If you’re itching to swap city lights for starry nights, camping near St. Louis is the perfect way to soak in nature’s beauty without straying too far from home.
Whether you’re after a quiet retreat or a family adventure, there are tons of campsites near St. Louis just a short drive from downtown, offering an escape from the daily grind.
Here’s a rundown of the best spots to pitch a tent, park an RV, or cozy up in a cabin—plus some nearby attractions to sweeten the deal.
Why Camp Near St. Louis?
From rugged wilderness to family-friendly resorts, st louis campground options have it all. Whether you’re chasing solitude or thrills near Six Flags, these campgrounds near St. Louis, MO, are your ticket to a great time.
Pick your spot, pack your bags, and get out there—St. Louis camping in 2025 is calling!
Babler State Park
Just 30 miles west of St. Louis in Wildwood, Missouri, Babler State Park is a gem for anyone seeking a peaceful getaway in the Missouri Ozarks. With 75 campsites, it’s got options for tent campers and RV folks alike, plus cabins for extra comfort.
Hike the trails, fish in one of the two lakes, or just kick back and enjoy the scenery. It’s a solid pick for families, with organized activities to keep the kids entertained.
Meramec State Park Campground
About an hour southwest of St. Louis, Meramec State Park Campground is a nature lover’s dream. Nestled along the Meramec River, it’s got everything from primitive tent sites to RV hookups and cabins.
Spend your days hiking, fishing, floating on the river, or exploring the park’s caves and limestone bluffs. It’s one of the top st louis mo campgrounds for good reason.
Pere Marquette State Park
Cross the Mississippi into Grafton, Illinois, and you’ll find Pere Marquette State Park—roughly an hour from St. Louis. Spanning 8,000 acres, it’s packed with hiking trails, fishing spots, and boating opportunities.
Tent sites, RV pads, and cabins are all up for grabs, and the views of the Illinois River are tough to beat. Nature buffs, this one’s for you.
Hawn State Park
An hour south of St. Louis in Ste. Genevieve, Hawn State Park offers 4,900 acres of rugged beauty. Think stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and trails perfect for hiking or snapping photos.
With tent sites, RV spots, and cabins, it’s a versatile choice for camping st louis mo enthusiasts who don’t mind a little drive.
Onondaga Cave State Park Campground
This spot is a hidden treasure, roughly 60 miles southwest of St. Louis. The campground sits next to the breathtaking Onondaga Cave, where guided tours reveal jaw-dropping formations.
Surrounded by hardwood forests, it offers basic and electric sites that keep things family-friendly and serene.
Cahokia RV Parque
For a more urban vibe, Cahokia RV Parque is just across the river from downtown St. Louis. It’s ideal for RV camping near st louis mo, with full hookups, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities.
You’re close enough to hit city attractions like the Gateway Arch, making it a convenient base.
Pin Oak Creek RV Park
About 30 miles southwest of St. Louis, Pin Oak Creek RV Park is a quiet retreat with well-kept facilities and full hookups. It’s one of the top campgrounds near eureka mo, with easy access to Six Flags St. Louis and Route 66 State Park—perfect for a mix of relaxation and fun.
Washington State Park
Roughly 70 miles southwest of St. Louis, this park blends history and nature with petroglyphs, hiking trails, and the Big River.
Choose from basic tent sites or RV spots with electric and full hookups. It’s a great pick for a laid-back escape.
Route 66 Eureka KOA Holiday
Looking for campgrounds near six flags st louis? This family favorite is a winner. Located near Eureka, it’s got a camp store, outdoor pool, and activities like outdoor movies and s’mores parties. Tent sites, RV spots, and cabin rentals make it a hit for groups, plus there’s a shower house, restrooms, and a dump station on-site.
There is a camp store there and it puts you in close access to the St. Louis area.
They have outdoor movies, s’more and ice cream parties, and there are places for tent campers, RV camp sites, and also a shower house and restroom facilities for those who need it. It’s also the perfect place to meet up with family and friends because there are cabin rentals there for those who don’t have their own camper. There is a dump station located on site as well.
Jellystone Park Resort
Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resort in Eureka, Missouri, is a popular family-friendly camping destination located southwest of St. Louis. It’s part of the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™ Camp-Resorts franchise, known for offering themed camping experiences that cater to families and provide a wide range of amenities and activities.
