Camping near Sedalia
Come to Sedalia for the Missouri State Fair—and stay for so much more.
- Sedalia
Popular camping styles for Sedalia
Available this weekend
Star Hosts in Sedalia
12 top campgrounds near Sedalia
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Sedalia guide
Overview
Known as the home of the Missouri State Fair, Sedalia celebrates the Show-Me State each August with concerts, rides, exhibitions, and contests. It’s an iconic slice of rural life in Missouri, showcasing livestock, arts and crafts, and homewares. The fairgrounds offers camping year round, with both basic and full hookup sites available. Campsites and cabins can also be found at private RV parks around the region. A number of small towns in the area have city parks with basic campgrounds, including Pilot Grove, Farmington, and Versailles—amenities vary. Private glamping rentals might be located in dense woodlands or wide-open family farms.
Where to go
Katy Trail
Sedalia is located right on the Katy Trail, a 240-mile rail-to-trail conversion that runs across the middle of Missouri. While some cyclists do the whole trail, others do shorter segments. This state park also welcomes hikers and horseback riders. Jump on the trail at the restored historic Katy Depot, and head out in either direction. A number of camping options are located along the route, including RV, tent, and glamping rentals.
Knob Noster State Park
Knob Noster State Park is less than 30 minutes west of Sedalia, and it provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor adventures. Two small lakes welcome anglers and paddlers. Several trails take hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians through the woodlands and along waterways. Basic and electric tent and RV campsites are available, and backpackers can also find a dedicated primitive campground beside the McAdoo Trail.
Arrow Rock State Historic Site
For a dose of history alongside camping, head to Arrow Rock State Historic Site and Park, 45 minutes northeast of Sedalia. Travel back to the 1800s by touring the buildings remaining from a once-burgeoning town. A small fishing pond and two trails provide scenery and recreational opportunities An onsite campground offers basic, electric, and full hookup sites for tents and RVers.
Columbia
Approximately an hour northeast of Sedalia, Columbia is mid-Missouri’s largest town. The downtown area is popping with restaurants, bars, and entertainment—thanks in part to the college students that call the University of Missouri–Columbia home for much of the year. Private RV parks are found nearby, as well as public campgrounds at Finger Lakes State Park and Mark Twain National Forest.
When to go
Camping is best enjoyed in the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild. Fall is particularly beautiful in the forested areas. Summer brings heat and humidity—and the town explodes with visitors in mid-August during the Missouri State Fair. Winter is generally not a recommended time for camping due to the temperatures, which dip below freezing, and the winter precipitation.
