Special Use Campground

Star4.82
19 reviews
5901 S. Highway 163, Columbia, MO 65203-8195, United States

Quick Facts

797 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

On-season operation ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens Missouri State Parks site

Official Website
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Special Use Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Special-use (group) camping only. Fees and rates are set through Missouri State Parks' camping rate schedules; consult the reservation system or...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Missouri State Parks
Provider
573-449-7402
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What Campers Say

4.82

Top-Rated

Based on 19 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulclean

"Google reviews and supplemental web information show the Special Use Campground is popular with scout troops, youth and nonprofit groups. Reviewers praise the peaceful, wooded setting and proximity to the park's trails and karst features; they note basic facilities (clean vault toilet) and the lack of potable water."

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Campground Map

5901 S. Highway 163, Columbia, MO 65203-8195, United States

Special Use Campground

5901 S. Highway 163, Columbia, MO 65203-8195, United States

Located on S. Highway 163 (State Highway 163) just south of Columbia.
Nearby supplies
Columbia, MO (nearest city with restaurants, groceries and other services).

Best Time to Camp at Special Use Campground

Each season paints Rock Bridge in a different light. Spring awakens the forest with rushing streams at their peak and carpets of wildflowers spreading across the woodland floor, while autumn sets the hardwood canopy ablaze with color and ushers in perfect temperatures for all-day hikes. The park welcomes visitors year-round, with full services running April 1 through October 31—though winter explorers will find a quieter, more contemplative experience with reduced amenities.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Trails and springs make summer good for exploration; limited heat/closeness data.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Hardwood forest and scenic features imply strong fall foliage and hiking conditions.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Spring-fed streams and hikes suggest good spring conditions and wildflowers potential.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5
Above Average

Winters likely quiet but limited winter activity info; lower appeal for winter sports.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: On-season operation typically Apr. 1 through Oct. 31; off-season Nov. 1 through Mar. 31 (general Missouri State Parks policy).

About Special Use Campground

Gather your group for an unforgettable adventure at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, just minutes from Columbia. This special-use campground gives you exclusive overnight access to one of Missouri's most remarkable karst landscapes, where underground caves, a natural rock bridge, dramatic sinkholes, and miles of wild-area trails await exploration right outside your tent.
Designated as a Special-Use camping area (group-use by reservation/permit). User reports describe use by scout and nonprofit groups and tent camping; no cabins or documented RV hookups are listed for this special-use area.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Camping is limited to any 15 days within a 30-consecutive-day period at any one park.

Amenities available

Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The official park activities list includes hiking, bicycling, swimming and fishing. The special-use campground provides access to the park's trail network and karst features such as the Devil's Icebox and the rock bridge.
HikingThe park contains popular trails including the Devil's Icebox boardwalk and rock bridge, the Sinkhole Trail, and multi-mile routes through the Gans Creek Wild Area; the campground sits within easy access of these trails.
FishingGo Fishing is listed as an official park activity; site-specific fishing locations or species are not detailed on the park's camping information.
SwimmingGo Swimming is listed as an official park activity on the park page; no formal developed swim areas are described in the campground listing.
Biking
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsKarst terrain includes sinkholes, uneven and potentially slippery boardwalks and stairs around cave and bridge areas. Cave access and some boardwalk/overlook sections may be closed at times for resource protection (including bat protection) or maintenance.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Special Use Campground

Reviews

4.8
19 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Special Use Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Google reviews and supplemental web information show the Special Use Campground is popular with scout troops, youth and nonprofit groups. Reviewers praise the peaceful, wooded setting and proximity to the park's trails and karst features; they note basic facilities (clean vault toilet) and the lack of potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Well-suited to youth and nonprofit group camping; peaceful, scenic and close to favorite trails such as Devil's Icebox; reviewers report clean vault toilet facilities and good space for tent camping...
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Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all required water and supplies (site reportedly has no potable water). Expect primitive, group-style camping and plan for tent camping. Check with Missouri State Parks for permit/reservation...
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Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

“We camp here every year with my scout troop and love it great area for tent camping.” — Google review. “The vaulted toilet was clean. ... The site has no water, so make sure to bring some.” —...
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Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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