state parks to hike in and ride in as well. There's a lake with a dock to swim in. We sell farm fresh eggs, we have t-shirts for sale, you can also order black and white photos on canvas. They're displayed in the office. We run a program for Service and Assistance dogs called Paws for Hearts COMO, we breed German Shepherds, raise and train for disabled vets, and children with disabilities, all completely donated from the dogs to the training. There are cats, dogs, chickens and horses here. Friendly people, we are laid back, warm and welcoming. We will do everything in our power to make your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$29
 / night

17. Maya Creek

77%
(11)
28mi from Columbia · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
310 Acre Oak woodland forest sanctuary. This property is run as a conservancy and land trust with a board of directors. Trish & Cameron are land stewards and caretakers as well as managing the camping. We are Leftie Hippie Punk Burners. We are artists, postal carriers and permaculture farmers and natural builders. We believe in BLM, and are LGBTQIA ourselves as well as allies and support all people and critters and nature and are intolerant of hate and mysogeny. We love providing a safe beautiful place in the woods for anyone who needs it. The woods are beautiful, there's a few spots cleared for camping and there are trails to hike, a composting toilet, and not too far from the highway, but far enough you can't hear it. We have a fire pit, hammock and picnick tables for you to use if you like. We love meeting people and we also respect mutual privacy. We live off grid but have some power enough to charge your phone should you need it. We have WiFi but please bring your own drinking water. We have a small Berkey for drinking water here but its best you bring your own. We are in process of installing some outdoor showers and more tiny houses. We are a place in progress and we live here (so there may be projects in progress) and so does the wildlife and that includes ticks. We have a dog, cat, chickens, and abundant wildlife and please consider this PRIMITIVE CAMPING. We look forward to meeting you and thanks for visiting!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$22
 / night

While the University of Missouri–Columbia (commonly called Mizzou) is the heart of the city, Columbia is much more than a college town. Located halfway between Missouri’s two largest cities (St. Louis and Kansas City) and just north of the state capital in Jefferson City, Columbia is center stage in the Show Me State. It offers a hip downtown, outdoor recreation, and a diverse culture. Campers will find unique glamping getaways, private RV parks, state park campgrounds, and more.

98% (781)

Top-rated campgrounds near Columbia

2. The Pocket

100%
(31)
7.5mi from Columbia · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
A literal 30 acre pocket of paradise tucked away just minutes North of Columbia, MO. Here you’ll find a private lake with fishing access, rolling hills with stunning sunrises and sunsets, plenty of space to reset with nature, perfect for a glamping getaway. We have 3 separate sites on the property. Our 24’ yurt that sleeps up to 6 with indoor toilet (no shower) propane fireplace for chilly fall and winter stays and AC for the Missouri heat; a cozy RV that sleeps 4 (queen bed and bunks in the back) offers all the amenities of home with a kitchen and bathroom (with hot water and shower); and last we have a level gravel site with 30amp electric and water hook ups (no dump capability) with picnic table, fire pit and grill available for those that want to bring their own RV. We are Pet friendly (with additional cost for the yurt) as we have our own over friendly farm dog. Come play yard games, swing, fish, bring your kayak or paddle board, kids can play or swim on our sandy beach, or just walk our 1 mile perimeter trail, a perfect place to rest, rejuvenate and recharge. Farm fresh eggs are available as well as any extra firewood. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our little pocket of paradise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

7. Selby Farm Horse Retirement

99%
(697)
11mi from Columbia · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
Summary: Easy access from I-70 Great views. Usually very quiet except for wildlife sounds Portapottie at both camping areas Great star viewing. Excellent conditions for pets Hosts live nearby and are good communicators via text or phone. Hosts can direct you to several local attractions and shopping options. Hosts are happy to take questions before, during, or after your stay. Narrative about Selby Farm: Selbys have lived on this 75 acre farm since 1990. Doug and Brenda are retired from teaching at nearby public schools. Our Farm is now dedicated to boarding retired horses for their owners. Feel free to review the Selby Farm Horse Retirement webpage if you are a horse fan. We encourage you to visit our business website where you will see more farm pictures, videos, and where you will learn more about us. We practice rotational grazing for the health of the horses and the health of our pastures. The horses live in a herd as they would in the wild. Basically, they are hanging out with their friends! They also get regular care and feed and so are VERY happy. You will see and probably interact with the horses if you wish. They are guaranteed to come closer if you have treats like carrots and apples slices. Our quiet county road used to be the main road along the river. A hundred years ago it was called "Shanty Road". The shacks that were along it housed workers that harvested food from farms in the river bottom. The only evidence of those shacks now is perrenial flowers growing in unusual places. The area is inhabited by professionals working in nearby towns and cities. In fact there are only five homes along our 1.5 mile section of Copps Chapel Road. The native Americans who used this area did so because of the great diversity of wildlife and availability of water. Also the view is amazing in all directions. Was using this ridge top encampment for security, or just because the view is so satisfying? The Missouri River is on the far side of the bottoms now, but has been very close historically. There is also a large spring flowing from a cave nearby. Witness the flint chips when you walk through our barn lot. You are likely to see a broken stone tool that was once worked on by a native American. These river hills are composed of soils blown in from the end of the last ice age. Being near the river, erosion has cut down the surrounding area making the scenic topography associated with Missouri River valleys and river hills.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night

