Best Tent Camping near Valmeyer, IL

Tent camping options near Valmeyer, Illinois feature several established campgrounds within driving distance, including Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park and Klondike Park. Most tent campsites are situated within an hour's drive of Valmeyer, providing access to both Missouri and Illinois outdoor recreation areas. The surrounding region offers diverse terrain from riverside campsites to forested settings, with several parks providing tent-specific areas separated from RV sections.

Tent campers should note that site conditions vary significantly between parks. Klondike Park features walk-in tent sites that require carrying gear from parking areas to campsites, with some offering more privacy than others. A camper described, "Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped." Many tent campgrounds provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though Brazil Creek Recreation Area offers truly primitive tent camping with no water or standard facilities. Campgrounds closer to St. Louis tend to have more developed facilities, including shower houses and flush toilets during peak season.

The tent camping experience near Valmeyer provides various opportunities for solitude and outdoor recreation. Areas farther from urban centers offer quieter surroundings and fewer crowds. Sites at Klondike Park provide access to hiking trails, a small lake, and connections to the Katy Trail for cyclists. According to one review on The Dyrt, "The views are spectacular with some sandy shores of a small pond in the middle of the campground and some great trails." Tent campers frequently mention the peace and quiet as major draws, particularly at more remote locations. Brazil Creek offers a stream-side primitive tent camping experience ideal for those seeking minimal development and maximum immersion in nature, though campers should be prepared with all necessary supplies.

Best Tent Sites Near Valmeyer, Illinois (8)

    1. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Wildwood, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 458-3813

    "We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️

    ⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A."

    "Nice state park close to St Louis. Good, if short, trails. The campground is used a lot by RV and campers, not so much by tenters. Lots of campsites had electric."

    2. Klondike Park

    14 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    35 miles
    Website

    $10 - $65 / night

    "There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings."

    "A few drive up sites and lots of hike in spots around a quarry turned lake. Beautiful and clean setting. We stayed in site 24. There were picnic tables and a fire pit at our site."

    3. St. Charles County Klondike Park

    5 Reviews
    Augusta, MO
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 949-7535

    "Stayed at a walk-in site for a night and enjoyed it. Some sites are closer to the highway and cars flying down the road can make it hard to sleep but after midnight, they stopped."

    "The campground is located in a gym of a park located along the Missouri River. Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park."

    4. World Shooting and Recreational Complex

    2 Reviews
    New Athens, IL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 295-2700

    5. Old Cove

    1 Review
    Robertsville, MO
    32 miles
    Website

    $50 - $75 / night

    6. Brazil Creek

    5 Reviews
    Potosi, MO
    46 miles
    Website

    "This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail."

    "This is a bare bones campground, located in Mark Twain National Forest, it has a place for you to camp and a fire pit, that's it. No facilities, no water, no bathroom, no lights."

    7. Countryside Escape

    2 Reviews
    Edwardsville, IL
    46 miles

    $15 - $16 / night

    8. Hagood Farm and Trails

    Be the first to review!
    Wappapello Lake, MO
    38 miles
    +1 (636) 432-6267

    $27 - $35 / night

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Valmeyer, IL

23 Photos of 8 Valmeyer Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Valmeyer, IL

467 Reviews of 8 Valmeyer Campgrounds


  • Jessica B.
    Apr. 4, 2022

    Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground

    Our 1st Trip In Our Camper!

    We loved our stay at Babler, aside from the snow & wind - the park is great! Review below ⬇️

    ⛺️ S I T E R E V I E W ⛺️

    📍 Dr. Edmund A. Babler State Park Wildwood, MO

    💰 $12-$21/night

    🗓 Feb 19-21, 2022

    Site 48 ⚡️💧

    🦮 Pets Welcome (on leash at all times)

    ➕Concrete Pads, Quiet, Close to Interstate 40, Paved Roads, Easy to Access, Gated Overnight with access code

    ➖Small/Close Sites, No Water in Off Season, Only Vault Toilets - No Showers in Off Season

    📶 AT&T Service 4 out of 5

    🚮 Dump Station located behind bathhouse. NO WATER during off season!

    🚻AMENITIES •Playground •Hiking, Biking & Equestrian Trails •Wood & Ice •Interpretive Programs •Visitor Center •Special Use Area •Laundry, Flush Toilets & Showers ON SEASON ONLY!

    🏕SITES Reservable 12 Months-FCFS in off season 72 Reservable 8 Accessible sites Basic - Electric Concrete Back In Lantern Hook, Picnic Table & Fire Ring

    ⏰ HOURS/DATES April - October 7:am - 9:pm Nov - March 7:am - 6:pm

    🔺Park Office 8:30am - 4:pm M-F

    🔺Visitor Center April - Oct 9:am - 4:30pm W - Sun Nov - March 9:am - 4:pm - Sat-Sun Dec - Feb CLOSED

  • k
    Jun. 28, 2016

    Klondike Park

    Klondlike county

    Really nice place when you get into the woods. There is hiking trails which was wonderful. There is a winery nearby. My campsite was amazing, it was clean and wasn't too far from the restrooms. There is picnic tables and fire rings. I usually bring my own firewood because i believe in the leave no trace rule. I would definitly come back to this site

  • R
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Cherokee Lakes Campground

    Secluded and spacious tent camping sites

    I spent a night here camping while on a road trip. The check-in was quick and easy. The host showed me the tent campsites, which are secluded and private from the RV sites. The sites are outfitted with a picnic table and brick fire rings. Some have water spickets. There's a central covered picnic area. Lots of shade and tall trees. You'll want to check them for dead limbs before setting up your site. I didn't ask if hammock camping is allowed. There are at least two sites that would work nicely for a hammock. A portable toilet is available to keep the area sanitary for urgent needs; the flush toilets, laundry, and fitness center at the main entrance are also available for a longer walk or short drive.

