Camping in the Missouri state parks near Fults, Illinois delivers a mix of forested terrain and river access, with elevations ranging between 400-500 feet above sea level throughout the region. The area experiences humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly favorable for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though winter camping requires additional preparation due to temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking through pine forests: Hawn State Park Campground offers distinctive pine-filled terrain unusual for Missouri. "Hawn is a smallish state park in the eastern part of Missouri. The hiking in this state park is fantastic. The campground is small but well maintained. The eco-system is something to marvel and we would have loved to see it in the summer," says Chad K. The park's Whispering Pines trail provides challenging terrain with rocky hills.
Exploring prehistoric petroglyphs: Washington State Park Campground features unique Native American rock carvings. "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! We camped in mid-March 2021 for 7 days and thoroughly enjoyed the area. They had just opened a new shower house which was clean and well kept. The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," reports Phil W. The park also offers access to Big River for water activities.
Swimming and paddling: Perryville RV Resort provides water-based recreation with a newly renovated swimming pool. "We love going here and watching the sunsets. This is a great place to kayak and camp if you don't want to drive that fare and live in the city," shares Lindsey C. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. The park also offers paddleboat and bike rentals around their 4+ mile lake circuit.
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Hawn State Park receives praise for its secluded atmosphere. "Small park as far as the amount of campsites, but this makes it peaceful and secluded. Great restrooms/showers. Great hikes," notes Jenny H. The pine-filled landscape creates a unique camping environment unlike other areas in the region.
Convenient urban proximity: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground offers a natural setting surprisingly close to St. Louis. "This is truly a hidden gem. Tucked away, not far from St. Louis, you wouldn't know you were that close to a big city. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious," explains Lahree C. The park has multiple walking trails within minutes of campsites.
Family-friendly amenities: Twin Eagle Lake Estates & Hideout provides extensive activities for children. "Tyler and Jen, the owners, are some of the bestest people, and the place is growing like crazy...can't wait to see the pool installed and the wedding venue operational," comments Geoff C. The resort offers glamping near Fults, Illinois with multiple accommodation options and hosts special events like Halloween celebrations where campers decorate their sites.
What you should know
Train and highway noise: Route 66 KOA experiences noise from nearby transportation. "Not to bad. The bathroom down the hill was in dire need of a remodel when we stayed here in 2019 and be prepared for a lot of noise from the busy main road and passing trains in the near distance," warns Brian W. Despite this, many campers find the convenient location worth the noise.
Site spacing varies widely: Meramec Caverns Natural Campground offers different site configurations. "This is a private campground run by Meramec Caverns. The campground is large and shaded, right on the river. My advice is to try and get a spot all the way to the left of the entrance. These sites seem quieter and more spread out," recommends Annie C. The campground provides luxury glamping options near Fults, Illinois with varying levels of privacy.
Flooding potential: Several riverside campgrounds can experience closures during heavy rain. "The only reason I didn't rate it 5 stars is because sometimes the park closes or they have to evacuate due to the quick rise of the river. Easy fix though, just call ahead to see if they're open," advises Randy H. about Meramec Caverns. St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park also experienced flooding that closed the park for much of summer 2019.
Tips for camping with families
Interactive activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags caters specifically to children. "We stayed here last minute for Labor Day Weekend and the staff were great with finding us a good tent site available. This is not a rugged style campground as there are many amenities such as a pool, putt putt golf, volleyball, and more. They also host daily kids activities and crafts," shares Lindsey R. The resort offers premium glamping accommodations for families seeking comfort.
Educational programming: Washington State Park provides learning opportunities alongside recreation. "The campsites were nice and shaded. The park has plenty of trees. Spent two nights. Office Staff was super friendly. Went above and beyond for service," reports Mary D. about her camping experience in the area. Rangers often conduct presentations about local ecology and history.
Wildlife observation: Multiple parks offer chances to spot native species. "You can see all kinds of wildlife in and around the lake- deer, bald eagles, pelicans, ducks, snakes," notes Annie C. about St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park. Children especially enjoy these natural encounters while walking designated trails.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for privacy: Experienced campers recommend specific site numbers. "We love sites 65 and 58 for their privacy or grassy tent spots," suggests Annie C. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground. Many campgrounds have a mix of open and secluded sites, with end spots typically offering more separation.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete RV services. "The site we had was very small and there are train tracks that run near by the campground so it can be quite noisy. The pool is nice as well as the bathrooms and showers," reports Charles S. about St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA. Water pressure can vary significantly between parks, with St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park known for particularly strong water pressure.
