The best campgrounds near Columbia, Missouri with swimming

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. If you're looking for a camping spot near Columbia, Missouri with swimming, you're in luck! We have over 348 options that fit your preference. Whether you're planning a family trip or a solo adventure, there's something for everyone. Check out our top campsites like Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground (292 reviews), Comfy Cabin Camping (101 reviews), and Retreat to the Country (77 reviews). With popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and pet-friendly spaces, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to dive in!

95% (232)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for finding the perfect camping experience. If you're looking for a camping spot near Columbia, Missouri with swimming, you're in luck! We have over 348 options that fit your preference. Whether you're planning a family trip or a solo adventure, there's something for everyone. Check out our top campsites like Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground (292 reviews), Comfy Cabin Camping (101 reviews), and Retreat to the Country (77 reviews). With popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and pet-friendly spaces, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. So pack your swimsuit and get ready to dive in!

95% (232)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Retreat to the Country

99%

(164)

22mi from Columbia · 4 sites · Lodging · Holts Summit, MO

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.

2. MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

91%

(49)

16mi from Columbia · 5 sites · Lodging · Hartsburg, MO

Enchanting hand-built and rustic off-grid cabin overlooks the Missouri River bottom, nearby bluffs, and scenic, peaceful 177 acre farm -Close to Columbia, Hermann & Jeff City -Spacious studio-style bedroom -Large sunny windows -Outdoor kitchen -Screened-in porch -Fire pit -Incredible views, total stargazers dream -Pets OK! -Outdoor shower (cold!) Secluded & surrounded by nature, find yourself restored after hiking, antiquing, cooking, or drinking wine and taking in the beautiful surroundings. THE SPACE The Moon-Rise Cabin sits atop a ridge overlooking the 177 acre farm and surrounding conservation land ridges. The views from this private little solar powered, off-the-grid getaway are stunning! THE TINY CABIN The cabin is equipped with solar powered lights, phone and computer charging stations, a propane powered heating system and kitchen range. Cold running water flows in the kitchen sink located in the hand built screened in porch and also in the outdoor shower- perfect for cleaning up after a long summer's day of hiking trails or biking on the Katy Trail. BATHROOM The half bath is a clean and comfy outhouse. The property boasts many delicate ecosystems that are thriving thanks to being fully organic and untouched by chemicals for over 40 years. OUTDOOR KITCHEN The outdoor kitchen (on the screened-in porch) includes a gas range for cooking and making morning coffee, and comes equipped with utensils, pots, pans, dish ware, etc. WILDLIFE Warmer months you'll surely encounter some of the resident tree frogs, birds, peregrine falcon, bald eagles, worms, Gary the groundhog, possums, snakes, armadillos, insects, dragon flies, bumblebees, lightning bugs, deer, wild flowers, trees, grass, turtles, fish and celebrity Justin Beaver. SWIMMING POND We have a swimming pond nearby with a little beach. You might also enjoy using our paddle board on the pond! FISHING We also invite you to fish in our pond. You are welcome to keep and eat any fish that you like, with the exception of all bass under 12 inches. Please be sure to release these until they get to breeding age in order to help us ensure the healthiness of our pond. Anything larger than 13 inches is all yours! ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATIONS We have another cabin on the property that sleeps 2. Please inquiry if you'd like to make a family or friends trip to the farm! NEIGHBOURHOOD DESCRIPTION The Moon-Rise Cabin sits on 176 acres of beautiful wooded ridges and deep valleys, ponds and meadows and is directly adjacent to the 657 acre Hart Creek Conservation Area. The town of Hartsburg and the Katy Trail access is about a mile away and a flat and easy ride. Be sure to check out The Hitching Post, Hartsburg's local watering hole famous for its bluegrass jams! Hartsburg Hitching Post hours: Monday-Thursday open 4pm-1am, Friday and Saturday open 3pm-1am, Sunday open 12pm-12am. The Burg is a great place to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner on Friday and Saturday, or breakfast and lunch on Sunday. The Burg Cafe hours: Monday-Thursday Closed, Friday open 11 am-7pm, Saturday and Sunday open 7am - 1pm. The Burg has a small number of grocery items for sale as well, including ice and beverages! The closest grocery store is located in Ashland, Missouri, about 10 minutes north. The Moon-Rise Cabin is approximately 30 minutes south of Columbia and about 30 minutes north of Jefferson City, Missouri. GETTING AROUND The Moon-Rise Cabin is less than 2 miles from the nearest Katy Trail access and biking to the cabin is an easy ride through the town of Hartsburg and along the Hart Creek. The only access to nearby towns is by personal vehicle or bike as no public transportation is available. Important: We are committed to protecting our properties which is why we've partnered with Know Your Guest, the leading vacation rental guest-screening provider. Please note that before your booking begins, you will need to verify your details and ID through Know Your Guest. You will also be given the choice between paying a refundable deposit or buying a non-refundable damage waiver. We suggest you buy the damage waiver as this protects you in case you cause accidental damage during a booking.

3. Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

99%

(69)

49mi from Columbia · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Eldon, MO

This beautiful 60 acre property has plenty of space to explore. Wander the trails, splash in the creek, take a dip in the pond or paddle around in our canoe. If you're feeling adventurous, hike through the creek to a beautiful waterfall. You'll need sturdy shoes! Please note: There is no bathroom on site, so don't forget your camping potty!

4. Nalas Spring Lake Resort

48mi from Columbia · 1 site · Tent · Bagnell, MO

Spring Lake is a private, 27 acre lake subdivision nestled into the heart of the Ozarks. YOU WILL HAVE ACCES TO 0.25 ACRES OR 10,890 SQUARE FEET MORE THAN ENOUGH TO HAVE FUN!. It is conveniently located between Jefferson City and the Lake of the Ozarks, six miles from Eldon and ten miles from Osage Beach. The private lake within is only 1/4 mile off of Highway 54, yet it is not visible from the road. The lake is spring fed by an Artesian well that was built in the 1960's. There is a boat launch area on the southwest side of the lake. There is also a public located on the north section of Spring Lake that allows access to the lake. The water is deep, clear, and clean which offers record size fish and peaceful relaxation. The subdivision park is three acres and sits on the northwest side of the lake. A shelter sits close to the lake that would make a great place for a picnic or family outings! Although there is no hunting in the subdivision, the ducks, swans, and deer are frequent visitors. Whether your preference is relaxing lakeside, fishing the nooks and crannies of the lake, or a place for a weekend getaway, you will find it here. You are also close to shopping, entertainment, and restaurants if your heart desires those things. Spring Lake offers all of this and a whole lot more!

Public campgrounds near Columbia

100%

(9)

Finger Lakes Campground

9.7mi from Columbia · 35 sites · Tents, RVs · in Finger Lakes State Park

Dry Fork Recreation Area

16mi from Columbia · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Round Prairie Interpretive Site

16mi from Columbia · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

Pine Ridge Recreation Area

16mi from Columbia · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain National Forest

Mark Twain Campground

47mi from Columbia · 97 sites · Tents, RVs · in Mark Twain State Park

Swan Creek Campground

47mi from Columbia · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Mark Twain National Forest

Stories from the community

N

Nicole

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

This site was amazing, great views, comfortable beds, and great fishing!

N

Nicole

2 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

The place was amazing! Great views, caught a lot of good size fish, and comfortable beds.

A

Austin

3 weeks ago

1 night at Retreat to the Country

Second time staying here, would definitely recc. Bill is a great host, the Bunkhouse is a perfect stop for a day or 2.

A

Aster

November 2025

With pets

4 nights at MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

I absolutely loved my stay in this sweet little cabin, and thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring the surrounding land. It was very cozy and felt very secluded, just the serene getaway I was hoping for!

C

Caitlyn

October 2025

With pets

4 nights at MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

Lovely stay, will be back again! The cabin was cozy on the rainy days and trails were fun to walk when the weather faired. Host is super communicative and really cares about the place. Can’t wait to try the pond with a warmer visit!

Jennifer

October 2025

With pets

2 nights at MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

I love this place so much. Remote but not too remote. Everything you need for glamping. Comfy bed. Beautiful trails. Couldn’t get the outdoor shower to heat but someone did come to make it right. Appreciated that!

