Best Camping in and Near Graham Cave State Park

100% (3 reviews)

Prehistoric history comes to life at this state park in mid-Missouri.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Graham Cave State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Graham Cave State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Graham Cave State Park

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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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(22)

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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Sage Mountain Recreational Area MO

10 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Berger, MO

Sage Mountain is a recreational area located in the heart of Missouri wine country. Located between Hermann and Washington on the south side of the Missouri river. Our 50 acres of virgin forest is home to an abundance of diverse wildlife, 3.6 miles of hiking trails, bolted climbing and bouldering routes established, and a large impressive cave. We are located near the Katy trail for more hiking and biking. Access to the Missouri river for boating and fishing. On site we have an abundance of areas for back country camping, or we allow car camping in our open parking lot.

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(610)

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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PeaceTree Farms

27 sites · Lodging, Tents176 acres · Eolia, MO

PeaceTree Farms is a charming Event Venue, Organic Farm and Outdoor Resort. Hosting everything from weddings, fall and holiday festivals to off-grid camping. Our 153 acre farm has been in our family since the 1970's and has been generally preserved as a wildlife and conservation farm. Your hosts, Katie and Steve are excited to share PeaceTree Farms with fellow nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

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(17)

MoonRise Cabin-Farm w/ Trails

5 sites · Lodging170 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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Earth, Wind & Solar Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Foristell, MO

Earth, Wind and Solar Farm is 5 acres. You can book multiple sites if you want to stay as a group. We do our best to allow 1 reservation to stay on site at a time. If only 1 site is requested the others are then blocked to allow guests privacy during their stay. If another person requests to stay and it is booked, we will check with the current reservation for approval. We also allow groups to book and camp together if needed (use both rv pads, or tent camp). We do offer 50amp and 30amp power options (2 different RV parking sites). Some people have commented that our driveway entrance seems narrow for larger rigs (Class A's and 5th wheels). We've had 53' long rigs (5th wheels)and 45' (Class A's) pull in and get parked with no issues. You will need to be able to back into a spot for either 50a or 30a service. We do have additional parking available for extra vehicles. If you have a tow vehicle/toad, you will need to detach prior to arrival. There are 2 trucks stops less than 5 miles away (TA and Pilot) or there is a park with a large parking area off of David Hoekel Parkway you can utilize. We do offer 20amp power and extension cord for tent campers (either in our tent or can be used in your own tent. Free cold showers available. A bundle of firewood is now included for use in provided fire pits in needed/requested. Outdoor Hot showers available at a charge of $5/person. This includes the use of propane and a portable hot water heater. Wi-Fi is available during your stay. Will provide network name and password in confirmation email. 3 firepits are available for use (firewood can be purchased). Easy access to our place via Hwy 70 (take the David Hoekel Parkway Exit). We are 5 miles from Wentzville which offers a Walmart, Target, Sams Club, Lowes, Home Depot, multiple grocery stores, Rural King, Charlies and multiple restaurants. We have a stocked pond with catfish, bluegill, sunfish, largemouth bass, black crappie, carp and turtles. There is a Windmill that aerates the pond (do not climb on it). You can fish the pond must practice CPR (catch photo release). Or you can feed the pond fish & feed out chickens. We will provide the fish food and chicken treats. There is plenty of wildlife (deer, fox, raccoons, armadillo's, birds, etc.). Deer will walk by the pond and driveway a couple of times a day. We also have a group of free-range chickens and French guineas (eggs may be available during your stay). There are bike trails in the area, paved roads you can ride on to explore, wineries nearby, a petting zoo and pumpkin patch. Things to do nearby: Horsehoe Hall of Fame, Big Joels Safari, Multiple wineries in Wright City/Augusta/Defiance, Wacky Warriors Paintball, Busch Wildlife, Katy Trail, Pumpkin Patches and so much more.

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Shalom Acres LLC

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Winfield, MO

Teresa built Shalom Acres 7 years ago with a dream opening a Party Venue which now seats 100 guests in the Carriage House and 80 guests on the lower level. Each year brings new upgrades now including BnB, Bunkhouse and campsites. Her hope is you enter feeling the peace and tranquility Shalom means and leave refreshed and blessed! Welcome.

