Primitive and established tent camping options exist within 40 miles of Augusta, Missouri. The area ranges from the Missouri River valley to forested conservation areas with elevations between 450-1,000 feet. Spring brings 40-70°F temperatures while summer months typically reach 80-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Fishing access: Little Lost Creek Conservation Area contains small streams for fishing. "There is a great hike down into a valley with the actual Lost Creek at the bottom, completely worth the hard hike back up out of the valley," notes one Little Lost Creek Conservation Area visitor.
Mountain biking trails: Technical mountain bike sections exist throughout St. Charles County Klondike Park. "Bring your mountain bike and have a go! It's also a great campground for a stayover if you are bikepacking the Katy Trail," according to a review.
Winery visits: Camping puts you near numerous wineries along Highway 94. "This Campground places you in the heart of Missouri Wine Country and there's a perfect base for visiting the wineries and restaurants along highway 94," writes a Klondike Park camper.
Creek swimming: Several sites offer natural water features. At Courtois Creek Dispersed, "The water is amazing. Great for fly fishing and cast fishing... The dogs got to run and swim," states one visitor.
What campers like
Secluded campsite options: Many tent sites offer privacy. "Other sites like #19 and 20 were more secluded, offered more trees and privacy," notes a St. Charles County Klondike Park camper.
Proximity to St. Louis: Most campgrounds are within an hour's drive of the metro area. "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," writes a camper at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground.
Natural quarry features: The unique landscape of former quarry sites adds interest. At Klondike Park, "The views around the pond are amazing. There is a sandy beach area surrounding the water, making it a great place either lay in the sun or to go fishing."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers regularly report diverse wildlife sightings. "I did see a big ol mudbug, which was cool, but it was terribly quiet out there during my short walk," reports a visitor to Courtois Creek.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Some access roads require high-clearance vehicles. At Courtois Creek, "The road to get there isn't a road so much as a ATV trail. All wheel drive and it was too hard on my Subaru. Mostly washed out."
Limited amenities at conservation areas: Most primitive sites require complete self-sufficiency. At Brazil Creek, "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."
Cell service limitations: Many camping areas have spotty or no coverage. "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," advises a Brazil Creek visitor.
Reservation requirements: Several campgrounds require advance booking. "Reservations are required and the sites are in high demand. Tent camping only. There is water available in the park," notes a Klondike Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with shower facilities: For multi-day trips with children, shower access matters. "The shower house wash disappointingly dirty for as new as it was, but it was a busy holiday weekend," reports a visitor to Klondike Park.
Consider distance to bathroom facilities: Site selection impacts bathroom access. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, "All campsites and patios are paved and level with a comfortable amount of space between sites. Picnic tables and fire pits are located at each site."
Look for designated swimming areas: Natural water features provide recreation for children. "We did a 2 night tent camp with my family and it was awesome. We had a great time on the trails and near the Mighty Missouri River," writes a Klondike Park visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare for wildlife encounters. "After a hot and filling foil wrap dinner, I enjoyed some of the good green, because who doesn't like a sleep aid that also activates the amygdala, especially in these particular conditions. I'm soaking up the stars and the moon and the sound of running water, when suddenly I heard a heavy-bodied splash in the creek right by me," reports one Courtois Creek camper.
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: Many RV sites have size restrictions. At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, "Not all sites are long enough for large RVs and the roads in some loops prevent you from turning around. The camp hosts we encountered are very helpful and have a list of site lengths and can tell you which ones are appropriate for large RVs."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access for larger vehicles. For the best tent camping near Augusta, Missouri with RV options, note that "Babler is located off I-64 in the chesterfield area about 30 minutes from Saint Louis. There are many spots to choose from. Basic and electric/water sites. Tent and Rv set ups are mixed."
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds offer only partial hookups. "The setting is quiet and secluded and the site we had was level and spacious. We had to be completely self supported except electricity, which was fine but it would have been nice to have the showers open at the least."
