**Adventure Level 1:** The outdoor-a-phobes
[Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area](http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=8931&txtAreaNm=&txtCounty=&txtRegion=Central&txtUserID=guest&txtDivision)
_Facilities/restrooms:_ Privies at select parking lots.
_Proximity to civilization:_ Closest is Lucy’s Beverages and Burgers.
_Hours:_ Sunrise to sunset.
_Directions:_ Go south on Providence Road (Route K) past the first Eagle Bluffs sign. Go past Lucy’s Beverages and Burgers, and turn left on Star School Road.
_Rating:_ 3 out of 5 ducks
Eagle Bluffs is for those who want to experience nature without the sweat and grime. Take a tour of Columbia’s wetlands from the comfort of your car! Be prepared for gravel roads aplenty, but don’t let it deter you: If my little Camry can handle it, your car can, too. There are tons of opportunities to pull off the road and take photos of various bird species that call the conservation area home. If the scenery inspires you to get a bit closer, the area website says a parking lot on Warren School Road offers access to a hike that will give you a bird’s eye view of the wetlands. Another closer trail option is the clearly marked [Katy State Trail](http://www.mostateparks.com/park/katy-trail-state-park) off of Route K (you passed the parking lot on your way in). Follow the trail across the highway towards the conservation area.
—–
**Adventure Level 2:** A breath of fresh air
[Capen Park](http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec/Parks/Capen/)
_Facilities/restrooms:_ None.
_Proximity to civilization:_ Practically in the midst of civilization.
_Hours:_ 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
_Address:_ 1600 Capen Park Dr.
_Rating:_ 4 out of 5 boulders
Capen Park is great for a quick break from campus. Right off of Rock Quarry, take an afternoon off the books, hike the Hinkson Creek Trail or explore the Grindstone Nature area. Cross the bridge right off the parking lot for scenic views of Hinkson Creek. Continue along the trail to see bluffs and other rock formations. Next time the Rec is crowded, get some fresh air and hit the trail instead.
—–
**Adventure Level 3:** The day-tripper
[Rock Bridge Memorial State Park](http://www.mostateparks.com/park/rock-bridge-memorial-state-park )
_Facilities/restrooms:_ Privies at some trailhead parking lots.
_Proximity to civilization_: Just off of Providence down 163, aka fairly close to Walmart.
_Hours:_ Sunrise to sunset.
_Address:_ 5901 South Highway 163, Columbia, MO 65203
_Rating:_ 5 out of 5 PB&Js
Rock Bridge Park is famous for its geological features — one of them, of course, being a rock bridge. Follow the Devil’s Ice Box trail to see the park’s most noted rocks. All of the trailheads are off MO-163 and are well marked. Rock Bridge features trails for all skill and stamina levels. Hikes range from .5 miles on a boardwalk to 8.5 miles on gravel terrain. With eight hiking trails and numerous picnic areas, there’s easily a day’s worth of activity here! Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring the area. Want to adventure a level up? Visit the ranger station and learn about taking a wild cave tour!
—–
**Adventure Level 4:** The weekend getaway
[Finger Lakes State Park](http://www.mostateparks.com/park/finger-lakes-state-park) (pictured above)
_Facilities/restrooms:_ Showers and restrooms.
_Water hookup/amenities:_ Water hookup at every site and electricity at most sites.
_Proximity to civilization:_ The closest convenience store is a Sinclair just down the highway on the left.
_Hours open:_ 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
_Address:_ 1505 East Peabody Road
_Rating:_ 5 out of 5 canoes
Sitting 11 miles north of Columbia, Finger Lakes State Park is the perfect weekend escape. This secluded natural area is most distinct in its water features. There’s water in same form at every turn on the windy, paved road. And the best part of the area, besides its natural beauty, is the variety of activities it offers. There are areas for off-roading, swimming, canoeing, hiking and biking. Everything is clearly marked. The campsites are really nice and have a communal shower house at the top of the hill. Fear not: Your cell phone will still work. There’s even free Wi-fi! This is the best choice for those interested in an outdoor adventure with a few luxuries.
—–
**Adventure Level 5:** Sort of roughing it
[Cooper’s Landing](http://www.cooperslanding.net/)
_Facilities/restrooms:_ Restrooms and showers during camp store hours; otherwise, privies available 24/7.
_Water hookup/amenities:_ Water hookup and electricity for sites near the camp store. Laundry is available during camp store hours.
_Proximity to civilization:_ Three food options located on the property: Cooper’s Country store, Cooper’s Landing Kitchen (serves a variety of food throughout the week) and Chim’s Thai Kitchen (open some weekends).
_Hours:_ Information couldn’t be found.
_Address:_ 11505 Smith Hatchery Road
_Rating:_ 3 out of 5 mud pies
This place definitely has character. With a shack-like shop at its center, Cooper’s Landing offers a quirky camping experience. Picture this: you and your friends, sitting around the campfire, listening to a live banjo performance and chatting with other campers. This could be just the place to chill before a stressful week of finals.
There’s entertainment galore according to the online events calendar, and hiking is also an option as the campground borders the Katy State Trail. Several other conservation areas are within driving distance. Warning: This is not for the high-maintenance camper. Leave the hairspray at home. Showers and restrooms are only open part-time.
—–
_Disclaimer: We highly advise that you examine Google Maps before attempting to visit these places. Typing it into your GPS will get you close, but probably not quite where you want to go._
