Campgrounds near Kirkwood, Missouri offer diverse camping experiences within Missouri's eastern plateau region at 600-700 feet elevation. The area experiences moderate temperatures from April through October with occasional thunderstorms during summer months. Camping options within 20 miles of Kirkwood provide varied terrain from wooded sites to open lakeside settings.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground, trails provide moderate exercise options. "The trails are not too long but can be challenging for small kids or folks that are not used to hiking," notes Scott M. The park maintains several interconnected paths for day hikes.
Kayaking at urban lakes: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park offers water recreation without leaving the metro area. "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," mentions Lindsey C. The lake has rental options for paddleboats, kayaks and canoes.
Gateway Arch visits: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for St. Louis attractions. "Thirty minute drive into see Gateway Arch. Not a bad swap for some peace and quiet," writes Mary D. about camping options. Most campgrounds within 20 miles offer reasonable access to downtown St. Louis with drive times under 45 minutes.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Some parks offer more seclusion than others. "You would never know how close you are to a metropolis. It is clean and feels extremely safe. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious," reports Lahree C. about camping at Babler State Park.
Clean facilities: Cahokia RV Parque maintains modern amenities despite urban location. "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," explains Lee T. Many campgrounds in the area prioritize facility maintenance.
Brewery and winery access: Beyond the Trail RV Park provides unique access to local establishments. "This is just a great park. It is located in a sleepy little winery town. It is just a few minutes from the main part of town with multiple beautiful wineries within a few miles," writes Jamie C. Several campgrounds connect to local food and drink options through trails or short drives.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Railroad lines run near several camping areas. "Close to train tracks and highway, but didn't notice with AC on in the camper," reports Craig F. about his stay at a local campground. Sites closer to major transportation corridors may experience intermittent noise.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "You need a code to get in the gate, so you must register in advance," explains Richard H. about staying at Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park. Weekend reservations often require booking 1-2 months ahead during summer.
Flooding potential: Low-lying campgrounds may experience water issues. "My only complaint is they have some drainage issues if it rains a lot. A few of the campsites will flood, not bad enough to get to your camper, but just enough to be annoying," notes Adam F. about Beyond the Trail RV Park. Areas near rivers and creeks should be monitored during rainy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags caters specifically to families with children. "There is a pool, bike rentals, dog park, movie night, basketball court, and more. You can bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or stay in a cabin," writes Crystal H. Kid-friendly amenities vary significantly between parks.
Safety considerations: Parks with 24-hour security provide peace of mind. "Security is proactive in patrols and are friendly and helpful," mentions Greg S. about his camping experience. Secured campgrounds often use gate codes or staffed entrances.
Proximity to attractions: Choosing locations near family destinations saves driving time. "Decent campground. 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. It is basically across the street from Six Flags and so can be very convenient," explains Charles S.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Greensfelder County Park offers specific advantages for certain RVs. "Most sites are great for trailers 26' or less and 1 slide (sites 24-26 can fit a fifth wheel probably no bigger than 36-38 ft)," advises Matthew H. Site terrain varies significantly between parks.
Hookup configurations: Electric service varies across 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," notes Josh F. about his experience. Many RVers recommend carrying extension cords and longer hoses.
Road conditions: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. "The roads within the campground were double-wide so we had no trouble turning and getting into our spot. The sites were double-wide concrete," reports Bea about Sundermeier RV Park. Interior road widths and surfaces vary between established campgrounds.
