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Katy Roundhouse

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Katy Roundhouse About

For Missouri locals seeking an exceptional camping experience that blends tranquility with unparalleled access to one of the state's most cherished natural assets, Katy Roundhouse in New Franklin, MO, is a must-visit destination. This small, quiet campground offers a peaceful retreat that's ideally situated right on the Katy Trail, making it a perfect spot for cyclists, hikers, and anyone looking to unwind amidst Missouri's scenic beauty. Whether you're traveling for a special event like Mizzou Homecoming or simply passing through, Katy Roundhouse provides a welcoming and accommodating atmosphere.

Visitors consistently praise the ease of self-check-in and check-out, as well as the gracious, flexible, and helpful host who ensures a smooth stay. The campground's serene ambiance, even when busy, allows for true relaxation, a quality highly valued by those looking to escape the daily grind. With clean bathrooms and nice hot showers, essential comforts are well-provided. The scenic drive to New Franklin only adds to the allure, making Katy Roundhouse a highly recommended return destination for many who have experienced its unique charm and convenience along the Katy Trail.

Location and Accessibility

Katy Roundhouse Campground is conveniently located at 1893 Katy Dr, New Franklin, MO 65274, USA. This address places it just 50 feet off the Katy Trail at mile marker #189, making it an exceptionally accessible spot for those traversing this renowned Missouri trail. New Franklin itself is a charming community in Howard County, offering a peaceful backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

For Missouri residents, the campground's accessibility is a significant advantage. It's only minutes north of I-70, a major interstate highway, ensuring a straightforward drive from various parts of the state. This strategic location means less time spent on the road and more time enjoying your camping experience. Furthermore, Katy Roundhouse is conveniently located just 3 miles north of a casino and within easy reach of larger towns like Boonville (3 miles) and Columbia (approximately 23 minutes drive), offering options for dining, shopping, and entertainment should you wish to venture beyond the campground. The scenic drive to New Franklin also adds to the overall pleasant journey, setting the tone for a relaxing escape into nature.

Services Offered

Katy Roundhouse Campground offers a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for all types of campers. These include:

  • RV Sites: The campground features 30 pull-through RV sites, many of which are shaded by trees. These sites come with full hookups, offering both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical connections, as well as water and sewer hookups for complete convenience.
  • Tent Camping Area: A secluded tent camping area provides spacious, tree-lined campsites. Each tent site includes a picnic table, a fire ring (some with deluxe cook-tops), and bike racks, catering specifically to cyclists on the Katy Trail.
  • Shower Facilities: Clean shower facilities with hot water, flush toilets, and sinks are available, providing essential comfort for campers. These facilities feature security lighting and locking steel doors for privacy and safety. Note: shower and restroom facilities are typically closed from November to March.
  • Self Check-in and Check-out: The campground offers a flexible self-check-in and check-out system, allowing for easy arrivals and departures, even when the host is not physically present.
  • Firewood for Purchase: While not explicitly stated in all reviews, campgrounds typically offer firewood for purchase on-site, enhancing the campfire experience.
  • Host Assistance: The host is described as gracious, flexible, and helpful, providing detailed information and assistance to campers, ensuring a positive experience.
  • Bike Racks: Specific to its location on the Katy Trail, tent sites include bike racks for convenient and secure storage of bicycles.
  • WiFi: Some sources indicate WiFi availability, allowing campers to stay connected if needed.
  • Sanitary Dump Station: For RV users, a sanitary dump station is available for waste disposal.
  • Year-Round Camping: The campground is open for camping all year, although shower and restroom facilities are seasonal (closed Nov-March).

These services ensure that whether you're in an RV or tent, Katy Roundhouse provides the necessary amenities for an enjoyable outdoor stay.

Features / Highlights

Katy Roundhouse Campground offers a variety of standout features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among Missouri campers:

  • Direct Katy Trail Access: One of its most significant highlights is its prime location, just 50 feet off the Katy Trail at mile marker #189. This makes it an unparalleled base for cyclists, hikers, and runners looking to explore one of the longest "rails-to-trails" conversions in the nation.
  • Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised in reviews, the campground maintains a serene and tranquil environment, even during busier periods. This peacefulness is a key draw for those seeking relaxation and an escape from urban noise.
  • Accommodating and Friendly Host: Visitors frequently commend the gracious, flexible, and helpful nature of the host, ensuring a smooth self-check-in/out process and providing valuable information. This personal touch enhances the overall camping experience.
  • Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The presence of clean bathrooms and nice hot showers is a significant comfort for campers. While facilities are seasonal, their quality is highly appreciated during operational months.
  • Full Hookup RV Sites: With 30 pull-through RV sites offering 30-amp and 50-amp full hookups (electric, water, sewer), the campground caters well to RV enthusiasts, providing convenience and comfort.
  • Secluded Tent Camping: The dedicated tent camping area offers spacious, tree-lined sites, ensuring a more private and immersive experience for tent campers, complete with picnic tables, fire rings, and bike racks.
  • Scenic Location: The drive to New Franklin is described as "pretty," indicating a pleasant journey to a picturesque setting. The natural surroundings contribute to a relaxing and visually appealing environment.
  • Proximity to Local Attractions: Beyond the Katy Trail, the campground is a short drive from Boonville, home to a casino, and relatively close to Columbia, offering additional entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
  • Wildlife Sightings: As a rural campground, it's common to spot local wildlife, contributing to the natural experience.

