Are you the owner for this storage? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Finger Lakes
Overview
Finger Lakes State Park offers a distinct recreational experience located just north of Columbia, Missouri. Established on the site of a former coal strip-mining operation, the land has been reclaimed and transformed into a 1,128-acre outdoor playground. It is one of only two state parks in Missouri that allows off-road vehicle use, making it a standout destination for motorized sport enthusiasts. The park's name comes from the long, narrow bodies of water created by the mining process, which now provide a scenic backdrop for various activities.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Boone County, the park is conveniently located near Highway 63, providing easy access while maintaining a sense of secluded wilderness. The terrain is characterized by steep ridges and deep, finger-shaped lakes that reflect the area's industrial past. The surrounding landscape is a mix of rugged hills and dense forests, offering a sharp contrast to the typical flat prairies found in other parts of the Midwest. This unique topography creates an adventurous atmosphere for travelers who enjoy exploring diverse geological environments.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Finger Lakes is geared toward those who appreciate a more rustic, nature-focused stay. The park features a well-maintained campground area that accommodates various setups. Key features include:
- Basic and electric RV campsites with level, paved pads.
- A modern shower house with laundry facilities for extended stays.
- A public dump station and frost-free water spigots.
- A large swimming beach and multiple boat ramps.
While the park does not offer full hookups, the modern restroom facilities and scenic lakeside views make it a comfortable base camp for outdoor adventures.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for many is the extensive ORV trail system, which includes a motocross track and various skill-level paths through the woods. Water enthusiasts can utilize the finger-shaped lakes for kayaking, canoeing, or fishing for bass and crappie. For land-based recreation, visitors can enjoy several activities:
- Tackling the Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail for a challenging ride.
- Swimming at the spacious sand beach during the summer months.
- Visiting the vibrant city of Columbia for local breweries and dining.
The proximity to the University of Missouri also allows visitors to combine a rustic camping trip with collegiate sporting events or cultural tours.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for adventure-seeking RVers who travel with ATVs, dirt bikes, or watercraft. It is perfectly suited for those who prioritize active recreation over quiet luxury resort amenities. Families looking for an energetic weekend and mountain bikers seeking technical trails will find the park's atmosphere invigorating. If you enjoy a social, high-energy environment and want to explore one of the most unique landscapes in the state, Finger Lakes is the perfect Missouri stopover for your next road trip.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Kameljoe21
Really nice lake with a large assortment of activities including ATV trails fishing and camping. There is an abundance of wildlife and a large amount of deer.
Olivia Rohlfing
The park was nice things were well kept besides the bathrooms. The toilets were okay but the showers there are pretty gross.
Brittany
We stopped in on Labor Day weekend, so you know it was busy, but they still had kayaks available. The water was a little stagnant but still a lovely paddle! The checkout system of kayaks was really easy too, they have them in lockers that you access and lock back up yourself right there at the beach. And you can’t beat the price!
Danny James
Havent been here in 20 years. I have to say they have done a great job with the park. Lots of new improvements and added amenities to the entire park. The trails were great. Everything from fast and fun, to technical and challenging, and of course if you want mud you can find it easy enough. The motocross track hadn't been prepped in a while, but was still rideable, and the jump faces were all pretty good. We will be bringing our boys again for sure.
Angie Froese
Beautiful little spot outside of Columbia. I went when there was snow on the ground and the lake was frozen but I would love to go back and see it in the spring/summer.
Debra A
My visit to this park was solely for the purpose of hiking the Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail. While I thought the trail was "okay" I can see how this park would be very popular with bikers, ORV enthusiasts, anglers, and hunters. While I can't comment on the campgrounds, I imagine they're good - the park is certainly large enough to afford some camping privacy. There's also a "pump track" where I saw someone skateboarding. This place is probably a blast for families!
Marisa Frazier
Lots of activities to do here! I didn’t experience the mountain bike trail but hope to go back with my bike soon! The water trail is lovely— great place to kayak or paddleboard. My only complaint is the noise from all the ATVs. I camped away from this area for that reason.
JC Prazak (Ozark Explorer)
Fingers Lakes State Park has a lot to offer for multiple visits. Most notably in my mind is the kayaking. They have a kind of kayaking course so you can run the length of the lakes, while also giving you a structure (like a hiking trail on water) and it's very beginner friendly. After you get used to it, do at night! I haven't yet, but I did confirm they don't prohibit night paddling, which is awesome! Make sure to bring a headlamp, a backup light, and always wear your life jacket! Additionally they have off-roading trails for motorized and pedal powered transportation, picnic areas, camping, grills, and it appears fishing, which I'm guessing is stocked. There are no fees, and it looks like the park stays pretty busy. I also spotted a pretty massive snapping turtle crossing the road while I was there!
Meagan ru
Really cool campground! We do not have an ATV, but we booked this park since it was the only one available by us for Memorial Day weekend. We couldn't hear the atv's except when they drove to and from their campsites. The lake was beautiful and the beach was fun! Good amount of stars in the night sky. The playground was nice as well. These were the cleanest bathrooms I've come across at a campground. The camp sites were a good size, so that was nice. And there were so many butterflies at our site! The only downside to park was the amount of cigarette butts on the camp site, and lots of people smoking cigarettes on the beach.