Discover the best campgrounds near Columbia, Missouri with horseback riding

United States
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Missouri
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Columbia

100% (334 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Columbia

Available this weekend

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(520)

Selby Farm Horse Retirement

10 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · 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.

Rustik Rooster Farms

6 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Eldon, MO

Learn more about this land:We have the most beautiful location. A few minutes from Lake of the Ozarks. But our lake is hidden. But yet right on the main Highway. Our 7 acre lake is 27 feet deep. Catfish 18 to 30 lbs, bass 10lbs, large crappie, perch. Over 100 paddle fish 75lbs in size. You get to see some of the countries finest Akaushi Wagyu beef, and the finest pork in the country. The lake features a full size dock. No public access or fishing. If you like to fly rc aircraft we have a grass runway you can fly jets on. You can fly float planes off the pond. Then you have full access to the entire Lake of the Ozarks community.

Shadow Wood RV and tiny house

1 site · Tent3 acres · Auxvasse, MO

The property is 2.5 acres the top 150 to 200 feet is flat and can set up circle tent sites on then it slows down just a little and there are four available RV sites three with electric and water and the other one could have a hose and extension cord run to it. There is a tiny house that has electric and hydrant just outside for water. It is in the process of being completed with a bed and bath and kitchen area also have a hide a bed couch, microwave and toaster oven when finished

4 top campgrounds near Columbia with horseback riding

99%

(520)

Selby Farm Horse Retirement

10 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · 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.

Green Goat Cottage

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Fayette, MO

The cozy cottage has thick walls built of straw bales and plaster; many windows; wood stove; window air conditioner; electricity; hot/cold water; full kitchen with large refrigerator, electric stove/oven, double sink, and dishware; bathroom with full tub/shower, sink, compost toilet and washing machine. The upstairs has two bedrooms - one with two extra long twin beds that can be joined as king size (bedding supplied). Bring your queen air mattress or sleeping bags for the other bedroom. Access to upstairs is a firmly fixed leaning ladder. There are fields and ponds to explore. An outdoor fire pit is available for those cool nights under the stars. If you want bring your horses there is a fenced area for boarding and water available. You may park trailer on property. Extra $10 @ night per horse. Numerous Conservation Areas within 15 to 30 minutes with multiple trails, lakes and more.

Shadow Wood RV and tiny house

1 site · Tent3 acres · Auxvasse, MO

The property is 2.5 acres the top 150 to 200 feet is flat and can set up circle tent sites on then it slows down just a little and there are four available RV sites three with electric and water and the other one could have a hose and extension cord run to it. There is a tiny house that has electric and hydrant just outside for water. It is in the process of being completed with a bed and bath and kitchen area also have a hide a bed couch, microwave and toaster oven when finished

Rustik Rooster Farms

6 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Eldon, MO

Learn more about this land:We have the most beautiful location. A few minutes from Lake of the Ozarks. But our lake is hidden. But yet right on the main Highway. Our 7 acre lake is 27 feet deep. Catfish 18 to 30 lbs, bass 10lbs, large crappie, perch. Over 100 paddle fish 75lbs in size. You get to see some of the countries finest Akaushi Wagyu beef, and the finest pork in the country. The lake features a full size dock. No public access or fishing. If you like to fly rc aircraft we have a grass runway you can fly jets on. You can fly float planes off the pond. Then you have full access to the entire Lake of the Ozarks community.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

89%

(19)

Mark Twain National Forest

Bunker, Missouri

Camping near Columbia with horseback riding guide

Overview

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.