These combined features make Katy Roundhouse an excellent choice for a wide range of campers, from trail adventurers to those simply seeking a quiet retreat.

Promotions or Special Offers

Katy Roundhouse Campground offers specific promotions and considerations that can benefit various groups of campers:

  • Youth Groups and Scout Discounts: The campground provides special discounted rates for youth groups and Boy Scout troops, typically at $5 per person per night. A copy of a tax-exempt form is required for these rates. This makes it a very attractive option for organized youth outings and merit badge activities related to camping and outdoor skills.
  • Event-Based Pricing: It's noted that "SPECIAL EVENTS PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITH OUT PRIOR NOTICE (Memorial Day, Festivals)." This indicates that during high-demand periods or local events, rates might adjust, so it's wise to check for specific dates.
  • Standard Rates for Tent and RV Sites: While not a "promotion," the transparent pricing structure is a benefit. Tent sites are generally $10 per person, per night, with children under 10 at half price and children under 6 free. RV full hook-up sites are typically $35 for 30 amp and $40 for 50 amp, with an additional $4 per person for over 2 guests. These rates are competitive for the amenities offered, especially considering the prime Katy Trail access.
  • Firewood Available: Firewood is available for purchase at $10, which is a convenience for campers who don't want to bring their own.

For the most current and specific details on rates and any special offers, especially for upcoming dates or group bookings, it is highly recommended to visit the official Katy Roundhouse website (often linked from Katy Trail or Missouri State Parks resources) or contact them directly via phone to confirm pricing and availability.

Contact Information

To plan your peaceful camping trip or inquire about reservations at Katy Roundhouse Campground, you can reach them directly using the following contact details:

  • Address: 1893 Katy Dr, New Franklin, MO 65274, USA
  • Phone: (660) 848-2232
  • Mobile Phone: +1 660-848-2232

It's always a good idea to call ahead, especially during peak seasons or for special events like Mizzou Homecoming, to check availability and make your reservation. The host is known for being very accommodating and helpful, so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions about site types, amenities, or specific needs for your stay.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Missouri residents, Katy Roundhouse Campground in New Franklin is an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for an outdoor getaway. Its most compelling feature is its direct access to the Katy Trail, a state treasure. This makes it a dream destination for local cyclists, hikers, and nature walkers who want to explore this iconic trail without extensive travel or complicated logistics. The convenience of being just 50 feet from mile marker #189 means more time enjoying the trail and less time commuting.

Beyond its prime location, the campground's consistently praised quiet and peaceful atmosphere provides a true respite from daily life. For Missourians, this offers an accessible escape to unwind and reconnect with nature without venturing too far from home. The accommodating and friendly host, coupled with clean facilities and practical amenities like full hookups for RVs and dedicated tent sites with bike racks, ensures a comfortable and hassle-free stay. Even with the occasional neighborhood dogs, the overall experience is one of tranquility and positive engagement with the outdoors. Whether it's a family camping trip, a solo cycling adventure, or a gathering for a Mizzou event, Katy Roundhouse offers a unique, convenient, and truly rewarding camping experience right here in the heart of Missouri.

Customer Reviews

4.0
131 reviews
M
Mary Clapp
Oct 20, 2024

We needed a spot to camp for Mizzou Homecoming weekend and Katy Roundhouse had the last spot available in a 30 minute radius. The host was gracious and gave us detailed information on the campground. We were able to self check in and out. The host was flexible and helpful. It was a small, quiet campground on the Katy trail. The drive to New Franklin was pretty. We will definitely be back!

M
Melissa Bullard
May 29, 2024

We stayed on two occasions in the past 2 weeks traveling to NV and home to Ohio. Loved this little place. We tent camped. Owner was very nice and accommodating. Bathrooms are clean. Nice hot shower. Very quiet and peaceful even when busy. Only complaint was the neighborhood dogs, that are roaming into the camp ground and through all the sights, (large dogs). We have a puppy on a leash. So a little worrisome.

J
Jared Whitworth
Oct 08, 2024

I've lived here for 6 months, definitely is a nice, quiet, friendly place to stay! Camping comes with everything you need, I live in a 5th wheel camper and it's super quiet, friendly and inviting! Book your private get away or campground now! This place helped me thrive, with the convenience of new Franklin a mile away, and Boonville just 4 miles away! Beautiful place I highly recommend! I love the location and landscape!

B
Bud Gothmann
Aug 13, 2024

Very quiet. We were able to find a nice camp spot. Shower house could use some paint but otherwise the place was great. Located right on the Katy Trail. This would have been a bargain at twice the price. We will stay here again if we come back to the Katy.

J
Jeffrey Scott
May 09, 2024

Katie roundhouse is a campground that caters to bikers on the Katy Trail. It has large campsites that cost $10 per person. They offer a bath house with hot showers and toilets. They also have a 115 Volt Plug-In and water underneath the Lamppost in the campground. The Katie Round House is located 3 Mi east of Boonville in Old Franklin right on the Katy trail.