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Are you planning a road trip to St. Louis, Mo.? Perhaps you want to visit the nation’s smallest national park at the Gateway Arch.
Or perhaps you want to learn more about the Dred Scott case. If you have kids, you might be planning a trip to the zoo or aquarium.
St. Louis has so much to offer every type of traveler, whether you’re looking for tourist attractions or natural scenery.
There are also lots of options for camping near St Louis, Mo., so if you’re bringing your RV, you’re in luck!
Let’s look at some of the best camping spots so you can start planning that road trip to the Show-Me State!
Is Missouri Good for Camping?
With dozens of state parks and hundreds of private campgrounds throughout Missouri, camping is quite popular.
The state’s natural beauty is perfect for adventurers wanting to experience the great outdoors.
Over a million acres encompass Mark Twain National Forest.
There are over 750 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and more.
Missouri is also home to the Gateway to the West. St. Louis, Mo., welcomes over 28 million visitors every year. It is also one of our newest national parks!
The Gateway Arch is the most popular attraction, but others include Six Flags, the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, Forest Park, numerous breweries including Budweiser, and the famous St. Louis Zoo. Seriously though, 100% of the people we talked to in St. Louis told us to go to the worlds finest free St. Louis zoo.
If you’re looking for camping near St. Louis, Mo., to experience all the area has to offer, you’re in luck!
Is Camping Near St Louis Safe?
Just like in many urban areas, travelers often question whether or not it’s safe to stay in the city.
But most campgrounds and RV parks have security, entry gates with electronic codes, and ranger stations.
It’s just as safe staying near St. Louis as it is staying anywhere else in the country.
Public transportation is also safe and allows visitors to enjoy the city without worrying about parking.
Like all cities, criminal activity is focused in certain areas, which aren’t locations tourists plan to visit anyway.
When Is the Best Time to Camp in Missouri?
Although some campgrounds are only open from April 1 to October 31, there are also plenty of RV parks with year-round availability.
Temperatures can dip below freezing in the winter, so campers must pay attention to their water hoses and take proper action to prevent freezing pipes.
If you want the best weather, mid-April to mid-July offers comfortable temperatures.
It’s also a beautiful time to enjoy the blooming flowers and stunning forests throughout the Show-Me State.
September to November is another good time to visit because the heat of the summer has cooled off.
It’s another beautiful time in nature as the forests are changing colors.
The Best Camping Near St Louis, MO
Whether you’re looking for primitive camping or sites with full hook-ups, there are numerous options for camping near St Louis, Mo.
Some are very close to the city and have a more urban feel, while others are set outside the city, providing a more natural experience with the outdoors.
1. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA Holiday
Address: 18475 Old US Hwy 66, Eureka, MO 63025
Family fun is waiting at this KOA Holiday resort.
The kids will have a blast on the jumping pillow and swimming in the heated pool. There are also ice cream parties and bike rentals.
Site sizes and amenities vary.
Some are pull-thru sites with partial hook-ups, while others have large outdoor patio space and full hook-ups.
2. Casino Queen RV Park
Address: 200 S Front St, East St. Louis, IL 62201
If you’re looking to win a few bucks at Casino Queen, the adjacent RV park is a great option for an overnight stay.
Enjoy the dining experience, place a sports wager, or have fun playing new games.
The full-service RV Park also has a playground for the kids if you’re not looking to head over to the casino.
The location is right on the Mississippi River near Eads Bridge and offers a beautiful scene.
You can see the Gateway Arch from your RV and it is right next to a MetroLink stop that makes exploring the city easy.
3. 370 Lakeside Park
Address: 1000 Lakeside Park Drive, St. Peters, MO 63376
Wanting to get away and enjoy nature while still being close to the city?
The campground at 370 Lakeside Park may be just what you’re looking for.
The park offers guests access to the marina and boat dock, dog park, archery range, playground, volleyball court, and biking/walking trail.
There are both gravel and paved sites that offer full hook-ups for travelers.
4. Cahokia RV Parque
Address: 4060 Mississippi Avenue, Cahokia, IL 62206
The Cahokia RV Parque offers a shuttle service to downtown St. Louis, Busch Stadium, the St. Louis Zoo, and more.
It’s a convenient location to enjoy a few days exploring St. Louis. AARP, Good Sam, AAA, and military personnel members will receive a 10% discount.
On the property, enjoy lunch or dinner at Sawmill BBQ Restaurant.
Plus, guests have access to a propane station, laundry facilities, an outdoor swimming pool, a playground, and full hook-up campsites.
Pro Tip: Looking to camp for free in Missouri? These are the best 9 Free Camping Spots in the state!
5. Babler Memorial State Park Campground
Address: 800 Guy Park Drive, Wildwood, MO 63005
In 1934, Jacob and Henry Babler gave Missouri 88 acres in memory of their brother Edmund, who was a surgeon in St. Louis.
Today, the state park is home to hiking and equestrian trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and towering old-growth forests.
You can visit the Babler Southwoods Hollow Natural Area near the campground, which has 200-year-old majestic white oaks.
There are both basic and electric sites available.
A dump station is on-site, as well as a playground, shower house, water spigots, and access to the paved bike trail.
6. Trails End RV Campground
Address: 3225 W Chain Of Rock Road, Granite City, IL, 62040
Located near the Route 66 Bike Trail, Trails End RV Campground may be your solution for camping near St. Louis, Mo.
It’s just minutes from the Gateway Arch, Grants Farm, the St. Louis Zoo, and so many more attractions.
You’ll enjoy the easy convenience of getting around the city during your stay.
A laundry facility and bathhouse are on-site.
7. Horseshoe Lake State Park
Address: 3321 Highway 111, Granite City, IL 62040
Another state park camping option is Horseshoe Lake.
With over 2,900 acres, guests enjoy boating, fishing, geocaching, hunting, and picnicking.
There are 26 campsites that operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
A dump station, pit toilets, and water hydrants are all on property.
This is the most primitive experience on this list of options for camping near St. Louis, MO.
Keep in Mind: While you’re in St. Louis, make a pitstop to Kansas City! This itinerary is filled with Fun Things to Do in Kansas City!
Visit the Gateway to the West
St. Louis, Mo., is an area where you can explore both the natural and man-made world. Learn about our westward expansion at the
Gateway Arch or take a bike ride along historic Route 66.
Experience the beauty of the state parks or relax by the pool and read a book.
here are so many options for camping near St. Louis, Mo. You’re bound to find the right fit for your camping needs.
Have you ever visited the Gateway to the West? If not, are you making plans?
Jason & Rae, Great summary of both places to camp and landmarks to see! We’re California natives, but we’ve lived in the St. Louis area twice. We mostly raised our kids here and now recently moved back for retirement. I’ve enjoyed following your youtube adventures over the years and wish you all the best! ~ Derek