Camping in Columbia, MO, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023

United States
—
Missouri
—
Columbia

95% (5303 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Columbia

Available this weekend

Top camping destinations

Washington State Park

368 campgrounds

Finger Lakes State Park

Mark Twain National Forest

438 campgrounds

Dog-friendly getaways

98%

(98)

Rootwad RV Park and Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Camden

Our small owner operated campground sits high above the Niangua River. Situated below Tunnel Dam and the locally famous Whistle, we have 250’ of Big Niangua River frontage. We offer several full hook-up RV spots and ultra secluded primitive spots and anything in between. We have a bathroom/shower house for campers’ convenience.

Papa Chubby's Lakeside Resort

61 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Sunrise Beach, Camden

Papa Chubby’s Lakeside Resort is a relaxing environment with the true Lake of the Ozarks feel. Calm waters are in the back of the Cozy Cove at the 26-mile marker. You will listen to the birds chirp in the morning as you’re sipping your coffee. As the day passes, you and your family will be having fun and creating memories. Enjoy the water’s edge by the restaurant during your vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks. At Papa Chubby’s Lakeside Resort, friendship is the heartbeat of our existence. We believe that every cherished memory, every moment of joy, is amplified when shared with those we hold dear. We welcome you not just as a guest, but as a friend, and we hope that your stay with us becomes a chapter in your own story of friendship and lifelong connections. Our vast resort provides a restaurant & bar with a full menu, live entertainment, fully furnished cabins that sleep six, and an RV Park that are all just steps away from the water’s edge. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life, reconnect with nature, or simply indulge in a well-deserved retreat, our resort offers a unique experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. We take pride in our commitment to hospitality and want to offer the best experience possible. Whether you are renting a cabin or becoming a member of our RV Park, you will have access to the water, restaurant & bar, and other amenities that we have to offer in order to make your stay that much more enjoyable. Enjoy your morning walk near nature and observe the wildlife. If you’re a thrill seeker, we have rental boats and wave runners to cut through the water with or slow down with a paddle board or kayak. If you’re more of a night owl, we hold live concerts every weekend throughout the full swing of the lake season. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can bet you’ll be dancing before the evening’s over. Sunday afternoons you can find yourself with your feet in the sand, cold beverage in your hand, and some soft beach music to vibe out to.

Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

30 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Wellington, Lafayette

Harmony Lake welcomes you to our Farm. We are proud to be a registered member of Missouri Agritourism. Agritourism connects our guests with the great outdoors via Farm Stay. We hope you enjoy your stay at Harmony Lake Farm. We are walking distance to Harmony Lake: a private 12-acre lake for fishing, swimming and paddle boats. Our lake is home to record large-mouth bass and Missouri's longest free-floating walkway leading to a private island. We are located just 15-minutes from the highway and one hour to sites and attractions of Kansas City. We are 15-minutes to Lexington historic district or Odessa. We have a variety of tent and RV sites for your party to choose from so just reach out if you would like clarification on anything. Campfires and pets are allowed and all sites have access to bathrooms, a shower, bins, and an outdoor grill house.

PeaceTree Farms

14 sites · Lodging, Tents153 acres · Eolia, Pike

PeaceTree Farms is a charming Event Venue and Organic Farm hosting everything from weddings, fall and holiday festivals to off-grid camping. Our 153 acre farm has been in our family since the 1970's and has been generally preserved as a wildlife and conservation farm. Your hosts, Katie and Steve are excited to share PeaceTree Farms with fellow nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Shalom Acres LLC

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Winfield, Lincoln

Teresa built Shalom Acres 7 years ago with a dream opening a Party Venue which now seats 100 guests in the Carriage House and 80 guests on the lower level. Each year brings new upgrades now including BnB, Bunkhouse and campsites. Her hope is you enter feeling the peace and tranquility Shalom means and leave refreshed and blessed! Welcome.

12 top campgrounds near Columbia

98%

(99)

Rootwad RV Park and Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Camden

Our small owner operated campground sits high above the Niangua River. Situated below Tunnel Dam and the locally famous Whistle, we have 250’ of Big Niangua River frontage. We offer several full hook-up RV spots and ultra secluded primitive spots and anything in between. We have a bathroom/shower house for campers’ convenience.

