The best camping in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, MO

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The unique geology and natural beauty may astound you at this mid-Missouri park.  

The best camping in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, MO

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.

2. Selby Farm Horse Retirement

99%
(697)
10mi from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park · 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

3. The Pocket

100%
(31)
13mi from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park · 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

9. Von Holten Ranch Century Ranch

100%
(98)
49mi from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park · 40 sites
Von Holten Ranch was originally in 1906 by David Von Holten's great grandfather.  David is the 4th generation to own the family farm.  David and Brandy married in 2005.  Brandy Von Holten is an avid horsewoman.  They quit their jobs, bought the family farm, and opened an equine trail riding facility and fully functioning camping facility.Learn more about this land:Winery nearby, horses and mules visible, heated and air conditioned guest shower house, creek that runs year round, mostly wooded, private firepits.Von Holten Ranch is on a century farm, meaning that the land has been in the same family for over 100 years. It is also home to a rustic wedding barn and an equine trail riding facility. We are considered the gateway to the Ozarks. The deer are plentiful and easily viewable, especially in the open fields.

11. Sunny Ridge Stables

100%
(4)
10mi from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park · 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

14. Maya Creek

77%
(11)
27mi from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park · 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

16. Nalas Spring Lake Resort

44mi from Rock Bridge Memorial State Park · 1 site · Tent
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!
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$36
 / night

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The best camping in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, MO guide

Overview

About

Venture into the depths of the Devil’s Icebox at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, located near Columbia, Missouri. The name may sound alarming for what in reality is a unique geological structure featuring sinkholes, a natural tunnel, and an underground river. Beyond this remarkable feature, the further topography features flat bottomlands and the trickling waters of the Little Bonne Femme Creek, all of which can be explored on the 15 miles of trails crisscrossing the 2,000 acre park. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are popular activities at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

Notable campgrounds

Camping facilities are not available at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park (other than a special-use area for group camping), but there are a number of public and private campgrounds in the area.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Missouri state parks accept reservations up to 12 months in advance. 
  • Reservations may be made on the state park website or by phone.
  • Advanced reservations are recommended for the peak season, which generally lasts from mid-spring through early fall.
  • Missouri state parks offer a mixture of basic, electric, and full hookup sites, which vary by park. 50-amp service is available at some sites.

When to go

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is busiest on weekends, especially when the weather is nice. Fall is a popular time for hiking, as the autumnal colors fill the forest. Though the trees are barren in early spring, the leaves begin to pop out in May, as do the wildflowers. During the heat and humidity of summer, the chilly temperatures of the Devil’s Icebox geological feature make it a pleasant respite from the heat. During July and August, daytime temperatures may reach the 90s. Though winter is not a favored time for camping due to the freezing temperatures and occasional snows, hiking may be especially peaceful.

Know before you go

  • The park is located near Columbia, a vibrant college town that is home to the state’s flagship university, the University of Missouri–Columbia, known as Mizzou.
  • The state capital, Jefferson City, is also nearby, offering more to explore.
  • The Katy Trail rail-to-trail conversion runs near Columbia. Visitors to Rock Bridge may enjoy exploring a section of the Katy Trail. Bicycling between Columbia and Rocheport is a highly recommended activity.
  • Nearby Finger Lakes State Park offers more outdoor recreation, in the form of ATV riding, fishing, paddling, and boating.
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