D

Drew

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

Jon + Kass have a great property and were excellent hosts. I would highly recommend if you are in the area. Thank you!

D

Don

October 2025

1 night at Retreat to the Country

Bill was a great host. the cabin was awesome. You could tell he put work into making it feel at home.

Ashley

October 2025

Weekend Trip to MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

This space was wonderful and they were so accommodating. There was so much to explore and discover. If you’re looking for a quiet place to get away without having to go far, this is the place to go. We will absolutely be making our way back!

Alison

October 2025

3 nights at MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

The cabin was super cute and very well stocked with anything you may need so all you need to bring is clothing and food. I do wish there was a screen door on the sliding doors so that you can enjoy fresh air in the cabin. I absolutely lived the screened porch. Will definitely be back for a longer visit.

J

Jasmin

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

The land is beautiful, Jon and Kads have the most patient and lovely dogs. Definitely making a return visit.

Todd

October 2025

Weekend Trip to MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

Super great visit, and super cozy cabin. We really enjoyed our stay in/at this quiet and relaxing retreat!

A

Andrea

October 2025

1 night at Retreat to the Country

Really cute cabin with everything you need. Very friendly host and cats. Pond, fire pit, and nearby trails are all convenient.

Brianne

September 2025

1 night at MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

Absolutely perfect place to stay! Peaceful and comfortable. We had some much needed rest after a long day of biking. Easy to access from the Katy Trail! Will definitely return :)

J

Jamie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

I really enjoyed my time on the farm. Some things to know: The outdoor shower has hot water. You can also get Wi-Fi. The port a potty was 5 star. No smelly! The pond does not have a Sandy beach and there was not a clearing through the brush to even get to the water- maybe in the height of summer this is different. The cabin was cozy, bed comfy. I did wish for a screen door and would have been thankful for air to be turned on before my arrival- the cabin temp fluctuates in both directions with outdoor temp rapidly. I enjoyed the grounds. Beautiful. Some great wide trails to hike. Hartsburg, and the Katey Trail are literally a miles down a gravel road. Would totally be doable to ride off the trail and stay the night! Visitors in the Farm House were definitely noted, they are pretty close and if out on their patio you will def hear their entire conversation, lucky for me they only did that on night one. (It was highlighted for me bc I was traveling solo, as a woman, and they came in loud and late and didn’t maintain their suggested boundaries. Night two was not the same.) Communication from host was really great. I would return or tell others about the opportunity to enjoy this sweet little spot.

N

Nina

September 2025

1 night at Retreat to the Country

Bill gives good directions, leaves you be unless you need something and the bunkhouse has everything you need. Was an affordable place to stay for work in Jeff City

L

Lora

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Retreat to the Country

Cozy, quiet, and comfortable. Great communication with Bill, especially when my traveling party’s plans changed at the last minute. Very laid-back no-frills experience; that’s exactly what we were going for and the Bunk House delivered. Will gladly return.

S

Skylar

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

Camping here was the perfect end to our summer! Swimming in the pond was a blast and the hike to the little waterfall was full of neat things to look at. It was also great to let our dog be off leash, she had as much fun as we did! Like other reviewers have mentioned, you can hear the highway, but the campsite is tucked back in a wooded area and felt very private.

C

Cameron

August 2025

Weekend Trip to MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

The free hot showers were a big plus, and I had decent luck at the fishing hole.

D

Diane

August 2025

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim

We absolutely loved our stay at Wild Flower camp, though it was only a stop over on our travels from Ohio to Colorado. Jon and Kass (and their awesome fire wood-delivering son) were such great host! With excellent communication, easy check in and a clear map of the vast property. We had the Creekside camp all to ourselves and honestly it was so peaceful and perfect we wish we would have booked 2 days to take full advantage of the pond and trails. We had the best nights sleep, sounds of bull frogs, crickets, owls, distant farm dog barks, we loved it. Our Great Pyrenees got to meet theirs, “Jack” super friendly and sweet. Don’t miss this gem of solitude!