Shalom Acres LLC

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Winfield, Lincoln

Teresa built Shalom Acres 7 years ago with a dream opening a Party Venue which now seats 100 guests in the Carriage House and 80 guests on the lower level. Each year brings new upgrades now including BnB, Bunkhouse and campsites. Her hope is you enter feeling the peace and tranquility Shalom means and leave refreshed and blessed! Welcome.

Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

30 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Wellington, Lafayette

Harmony Lake welcomes you to our Farm. We are proud to be a registered member of Missouri Agritourism. Agritourism connects our guests with the great outdoors via Farm Stay. We hope you enjoy your stay at Harmony Lake Farm. We are walking distance to Harmony Lake: a private 12-acre lake for fishing, swimming and paddle boats. Our lake is home to record large-mouth bass and Missouri's longest free-floating walkway leading to a private island. We are located just 15-minutes from the highway and one hour to sites and attractions of Kansas City. We are 15-minutes to Lexington historic district or Odessa. We have a variety of tent and RV sites for your party to choose from so just reach out if you would like clarification on anything. Campfires and pets are allowed and all sites have access to bathrooms, a shower, bins, and an outdoor grill house.

100%

(14)

Oasis Farms

20 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Phillipsburg, Laclede

Great for dry camping or parking near the home for water (with hose) and electrical (with extension cord). Functional farm for animal lovers - goats, sheep, pigs, geese, turkeys, guinea fowl, chickens. Short drive to Lebanon (all amenities), Bennett Spring State Park, and Springfield. 1.5 hours to Branson, Table Rock Lake, and other state parks. Fresh eggs available with advance request (Max 8)

Spring Lake Ranch

38 sites · RVs, Tents101 acres · Potosi, Washington

Spring Lake Ranch boasts countless trails and lake activities. Formerly known as Sayersbrook Bison ranch, at one time it was one of the largest Bison ranches in the world. This property is filled with amazing things to see and explore. Nothing like it in Missouri. Lake is 60+ acres and is spring fed. Amazing fishing, swimming and kayaking. We are pet friendly. You will have amazing lake views and will be close to hiking trails, horseback riding, and wine tasting at Edge Cliff Wineries which is next door to us. The beautiful shower house is super clean, has restrooms and hot showers and it is within walking distance. Firewood and ice are available to purchase; kayaks and fishing poles are available for rent. If you forget something at home stop by our little country store, we might have it! :) The sites are about 20 ft from each other - if you are looking for more privacy please check out the secluded site or the peninsula.

98%

(233)

Milo Farm Sacred Land

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Buckner, Jackson

Milo Farm was established organically just a few years ago. The energy here so amazing we wanted to share! There's a story behind the sacredness of this land, Loni can share that with you if you ask! The lodge was built then the camping sites, then the Hippie Trailer, which is located near the west woods near the Fairy Forest. Then the Bunkhouse was established, it's just past the barn on the north end of the property. The lodge, where the Airbnb and pool are is centrally located on the land. We rent out the lower level guest quarters for non-campers. It has two saunas. There are 2 stocked ponds, miles of trails, pool, Zen garden, farm animals and more. Feel the energy of the sacred land. Find the vortexes here! Bless Mother Earth and spend some time in nature at this magical place Great for the spiritually minded with several meditation spots and portals. Ask about availability of the art golf cart rental if interested. Loni can take you on a guided history, nature and meditation hike if you sign up for that. There are events happening some weekends you can participate in. Loni is a spiritual intuitive and can do a reading using the Milo Farm Oracle cards she created! Ask for availability of these things. Milo has a lot to offer! Located in Eastern Jackson County MO, just 30 minutes from downtown Kansas City & 20 min from the sports stadiums.

