The best camping near Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Venture into the depths of the Devil’s Icebox at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, located near Columbia, Missouri. The name may sound alarming for what in reality is a unique geological structure featuring sinkholes, a natural tunnel, and an underground river. Beyond this remarkable feature, the further topography features flat bottomlands and the trickling waters of the Little Bonne Femme Creek, all of which can be explored on the 15 miles of trails crisscrossing the 2,000 acre park. Hiking, biking, and horseback riding are popular activities at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

Camping facilities are not available at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park (other than a special-use area for group camping), but there are a number of public and private campgrounds in the area.

• Best for state park lovers: Finger Lakes State Park is the closest state park offering camping facilities 20 minutes away.. 
• Best for exploring history: Though further away, Arrow Rock State Park has a fascinating history—and a campground.
• Best for back-to-basics camping: The Dry Fork Recreation Area of the Mark Twain National Forest offers spots for dry camping in a scenic environment.

• Missouri state parks accept reservations up to 12 months in advance. 
• Reservations may be made on the state park website or by phone.
• Advanced reservations are recommended for the peak season, which generally lasts from mid-spring through early fall.
• Missouri state parks offer a mixture of basic, electric, and full hookup sites, which vary by park. 50-amp service is available at some sites.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is busiest on weekends, especially when the weather is nice. Fall is a popular time for hiking, as the autumnal colors fill the forest. Though the trees are barren in early spring, the leaves begin to pop out in May, as do the wildflowers. During the heat and humidity of summer, the chilly temperatures of the Devil’s Icebox geological feature make it a pleasant respite from the heat. During July and August, daytime temperatures may reach the 90s. Though winter is not a favored time for camping due to the freezing temperatures and occasional snows, hiking may be especially peaceful.

• The park is located near Columbia, a vibrant college town that is home to the state’s flagship university, the University of Missouri–Columbia, known as Mizzou.
• The state capital, Jefferson City, is also nearby, offering more to explore.
• The Katy Trail rail-to-trail conversion runs near Columbia. Visitors to Rock Bridge may enjoy exploring a section of the Katy Trail. Bicycling between Columbia and Rocheport is a highly recommended activity.
• Nearby Finger Lakes State Park offers more outdoor recreation, in the form of ATV riding, fishing, paddling, and boating.