Tent camping near Renault, Illinois offers diverse experiences across Missouri and Illinois. The region sits at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, with elevations ranging from 400-700 feet and a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summer camping often sees temperatures in the 80-90°F range with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions.
What to do
Mountain biking at Klondike Park: Located in Augusta, Missouri, Klondike Park has technical mountain biking sections. "One other really cool thing about Klondike is there are several technical mountain bike sections that are located in the park. Bring your mountain bike and have a go!" notes camper Megan K.
Fishing opportunities: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park offers nearby fishing options. Mel F. notes, "There is no bodies of water within the park for fishing, but there are tons near by." Many campers bring their own gear for day trips to nearby lakes.
Float trips on the Meramec: Old Cove provides organized float trips. "For float trips they pick you up from your campsite and bus you to your put in point. You can float the Meramec for 4 or 9 miles and you end back at the campsite," explains Mara F. Rental prices typically start around $25 per person for basic canoe trips.
What campers like
Proximity to wine country: Tent campers enjoy access to local wineries from St. Charles County Klondike Park. One camper notes it "places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94." Augusta and Defiance have multiple wineries within 5-10 miles of campsites.
Easy Katy Trail access: St. Charles County Klondike Park connects directly to the Katy Trail. "I have bike-packed along the Katy and this is an excellent spot for an overnight(s) stay. It is a tough, but short, climb from the trail," explains Mike L., making it ideal for bikepacking trips.
Varied terrain for hiking: Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park offers multiple trail options. "The park has a lot to offer. The trails are not too long but can be challenging for small kids or folks that are not used to hiking," says Scott M., with most trails under 3 miles but featuring diverse landscapes.
What you should know
Seasonal facility limitations: Winter camping requires additional planning. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, "Not having water available except at the camp host, and no open restrooms and showers until after April 1, regardless of when the last freeze is was inconvenient for a spring break trip," warns Archie S.
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds have mixed site privacy. "Sites are not very private, and some are right on top of the next. I like sites 65 and 58 for their privacy or grassy tent spots," advises Annie C. about Babler Memorial State Park.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife may visit campsites. Raccoons are particularly bold at some locations, with one camper noting, "The only issue is the raccoons. They dont give a darn who you are. They will walk right up to, smile, and take your chips. Scandalous!"
Tips for camping with families
Consider walk-in distances: Some tent sites require hiking from parking areas. At St. Charles County Klondike Park, one camper mentions, "Campsites were great. Stayed at a walk-in site for a night and enjoyed it," but families with young children should check walking distances when booking.
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Hagood Farm and Trails offers basic but family-friendly tent sites with drinking water available but no toilet facilities. With 8 designated sites, smaller crowds make it suitable for families seeking quieter camping.
Check noise factors: Highway proximity affects some sites. Jake K. notes about St. Charles County Klondike Park: "Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped." Request sites farther from roads when traveling with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: World Shooting Complex provides full hookups but minimal shade. One RVer notes, "This was our first camp in our new to us travel trailer. Not many trees. Site has tons of camping sites so finding a spot should not be an issue."
Seasonal events impact availability: Book well ahead during event seasons. At the World Shooting Complex, "During that event the first couple weeks in August the campground is full. We were here last weekend in August. Only one other camper within sight of our spot Friday night," reports Chip.
Pad considerations: At some sites, tent campers may need to adapt. "You might end up pitching your tent on a parking pad as many tent sites don't have level grassy spots for your tent," warns one camper about sites at Babler Memorial State Park.