Papa Chubby's Lakeside Resort

61 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Sunrise Beach, Camden

Papa Chubby’s Lakeside Resort is a relaxing environment with the true Lake of the Ozarks feel. Calm waters are in the back of the Cozy Cove at the 26-mile marker. You will listen to the birds chirp in the morning as you’re sipping your coffee. As the day passes, you and your family will be having fun and creating memories. Enjoy the water’s edge by the restaurant during your vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks. At Papa Chubby’s Lakeside Resort, friendship is the heartbeat of our existence. We believe that every cherished memory, every moment of joy, is amplified when shared with those we hold dear. We welcome you not just as a guest, but as a friend, and we hope that your stay with us becomes a chapter in your own story of friendship and lifelong connections. Our vast resort provides a restaurant & bar with a full menu, live entertainment, fully furnished cabins that sleep six, and an RV Park that are all just steps away from the water’s edge. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life, reconnect with nature, or simply indulge in a well-deserved retreat, our resort offers a unique experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. We take pride in our commitment to hospitality and want to offer the best experience possible. Whether you are renting a cabin or becoming a member of our RV Park, you will have access to the water, restaurant & bar, and other amenities that we have to offer in order to make your stay that much more enjoyable. Enjoy your morning walk near nature and observe the wildlife. If you’re a thrill seeker, we have rental boats and wave runners to cut through the water with or slow down with a paddle board or kayak. If you’re more of a night owl, we hold live concerts every weekend throughout the full swing of the lake season. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can bet you’ll be dancing before the evening’s over. Sunday afternoons you can find yourself with your feet in the sand, cold beverage in your hand, and some soft beach music to vibe out to.

100%

(5)

Natural Farms - Campground

27 sites · RVs, Tents241 acres · Wright

Your Tent, RV, or Camper Trailer camping experience at Natural Farms could be one of your life's ten most-memorable events. We are so confident that you will be delighted with your camping experience we back it with a money-back Guarantee (If you leave before noon of the first day). Situated on 241 Acres, Natural Farms is UNIQUE in the world of camping - Serenity, Tranquility, Fun, and Educationally focused. Almost 1,000,000 square feet are dedicated to camping - A private campground on an all-natural cattle farm. Settled six years before the Civil War, the farm has remained natural - No pesticides, insecticides, nor commercial fertilizer. This is a Closed-Herd farm where all cattle are born and raised on this farm. Each campsite is in a pasture along a wooded creek and is approximately 100' wide with it's own fire pit. Hiking trails, fish-feeding pond, Children's playhouse with swings and slide, tire-runs, and horseshoes for the adults are included. Guests may also enjoy the Scavenger Hunt list and a take-home rock of their choosing (up to a softball size) to remember their visit. Guests may purchase Natural Farms USDA inspected beef patties, steaks, beef sticks, and beef jerky – And grill over the wood-fire at your campsite – free grills grates are available for your use. Free tree-limb pickup wood is available or buckets of clean and dry oak is available for purchase. Our pasture-raised and free-range chickens lay the finest brown and blue eggs for our Guests. Have you ever eaten a blue egg? Nature in it's full glory is always on display at the farm. The sounds of nature are soft and omnipresent. And, just in case, Natural Farms has a Full- Service Automotive Repair and Tire Shop - We can service you vehicle while you camp - Jump-starts are free.

88%

(13)

Flying W Store & Camping LLC

44 sites · RVs, Tents98 acres · Jadwin, Dent

Learn more about this land:Located between two Canoe Rentals on Upper Current River. Campground is 2 miles from River. We are also 4.5miles from Flat Nasty Off Road Park. Check out our fb or flyingwstoreandcamping.com

96%

(23)

Eminence Cottages and Camp

45 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents28 acres · Eminence, Shannon

Welcome to Eminence Cottages & Camp Our Resort is perfectly located to enjoy the natural wonders that abound in this area. Eminence Cottages and Camp is in the center of Missouri's largest national park; The Ozark National Scenic Riverways. We invite you to enjoy river fishing and canoeing, hiking and biking the famous Ozark Trail, abundant wildlife viewing, spring hopping and auto tours. Relax in our well-appointed cottages or get close to nature in the campground. Once settled you'll be ready to float the Current or Jacks Fork River. Call to make your reservation!

The Resort at Boiling Springs

34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Licking, Texas

Hello!! Welcome to The Resort at Boiling Springs. We are an RV and cabin rental campground situated along the beautiful Piney River right next to the state maintained river access Boiling Springs. We are open year around as a family oriented campground. We have a general store located on the property for easy access for items you may need during your stay. We are excited to host you for your next family vacation or just a quick weekend away! Come see us!

