Best Campgrounds near Imperial, MO

Campgrounds within close proximity to Imperial, Missouri include a range of developed facilities such as Robertsville State Park Campground and Covered Bridge RV Park. The region provides campers with multiple accommodation options including tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals at places like Cahokia RV Parque. Most campgrounds near Imperial offer year-round access, with several state parks providing showers, toilets, and electric hookups. Visitors can find camping locations both north and south of Imperial, with several options clustered along major highways for convenient access when traveling through eastern Missouri.

Road conditions throughout the area generally accommodate standard vehicles, with most established campgrounds accessible via paved roads. Several campgrounds provide amenities for both tent and RV camping, though site availability varies seasonally. "Our favorite part of this park is the onsite Sawmill BBQ restaurant. While we prepare most of our meals, we were so tired; we decided to give the joint a try and, wow, are we glad we did! Delicious food for a reasonable price!" noted one camper at Cahokia RV Parque. Weather conditions remain mild for camping through much of spring and fall, with summer temperatures sometimes reaching uncomfortable highs. Many campsites require reservations during peak season, especially at popular state parks like Washington State Park and Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park.

The camping experience around Imperial features several state park campgrounds that receive positive reviews for their natural settings. Many developed sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water. A visitor at Robertsville State Park mentioned, "Great place to camp with both RV and tent options available year-round." Several campgrounds provide electrical hookups for RVs, with amperage ranging from 30 to 50 amps depending on the facility. Campsites with water views tend to book quickly during summer months. Some RV parks near the St. Louis metropolitan area offer more urban convenience at the expense of natural surroundings, with sites described as "tight" but providing "full hookups, space for our larger rig and parking around for extra vehicle." Established campgrounds generally provide basic amenities including trash disposal, drinking water, and restroom facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Imperial, Missouri (71)

    1. St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA

    30 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3018

    "Our site was gravel to park on with grass around it. Close to train tracks and highway, but didn’t notice with AC on in the camper. Close to 6 flags."

    "This campground is fairly close to downtown and very close to lots of shopping. A great place to stay to stock up on supplies before heading west."

    2. Cahokia RV Parque

    18 Reviews
    Columbia, IL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (618) 332-7700

    "It's a centrally located campground in the Metro St. Louis area. It's close to interstates and it's a short drive across the river to Missouri attractions."

    "The spots are roomy enough, given that you’re situated less than 15 miles from downtown St. Louis. The picnic tables and fire rings are nice additions and the lots appear to be level (ours was.)"

    3. Covered Bridge RV Park & Storage

    6 Reviews
    Fenton, MO
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 349-2292

    $50 / night

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

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

    "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. There aren't many sites, but the ones they have are quiet and spacious."

    "Great for taking long walks or bike rides, although very steep hills. Close to St Louis, so you can do some urban exploring."

    5. Draft Kings at Casino Queen RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Granite City, IL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 777-0777

    $65 / night

    "Very clean and secure overnight park just outside of STL. Phenomenal views of downtown and the arch, and fairly easy access to I-55/64/70."

    "Close to the arch, that’s why we chose this place to stay overnight."

    6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Resort At Six Flags

    13 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 938-5925

    "pros- activities for kids/fam nice pool tons of trees easy access from highway close amenities (Walmart, six flags, etc) close to StL (tons to do) we did grants farm and city museum one day"

    "We spent a weekend here because we wanted to be close to six flags. I swear this place was more fun!!!"

    7. Washington State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Cadet, MO
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 586-5768

    "This park is so rich in Missouri and USA history - from buildings costructed by the African-American CCC stonemasons to Native American petroglyphs, there's some fascinating stuff here."

    "Washington State Park is a hidden gem in Missouri! We camped in mid-March 2021 for 7 days and thoroughly enjoyed the area. They had just opened a new shower house which was clean and well kept."

    8. Greensfelder County Park

    8 Reviews
    Eureka, MO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (314) 615-4386

    "The park is known for its well-groomed trails, which are used by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians alike."

    "Well taken care of and close to the city. Trails range from a short walk to an endless combination."

    9. Robertsville State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Robertsville, MO
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (636) 257-3788

    "Hiking trails, a stocked pond, meramec river access, 12 basic and 13 electric shaded campsites available, play ground away from the campground and shelters available to rent for a family gathering. 2 trails"

    "The hook up sites are on the inside of the loop and the tent sites are on the outside of the loop. You need to look carefully for a level tent site as some are fairly slopped."

    10. St. Francois State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Bonne Terre, MO
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (573) 358-2173

    "Not a huge campground but, Its a really simple beautiful place to enjoy Missouri's rolling hills. It is located 1 hour from St. Louis and 30 ish min from Elephant Rock State park."

    "All sites are within reasonable walking distance to the very nice shower house, bathrooms, it even had laundry. All facilities were well maintained and clean. Campground host sells wood and ice."

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Recent Reviews near Imperial, MO

586 Reviews of 71 Imperial Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Sundermeier RV Park

    This RV park could be great but they have a bad wiring problem with some 30A receptacles and the office staff is extremely rude.