Table Rock Lake State Park Campground
If you don’t mind driving a little bit, you can stay the night near Branson, Mo and then drive into the St. Louis area the next day. This would be a heck of a drive, but it’s a popular area to camp in Southern Missouri. It’s one of our favorite camping spots that combine a wooded area with boat ramps and a huge load. It’s one of the best places to camp in the entire state.
370 Lakeside Park
Just outside the city in St. Peters, this spot offers level sites and easy access to a lake for fishing or kayaking. It’s simple, spacious, and perfect for camping cabins near st louis mo or RV stays, with plenty of room to spread out.
Robertsville State Park
The word on the street is that this small campground is a good place to stay. Reviews so that the sites tend to be unlevel, so bring something to help with that. There is a shower house and laundry facilities but the sites are electric only – no full hook ups.
What’s Your Camping Style?
RV Camping
For a comfy setup, rv camping near st louis mo is hard to beat. Most campgrounds near st louis mo offer full hookups—water, electric, sewer—plus picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. Some even throw in pools or playgrounds for good measure.
Tent Camping
Prefer to rough it? Tent sites at these places to camp near st louis often come with water and electric access, and some have fire pits and grills. It’s the classic way to unplug and dive into nature—just pack your gear!
Cabins
Want a touch of luxury? Camping cabins near st louis mo—and even cabins near six flags st louis—deliver. Think beds, bathrooms, kitchens, and sometimes AC or heat. It’s camping with a cozy twist.
Things to Do While You’re There
Hiking trails at Castlewood or Meramec State Park will get your legs moving, while fishing spots like Creve Coeur Lake or the Meramec River are angler-approved. For family fun, hit the Gateway Arch or City Museum—trust me, the kids will thank you.
Nearby Attractions
St. Louis is a city full of history and culture, so it’s no surprise that there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore during your camping trip. Here are some of the top attractions to check out:
City Museums
St. Louis is home to a variety of museums that offer something for everyone. From art to science, history to music, there’s a museum for every interest. Some of the top museums include:
- Saint Louis Art Museum: This world-renowned museum features an impressive collection of art from around the world, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh.
- The Magic House: This interactive children’s museum is a great place for families to spend a day. Kids can explore a variety of exhibits and play areas, including a child-sized town and a giant slide.
- The Missouri History Museum: Learn about the history of Missouri and St. Louis at this fascinating museum, which features exhibits on everything from the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Civil Rights movement.
- City Museum: This is our favorite place to take the kids. It’s fun for the whole family, and a good idea to visit anytime you’re in town. Pack some knee pads and get ready to spend the day climbing and taking in all the fun.
Historic Sites
St. Louis has a rich history, and there are plenty of historic sites to explore in the area. Some of the top sites include:
- The Gateway Arch: No visit to St. Louis is complete without a trip to the Gateway Arch. This iconic monument is the tallest man-made monument in the United States, and offers stunning views of the city. The entire family will agree that this is a must-see.
- The Missouri Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the country, and features a variety of gardens and exhibits. Be sure to check out the Japanese Garden and the Climatron, a geodesic dome that houses a tropical rainforest.
- The Old Courthouse: This historic courthouse was the site of the infamous Dred Scott case, which played a key role in the lead-up to the Civil War. Visitors can tour the courthouse and learn about the case and its impact on American history.
Parks and Gardens
St. Louis is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Some of the top parks and gardens include:
- Forest Park: This massive park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and features a variety of attractions, including the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum.
- Tower Grove Park: This beautiful park was designed by renowned landscape architect Henry Shaw, and features a variety of gardens and walking paths. Be sure to check out the stunning Victorian-era Piper Palm House.
- Shaw Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is located just outside of St. Louis, and features over 2,400 acres of pristine wilderness. Visitors can hike through the forests and meadows, and enjoy stunning views of the Meramec River.
Depending on the main attraction that is bringing you to St. Louis, any of these are the ideal place to camp. Check out these great campgrounds – and have fun doing so.
Be sure to find one that has all the amenities that you’re looking for like a swimming pool, basketball court, miles of trails, dog park, and picnic areas.
St. Louis has some of the best camping options in the state! It’s time to explore and have fun!
Leave a Reply