Camping near Columbia
Home to the University of Missouri, Columbia is more than just a college town.
92% (578 reviews)
- Columbia
92% (578 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Columbia
Under $50
Star Hosts in Columbia
12 top campgrounds near Columbia
99%
(521)
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.
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$23.50
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Little Cabin On The Farm
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Jamestown, MO
Natural cabin for nature lovers on a little homestead. This cabin was built using local wood and is situated in a grove of mature oak and persimmon trees. Relax on the porch, sit around the fire, or enjoy looking out the window at wildlife (lots of birds!) and livestock.
The cabin has a loft, galley kitchen, and a small bathroom with shower. Less than 20 minutes away from I-70, just over 30 minutes from Columbia, MO. Located close to Missouri river access at Lupus, and is approx 10 minutes away from Plowboy Bend Conservation Area, Prairie Home Conservation Area, and Big Muddy NWR.
There is one twin bed on ground level and a twin and full bed in the loft, option to move full mattress to the floor. Family friendly, pets must be on a leash at all times (we have katadhin sheep, Irish Dexter cattle, plus many more).
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$55
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Wooded Escape
6 sites · Tents50 acres · Sturgeon, MO
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.
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$25
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The Pocket
2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · 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 and complete privacy (other than the hosts that live on the property) perfect for a glamping getaway. Level spot with electric and water for an rv, or stay in our 28’ bunkhouse (sleeps 6) RV. Our rentable 24’ yurt will be available soon. Picnic tables, fire pit and grill available. Pet friendly, fiber Wi-Fi coming soon. 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 is any extra firewood. We look forward to meeting you and sharing our little pocket of paradise.
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$50
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Retreat to the Country
4 sites · Lodging10 acres · 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.
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$20
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(1)
River Hills Camp
3 sites · Lodging, Tents15 acres · Ashland, MO
Looking for a spot in Mid-Missouri near the Missouri River or the Katy Trail?
Our 15-acre property is nestled in a private valley surrounded by forests.
The sites are adjacent to our organic vegetable and flower fields.
Two miles from a Katy Trail access point and four miles from Cooper's Landing.
Fifteen miles/25 minutes from downtown Columbia, MO (and Faurot Field).
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$30
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Wildflower Camp, Hike + Swim
4 sites · RVs, Tents60 acres · Eldon, MO
We have a 60 acre property with plenty of space to explore. There is a maintained trail and a year-round creek that runs through the valley. Our spring-fed pond is perfect for swimming or paddling around in your canoe. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike along the creek a ways to a beautiful waterfall.
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$45
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79%
(12)
Moon-Rise Cabin -Serene and Unique
5 sites · Lodging160 acres · 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.
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$60
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Primitive Camping Farm
8 sites · Tents3 acres · Holts Summit, MO
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.
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$25
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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.
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$55
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Maya Creek
5 sites · RVs, Tents310 acres · Fulton, MO
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!
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$22
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Pierpont Garage
1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Columbia, MO
Property is on 5 acres that used to be part of the neighboring farm. It is located south of Columbia, just a mile from the old Pierpont General Store and less than 2 miles from Rockbridge Memorial State Park.
The property has a large garage which now houses an office and storage, and has a convenient circle drive for entry/exit. There is a large concrete pad for parking. The surrounding land is about half cleared yard space lined by large trees, and the other half has been left as natural meadow space.
It is quiet, private, and serene!
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$35
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Dog-friendly getaways
Available this weekend
Camping near Columbia 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.
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