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(197)

Comfy Cabin Camping

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents17 acres · Leslie, MO

This property was first built in 1850 and still holds most of it's original historical charm and significance.. There is a floating outfit across the road and lots of fishing and swimming enjoyment on the river. Get to know my rescue animals and hear about the history of Noser Mill and the surrounding areas.Camp in style in these comfortable cabins on the Bourbeuse River. Features 1 bedroom cabins with A/C and heated water. Outdoor showers and outhouses with grill site and fire pit. All three cabins sleep 4. There is also additional space for tent camping. To find out more about this option please contact me.This is all set on our beautiful farm property with historical structures and rescue animals. Fun for family!

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(49)

Water Mountain

30 sites · RVs, Tents180 acres · Belle, MO

Ive own this land since 2005 and have used it for camping, parties, and venue.Learn more about this land:This is a 180 acres of camping along the Gasconade River. Lots of great spots for camping, hiking, and UTV/ATV riding. 50% forest, 10% trails, 20% along river, 10% bluffs, and 10% flat with grass field.

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(4)

Peno Creek Campground

10 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Frankford, MO

Peno Creek Campground offers an acre and a half of peaceful, serene countryside overlooking the Peno Creek. We offer primitive camping and RV camping. There are no hookups. Firewood available upon request. There are fire pits available with stairwell access to sit down next to the creek while you enjoy

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(3)

Wine Country Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Leslie, MO

Enjoy a stay at our 10 acre horse farm centrally located between 2 popular Missouri Wine Country regions and less than 15 minutes away from antique shops, restaurants, wineries and a conservation lake. The farm is home to our beloved Percheron draft horses, one quarter horse and a little mule that's been in the family for over 25 years. We also raise chickens and have a few barn cats that might show their faces once they're used to your company. (They're very tame, just bashful with strangers.) You're welcome to participate in daily farm activities such as feeding horses, gathering eggs and gardening. You may spread out in the large backyard and set up your games or hang your hammock in the trees and rest amid the relaxing sounds of nature. Speaking of relaxing, there might be times during the weekend when life here on the farm is bustling with activity. We might be getting ready for carriage rides in the morning and returning to the barn to unload horses late in the evening. We may occasionally operate the tractor, chainsaw or some other noisy equipment. In other words, it's not always quite, but it's all part of the farm-stay experience! Located just 2 miles from Highway 50, we're easy to find. And the driveway is suitable for most any size RV or travel trailer. WiFi may be accessible at different parts of the property.

The best camping near Graham Cave State Park guide

Overview

About

With its location just off Interstate 70, Graham Cave State Park is a convenient and scenic spot to stop on a road trip across central Missouri, with overnight camping offered under a canopy of trees. The namesake cave is the prime attraction, with artifacts revealing a history stretching back 10,000 years. Learn about the cave and early inhabitants through interpretive exhibits. What was life like for the hunters and gatherers that roamed these glades and woodlands? Then, take a hike on one of the many trails or hit the waters of the Loutre River, which offers boating, paddling, and fishing.

Notable campgrounds

Best for powering up: Graham Cave Campground offers 30-amp electricity at sites 36 through 53.
Best for big rigs: Site 34 at Graham Cave Campground is the campground’s only pull-thru site.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations open 12 months in advance, though this park often has walk-up availability.
Use the Missouri State Parks website and or phone line to book your site.
Reservations are offered April 1 through October 31.
Water and showers are available through the on-season. During the off-season, campers must bring their own water.
50-amp electric hookups are not offered at Hawn State Park.
The majority of the sites are designated as “basic,” with no electric hookups.

When to go

Though the interstate is nearby, Graham State Park is not an overly busy camping locale. While spring rains can make the trails slippery, wet-weather waterfalls are sometimes found, alongside the blooming wildflowers. In summer, the weather may be hot and humid, while fall offers pleasant weather and ever-changing scenery. During the winter months, the campground remains open, though campers may encounter freezing temperatures and precipitation.

Know before you go

Adventurers cannot go beyond the mouth of Graham Cave, as the area is protected for wildlife; however, some smaller caves and unique geological features can be found on park lands.
Non-campers can pay a small fee to charge electric vehicles at the campsites.
Expect some road noise due to the park’s location near an interstate.
A free boat ramp is available March 16 through December 1, providing access to the Loutre River.
The nearest large town is Columbia, Missouri, which is 50 miles west of the park.
RVers may need leveling blocks to handle unlevel camping pads.