15. Sunny Ridge Stables

100%
(4)
11mi from Columbia · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Working horse facility, we host harvest host, and horse motel over night horse boarding also. We have facilities to plug in to water and electric, we have 30amp, and 110 amp, and allow dry camping. We have 7 - 12x14 box stalls with fans and bucket hooks, we have a 40x40 outdoor wooden paddock, we have a 120x100 outdoor arena, we offer free wifi to our guests. Reservations are required, we get busy spring through fall. We offer riding, trail riding, tours and hands on with horses, we have trails right off the property, there are state parks to hike in and ride in as well. There's a lake with a dock to swim in. We sell farm fresh eggs, we have t-shirts for sale, you can also order black and white photos on canvas. They're displayed in the office. We run a program for Service and Assistance dogs called Paws for Hearts COMO, we breed German Shepherds, raise and train for disabled vets, and children with disabilities, all completely donated from the dogs to the training. There are cats, dogs, chickens and horses here. Friendly people, we are laid back, warm and welcoming. We will do everything in our power to make your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$29
 / night

17. Maya Creek

77%
(11)
28mi from Columbia · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
310 Acre Oak woodland forest sanctuary. This property is run as a conservancy and land trust with a board of directors. Trish & Cameron are land stewards and caretakers as well as managing the camping. We are Leftie Hippie Punk Burners. We are artists, postal carriers and permaculture farmers and natural builders. We believe in BLM, and are LGBTQIA ourselves as well as allies and support all people and critters and nature and are intolerant of hate and mysogeny. We love providing a safe beautiful place in the woods for anyone who needs it. The woods are beautiful, there's a few spots cleared for camping and there are trails to hike, a composting toilet, and not too far from the highway, but far enough you can't hear it. We have a fire pit, hammock and picnick tables for you to use if you like. We love meeting people and we also respect mutual privacy. We live off grid but have some power enough to charge your phone should you need it. We have WiFi but please bring your own drinking water. We have a small Berkey for drinking water here but its best you bring your own. We are in process of installing some outdoor showers and more tiny houses. We are a place in progress and we live here (so there may be projects in progress) and so does the wildlife and that includes ticks. We have a dog, cat, chickens, and abundant wildlife and please consider this PRIMITIVE CAMPING. We look forward to meeting you and thanks for visiting!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$22
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Columbia guide

Where to go

Katy Trail

This 240-mile rail-to-trail conversion crosses almost the entire width of mid-Missouri, running approximately parallel to Interstate 70. Even if you don’t intend to bike the entire trail, Columbia is a great jumping-off point for a shorter spur. Hop on the MKT Trail in Columbia to catch the Katy Trail to Rocheport and beyond. Rocheport has antebellum homes, a 243-foot tunnel with a picturesque stone arch, and scenic rock bluffs. Many camping options near the trail cater to bicyclists, offering tent, RV, and glamping accommodations.

The District (Downtown Columbia)

The District covers 50 square blocks of downtown Columbia, with three college campuses at its border. This is where you go to eat, shop, and be entertained. Think local coffee shops, quirky dessert nooks, foodie-approved restaurants, live music, outdoor patios, cozy bookstores, and colorful cocktails. Whether you go for a night on the town or for a sleepy breakfast, you’ll find numerous temptations. Walk to the Mizzou campus to appreciate the historic buildings and award-winning landscaping. Private RV resorts can be located near downtown, as well as private campsites.

State Parks and National Forests Near Columbia

The mid-state region is home to a number of state parks and historic sights, and Rock Bridge Memorial is one of the most popular, thanks to the scenic trails and unique geological features. For camping, Finger Lakes State Park is the closest option, offering tent and RV camping onsite. Mark Twain National Forest has a handful of public campgrounds near Columbia, including Dry Fork and Pine Ridge Recreation Areas.

When to go

The population swells with the school year calendar, bringing over 30,000 students to campus. While campsites might be harder to find, the students also bring a buzz of energy to Columbia, which moves at a slower pace during summertime. The shoulder seasons of spring and fall are the best time for camping, with pleasant weather. Summer can bring high temperatures and sweltering humidity, while winter drops below freezing and brings snow and ice.