The Mississippi and Illinois River junction near Valmeyer creates distinct camping microclimates with summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler along riverbanks than inland sites. Many campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 400-600 feet, with riverside locations often experiencing morning fog during spring and fall months. Seasonal flooding can dramatically alter access routes, particularly during April and May when riverside campsites may close with little notice.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 2 miles from Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park, the Mississippi River offers catfish and bass fishing. The park provides easy river access, making it popular with anglers. "Even though this RV park is in a city, we felt safe. And its view of the Gateway Arch can't be beat," notes Dennis P., who visited in June 2024.
Historical exploration: The prehistoric petroglyphs at Washington State Park Campground offer unique cultural insights. Located about 40 miles southwest of Valmeyer, this park preserves significant Native American rock art. "The prehistoric Petroglyphs nearby are a must see," writes Phil W., who spent a week there in March 2021. Another camper mentioned, "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! We camped in mid-March 2021 for 7 days and thoroughly enjoyed the area."
River floating: Rent kayaks or tubes at Meramec State Park for self-guided river adventures. The park offers watercraft rentals right at the campground. "Rent a canoe/kayak/tube to enjoy the river (on site!)," reports Lynn G., who appreciated the diverse activities. The park's location beside the Meramec River makes it ideal for water-based recreation.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: At St. Francois State Park Campground, visitors regularly spot diverse animals. Located about an hour south of Valmeyer, the park offers rich wildlife habitats. "It has decent camping sites and they are right next to the river and swimming holes. The hiking trails are a few of my favorites in MO," notes Kristen R., who camped there in June 2020.
Pine forest environment: Hawn State Park Campground creates a mountain-like atmosphere despite being in the Midwest. The distinctive pine forests make this park stand out from others in the region. "Nowhere else in the state of Missouri have I been able to camp and feel like I'm in the middle of the Rocky Mountains. The car camping area is nestled in the middle of a pine filled valley," explains Megan M., adding, "There's nothing more refreshing than sitting in the evening and hearing the wind whistle through the pines."
Seasonal color changes: Fall camping offers spectacular foliage views at several parks near Valmeyer. "Hawn is a one of the best fall campgrounds close to the St. Louis area. There are a number of hiking options around the campground in the park and nearby nature reserve," writes Cody S., who recommends autumn visits. Washington State Park is similarly described as having "green rolling hills that would be ideal to visit in the fall."
What you should know
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds near Valmeyer experience railroad disruptions. At St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, train tracks run nearby. "This was such a nice and serene setting. Close to the city and local attractions, yet surrounded by nature none the less... It will be even better when they invent silent trains," notes Todd P. Similarly, Casino Queen RV Park reports train noise: "Writing this review at 4am as a loud train goes by. Which it will about every hour."
Flash flooding risk: Spring rains can quickly impact river-adjacent sites. Covered Bridge RV Park experienced significant flooding issues during heavy rains. "While we were there they had a record rainfall amount and the park apparently already has flooding issues so it was flooding pretty bad," reported Charlie & Danielle B. They added, "Our RV was right next to a creek that had risen really high and was in danger of flooding our site completely."
Limited cell service: Coverage varies dramatically across the region. Meramec State Park has connectivity challenges according to Mats: "The cell phone service is virtually non-existent. We had planned to work from here and had to cut our visit short." Before counting on remote work capabilities, check with specific campgrounds about current coverage.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort offers structured programs for children. Located near Six Flags, this campground specializes in family entertainment. "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., who recommends it for families.
Spacious sites: Cahokia RV Parque provides comfortable family accommodations. The park offers well-maintained facilities that accommodate families of various sizes. "We had a great experience in the 4 nights we spent here. The grounds, pool, laundry, and bathrooms were all in excellent repair and clean. The park was quiet, but very family friendly," notes Lee T., adding that "The spots are roomy enough, given that you're situated less than 15 miles from downtown St. Louis."
Safety considerations: Check for hazards at riverside sites during high water seasons. Spring flooding can create unexpected dangers at waterfront campgrounds. Multiple reviews mention swift changes in water levels that can create hazardous conditions for children, particularly at sites along the Mississippi and Meramec Rivers.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement: Check hookup locations before selecting a site. At Casino Queen RV Park, the utilities are positioned differently than at many campgrounds. "Utilities are set up weird on all sites - Water and electric are at the very rear of the site by the sewer, so you will need a decent sized hose to reach if your water intake is in the front of your camper," advises Josh F. from a November visit.
Urban camping convenience: Several RV parks offer city proximity with unexpected quiet. Covered Bridge RV Park provides a balance of urban convenience and reasonable peace. "For this to be such a small RV park (smallest we've stayed at so far) the sites are very spacious! The wi-fi was surprisingly good enough that my wife and I could both work off of it and even stream shows on the Roku the whole week," reports Charlie & Danielle B.
Restaurant options: On-site dining can reduce setup/breakdown when staying short-term. Cahokia RV Parque offers a popular BBQ restaurant. "Our favorite part of this park is the onsite Sawmill BBQ restaurant. While we prepare most of our meals, we were so tired; we decided to give the joint a try and, wow, are we glad we did! Delicious food for a reasonable price!" shares Jenni W., who appreciated this convenience during a quick overnight stop.