    I've stayed here a couple times and generally like the park. I appreciate owners investing in urban RV parks and I don't expect much for amenities in these kinds of settings. The staff were pleasant on a pre-arrival phone call and at check-in—but once there was an issue, the office staff member became very argumentative and rude, consistent with other online reviews.

    ELECTRICAL SAFETY WARNING DO NOT use the 30A receptacles here unless you have a surge protector with an Electrical Management System (EMS) that explicitly confirms correct wiring before connecting your RV. My equipment detected a Line/Neutral Reversal on some 30A receptacles; the 50A receptacles appeared to be wired correctly.

    When I reported this life-safety hazard, the staffer’s response was, “Don’t use your surge protector—they’re not compatible with our system.” As a licensed Electrical Engineer with 30+ years of experience, I can state that this is 100% nonsense. The surge protector was correctly doing its job by flagging a major wiring fault. Do not follow the staff's advice when they tell you not to use your surge protector to "make it work." That is irresponsible advice that is literally endangering your safety.

    The staff also insisted that they don't have a problem because previous 30A users without surge protectors had “no problems.” This is plausible because a Line/Neutral reversal doesn’t usually affect RV operation but the statement shows their complete lack of understanding of the actual problem.

    A Line/Neutral reversal energizes the neutral side of the RV's electrical system. This means the RV chassis, appliance housings, and internal neutrals, which should be near ground potential, all become live, creating a serious shock or electrocution hazard if someone touches those RV components while grounded.

    The sites are basic with level concrete pads in good condition and other utilities (water/sewer) were fine. Excellent location near the historic St. Charles district. WiFi is unusable—bring your own Internet source. Restrooms and showers are dated and not in great condition. There was also no hand soap at the bathroom sinks all weekend.

    This park should be a 7/10 rating, but the electrical hazard drops it to a 5/10. The staff bring the rating down further to a 3/10.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Brazil Creek Camping Area

    Free to stay, no water, no gray dump, no garbage

    It's a free place to park and stand the night. The campground does not have any water, grey dump, or garbage. So it is primitive camping.

    There are lots of insects that will attack you on your walk, too...

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

    A Few Key Points Missing

    Stayed here overnight en route to New Mexico. We arrived just after dark in Oct at 7p. The person manning the entrance thought we couldn't be campers because we had just a pickup truck. RTTs must be new here. They didn't offer a map and there is zero signage to help you find your site in the dark. The bathrooms have no mirrors, no hot water and were not the cleanest, we passed on showers.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

    Great stay

    Quiet RV park area very quaint very nice along the river, gorgeous by the caverns shower house and bathrooms provided couldn’t be happier

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Sundermeier RV Park

    Resort quality campground

    Very nice park. This is a big busy campground they have plenty of staff to handle the rush. Level concrete sites with FHU will definitely stay here again

  • David D.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Fort Kaskaskia State Park Campground

    Awesome campground!

    The views over the Mississippi River are calandar-worthy! Very scenic from up atop the bluffs. A very old and historic cemetery is next to the campground. There is electric hookups 30 and 50 amp. No water/sewer but does have a dump station. Vault toilets.

  • Michelle S.
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Meramec Caverns Natural Campground

    Quiet and Friendly

    From the person on the phone, to the one you see at the check-in gate, everyone is incredibly friendly :)

    We were amongst the only campers during our stay, so it was pretty quiet. This campground has a great set-up for family reunions, celebrations, group camping, etc.


Guide to Imperial

Camping near Imperial, Missouri, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Hawn State Park Campground. The park is known for its beautiful landscapes and well-maintained paths. One visitor shared, “Hiking is some of the best in Missouri.”
  • Caving: Visit Onondaga Cave State Park Campground for an exciting cave tour. A camper noted, “Onondaga Cave is amazing with the new lighting; it just reopened.”
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the river at Meramec State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, “The river is still fantastic fun, especially for our grandkids.”

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. One visitor at Cuivre River State Park Campground said, “Very clean and the site had some covered bench/tables.”
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A camper at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground remarked, “The staff was super friendly.”
  • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy the beautiful surroundings. A review for Hawn State Park Campground stated, “The landscape around the park was very nice.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground mentioned, “No cell service from Verizon or T-Mobile.”
  • Close Campsites: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Hawn State Park Campground noted, “The sites are very close together, so there is not much privacy.”
  • Water Access: Not all sites have water hookups. A review for St. Francois State Park Campground mentioned, “Bummed the sites didn’t have their own water hookups.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Parks: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A camper at St. Peters' 370 Lakeside Park said, “The playground was good for the kiddos.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. One family at Cuivre River State Park Campground enjoyed the “great location for a weekend getaway, only 1 hour from the city!”
  • Check for Events: Some parks host educational programs. A visitor at St. Francois State Park Campground appreciated the “staff on site doing educational programs that my kids really loved.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A reviewer at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are paved and relatively level.”
  • Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A camper at Onondaga Cave State Park Campground noted, “All the sites are paved with long pads sufficient for just about any RV.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some parks can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Hawn State Park Campground advised, “It gets crowded during holiday weekends.”

Camping around Imperial, Missouri, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Imperial, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, Imperial, MO offers a wide range of camping options, with 71 campgrounds and RV parks near Imperial, MO and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Imperial, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Imperial, MO is St. Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Imperial, MO?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Imperial, MO.