- Jefferson City
Popular camping styles for Jefferson City
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Beach camping near Jefferson City with hiking guide
Overview
The dome of the State Capitol Building rises over the banks of the Missouri River, providing a grand backdrop for exploring Missouri’s capital city. Head inside for an up-close view of the art, architecture, and legislature. A number of museums across town tell the story of this small town’s role in state politics and history. Bike riders can hop on the Katy Trail, a 240-mile rail-to-trail conversion that crosses mid-Missouri. Private RV parks and public campgrounds can be found in Jefferson City, or venture outside of town to the Mark Twain National Forest, which has camping at the Dry Fork and Pine Ridge Recreation Areas.
Where to go
The Town of Jefferson City
RVers will find a couple of private RV parks offering spots with full hookups. The city-run Binder Park Campground is a hidden gem, with full hookup sites for tents and RVs. Onsite activities include mountain biking, a fishing lake, ropes course, disc golf, and more. Glamping accommodations, cabins, and more can also be found close to the city, with scenic views of farms and forests.
Columbia
Columbia is Jefferson City’s big sister to the north, just over 30 minutes away. This college town is home to the University of Missouri–Columbia, and it embraces the whole college-town vibe with an eclectic downtown area. Finger Lakes State Park is a scenic camping option nearby, with tent and RV sites, with some offering electric hookups. Onsite recreation includes ATV trails, fishing, paddling, and more. Private RV parks can also be found in the region, with full hookup sites and other amenities.
Lake of the Ozarks
While Jefferson City is not directly on the lake, it’s close enough for a quick visit—or camp at the lake and day trip into Jefferson City. This 55,000-acre waterway is a hot spot in the summer for boating, fishing, watersports, and more. It has a lively scene during the peak summer months. A number of private RV parks are found in the small towns nearby. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is a popular public campground, with tent and RV campsites.
When to go
Fall is a favorite time to enjoy the great outdoors in Missouri, thanks to the double benefit of pleasant weather and the annual changing of the leaves. Spring also brings generally good weather, with mild temperatures and occasional rain. Summer is known for high temperatures and humidity, which make camping without AC less comfortable. Winter tends to be cold, with patches of snow, making it a less desirable time for outdoor recreation and camping.
