Glamping options near Ballwin, Missouri include both traditional luxury camping and unique accommodations. Located in Missouri's Ozark border region at approximately 600 feet elevation, the area features mature hardwood forests and rolling terrain. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making seasonal amenities limited from November through March, though several glamping sites maintain year-round operations.
What to do
Equestrian activities: Greensfelder County Park offers rental horses for guided trail rides. "There's tie stalls under a roof and a round pen mounting blocks shower and bathrooms in camp. Electricity at each site and water nearby... Trails are well marked maps available Awsome views," notes Alicia B., who appreciates the park's equestrian facilities.
Water recreation: At St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park, visitors can rent kayaks and other watercraft. "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," explains Lindsey C.
Hiking challenges: Cuivre River State Park provides varied trail difficulty levels about an hour from Ballwin. "Cuivre river is about an hour outside St.Louis and offers a multitude of outdoor options from hiking, biking, boating and fishing. The trails are fantastic and have different levels for all," reports Chad K.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the animal encounters at Cuivre River State Park. "Campground is beautiful and very woodsy. We saw bunnies hopping around and when we first arrived to our site a deer was grazing nearby, such a bonus!" shares Maria E.
Multiple accommodation types: Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Resort at Six Flags offers various lodging options from tents to cabins. "This was such a nice and serene setting. Close to the city and local attractions, yet surrounded by nature none the less. The family atmosphere at this campground brings a smile to your face," according to Todd P.
Urban proximity: Travelers appreciate how quickly they can reach St. Louis from several glamping locations. "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. It is clean and feels extremely safe," notes Lahree C. about Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Seasonal fluctuations affect site amenities. "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," shares Archie S. about his experience at Dr. Babler Memorial State Park.
Noise factors: Pere Marquette State Park offers quiet camping despite its proximity to urban areas. In contrast, at some locations near Ballwin, "you can hear highway traffic....a lot," according to GW C.
Site selection importance: At Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, site characteristics vary widely. "Sites 13-33 are popular open and sunny campsites with nice grassy areas between them. In contrast sites 52-75 are much more treed and have a private feel to them," advises Nancy W.
Tips for camping with families
Budget-friendly options: Family glamping near Ballwin includes affordable alternatives. "The campground has a Host on site to register, and the sites are larger with mature trees providing plenty of shade and privacy," notes one visitor about Dr. Babler Memorial State Park.
Kid-specific amenities: KOA St. Louis West features numerous child-friendly facilities. "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," explains Crystal H.
Educational opportunities: Several sites offer ranger programs or nature learning. "The park is beautiful with plenty to do and see. The whole park is a memorial so good history, very large, equestrian available, showers and bathrooms, playground, paved drive in," mentions a visitor about one Ballwin-area park.
Tips from RVers
Site challenges: At some locations, the terrain requires preparation. "Small campsites, very close to neighbors, fairly steep grade, especially right out our camper door was a big drop off," warns GW C. about one area campground.
Full hookup options: St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park provides complete services for RVs. "This campground, a City of St Peters park and campground, is as excellent as a campground comes. The campsites are 'state-park-size', especially the back-in sites which all have plenty of lawns behind them," shares Mats.
Electric specifics: RV owners should note power availability varies. "Only sites 20-29 have electric and 28 can't be reserved... 2-20 amp plugs and 1-30amp plug," explains Matthew H. about Greensfelder County Park, adding that "site 29 only have 2-20 amp plugs no 30 didn't realized till we parked. Only this one doesn't have 30."