Booked 1 time

DZ2 PROPERTIES

40 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Eminence, Shannon

We secured these properties to help alleviate the housing crisis DURING covid, give people a safe alternative to housing units with shared venting systems, crowded houses, safer lodging than a hotel. And provide alternative s to traveling essential workers, as well as give people a safe place to get out of the house, with more room and plenty to explore.Learn more about this land:HILLS, VIEWS, AND A STREAM! Hiking, Fishing, DEER and TURKEY Hunting, Flower Picking, Building a Camp Hut, Bird Watching, ATV and Dirt Bikes ALLOWED, Horse Riding (BRING YOUR OWN HORSES), Camp Fires (contained only) with available wood on lot, Breathtaking views, Star Gazing, and Meditating. Extremely private, with lush vegetation. BACK OF THE LOT IS ALLEY SPRING

Under $50

98%

(98)

Rootwad RV Park and Campground

15 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Camden

Our small owner operated campground sits high above the Niangua River. Situated below Tunnel Dam and the locally famous Whistle, we have 250’ of Big Niangua River frontage. We offer several full hook-up RV spots and ultra secluded primitive spots and anything in between. We have a bathroom/shower house for campers’ convenience.

Shalom Acres LLC

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Winfield, Lincoln

Teresa built Shalom Acres 7 years ago with a dream opening a Party Venue which now seats 100 guests in the Carriage House and 80 guests on the lower level. Each year brings new upgrades now including BnB, Bunkhouse and campsites. Her hope is you enter feeling the peace and tranquility Shalom means and leave refreshed and blessed! Welcome.

Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground

30 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Wellington, Lafayette

Harmony Lake welcomes you to our Farm. We are proud to be a registered member of Missouri Agritourism. Agritourism connects our guests with the great outdoors via Farm Stay. We hope you enjoy your stay at Harmony Lake Farm. We are walking distance to Harmony Lake: a private 12-acre lake for fishing, swimming and paddle boats. Our lake is home to record large-mouth bass and Missouri's longest free-floating walkway leading to a private island. We are located just 15-minutes from the highway and one hour to sites and attractions of Kansas City. We are 15-minutes to Lexington historic district or Odessa. We have a variety of tent and RV sites for your party to choose from so just reach out if you would like clarification on anything. Campfires and pets are allowed and all sites have access to bathrooms, a shower, bins, and an outdoor grill house.

Papa Chubby's Lakeside Resort

61 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Sunrise Beach, Camden

Papa Chubby’s Lakeside Resort is a relaxing environment with the true Lake of the Ozarks feel. Calm waters are in the back of the Cozy Cove at the 26-mile marker. You will listen to the birds chirp in the morning as you’re sipping your coffee. As the day passes, you and your family will be having fun and creating memories. Enjoy the water’s edge by the restaurant during your vacation at the Lake of the Ozarks. At Papa Chubby’s Lakeside Resort, friendship is the heartbeat of our existence. We believe that every cherished memory, every moment of joy, is amplified when shared with those we hold dear. We welcome you not just as a guest, but as a friend, and we hope that your stay with us becomes a chapter in your own story of friendship and lifelong connections. Our vast resort provides a restaurant & bar with a full menu, live entertainment, fully furnished cabins that sleep six, and an RV Park that are all just steps away from the water’s edge. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of life, reconnect with nature, or simply indulge in a well-deserved retreat, our resort offers a unique experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired. We take pride in our commitment to hospitality and want to offer the best experience possible. Whether you are renting a cabin or becoming a member of our RV Park, you will have access to the water, restaurant & bar, and other amenities that we have to offer in order to make your stay that much more enjoyable. Enjoy your morning walk near nature and observe the wildlife. If you’re a thrill seeker, we have rental boats and wave runners to cut through the water with or slow down with a paddle board or kayak. If you’re more of a night owl, we hold live concerts every weekend throughout the full swing of the lake season. On Fridays and Saturdays, you can bet you’ll be dancing before the evening’s over. Sunday afternoons you can find yourself with your feet in the sand, cold beverage in your hand, and some soft beach music to vibe out to.

PeaceTree Farms

14 sites · Lodging, Tents153 acres · Eolia, Pike

PeaceTree Farms is a charming Event Venue and Organic Farm hosting everything from weddings, fall and holiday festivals to off-grid camping. Our 153 acre farm has been in our family since the 1970's and has been generally preserved as a wildlife and conservation farm. Your hosts, Katie and Steve are excited to share PeaceTree Farms with fellow nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

Within one hour of Columbia

99%

(485)

Selby Farm Horse Retirement

10 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Wooldridge, Moniteau

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.

