The best camping in Graham Cave State Park, MO

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MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

91%
(49)
42mi from Graham Cave State Park · 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.
Pets
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from 
$48
 / night

Earth, Wind & Solar Farm

98%
(89)
36mi from Graham Cave State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Foristell, MO
Earth, Wind and Solar Farm is 5 acres. You can book multiple sites if you want to stay as a group. We do our best to allow 1 reservation to stay on site at a time. If only 1 site is requested the others are then blocked to allow guests privacy during their stay. If another person requests to stay and it is booked, we will check with the current reservation for approval. We also allow groups to book and camp together if needed (use both rv pads, or tent camp). We do offer 50amp and 30amp power options (2 different RV parking sites). Some people have commented that our driveway entrance seems narrow for larger rigs (Class A's and 5th wheels). We've had 53' long rigs (5th wheels)and 45' (Class A's) pull in and get parked with no issues. You will need to be able to back into a spot for either 50a or 30a service. We do have additional parking available for extra vehicles. If you have a tow vehicle/toad, you will need to detach prior to arrival. There are 2 trucks stops less than 5 miles away (TA and Pilot) or there is a park with a large parking area off of David Hoekel Parkway you can utilize. We do offer 20amp power and extension cord for tent campers (either in our tent or can be used in your own tent. Free cold showers available. A bundle of firewood is now included for use in provided fire pits in needed/requested. Outdoor Hot showers available at a charge of $5/person. This includes the use of propane and a portable hot water heater. Wi-Fi is available during your stay. Will provide network name and password in confirmation email. 3 firepits are available for use (firewood can be purchased). Easy access to our place via Hwy 70 (take the David Hoekel Parkway Exit). We are 5 miles from Wentzville which offers a Walmart, Target, Sams Club, Lowes, Home Depot, multiple grocery stores, Rural King, Charlies and multiple restaurants. We have a stocked pond with catfish, bluegill, sunfish, largemouth bass, black crappie, carp and turtles. There is a Windmill that aerates the pond (do not climb on it). You can fish the pond must practice CPR (catch photo release). Or you can feed the pond fish & feed out chickens. We will provide the fish food and chicken treats. There is plenty of wildlife (deer, fox, raccoons, armadillo's, birds, etc.). Deer will walk by the pond and driveway a couple of times a day. We also have a group of free-range chickens and French guineas (eggs may be available during your stay). There are bike trails in the area, paved roads you can ride on to explore, wineries nearby, a petting zoo and pumpkin patch. Things to do nearby: Horsehoe Hall of Fame, Big Joels Safari, Multiple wineries in Wright City/Augusta/Defiance, Wacky Warriors Paintball, Busch Wildlife, Katy Trail, Pumpkin Patches and so much more.
Pets
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from 
$29
 / night

The Pocket

100%
(31)
44mi from Graham Cave State Park · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging · Columbia, MO
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
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from 
$50
 / night

Selby Farm Horse Retirement

99%
(697)
50mi from Graham Cave State Park · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Wooldridge, MO
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.
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from 
$24
 / night

Grand Army Farm

95%
(92)
48mi from Graham Cave State Park · 2 sites · Tents · Labadie , MO
Grand Army Farm is a family owned working farm. We raise beautiful angora goats for fiber and have chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys and meat goats. We serve local restaurants and participate in many local area farmers market. We pride ourselves in minimizing our carbon footprint, to the extent that we don't own any heavy piece of farm equipment, not even an ATV. The working portion of the game only accounts for 15 % of the land. What this means is that 85% of the wooded acres is available for you HipCampers to hike and explore. Of particular interest is the site of an old moonshine distillery hidden in the woods, a 20 min hike east of your campsite. Legends has it that the moonshine was illicitly produced during Prohibition and sold in the loft of our biggest barn where people would drink and dance the night away. The property boats of gorgeous mature oak trees, hickory trees and newer cedar stands where nature abounds. In the morning you may see the herons fly in or the Canadian geese come in.Learn more about this land:Pitch your own tent by our 5 acres lake. You will hear the frogs croak at night, see sights of blue herons or Canadian geese flying in, and hear our own geese and ducks greet you from across the lake. You will see my goat barn and see the majestic angora goats with shimmering coats come in for their feedings in the morning and leave to go to pasture afterwards. You will be a 10 min walk from our house and have complete privacy.  If you would like to make a fire, there is plenty of wood available to pick up on site.  A map on the patio fridge will show you where water is available and the hiking trail head.
Potable water
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from 
$18
 / night

Sunny Ridge Stables

100%
(2)
30mi from Graham Cave State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Fulton, MO
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
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from 
$29
 / night

Other options near Graham Cave State Park

The best camping in Graham Cave State Park, MO guide

Overview

About

With its location just off Interstate 70, Graham Cave State Park is a convenient and scenic spot to stop on a road trip across central Missouri, with overnight camping offered under a canopy of trees. The namesake cave is the prime attraction, with artifacts revealing a history stretching back 10,000 years. Learn about the cave and early inhabitants through interpretive exhibits. What was life like for the hunters and gatherers that roamed these glades and woodlands? Then, take a hike on one of the many trails or hit the waters of the Loutre River, which offers boating, paddling, and fishing.

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Reservations open 12 months in advance, though this park often has walk-up availability.
  2. Use the Missouri State Parks website and or phone line to book your site. 
  3. Reservations are offered April 1 through October 31. 
  4. Water and showers are available through the on-season. During the off-season, campers must bring their own water.
  5. 50-amp electric hookups are not offered at Hawn State Park.
  6. The majority of the sites are designated as “basic,” with no electric hookups.

When to go

Though the interstate is nearby, Graham State Park is not an overly busy camping locale. While spring rains can make the trails slippery, wet-weather waterfalls are sometimes found, alongside the blooming wildflowers. In summer, the weather may be hot and humid, while fall offers pleasant weather and ever-changing scenery. During the winter months, the campground remains open, though campers may encounter freezing temperatures and precipitation.

Know before you go

  • Adventurers cannot go beyond the mouth of Graham Cave, as the area is protected for wildlife; however, some smaller caves and unique geological features can be found on park lands.
  • Non-campers can pay a small fee to charge electric vehicles at the campsites.
  • Expect some road noise due to the park’s location near an interstate.
  • A free boat ramp is available March 16 through December 1, providing access to the Loutre River.
  • The nearest large town is Columbia, Missouri, which is 50 miles west of the park. 
  • RVers may need leveling blocks to handle unlevel camping pads.
100%
3 ratings · 1 review