  • Olivia S.
    Jul. 20, 2020

    St. Joe State Park Campground

    Reviews on Campground #1 & #2

    I’ve camped at both campgrounds offered at St. Joe. In the fall of 2018, we stayed at CG#1, the spot has a nice gravel tent pad with border, picnic table, and a fire pit. The spot also offered a concrete section for a camper and cars. We had a pop-up and one tent and it was very spacious. A great spot with a minute walk to a very well kept shower house and bathroom. We really liked this spot at CG#1.

    CG#2 is located about 2-3 away from the main campground, this includes the shower house and main bathrooms. There is no shower house at CG#2. I stayed at CG#2 about a week ago. Very similar in design to the sites at CG#1, it also offers amenities for those with horses. We had a spot with electric and no water, water is located close by the vault toilets. The site has a gravel parking area rather than the concrete one at CG#1. We had two tents, two cars, and five people, just as spacious. If you want more seclusion and don’t really care about being right next to the showers, I would suggest CG#2.

    Also, there was a trail located right by our spot at CG#2, it’s a good hike!!

    Two clean and well kept swimming areas, great trails, good camp sites, and great bathrooms/showers!

  • Staci R.
    Oct. 24, 2017

    Brazil Creek

    No man's land

    No cell signal, and as the other reviewer has said, have your map to get there, because it's easy if you do. Your phone will not get you there. Beautiful clear water creek runs directly behind this "pull off" campground. There is only one actual fire ring & picnic table, but folks have built other rock fire rings dispersed throughout the campground. Just off a main trail to Meramac river and horse and hiking trails. No water, amenities (not even a vault toilet) or cell service.

  • Hannah W.
    Apr. 2, 2019

    Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

    No fees, no water, plenty of beauty and space

    This 8 site campground has well kept vault toilets and no other services, but is fee-less to match. There is a pavilion near the access points to the Berryman and Ozark trails. We camped the night before heading out on a one night backpacking trip on the Berryman and were pleasantly surprised - it had rained the past 2 days and just finished when we arrived, but the ground was not soggy at the campsite or really much on the trail at all. The sites are well spaced apart, short pads so we saw one couple park their camper on one and their truck on another (the sites were not anywhere near full). Downside to that was, they ran their loud generator all night. However the experience overall was a positive one, with friendly neighbors but plenty of distance between so we didn't cross paths or hear each other's conversations unless we wanted to, a nice fire ring - check before selecting a site as ours was missing a grate; we didn't need one anyhow, a sturdy picnic table and plenty of down wood around to collect for a fire. We will be back!!

  • D
    May. 18, 2022

    Brazil Creek

    Great free camping spot

    Stayed here a few nights in May. This camp site is along the berryman trail so you can stay here if youre backpacking said trail. There is only one table and one metal fire ring but people have made various fire rings out of rocks and there is plenty of room for a lot of people. The camp is right by the creek which is ice cold and good for sticking sore feet in :). There are also a few fish in there. In recent years they put in a single vaulted bathroom but thats it! No showers or drinking water if you cant filter the stream water. They also have several hitching posts for horses here since you can ride horses on berryman trail. I have at&t and ive been getting 1 to 3 bars. But the other person im camping withuisnt grtting anything with their provider. Over all I think its a great little spot if youre ok with no electricity, light or just wanna get away from it all for a while.

  • Sean A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2023

    Berryman Trail & Campgrounds - Mark Twain National Forest

    Great for the location, was crowded

    If you're wanting a ton of privacy, this campground isn't for you. In a great location, especially if you're coming from the north and this is an overnight stop before you head farther south. Did a short walk on some of the trails for hiking/biking/riding and they seemed great. Well kept area with a fire ring and table, vault toilets but no water. Would recommend.

    (Review is based on trip in Oct. 2021, could of changed at this time)

  • April D.
    Oct. 28, 2018

    Meramec State Park Campground

    Cozy night

    Meramec is a campground centrally located in the Meramec caverns. It is a flat area, soft ground, and open space to camp. Not a lot of privacy from neighbors but it is cozy and everything is close by. Bathrooms could be updated but they are well maintained. Host is kind and halloween trick or treating is the best time to come. Lots of playgrounds and space to play yard games. No trails but it is along a short trail that leads to a cave and the river.


Guide to Valmeyer

Tent camping near Valmeyer, Illinois offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from private to public campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out local attractions

  • St. Charles County Klondike Park is a fantastic base for exploring the Katy Trail, perfect for bike-packing and enjoying the beautiful Missouri River.
  • Brazil Creek provides access to the Berryman Trail, making it an ideal spot for backpackers and those looking to fish in the nearby creek.
  • Old Cove is a great choice for group camping and float trips, with convenient access to the Meramec River for a fun day on the water.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Sandstone Spring & Camp offers essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and firewood, making it a comfortable spot for a weekend getaway.
  • Hagood Farm and Trails features a big rig-friendly environment with fire pits and picnic tables, perfect for families and groups.
  • Bismark Lake Conservation Area allows campfires and welcomes pets, providing a rustic experience without the hassle of reservations.

Activities for tent campers

  • At St. Charles County Klondike Park, enjoy hiking trails and fishing opportunities along the river, making it a well-rounded destination for outdoor activities.
  • Brazil Creek is perfect for horseback riding, with hitching posts available and access to scenic trails.
  • Old Cove offers organized float trips, allowing campers to enjoy a leisurely day on the water while taking in the natural beauty of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Valmeyer, IL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Valmeyer, IL is Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 27 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Valmeyer, IL?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Valmeyer, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.