100%

(6)

Wooded Escape

6 sites · Tents50 acres · Sturgeon, Boone

Where else can you have 50 acres of woods, all to yourself? Owned since the early 1970s, we just love this property for its quiet serene atmosphere and thought we'd share its beauty with others. It's hard to find a secluded place to relax in anymore and escape the crowds. So come and enjoy! Learn more about this land: You can park in the driveway, then hike around and set up a secluded tent campsite anywhere on our 50 acres of wooded land. The site listing numbers you see on this map are simply for general reference, you can camp anywhere you please. Also, the only vehicle access is the driveway and large open field you see on the map here. Folks with roof top tents or campers or RV's can set up camp anywhere in this field, along the edge of the woods. The remaining acreage is heavily wooded and hilly with creeks running through. At this time, vehicles cannot penetrate the woods. Pinnacle Park is a simple walk down the road/hill from our land. You can have fun hiking, splashing in the creek, playing in the sand and rock climbing at the Pinnacle's. Pinnacle Park also has nice shelters for picnics with fireplaces and restrooms. We offer a water hydrant on our land, but no electric or bathrooms.

100%

(94)

Retreat to the Country

4 sites · Lodging10 acres · Holts Summit, Callaway

This land has been asking to be shared. First it was swings and little things for the grandchildren and their friends. Then the Cabin by the pond began to welcome visitors. Soon the steep slope anchored a Yurt with a wrap-around deck that puts you up in the trees. Our gathering spot by the creek became a camp site. Recently the grandkids' Bunk House found its way in. Our Retreat is 10 acres, narrow, but 1/4 mile deep, stretching down a steep wooded slope to a creek - and up the other side to the top of a bluff. It is only ten miles to Jefferson City but has a quiet and distant feel.

100%

(1)

Soldier's Sanctuary

3 sites · RVs10 acres · Moberly, Randolph

Learn more about this land:Hi! Soldiers Sanctuary operates under the premise, that at some point in our lives we have been a soldier. Someone who keeps going even in the face of adversity. This is a healing, grounding, Mind, Body and Spirit balancing piece of property where you can come to escape whatever war, drama or issue that is keeping you from being you whole happy self. You are here to connect with yourself , maybe others and nature. Simple is key here. We are on 10 beautiful serene calm acres with woods to hike, a pond to fish, working resident dog and our wildlife of turkey, cranes, racoons, squirrels, beaver, deer and fox to name some. There is a patio to enjoy a more communal and easy going viwing or there are community firepits. NO FIRES except in the locations. You have access to a stocked pond for catch and release fishing. Please let us know if you would like to fish. Soldiers Sanctuary is 30 mins to a real amish living community. Here you can shop in the stores they themselves do their shopping. You are 15 mins to town and 45 mins to Columia Mo a thriving college town. There is a beach approx 35 miles away and a state park with various amenities is out off the main highway. Soldiers Sanctuary is a division of Warrior's Outpost a homestead teaching facility. You may be in attendance while a lesson is being taught. Stay and learn homesteading and survival tactics from ex military and real herbalist/Naturopathic Doctor. At Soldiers Sanctuary we want you away from electronics ,distractions while learning and gaining your inner strength. There is a small play area for children and any pets require an additional fee and permission to attend as we do not want others disturbed.

100%

(5)

Primitive Camping Farm

7 sites · TentsHolts Summit, Callaway

Our Primitive Camping Farm is located just outside the city limits of Holts Summit, MO.Sitting on an old dirt road you'll find our large open field just waiting for you to pitch your tent and relax. You'll find peace and tranquility while enjoying the big open sky and fresh country air; all while just minutes from modern conveniences (gas stations, grocery store, restaurants).Learn more about this land:Pitch your tent in this wide-open country field located just outside the city limits of Holts Summit, MO which is just minutes from Jefferson City, MO. Ideal for tents but campers are also welcome, just please NOTE: This is a Primitive Camping Farm so electricity & running water are NOT available. image

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

89%

(19)

Mark Twain National Forest

Bunker, Missouri

100%

(3)

Pomme de Terre State Park

Hermitage, Missouri

100%

(1)

Pere Marquette State Park

Siloam Springs State Park

Mound Station, Illinois

100%

(1)

Beaver Dam State Park

Chesterfield, Illinois

Argyle Lake State Park

Jim Edgar Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area

Chandlerville, Illinois

Camping near Columbia guide

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.

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.